Economic/Marketing Trends in the Global Converting Industry at CMM
- Published: March 21, 2003
Be sure to sign up for the CMM Conference session that will give you the marketing tools to plan strategically for the remainder of the year and into the future. Moderated by PFFC’s own Associate Publisher/Editor Yolanda Simonsis, her Monday morning session, titled "Economic & Marketing Trends in the Global Converting Industry" will be staged in room S102 B-C of the McCormick Place Conference Ctr. from 8:30 A.M. to 12 noon.
Speakers include economist and VP Ken Waghorne from RISI, consultant Simon King of PCI Films, consultant Corey Reardon of AWA Alexander Watson Assoc., and CEO Ken Branch of Stardust Technologies. Below are biographies and mini-abstracts of their presentations. To register for the conference program, go to cmmshow.com.
Ken Waghorne Biography:
Ken Waghorne is Vice President, Packaging Paper and Board, for RISI and has specialized in the paper packaging markets for the company since 1983. He provides detailed monthly and quarterly analysis and forecasts of the North American paper packaging markets as well as single- and multi-client studies. These projects include detailed analysis of the international containerboard markets, economic analysis of recycled containerboard expansion opportunities, and the paper packaging component of RISI's Latin American Capsule series. Ken holds a Master of Science degree in Forest Economics from Virginia Polytechnical Institute and his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Louisiana State University.
Waghorne Mini-Abstract:
The US paper packaging markets used to track very closely with the overall growth in the overall economy, but the relationship between the two was broken in the late 1990s. This was largely due to the very poor performance in the nondurable goods sector of the industrial economy, the key end-use market for most paper packaging products. This first presentation will look at what caused the break with the past trend, and try to answer the question of whether market conditions will improve anytime soon. We will then contrast the behavior in the U.S. market with conditions in Asia, illustrating the divergent growth patterns between these two regions.
Simon King Biography:
Simon King has two decades of experience in global plastic film and flexible packaging markets. His early career was with one of Europe's leading film and flexible packaging suppliers in market analysis and development roles. More recently, as Managing Director of PCI Films Consulting Ltd, he has taken responsibility for one of Europe's leading specialist market information providers which services clients involved in the production and use of specialist and oriented plastic films, foils and papers. He graduated with a degree in Business Studies from a New Zealand university and has spent all of his business career within a market analysis environment.
King Mini-Abstract:
Flexible packaging providers have in recent years begun to look at their businesses in global terms. Sometimes this has been as a reaction to changing market forces, while at other times it has been the result of a proactive change in company strategy to enhance shareholder wealth. Whatever the reason, the paper we will present will review historical trends, compare regional differences, and describe the changing market conditions which have encouraged regional flexible packaging suppliers to view their business increasingly from a global perspective. It will cover, among other things, the 'shrinking world', the growth of multi-nationals, weak growth prospects in mature markets, increasing pressures on reducing packaging costs and the improving production standards of low-cost countries. The paper will conclude that while major volume suppliers will indeed have to provide a global network of sources for flexible packaging, smaller niche flexible packaging players will still play an active role in servicing local needs.
Corey Reardon Biography:
Corey Michael Reardon is the principal of AWA Alexander Watson Assoc. BV, headquartered in Amsterdam, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, having graduated from the Univ. of Cincinnati in Ohio with a degree in Marketing and Strategic Planning, specializing in Strategy and Implementation. He also attended the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL, focusing on Industrial Marketing. Corey’s broad professional experience includes, McGill Mfg. Co. in Valparaiso, IN, in corporate planning; and Rexam Release (then HP Smith) in Chicago in a product management position with various marketing and business development roles. His responsibilities led him to relocation in Brussels, establishing a European coordination center to develop Rexam’s interests in Asia. He ultimately became Director of Marketing and Sales in Europe. In 1997, Corey joined Fasson Roll Div. of Avery Dennison in the Netherlands, accepting responsibilities as Marketing Director for Europe. In 1999 Corey acquired UK-based Alexander Watson Assoc., a long-established and international-respected market research and marketing consultancy, specializing in the packaging, coating, converting, and printing industries.
Reardon Mini-Abstract:
This presentation examines "Packaging and Labeling: Choice and Converging Technologies." A review closely covers the world wide trends and industry drivers that are creating a competitive advantage in today’s converting environment. Also examined are the value chain changes from the perspectives of consumers, end users, converters, and suppliers along with the importance of product presentation. Charts dissect and navigate various world-wide marketing sectors in the packaging and labeling segments of the converting industry.
Ken Branch Biography:
Ken Branch has been Chief Operations Officer of Stardust Technologies, Inc. since August 2002. His specialty expertise is in Security Packaging/Labels, Security Printing & Barcodes, Supply Chain Security, and Brand Protection/Product Integrity. His previous professional experience includes positions with US Army Intelligence, Lieutenant Colonel, Retired; Georgia Pacific, Mead Corp., Latitude 49—Business & Security Systems (owner). He has consulted for Appleton Papers, HB Fuller Co., Nova Vision, Verify First Technology, and U.S. Customs. He is a graduate of Linfield College, BA History; NYU, MS Psychology; Western Michigan Univ., AA Pulp & Paper Manufacturing; Command and General Staff College. Ken maintains affiliations with the following organizations: Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL), CMM, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigation (NADDI), National Association Security Printing Organization (NASPO), Imaging Supply Coalition (ISC), and the International Ani-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC).
Branch Mini-Abstract:
In light of all that has happened since the tragic 9-11 events, there are now tremendous opportunities for packaging converters and suppliers to cross all lines within the industry. This presentation will define numerous opportunities, while providing a description of the demands and requirements being placed on converters and material suppliers by brand owners and consumer product companies. With Homeland Security making demands on packaging suppliers, there are many unexplored opportunities to consider.
