Number 4: JIM STRANG
Jim Strang has been with Heat and Control for twenty-five years, having started at the company in 1982 to establish their packaging division in Melbourne. Jim was subsequently appointed general manager, and then chief executive officer for Asia Pacific and Europe in 1997. Jim has also been a member of the APMA for the past twenty-five years, and was the board's Chairman for five years.
Q. What have been the most significant innovations and changes within the packaging industry over the past five years?
A. In recent years we have seen the increasing development of inspection systems. This technology has continued to grow in terms of incorporating several inspection techniques into one piece of equipment, having the ability to checkweigh, detect metal, isolate non-ferrous contaminants with a higher density than the product, and be able to detect missing or broken products through x-ray technology.
Q. What do you believe are the main trends and developments within the industry at present?
A. Through its supply of processing and packaging equipment locally in Australia, and to markets in the US, Asia and Europe, Heat and Control has found environmental issues to be a key aspect in equipment selection.
Processors are looking to deal with reputable machinery suppliers that offer equipment which reduces electrical power consumption, minimises production and packaging waste, and is water efficient.
Legislation has also determined equipment selection which has to conform to EMC emissions regulations, as well as provide a safe working environment for processors.
Product contamination and tampering is also a major concern for processors who need to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their customers through in-line inspection systems and package design to safeguard against tampering.
Q. What do you consider the biggest threats and opportunities facing the packaging industry today?
A. Competition is fierce for processors in the Australian market, increasing demand for different packaging presentations.
Processors also expect machinery solutions that enable packaging flexibility, quick product change-overs, and reduced downtime, while continuing to meet increasing production targets.
Q. Why do you consider yourself, or why do you think others consider you, one of the most influential people in packaging today?
A. Having been with Heat and Control for twenty-five years, I have overseen the expansion of the company’s presence in export markets with the opening of a manufacturing plant in China.
During my time as Chair of the APMA, I was highly involved in establishing a packaging tradeshow for the industry, Auspack.
It is with great satisfaction that I have seen this event evolve into the major industry exhibition it is today.
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