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Packaging and Processing Industry Turns to Tech Amid Workforce Challenges

Companies are increasingly turning to new technology to help train workers and automate repetitive tasks as workforce challenges continue.

Manufacturers are using technology to enhance training and automate tasks.
Manufacturers are using technology to enhance training and automate tasks.
PMMI Business Intelligence: 2023 Sustainability and Technology - The Future of Packaging and Processing

Packaging and processing companies use retention efforts, new technology, and enhanced training to help find and retain skilled workers, according to PMMI Business Intelligence’s 2023 report, “Sustainability and Technology – The Future of Packaging and Processing.”

The US Department of Labor reported the labor market remained strong in 2022, with 223,000 extra jobs added in December 2022, the Washington Post’s ‘December Jobs Report’ said.

The manufacturing industry continues to experience labor shortages. Stakeholders across the industry acknowledge the need to effectively train more people in modern manufacturing techniques, as well as automate simple, repetitive jobs to improve productivity and retention rates.

One company representative interviewed by Business Intelligence researchers said recruitment, training, and retention initiatives aimed to “make the job meaningful and rewarding with good pay and benefits.”

Retention Efforts Pay Dividends

More than four out of five surveyed executives (81%) described retention efforts as “successful” or “very successful.” The remaining 19% said their efforts had not been at all successful, and many stated they were still struggling to recruit and retain employees.Most surveyed executives say retention efforts have been successful.Most surveyed executives say retention efforts have been successful.PMMI Business Intelligence: 2023 Sustainability and Technology - The Future of Packaging and Processing

Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
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