Manufacturers seek better performance from their packs

The Manufacturing Excellence Share Group will encourage best practices in the packaging sector in order to boost innovation, raise efficiency and cut costs, according to Stephen Sibert, senior vice president for industry affairs with the GMA.

“This share group will serve as a laboratory for new ideas where manufacturers can develop and present successful practices that foster greater innovation and efficiency within their companies,​” he said.

Environmental sustainability​

“We expect a focus on environmental sustainability, sustainable processes, outsourcing and other key strategic initiatives to evolve from the manufacturing discipline”​, added Sibert.

The group’s first meeting took place in Washington last week and focused on key performance indicators related to manufacturing efficiency such as how to lift work rates while minimizing costs. Other topics which the group will consider are: Resource optimization, leadership, talent development environmental sustainability and outsourcing.

The group will be lead by David Donnan, director of the Bridge Strategy Group LLC.

Competitive Manufacturing​

Dan Sileo, vice president manufacturing Sunny Delight Beverages Co said: “Regardless of company size or the products we produce, we all face a common set of issues and challenges. I’m pleased to have a forum of peers with whom I can discuss non competitive manufacturing issues​.”

The GMA represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies.

Meanwhile, the top performers in the consumer packaged goods industry achieved a 3.6 per cent sales growth above the category average, according to the 2008 Customer and Channel Management Survey. At the same time, costs as a percentage of sales fell by 6.1 per cent over the last two years.