Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/860755
36 PalletCentral • July-August 2017 palletcentral.com T he Pallet Foundation has augmented many of its current programs in recent years. In addition to expanding research to expedite the next round of upgrades to the Pallet Design System™ (PDS), funding has supported projects designed to promote the good news about using wooden pallets through various media and educational outlets. One specific project funded by The Pallet Foundation, and of particular importance to the long-term success of the pallet industry, is educational outreach to packaging universities. Dr. Brad Gething, director of science and technology integration, and John McLeod, director of the Pallet Design System, have implemented a program designed to foster relationships with leading colleges and universities who have degree programs in packaging. This ongoing university outreach program allows the NWPCA to elevate the profile of the wood packaging industry, and to promote and educate future generations about the benefits of using PDS. The response from universities has been positive, and NWPCA has connected with hundreds of packaging students from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Virginia Tech, Penn State and Michigan State. During the program, students gain technical training on using PDS, along with hands- on experience about the strength and long-term growth potential of the wooden packaging industry. With PDS expanding from more than just pallet design into organizing the entire unit load, as well as material handling systems, the demand for technology trained employees will grow. The outreach program also extends invitations to the pallet manufacturing facilities, who serve as co- host and tour guide. Once packaging students see first-hand how pallets are manufactured, they have a greater understanding of the importance in communication between the manufacturer and the packaging engineer. The Pallet Foundation is playing a vital part of the future of the wooden pallet industry, and the educational outreach program is just one project they fund. Stay tuned. We'll continue to update on The Pallet Foundation in upcoming newsletters and online at PalletCentral.com/PalletFoundation. Pallet Foundation Trustees Chair: Bob Wenner, Pallet Service Corporation Vice Chair: Jordan Piland, Atlas Pallets/Div. of Williamsburg Millwork Emeritus: Paul Frank, Jr, Three Seventeen Corporation Clint Binley, Pallets, Inc. Sukhi Brar, Advance Pallet & Crate Ed Brindley, Jr., Industrial Reporting Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Lumber & Pallet Stephen Grimes, Pallet Resource of NC, Inc. Keith Holloway, Professional Packaging, Inc. Mitchell Kamps, Kamps, Inc. John Lieber, Profile Technology Inc. Bill MacCauley, John Rock, Inc. Brent J. McClendon, CAE, NWPCA Peter Murphy, USA Pallet and Logistics Joe O'Brien, Industrial Pallet, LLC James Ruder, L & R Pallet Service, Inc. Michael Saylor, NWPCA Bill Schneider, Remmey – The Pallet Company Jim Schwab, Pallet Logistics of America Frank Shean, Valley Pallet, Inc. Carolyn Beach-Skinner, Westside Pallet, Inc. Greg Vipond, Girard Wood Products Jimmy Wilson, Bay Wood Products, Inc. Steve Yelland, JFR Holdings, Inc. KEEPING UP WITH The Pallet Foundation By Mark Barford