Michele Bianchi was a member of the North America CEO Strategies Panel on October 30, focusing on key strategies for navigating the industry’s complexities, particularly in optimizing supply chains amid potential disruptions.
Mr. Bianchi shared insights from a European perspective, emphasizing several critical topics:
- Supply Chain Optimization: a discussion about the impact of energy commodity pricing and supply, availability of paper for recycling (PfR), customer service strategies, and the limitations and opportunities presented by overseas markets.
- Embracing New Technologies: integrating AI into operations and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt to changing customer demands. The conversation also touched on the importance of manufacturing automation and innovation in product development.
- Workforce Development: Addressing the industry’s labor challenges, our CEO highlighted the necessity of investing in workforce development programs. He discussed strategies to make manufacturing careers more appealing, the significance of digitalization and interactive training, and the potential for collaboration between industry and academia to ensure a skilled workforce.
It was a persuasive speech, the result of Michele Bianchi’s extensive experience both as CEO of RDM Group and as a representative of the European paper and graphics industries as well as President of Pro Carton and the Italian Paper and Graphics Federation.
