American packaging executive held hostage in Iraq

American packaging machinery business owner, Jeffrey Ake, CEO and President of Equipment Express (LaPorte, IN), was taken hostage by insurgents in Iraq this week.

Pw 11779 We Ribbon

Packaging World vp/publisher Joe Angel says, "I've known Jeff for a long time and his company has been involved in the Iraq rebuilding effort since 2003. He is a great person and resourceful businessman. Our thoughts are with Jeff and his family and we pray for his safe return."

According to a report in the LaPorte Herald-Argus newspaper, "Ake was in Iraq to construct integrated systems that will provide water bottles to be sold in Baghdad as part of the rebuilding effort in that country."

For more information on this situation, you can connect to the following media sources:

www.heraldargus.com

www.cnn.com.

Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
The road ahead for CPGs in 2025 and beyond—<i>Packaging World</i> editors review key findings from a survey of 88 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG readers.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability