APPMA members have re-elected Phil Biggs and Nathan Wardell to the association’s Board, while Select Equip founder James White joins as a director for the first time.
The three successful candidates were selected from a field of four in the 2026 APPMA Board Election. Voting opened on 28 September and closed on 5 October, with nominated Member Representatives of APPMA Full Members eligible to vote.
APPMA directors are elected by members to bring industry knowledge and an understanding of the needs and challenges facing member businesses into the association. The Board guides APPMA’s mission and objectives and is responsible for its governance and strategic direction.
Biggs, Wardell and White will work alongside other Board members Rosanne Jessop (Vice Chair); Mark Emmett (Treasurer), Tony Bowyer, Peter Bradbury, Matt Nichol and Nick Psahoulias.
Phil Biggs – Foodmach
Phil Biggs, strategy and sales director at Foodmach, has been re-elected after joining the APPMA Board in February 2025.
Biggs said the calibre of the nominees reflected the willingness of experienced industry leaders to contribute to the association.
“I was delighted to be re-elected. All four candidates brought extensive industry experience and senior leadership credentials, and it is encouraging for APPMA that industry professionals are willing to volunteer their time,” he said.
“Being elected by people across packaging and processing, many of whom I have worked with in various capacities for more than 30 years, is especially meaningful.”
Biggs said he wanted the Board to draw on the breadth of its experience to deliver services that add value to members’ businesses. While APPEX and APPMA’s networking functions remain central to the association, he sees scope to expand topical seminars, education and training, and government advocacy, while engaging with a wider and more diverse industry group.
He identified attracting visitors to APPEX 2027 and delivering a strong return for exhibitors as an immediate priority. Beyond the exhibition, Biggs said APPMA should help members understand the implications of AI and its integration with machinery and robotics on the factory floor.
“We need to begin that conversation at APPEX, then continue sharing knowledge and case studies as technology reshapes the workforce and manufacturing operations,” he said.
Nathan Wardell – Packserv Australia
Packserv Australia managing director Nathan Wardell has also been re-elected to the Board. Wardell was appointed as an APPMA director in February 2024 and is chair of the APPEX 2027 Working Group.
“I was elated to be re-elected. It was a significant compliment that APPMA members wanted me to continue, and I feel as though I am just getting started,” Wardell said.
“There is still so much to do. I am a strong supporter of packaging and processing in Australia, Australian-made machinery, onshore manufacturing, the New South Wales market and the APPEX exhibition.”
Wardell brings more than 30 years of industry experience, including 11 years building Rentafill before establishing Packserv, which marks its 20th anniversary in January. Four generations of his family have worked in Australian FMCG manufacturing and packaging.
“I bring the perspective of a manufacturer and know first-hand the issues facing businesses operating in this industry,” he said. “We have lost a number of onshore manufacturing companies, and supporting manufacturers based here is important.”
With APPEX 2027 only months away, Wardell said preparations were intensifying. His immediate priorities include delivering a successful exhibition, promoting local capabilities and showcasing the machinery and services available from APPMA member companies.
He also wants the association to deliver value to members across Australia beyond APPEX and its Melbourne base.
“I want to make sure we are connecting with industry and our members regularly, not only on a three-year cycle aligned with the show,” Wardell said.
This includes maintaining APPMA’s involvement in exhibitions around the country and continuing its relationships with other industry bodies, academic organisations and training institutions.
James White – Select Equip
James White, founder and director of Select Equip, joins the APPMA Board for the first time after more than 18 years as an association member.
“I’m honoured to be elected to the APPMA Board. I see this as an opportunity to give back to an industry I’m passionate about and help shape its future,” White said.
White has more than 30 years of packaging machinery experience and has led Select Equip for more than 25 years. He said his background across automation, sustainable packaging, technical service and workforce development would inform his contribution to the Board.
“I hope to contribute a strong customer and industry perspective,” he said.
White nominated innovation, sustainability, skills development and industry advocacy as priorities for APPMA during his term. He also sees APPEX 2027 as an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of Australian manufacturing and encourage more people to consider careers in the sector.
“APPEX 2027 provides a great platform to showcase Australian manufacturing, emerging technology and packaging as an exciting, high-value career,” he said.
The elected directors will help guide APPMA as the association prepares for APPEX 2027, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16–19 March.
