Sonoco CEO Provides Opening Keynote Address at Pack Expo International 2006
CHICAGO, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The $450 billion global
packaging industry must transform itself from being viewed simply as a
supplier of packaging products and services to becoming a partner capable
of meeting rapidly changing customers' demands, said Sonoco (NYSE: SON)
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Harris E. DeLoach, Jr.,
during his keynote address at the opening conference held today (October
30, 2006) at Pack Expo International 2006.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991006/SNCLOGO )
"Packaging has truly established itself as an important change agent in
domestic and global markets. But, make no mistake, packaging companies
cannot rely solely on existing technologies, products and services for
their continued growth, regardless of previous success," DeLoach said. "One
thing is certain -- business as usual for packaging companies is not an
option, and that is not all bad. I am convinced that this changing
environment presents unique opportunities. I also believe that those
packaging companies who will enjoy success are those able and willing to
change from being so fixated on their historical products and service to
becoming more focused on what the customer wants and needs and then
executes by developing and delivering solutions."
DeLoach offered a number of "stalking horse" suggestions on how the
packaging industry might better add value and help avoid "being perceived
as a commodity to be purchased solely on the basis of lowest price." Those
suggestions included:
- Moving toward customers' demand for seeking suppliers capable of
providing full-service packaging solutions across their entire
packaging supply chain on a global basis.
- Developing relationships with customers outside of normal purchasing
channels, by becoming a partner that is able to reduce costs and
increase productivity by offering expanded services.
- Providing one supplier face to the customer rather than forcing them to
deal with multiple representatives for different products and services
provided by the same supplier.
- Increasing customers' speed-to-market by improving the full packaging
supply chain from conception to rollout.
- Developing new avenues to grow customers' sales by applying new
packaging technologies, market differentiating designs and targeted
marketing applications, such as retail point-of-purchase displays.
DeLoach cited increasing consumer environmental awareness, with a
growing preference for reduced and recycled packaging, as a key issue in
which the packaging industry must provide leadership.
"Consumers want to do business with companies which have embraced
sustainability as an operating objective. Packaging companies can either be
lightening rods or white knights as consumer product goods companies are
looking to packaging to help them meet retailers' expectations," DeLoach
said. "Each of us carries a responsibility to our customers, to our
industry, and to our communities to assume a leadership role in helping to
maximize a more sustainable global society for all."
DeLoach said he was optimistic about the future of the packaging
industry and that the current operating environment presents an excellent
opportunity for packaging to build its position with customers.
"The possibilities for success in packaging will be determined by how
well we organize our efforts at developing products and services based on
the changing needs of customers and the marketplace," said DeLoach. "The
opportunities for packaging are clearly there. The willingness and ability
to change our offerings to meet these needs and to successfully execute
their implementation in a timely manner is up to us."
For a transcript of Mr. DeLoach's comments, go to Sonoco's new Web site
at http://www.sonoco.com or visit Sonoco at Pack Expo at Booth #8801 Hall E
Lakeside Center, McCormick Center, Chicago, Ill.
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $3.5 billion global manufacturer of
industrial and consumer packaging products and provider of packaging
services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers
in 85 nations. Additional information about Sonoco is available at its new
Web site at http://www.sonoco.com.
SOURCE Sonoco
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.sonoco.com/
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991006/SNCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Roger Schrum, Sonoco, +1-843-339-6018, or
roger.schrum@sonoco.com
|
