Regulars / Q&A | 45L&L: Where do you see the most changes happening in the label industry right now?JW: We’ve seen a move to more automated workfows. One example: think about the continued labor challenges that are out there right now, and more people are starting to look at material handling automation. Robotics has certainly become more topical.Certainly, we’ll see more enhanced sustainability offerings.And, not just because of the pandemic but the Texas freeze and the strikes overseas. I think people are starting to pursue broader supply chain networks.There are a few other trends out there, too. You’re seeing more and more consumer engagement with brands. The continued proliferation of variable data personalization. More informative, descriptive packaging. Just more descriptions Digital and fexo printing are within Fortis Solutions Group’s arsenal about the product you’re buying, different ways to engage the consumer through your packaging.“We’ve grown signifcantly since L&L: How has Fortis Solutions Group coped with the material shortages and supply chain challenges of the past year?2010. From one site here in JW: It hasn’t been easy. I feel like our team is frequently playing whack-a-mole with the challenges of the day.Virginia Beach with one product When we say supply chain disruption, it includes cost increases as well as material availability. line, which was pressure-sensitive We’ve dedicated additional personnel to our supply chain team to bring in more resources to our sourcing effort. labels, to now selling fve core We’ve also enhanced the communication level between the plants, product lines – pressure-sensitive, so we now hold daily calls among our group to discuss priority items and ensure continual supply for our customers.fexible packaging, shrink, folding Lead times used to be four-to-fve days on materials and now they’re around 40-to-50 days, so it’s certainly impacted working carton, and label applicators – in capital levels as you don’t know for certain if you’re going to get the material. It has really impacted the way in which we buy and hold 17 locations”material as well.But we’ve been really fortunate to really have that collaborative culture internally because we can quickly leverage another plant and we have visibility on who has what. So, if we need to ship material from one site to another, we certainly will.It’s not a fun topic, but we’ve been able to deliver for our customers, which, ultimately, is why we’re here.L&L: What has Fortis Solutions Group done to improves the sustainability of its production across the larger group?JW: We’ve installed improved technology across the footprint such as LED lighting, better air compressors, and cardboard bailers to reduce our footprint. We launched a dedicated continuous improvement team with the primary goal of attacking waste throughout our footprints. And Fortis Solutions Group has expanded its customer offering through acquisition operationally, we’ve been focusing on combination runs to reduce and process scrap. We’ve removed solvent inks from our press room. And the new presses we’re bringing in are ftted with UV LED. So, we’re trying to attack it from a number of different angles.L&L: What are your interests or hobbies outside of work?JW: I’ve got three youngsters running around that keep me busy, which is always fun. I dabble in some racket sports – tennis, pickle ball. And I like being out on the water. We do a lot of water-related activities as a family, and we enjoy traveling together. Those are the things that tend to keep me busy when I’m not in front of the computer or on the phone.Visit www.fortissolutionsgroup.com for more informationThe companies acquired by Fortis Solutions Group often have specifc skill setJul - Sep 2022