As a Senior Manager of Global Business Development (Tech) at Amazon, Michael Manley plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of consumer trust through the innovative Transparency program. With a focus on brand experience, Michael is responsible for implementing and operationalizing this groundbreaking item-level serialization service, which is rapidly becoming a global standard for ensuring product authenticity and safety. His leadership extends to a dedicated team that empowers global operations and cultivates a robust network of third-party Transparency Service Providers, ensuring that the program is not only scalable but also effective in enhancing consumer confidence.
Senior Manager of Global Business Development (Tech) at Amazon
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Read the latest 86 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Natha Dempsey President, Foodservice Packaging Institute
Natha Dempsey is president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, the trade association for the North American foodservice packaging industry.
At FPI, she advocates for the interests of the industry and champions its efforts to expand recycling and composting of foodservice packaging. In her previous position at FPI, Dempsey served as vice president.
Prior to joining the association in 2010, she held various positions at SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association (now called Plastics Industry Association).
Jeff Krepline currently serves as Executive Vice President of Menasha Packaging Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Menasha Corporation.
Jeffrey Krepline Executive Vice President Menasha Packaging Company, LLC
Krepline joined Menasha Corporation in 1991 as a Manufacturing Management Trainee and has held successive leadership roles across multiple Menasha businesses. During the mid-1990’s he helped lead Menasha Packaging’s transformation from being primarily a “brown box” solution provider to a graphic packaging and display company, which included the development of Menasha’s first on-shelf merchandising product portfolio.
In 2002, Krepline was named Vice President of National Sales & Menasha’s Retail Integration Institute (RII) and led Menasha’s entry into point-of-purchase (POP) sales and fulfillment solutions, leveraging the RII platform to uniquely position Menasha as the industry supplier with retail relationships and insights that help CPG’s win.
In 2016, he was named Vice President of Unilever & Retail overseeing sales and operations for the North American Menasha & Unilever relationship. Three years later, Krepline was named Vice President of Unilever, Sales Strategy & Business Development facilitating Menasha Packaging’s evolution into e-commerce.
In 2023, Krepline was named Executive Vice President where his role expanded to include leading the evolution of Menasha’s graphic packaging strategy, and operations for the preprint, paperboard, fanfold and food facilities.
In his current role, Krepline draws on his sales, operations, retail, display, merchandising, supply chain, and packaging industry experience to lead the activation of Menasha Packaging’s revenue operations. Krepline is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Twenty-five years of pulp and paper experience as an Asset Manager, Production Manager, and Process Engineering/Technical Superintendent.
Professional Strengths and Certifications
MBA, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 2006. GPA: 3.9/4.0 BS Chemical Engineering, University of Maine, 1995. GPA: 3.6/4.0
Professional Strengths and Training Certifications
PI – Process-Book Digital Historian. ParcView. Statistical Process Control. Reliability Solutions Asset Essential Care. Kepner-Tregoe ATS. Situational Leadership – Ken Blanchard Training Program. Safe-Start Safety and Management Execution. OSHA 1910. OSHA Machine Guarding.
Professional Experience
Hoffmaster Group Inc. Value Stream Manager and Director Technology Innovation 2017-Present
Led a cross-functional team in designing new embossing technology and tissue machine centerlines to increase an Ultra-Premium Private Label product by 10 points of TSA softness, while maintaining full converting speeds. The project delivered $25 million-year in incremental revenue.
Developed technology upgrades in paperboard and paper plate manufacturing reducing fiber use and improving productivity, resulting in cost savings of $4.3 million per year.
Responsible for leading a team of 32 maintenance and engineering employees to achieve business goals at a leading printed napkin and paper plate Plant with 420 employees.
Increased Plate Forming Overall Equipment Effectiveness by 8 percent by implementing an Asset Maintenance Work Process and Operator Basic Care Implementation. Improvements were also driven by a Plan-of-Control on Paper Board Material Supply, based on board analyses, and partnerships with suppliers to optimize the board for Paper Plate Manufacturing.
Reduced the weekly pitstop from 8-hours to 4-hours on a world-class Bobst Printing Presses through SMED techniques, operator training, and engineering improvements.
Neenah Paper, Neenah, WI Operations Manager 2016-2017
Responsible for the safe, reliable, premium-quality manufacturing of a 100-employee specialty paper products plant.
Responsibility for 4 direct reports: 3 machine managers and 1 process engineer.
Leadership and implementation of Non-Routine and Upset-Condition Work Processes.
Sponsored water removal improvement changes, reducing energy and enabling a new product to be produced, saving $300,000/year.
First Quality LLC, Anderson, SC Operations Manager 2015-2016
Responsible for the safe, reliable, premium-quality manufacturing at a 450-employee consumer products plant.
Responsible for 100 employees in the manufacturing area.
Leadership of changes that led to a 12% increase in machine production through chemical systems changes and optimization.
Fox River Fiber, DePere, WI. Production Manager 2013-2015
Responsible for the safe, reliable production performance of a modern paper recycling operation.
Responsible for managing 4 shift team leaders and mentoring them to improve operational performance.
Increased production 10% through improved reliability via implementing a digital centerlining system and Operator Asset Care Program.
Georgia Pacific, Crossett, AR and Port Hudson, LA Process Technology Leader 2010-2013
Process Technology Leader for a $100 million-dollar investment to rebuild two machines to improve quality from premium to ultra-premium in the consumer products (tissue) market.
Responsible for the development and implementation of asset operating strategies for the new machines.
Responsible for technology transfer between the existing technology site and startup sites.
Developed an encapsulated, low-water usage fabric cleaning system, which eliminated major cleaning and machine contamination issues. The new-to-the-industry, patented system allowed a more structured, complex fabric design to be utilized, significantly improving product quality and cost. Estimated value creation of $1.7 million dollars per year.
Georgia Pacific, Green Bay, WI Machine Manager 2003-2010 Technical Manager 2001-2003
Operational leadership and management of a $40 million-dollar, major machine rebuild to create capability to produce premium-quality commercial products.
Increased average machine Overall-Equipment-Efficiency from 60% to 92% through leadership in the following areas: operator training and skills development; process optimization and capital project implementation. Created $2.0 million dollars per year of incremental profit.
Optimized incoming raw materials mix and machine changes and adjustment necessary to support, reducing cost by $1.7 million dollars/year.
Redesigned plant steam systems through re-compressor design changes and steam-header pressure changes. Overall plant savings were $10 million dollars per year.
Decreased air-systems energy loss through material and energy balances, driving equipment and process changes, reducing cost by $1.4 million dollars per year. The Project was awarded the Governor’s Annual Energy-Reduction Project Honor.
Decreased process rejects from 4% to under 1% through process simulation and equipment optimization, reducing cost by $420,000 per year.
Leadership and management of 3 Salaried Supervisors & 28 Hourly Employees.
Implemented procedures to increase uptime – Housekeeping, Machine Cleaning, Grade Change Standard Operating Procedures and Equipment and Process Rounds.
Led chemical recovery optimization, implementing changes and new Standard Operating Procedures, reducing fuel use by 6%, lime chemical makeup by 20%, and increasing chemical recovery system capacity by 5%. Overall the project reduced chemical and energy cost by $900,000/year.
Optimized washing systems, shifting water use from 3-stage to 4-stage wash line, reducing chemical and energy cost by $700,000/year.
Shift Supervision responsibility for 60 employees. Coached operators to ensure mill performance metrics were achieved. Conducted operator performance reviews.
Keller, Inc. has been chosen as the Architect and General Contractor/Builder on a project for U-Haul Moving & Storage of De Pere located at 1180 Mid Valley Drive in De Pere, Wisconsin.
Keller Promotes Ferrie to Commercial Project Manager
Kaukauna, WI — KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the promotion of Logan Ferrie to Commercial Project Manager out of their Germantown location.
