Australian heads world packaging machinery organisation

The chairman of the Australian Packaging Machinery Association, Mr Jim Strang, in accepting an invitation to become chairperson of the World Confederation of Packaging Machinery Associations, said: "The invitation to lead COPAMA represents recognition by 14 other national packaging machinery organisations that Australia has a vibrant and very important packaging machinery industry and that it is able to provide leadership and support services that contribute to the work of COPAMA.

"I am honoured to receive this appointment as it reflects the high esteem our Association is held in the world of packaging. The APMA has been a member of the world organisation for over 20 years and now the challenge is to make a significant contribution to the industry through my appointment.

"I have some personal plans for the organisation. I would like the organisation to tackle, in depth, the issues affecting international business and the packaging machinery sector in general. Also, if during my three-year term I can make a significant contribution to increase the standing of the APMA on the world packaging machinery scene, I will be very pleased."

COPAMA is an international group of packaging machinery manufacturers organisations formed from 14 national bodies, all dedicated to discuss and action matters of mutual interest and international importance.

At present the organisation is working towards:

• common terminology for packaging machinery;
• review of the customs codes for trade and statistics;
• maintaining a database for exhibitions and events suitable for exhibitors;
• monitoring legislation on machine safety and other aspects of machinery manufacture;
• annually assemble statistical analysis of trade of member nations including the collection of historical information about the development and growth of the packaging machinery industry worldwide.

Mr Jim Strang follows Mr Isdre Puigdemassa of Spain who held the position for two years and was a visitor to Auspack 2003. Meetings are held yearly with delegations meeting at convenient exhibitions; the invitation to Mr Strang was made at the Association's recent meeting held to coincide with Interpack in Germany. These meetings provide a forum for gaining a global perspective and sharing ideas within the world packaging machinery sector. Mr Strang is CEO of Heat and Control.

"I am sure that with the support of the Australian Packaging Machinery Association's members, Australia can and will make a significant contribution to the world packaging machinery industries. Hopefully we can attract representatives from the 14 nations to come to Auspack 2005 but certainly convene a meeting to coincide with Auspack 2007," said Mr Strang.