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Pallet C e nt ral • Janu a r y - Fe b r u a r y 2 0 26 29 Don't Defer Machine Maintenance The Stacker Dudes from Max Board Feet Are Only a Phone Call Away Schedule Field Service Here Our factory-tested service techs bring all the tools, supplies, and expertise so your equipment will continue to operate at peak efficiency. e same team that built your workhorse equipment is the most qualified to keep it running. Easy scheduling by phone 434-525-2292, Option 1 or by email: service@autoindtech.com 434 . 525 . 2292 MaxBoardFeet.com Successful retention strategies focus on engagement and long-term growth: • Training and apprenticeships: Internal training programs, certifications, and apprenticeships build skills while signaling investment in employees' futures. • Open communication: Open-door management and regular feedback help employees feel valued and heard, a proven deterrent to turnover. • Clear advancement paths: Cross- training, job rotation, and visible career pathways help workers see a future within the organization. Fit The Job To The People Workforce expectations today are vastly different from those of earlier eras. Too often, the pallet industry is still viewed through a 1920s industrial manufacturing lens as being too physically exhausting, stagnant, and transactional. e reality is far more compelling. Pallet manufacturing today offers opportunities for technical skill development, digital upskilling, and the chance to make a tangible impact on global supply chains. To unlock that potential, business leaders are listening more closely to employee needs, modernizing roles, and investing in careers that offer flexibility, growth, and longevity. If you're unsure how to keep employees engaged, start by asking them. Are they looking for more flexibility? Better compensation? New pathways within the organization? Taking the time to understand what truly adds value for your workforce can make all the difference. Did We Get It Right? e challenges and solutions outlined here reflect what we're hearing across the industry, numerous cited articles, and results from the NWPCA-MI workforce survey. However, the most valuable insights often come directly from the people doing the work every day. If your company has found effective ways to recruit, retain, and grow its workforce, we want to hear from you. Your experience can help shape the conversation and spotlight real-world success stories that strengthen the wood packaging industry as a whole. We invite you to share your perspective and be part of a future feature highlighting companies that are leading the way in workforce innovation. Drop an email to Annette Ferri, Vice President of Communications, aferri@palletcentral.com, and tell us more.

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