Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/536121
16 PalletCentral • July-August 2015 palletcentral.com MANUFACTURING growing. We've learned a lot in the last 10 years, and solutions will continue to improve. Maintaining a network with pallet companies and with pallet inspectors enables us to assure we stay ahead of the curve for the wood packaging industry." Ken Butler, Sales Manager SMETCO, Inc. Speaking to Ken Butler, sales manager of SMETCO, Inc. from Aurora, Oregon, the market change has been a pleasant surprise for the company. "Growth from pallet recyclers, end-users and other third-party logistics companies continues," said Butler. "We're seeing more companies from the beverage and concrete industries that want to repair and maintain their own pallets. As a result, increased sales for repair and sorting systems are on the rise for these ends-users. Pallet companies are continuing to add new tools and equipment to their operations in order to increase efficiency and productivity." The company builds bandsaws and notchers, ten at a time. "It's been challenging just to keep up with orders," added Butler. "We've been surprised at the market turn-around over the last couple of years. The markets for saws, notchers and some trim saws, are still a steady business." PC "We're seeing more companies from the beverage and concrete industries that want to repair and maintain their own pallets." —Ken Butler, SMETCO, Inc. Photo provided by PRS Group.