So says a recent survey of petroleum product packagers and their packaging suppliers. The survey was conducted Aug. 19 by Rexam Closures (Evansville, IN) at a Petroleum Packaging Council conference in Chicago.
Of the 105 packaging professionals surveyed, 36% said the greatest anticipated benefit of partnering is its ability to enhance marketing, distribution and sales capabilities. Also named as significant benefits were gaining a cost advantage (cited by 20.8%) and market growth or access to global markets (17%).
Petroleum product packagers and their suppliers each responded quite differently when asked that same question. Of the packagers present, 45.2% listed cost advantages as the main benefit, while 47.9% of suppliers indicated that the main reason for partnering is to enhance marketing, distribution and sales.
"It's obvious from the survey that potential partners need to close the gap between what each feels is important in developing win-win partnerships," says Rexam president Clas Nilstoft, who conducted the opinion survey. "What is encouraging is that most everyone agrees on the importance of partnering."
When asked what issue most influences the selection of a potential partner, respondents said manufacturing and quality capabilities (52.8%).
