APPMA chairman Mark Dingley looks ahead at 2022 with optimism and enthusiasm in his message to APPMA members and the wider Australian processing and packaging industry.
At the close of 2021, we were optimistic that the vaccination roadmap would pave the way for safe community and business re-engagement as we roll into the new year. While the Omicron Covid variant continues to present additional challenges, the signs remain positive that vaccination programs, improved testing technology, and Covid-safe work practices will continue to provide the platform for the safe re-emergence of sporting, entertainment and business events, with productions and exhibitions able to continue in 2022.
Wholesale lockdowns appear to be a thing of past. In light of this, government and industry bodies will continue to explore, develop and evolve the Covid-safe processes and solutions required to help address the current unpredictability of employee availability, and the resulting implications to supply chains and customer servicing. Such improvements will, in themselves, enhance the community’s confidence and comfort around a progressive return to normality.
2022 will also see the continued government investment in modern manufacturing initiatives, which will play a major role in Australia’s economic recovery, sustainability and independence. As the leading industry association for the processing and packaging machinery sector, the APPMA will continue to work closely with both the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and the World Economic Forum to ensure the industry is well represented and made aware of opportunities relevant to the processing and packaging industry sector.
The excitement that comes with Processing & Packaging Week, which includes the AUSPACK exhibition, the APPMA Awards of Excellence, and Business Forum in May 2022, continues to build. Preparations are on track to ensure a very successful week delivering maximum value to all exhibitors, attendees and sponsors, while also providing a springboard to once again re-engage, explore and demonstrate new technologies and innovations across the whole processing and packaging sector, including machinery, ancillary equipment, materials and packaging, food processing and industry services.
The APPMA Awards of Excellence submissions are open to all APPMA members and AUSPACK exhibitors, with award categories and recognition including: Machinery Manufacturing, Import and Distribution, Sustainability, Community Contribution and Emerging Leaders. I encourage all eligible companies to explore and lodge your submissions before the 4 March closing date.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Melbourne during Processing & Packaging Week 2022.