Keller Promotes Sieger to Carpentry Foreman
Kaukauna, WI — KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the promotion of Adam Sieger to Carpentry Foreman out of their Kaukauna location.
Keller Hires Adam as a Building Craftsman
Kaukauna, WI — KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the hiring of Seth Adam as a Building Craftsman out of their Kaukauna location.
Precision Roll Solutions (PRS), a leading provider of precision-engineered process rolls and custom equipment, today announced the acquisition of specific assets of Webco Engineering Inc., a renowned manufacturer of winders, slitter/rewinders, and support equipment for the paper-making and converting industry. This strategic acquisition significantly enhances PRS’s capabilities in the web handling sector and strengthens its position as a comprehensive solutions provider for converting and packaging industries.
Expanding Expertise in Unwind and Rewind Equipment
Webco Engineering, based in Southborough, Massachusetts, brings over 52 years of specialized engineering experience for web handling industries. The company’s flagship product, the Webco series of two-drum winders, is one of the few product ranges of its type still manufactured and supported in the USA. These winders are installed in a wide range of converters and mills, handling diverse products from tissue to heavy boards.
A Legacy of Customer Relationships and Innovation
Founded in 1972, Webco Engineering has built a strong reputation for quality and reliability in the converting market. The company’s longevity is a testament to its solid customer relationships and the repeat purchases of its equipment.
Synergies with PRS’s Custom Equipment Offerings
The acquisition aligns perfectly with PRS’s existing range of custom equipment for web handling and converting industries. PRS provides a variety of machinery including fully configurable embossers, calendaring systems, and unwinders. This acquisition will benefit customers with a more comprehensive suite of solutions to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing landscape. All operations will immediately move from Massachusetts to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Expanding Market Reach and Capabilities
Justin Glass, Chief Executive Officer of Precision Roll Solutions, commented on the acquisition: “We are excited to welcome Webco Engineering to the PRS family. This acquisition not only expands our product portfolio but also adds decades of specialized expertise in unwind and rewind technologies. Webco’s strong presence in the paper making and converting industry complements our existing offerings and allows us to provide even more comprehensive solutions to our customers.”
Roger McClelland, President of Webco Engineering, adds : “We couldn’t be more pleased with the succession of our product line to Precision Roll Solutions. Their engineering and manufacturing strength will ensure the level of service and performance that our customers have come to expect from the Webco name.“
PRS remains committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and service that both companies are known for as they work towards a seamless integration.
For more information about Precision Roll Solutions and its expanded capabilities, please visit www.precisionrollsolutions.com.
In the industrial and manufacturing sectors, downtime is a costly disruption that can ripple through your entire operation. Preventive maintenance turns regular equipment maintenance into a strategic advantage by reducing downtime and boosting overall efficiency. Plus, advanced technology is giving us tools to optimize maintenance processes to achieve the highest levels of effectiveness.
Understanding the Cost of Downtime
The immediate costs associated with downtime start with production halts that lead to revenue losses. These losses can add up quickly, especially if your operation runs on a tight schedule. Unscheduled downtime often includes additional labor expenses, such as overtime pay for repair crews and lost wages for idle employees.
Besides the financial consequences, unexpected downtime can also harm your company’s reputation. Missed deadlines and delayed deliveries can cause problems with clients and partner relationships. Equipment failures can also create hazardous working conditions that endanger workers and expose your company to financial liabilities.
5 Key Benefits of Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach to equipment care. Rather than waiting for a breakdown, this strategy involves regular inspections, servicing, and repairs to address problems and potential issues before they escalate. Using structured processes and detailed maintenance schedules, technicians can spot early warning signs of wear or malfunction and perform necessary repairs.
Minimized Downtime. Proactively addressing potential issues reduces the risk of equipment failures that can halt production. Instead, maintenance tasks can be performed during planned downtime.
