The Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) has confirmed the nominees for its 2025 Board Election, with four highly qualified candidates standing for three available positions.
Voting will open to APPMA Member Representatives on Monday, 6 October, and close on Monday, 13 October. The results will be officially announced at the APPMA Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 21 October 2025.
“This is a crucial process for our association’s governance,” APPMA CEO Michael Moran said. “We are pleased to present a strong slate of candidates for this year’s election and encourage all Member Representatives to participate in voting for the leaders who will continue to guide APPMA’s future.”
The nominees
Peter Bradbury – ABB
Peter Bradbury is seeking re-election to the APPMA Board in 2025. With more than four decades of experience in materials handling, packaging automation and robotics, Bradbury has played a pivotal role in the growth of ABB Robotics in Australia. Since launching ABB’s first FlexPalletizer system in the 1990s, he has contributed to the development of global palletising solutions and driven the introduction of collaborative robots into the Australian market.
Bradbury has served on the APPMA Board since 2008, where he has contributed to modernising the association’s constitution and strengthening its governance framework. Based in Melbourne, he has been an active participant on committees and remains focused on supporting members through technology adoption and expanded industry collaboration.
Mark Emmett – HMPS Propac
Mark Emmett, owner of HMPS Propac, is also seeking re-election. With over 35 years in the packaging sector, Emmett has built a reputation as a packaging pioneer and industry innovator. His companies provide tailored packaging solutions to major FMCG manufacturers across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the USA. During the pandemic, he expanded operations with the acquisition of Propac Industrial, and in 2025 acquired Engi-O to strengthen liquid filling capabilities.
Emmett has served on the APPMA Board since 2006, currently holding the position of Treasurer. He has been instrumental in shaping AUSPACK (now APPEX) into a leading trade show, while supporting membership growth from 60 to 170 companies. His priorities include education, advocacy, and ensuring the industry’s financial stability through sound governance.
Matt Nichol – Matthews Australasia
Matt Nichol, a second-generation leader at Matthews Australasia, is seeking re-election after joining the APPMA Board in 2024. With more than 27 years’ experience in the family business, Nichol has developed deep expertise in automation, digitalisation and product identification technologies, including two decades leading Matthews’ laser marking portfolio. He is widely recognised for his ability to apply emerging technology trends in practical ways that boost local manufacturing competitiveness.
Nichol’s approach to governance is thoughtful and collaborative, with a strong focus on lifting industry capability and ensuring that innovation and efficiency remain central to Australia’s manufacturing success. He has also been active in the Family Business Association and is committed to ensuring APPMA continues to deliver value to members of all sizes across the country.
James White – Select Equip
James White, founder and director of Select Equip, is standing for election to the Board for the first time. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, White has built Select Equip into one of Australia’s most trusted packaging machinery suppliers, working with over 150 manufacturers nationwide. The company has delivered turnkey automation lines, pioneered sustainable packaging innovations such as skin-pack and paper-based solutions, and provided training to more than 2,000 plant personnel.
White is committed to strengthening APPMA’s advocacy role and expanding its impact across innovation, sustainability and workforce development. With extensive executive leadership and governance experience, he is passionate about ensuring APPMA promotes packaging as a high-value career pathway, attracts new talent, and supports members to meet future challenges through collaboration and technology.
