Turning Challenges into Opportunities at Annual Pallet Meeting

Happy New Year! Twenty eighteen was a challenging year in the pallet industry as the market experienced price increases, spot shortages, and longer lead times. However, as we celebrate the arrival of 2019, we are excited to report that many challenges over the past year have become opportunities. Some of which will be discussed at length later this month at the Western Pallet Association Annual Meeting.

The Western Pallet Association is a non-profit trade association started in 1974 with a purpose to bring together professionals in material handling, including manufacturers and wholesalers, to share knowledge, create innovative ideas, discuss industry issues, and promote the wooden pallet industry. The association accomplishes this through industry meetings, seminars, and various networking opportunities.

The biggest of which is their annual meeting which starts on Friday, January 18, and runs through Tuesday, January 22, at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage, California. On the agenda is socializing and outdoor activity along with interactive discussions and learning on topical issues from politics and tariffs to new technologies and forecasting. All-in-all, the meeting boasts an outstanding line-up of speakers, networking receptions, dinners, golf tournament, and an auction to benefit The Pallet Foundation – a nonprofit dedicated to supporting research, training, and safety programs for the wood packaging industry.

Of the educational events at this year’s meeting, the one we’re looking forward to the most is the Automation Panel Discussion covering “Investments, ROI, and Conclusions,” presented by leading experts in both lumber and pallet manufacturing. We are anxious to hear how automation and other technologies are making an impact and addressing prevailing challenges. For a full listing of events and presentations, click here.

In the meantime, if you’re out West and plan on attending this meeting, please let us know your thoughts on the event and what you liked best. And, as always, for all of your pallet management needs, call on Rose Pallet; we are ready and prepared to help you for the long haul!