“However,” he continued, “I do believe we’ve arrived at a period of time where we once again have an opportunity to rebuild manufacturing here in the United States. But it’s absolutely going to take this partnership. We need to come together, work together and talk about what the issues are to expand manufacturing. I believe the benefit is significant.”
Sanders explained how Sonoco, like most other manufacturers, have had to evolve over the years to remain viable.
“In this room there are many companies that have transformed themselves,” he said. “Sonoco is just one example and we certainly aren’t the same company that we were when we started nearly 117 years ago making paper cones for the textile industry.
Change is all around us, and change in the marketplace or the pace of change can’t be controlled, he added.
“But we can control our actions and we can work together to address the challenges and opportunities that we all have in manufacturing,” Sanders said. “Today, market factors are dictating a need for a transformation of manufacturing. I think this requires us to take a very objective look at how we conduct business today and what steps we really need to take to ensure that we are successful tomorrow.”
Posted April 13, 2016
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Leaders of textile companies and suppliers in South Carolina accounted for a large percentage of manufacturing executives who gathered here recently.
They were on hand for the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance’s (SCMA’s) Annual Meeting, which included a general session with a wide range of speakers covering relevant manufacturing topics.
Among them was Dirk Pieper, president & CEO of Greenville, S.C.-based Sage Automotive Interiors, who was elected chairman of SCMA for the next year. He succeeded Roger Schrum of Sonoco.
Members were presented several updates on alliance activities, including the recently announced South Carolina Future Makers workforce initiative, powered by STEM Premier, with a mission to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering advanced manufacturing and technical related careers.
Several companies were also recognized with SCMA’s Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award.
Sonoco CEO extols virtues of manufacturing
Jack Sanders, CEO of Hartsvile, S.C.-based textile supplier Sonoco, the state’s largest globally headquartered company with annualized sales of about $5 billion. A Louisiana native with 25 years of experience at the company, he extoled the virtues of a strong U.S. manufacturing base.
“I’m one of those individuals who believes that manufacturing created the middle class,” Sanders said. “This country lost something many years ago by not aggressively promoting a working alliance between industry, government and academia to promote manufacturing, deferring to what has become known as the service economy.
Annual Meeting
Sage Automotive’s Pieper elected chairman of SCMA
SCMA outgoing Chairman Roger Schrum of Sonoco
SCMA incoming Chairman Dirk Pieper of Sage Automotive Interiors
Lewis Gossett, president & CEO, SCMA
SCMA outgoing Chairman Roger Schrum of Sonoco
Dirk Pieper presents outgoing Chairman Roger Schrum a token of appreciation for his service.
Springs Creative reps speak with Jim Newsome (R) of the S.C. Ports Authority.
Dirk Pieper (L) presents Tom Armstrong a gift for his five years of service as treasurer of the SCMA.
Dirk Pieper presents outgoing Chairman Roger Schrum a token of appreciation for his service.
Sanders went on explain through words and video how Sonoco has transformed from a “packaging company to a solutions company.”
He later said the two biggest challenges facing South Carolina manufacturers are workforce development and infrastructure. But those issues are being addressed by the SCMA, the state’s legislature and the school systems.
“As manufacturers, we have a lot to be proud of in South Carolina and we have a great climate for business development,” he said. “We have a willing, competent workforce, an outstanding technical college system and, most importantly, we have a state of entrepreneurs and visionaries. South Carolina is Sonoco’s home. I know the state faces some significant challenges, but I believe the business community is working better together than ever before.”
Other speakers
Other presenters included:
• Joe Minarik, SVP and director of Research, Committee for Economic Development, Washington, D.C., who provided an economic overview.
• Ron Patton, deputy secretary of the S.C. Dept. of Transportation;
• Jim Newsome, president & CEO, SC Ports Authority; and
• Rusty Harris, SVP of SCANA Corp., Gas Distribution, who went over current and future energy developments.