PMMI and PAC Machinery have joined forces to enhance the Packaging System and Designs Program at Virginia Tech, a PMMI Education Partner known for its active involvement in events like PACK EXPO tradeshows, marking an exciting phase of hands-on learning and innovation in the packaging field.

KEB America and the PMMI Foundation have joined forces to donate automation demos to Hennepin Technical College. This partnership aims to equip students with valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge automation technology, strengthening their preparedness for future challenges in the industry.

The retirements of long-time and founding coaches, coupled with the departure of experienced students, presented a significant challenge for the robotics team at Saint George's School. To support the students, foster their robotics skills, and ensure continued progress and success in competitions, additional assistance and resources were urgently needed.

The Whitewater Career Center near Hoosier Feeder Company provides high school students with real-life experiences, skills and knowledge to be successful in the students’ future careers. When they were looking to upgrade their welding equipment, Hoosier Feeder stepped in and provided updated materials and machinery.

Pearson Packaging Systems was looking for ways to support local educational institutions – like Saint George’s – while continuing to bring visibility to careers within packaging and processing.

Like many packaging and processing companies, JLS was having a difficult time finding various levels of skilled labor while simultaneously hiring at a high rate. In addition, JLS was seeking interns with the hope they would be good candidates for full-time jobs.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) needed to create a combination service and training system for people working on modern packaging equipment. This system uses a rolling toolbox for portability and a selection of mechanical, electrical and measuring equipment suited to packaging equipment. The mobile nature of this system allows it to be used on campus or at off-campus sites. 

Pearson Packaging Systems, based in Spokane, Washington, was dealing with trades labor shortages in their community. Through community partners, including Spokane Area Workforce Council and Greater Spokane Incorporated, Pearson Packaging Systems created a three-week manufacturing academy to highlight careers in manufacturing.

R.A Jones was experiencing a labor shortage as a result of record growth. To make matters worse, multiple companies in their local Cincinnati area also increased their presence creating a very competitive labor market for R.A Jones. The technical schools R.A Jones previously relied on to recruit and develop skilled labor became inundated with many companies seeking new talent. 

Additionally, demand for unskilled labor was experiencing record highs. These activities combined with increased unemployment payouts posed significant challenges in recruiting and retaining new employees. 

LinMot found it was challenging to take care of day-to-day critical tasks and one-time projects, such as tradeshow demos, sales rep demos or periodic YouTube training videos. These tasks required dedicated workers but were not enough to justify a position – nor were they needed on a daily or weekly basis.