The US will be competitive again in manufacturing. It’s a bold claim, made by Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley, a nonprofit focused on helping Michigan businesses succeed by embracing innovation and automation. “You know how you beat China?” he prods. “You make products of one.”

Kelly spoke at the 2023 Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis event on Tuesday, October 10.

Packaging Digest talked with Kelly for a few minutes after his presentation to ask specific questions about possible implications for packaging. In this quick Q&A, Kelly addresses:

• How companies should rethink their core competency, which should be satisfying customers (not making product);

• What budget will replace the typical capital expenditures (it’s not what you might think);

• How critical it is to protect intellectual property; and

• How to address packaging machine warranties as they relate to user-3D-printed replacement parts.

Packaging engineer Michael Johnston taps into his personal experience as a patient to spread awareness of how noisy medical packaging is and how traumatic that can be.

The food and beverage giant doubles down on packaging compostability, driving knowledge, technology, education, and (ultimately?) acceptance.