Page 32 - Packaging News Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

MACHINERY MATTERS
Message from the Chairman
Welcome to another edition of Machinery Matters, brought to you by the APPMA in an exclusive partnership with PKN Packaging News.
In the September edition I made reference to several exciting new initiatives planned for roll out in the upcoming months. I am pleased to say that one of those initiatives was the re-launch of the APPMA Awards of Excellence program in October. These awards once again provide a national platform focused on recognising excellence, innovation
and outstanding performance within the packaging and processing machinery industry. It is a fantastic opportunity for successful entrants into these awards to receive a high level of promotion and recognition of their company, brand and award-winning products within the industry. Finalists and winners will be announced at the AUSPACK Gala Dinner to be held during Packaging and Processing Week. I strongly encourage all eligible companies to participate in the program, with further details available from the APPMA website.
APPMA’s recent attendance at PACK EXPO in October has once again reinforced the value of this trade show participation with key
benefits including the opportunity to network, learn and leverage our growing relationship with international partner associations as well as providing a platform for the promotion and recognition of the APPMA and our members. The event in Chicago also gave APPMA the chance to keep abreast of industry trends and innovations, along with promoting AUSPACK to the global machinery suppliers in attendance.
On the local front, I am pleased to publish that the AUSPACK exhibition space is 100 per cent sold as at mid-November. We are heading for yet another record-breaking AUSPACK in relation to exhibition size, exhibitor participation and industry attendance. In addition to the exhibition itself and the recently announced APPMA Awards of Excellence, there has been significant work underway on the planning and development of new and exciting business and industry educational and networking events designed to deliver an enhanced AUSPACK experience to exhibitors, attendees and sponsors. One of these is the newly announced inaugural AUSPACK Business & Industry conference that will take place on 26-27 March alongside the show – definitely exciting times ahead for the APPMA, our members and our industry-owned AUSPACK.
With this being the final edition of Machinery Matters before the Christmas holiday break, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy festive season and I look forward to seeing you all at AUSPACK on 26-29 March at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
MARK DINGLEY, CHAIRMAN
APPMA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE ARE BACK
The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association has reinstated its Awards of Excellence, designed to seek out and recognise industry innovation and outstanding performers.
Applications are now open for this national program, which identifies excellence, leadership and best practice in Australia’s processing and packaging industry.
There are five award categories: Best New Product, Customer Collaboration Award, Design Innovation Award, Export Success Award and Imported Equipment Award.
APPMA believes that for prospective entrants, going through
the actual entry process offers businesses a fantastic benchmarking opportunity to review their processes and practices, which they will then receive feedback on from the judges, as well as industry peers and authorities. Past finalists and winners have valued this expert, arm’s-length critique as a set of fresh eyes to what is working well, along with improvements that
can be made.
The awards program allows businesses to grow through better profiling, education and professional development, and the APPMA Board encourages member and non- member businesses to enter as many categories as they wish.
Applications close on 26 January, and judging will take place from 28 January to 11 February. Finalists will be announced on 20 February, with the winners recognised at a Gala Dinner on 27 March. Entrants must be an APPMA member or an AUSPACK exhibitor. Full award assessment criteria is available online at www.auspack.com.au/ awards. Entries must be submitted via the official online portal.
032 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018 WWW.PACKAGINGNEWS.COM.AU