Increased Equipment Lifespan. Preventive maintenance reduces wear and tear to ensure machinery operates smoothly for longer periods. By detecting minor issues early, businesses can delay costly equipment replacements.
Improved Operational Efficiency. Well-maintained equipment runs at optimal capacity, reducing energy consumption and delivering a consistent output. This reliability helps meet production schedules and maintain quality standards.
Enhanced Safety. Equipment malfunctions are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents in manufacturing and industrial environments. Preventive maintenance ensures machinery operates safely, reducing risks to workers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Cost Savings. Investing in preventive maintenance is significantly less expensive than dealing with an unexpected breakdown and the aftermath. Emergency repairs, expedited part orders, overtime pay, and lost production often far outweigh the cost of routine maintenance.
The Role of Technology in Maintenance Strategies
Technological innovations are constantly changing the industrial landscape, including maintenance strategies. Technology is making it more accessible and efficient for industrial and manufacturing operations to streamline preventive maintenance to achieve the best outcomes.
For example, Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable the real-time monitoring of equipment health. Sensors collect data on critical performance indicators like temperature, vibration, and pressure, allowing maintenance teams to predict potential failures before they happen. AI and machine learning use advanced algorithms that can analyze this data even faster and identify patterns or anomalies that signal wear and damage.
Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) further streamline maintenance operations by centralizing schedules, tracking key performance metrics, and storing historical data. These systems provide maintenance teams with actionable insights to improve efficiency and planning.
Remote monitoring and wireless technology allow businesses to monitor equipment performance from anywhere in the world, reducing the need for frequent on-site inspections. This capability is especially valuable for operations spread across multiple locations. Digital twin technology creates virtual models of physical equipment, allowing for performance simulations and testing of maintenance strategies in a risk-free environment.
How to Implement a Preventive Maintenance Program
The first step in implementing an effective preventive maintenance program is to assess your current maintenance practices. This includes identifying gaps in your approach, understanding common causes of downtime, and evaluating how your existing procedures align with operational goals. This analysis will help you pinpoint areas where you can have the most impact.
Next, set clear goals and metrics to guide your program. Include key performance metrics such as reduced downtime, improved equipment reliability, or lower maintenance costs. Use these metrics to measure the success of your efforts over time.
Integrating modern tools and technology is an important component of a successful preventive maintenance program. Determine which tools will provide the best information to your maintenance team, and consider a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to centralize maintenance schedules, track equipment history, and provide insights for better planning.
Once the plan and tools are in place, training your team is a critical step. Workers need to be well-versed in new technology, interpreting data, and applying insights to their day-to-day responsibilities. It’s also important to regularly review maintenance results and adjust your program as needed.
A Strategic Approach to Resilient Operations
Reducing downtime, improving safety, and maximizing efficiency. These are all common goals in every manufacturing and industrial operation. When downtime isn’t an option, proactive care is the key to staying ahead. To learn more about implementing a successful preventive maintenance strategy for smoother operations and long-term success, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.
For immediate release. For more information, contact Marty Ochs, 608-698-3333 martinpochs@gmail.com; or AJ Buran 262-370-9563 AJBuran@outlook.com Discover the Future of Packaging at the 5P Showcase Expo in APPLETON, WI with Outstanding Speakers and accommodations at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley attached to the Expo Center with parking in the ramp. We have Blocked Rooms, and it is good until 2-3-25 for $139 + tax + fees. See the link for registration!
The expo promises to unveil the latest innovations in packaging technology, focusing on sustainability and high-tech solutions tailored for the Packaging Industries!
The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is designed to highlight the region’s history with a 38,000 square foot interior complement by a 17,000 square foot outdoor plaza.
The Hilton Appleton Paper Valley is located next to the Exhibit Hall with parking across the street! We will offer exclusive discounts to attendees!
The cost to exhibit for an 8 x 10 standard booth is $1,500 and $1,700 for a corner booth. The cost to attend is: $60.00. Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – 5P Showcase to register to exhibit and or attend.
Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.
