Wrapping Things Up

Every packaging operation has experienced it — a line goes down, the clock starts, and the dominoes begin to fall. Lost product, missed delivery windows, stressed staff, and customers who need answers you don't have yet. The question isn't whether unplanned downtime will happen. It's whether your operation is set up to see it coming. In this episode, Meredith sits down with Hunter W...

The packaging industry is moving faster than ever — and the decisions companies make about automation in the next 3–5 years will define whether they keep up or fall behind. In this episode, Meredith sits down with Bryan Lacy, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Viking Masek, for an unfiltered look at what's actually happening in the packaging equipment market right now. Bryan brings nearly...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , guest host Robert Barkley sits down with Mike Reilly — VP of Engineering, Maintenance & Safety at MSI Express and former General Mills veteran — for a candid conversation on how co-packers and co-manufacturers actually work, what brands get wrong, and how to build partnerships that last. In This Episode: Co-packing vs. co-manufacturing — and why the diff...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , Meredith Denning and Alex Sielaff sit down with packaging design consultant Vicki Strull to explore the psychology behind great packaging. From first impressions on the shelf to the “moment of truth” when a product is opened at home, Vicki breaks down how design, touch, structure, and storytelling influence buying decisions. You’ll learn: What really happens...

In this inspiring episode of Wrapping Things Up , host Alex Sielaff sits down with Jim Raynor, Senior Director at Convoy of Hope, to explore how packaging is playing a key role in feeding the world. Jim shares the powerful story behind Convoy’s global mission, from feeding over 640,000 children daily to responding to natural disasters, and how a new packaging facility in partnership with Viking Ma...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , National Sales Manager Robert Barkley returns to dive deep into flow wrapping efficiency, seal integrity, and the realities of working with sustainable films. From pressure-heat-time tradeoffs to real-world packaging mistakes and upgrades, Robert breaks down what packaging engineers and operators need to know to optimize line performance—without sacrificing...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , host Meredith Denning sits down with Viking Maskek’s Director of Sales, Nick Knapp, to explore how manufacturers can future-proof their packaging operations. From planning around labor shortages and rising demand to smart automation and scalable solutions, Nick shares practical strategies to ensure your packaging line keeps up—without overcomplicating operat...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , host Meredith Denning sits down with Lucas Daane, Applications Engineering Manager at Viking Masek, to explore how packaging engineering is evolving with the rise of Industry 5.0. Lucas unpacks how manufacturers are shifting from designing everything in-house to relying on smart systems and integrators, and what this means for the role of engineers today. Th...

In this special episode of Wrapping Things Up, recorded at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, host Meredith Denning chats with AJ Nelson, Founder & CEO of PCKG, to explore the fast-evolving world of packaging trends, sustainability, and automation. AJ unpacks what’s really shaping the industry, from the shift away from one-size-fits-all formats to smart sustainability practices that go beyond greenwashing....

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up , host Meredith Denning sits down with Robert Barkley, Flow Wrapping Division Leader at Viking Masek, to dive into the real ROI of packaging automation. As labor shortages, rising interest rates, and shifting consumer demands challenge manufacturers, knowing when—and how—to invest in automated packaging solutions has never been more important. Robert shares ex...

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Robert Bur, Electrical Engineering Manager at Viking Masek, to explore how automation can help organizations overcome today's labor shortages. They discuss the spectrum of automation solutions—from simple packaging systems to fully automated operations—and how companies of all sizes can benefit. Robert also addresses...

In this premiere episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Jordan Miller, General Manager of Customer Care at Viking Masek, to clear the air around packaging automation. Whether you're new to the industry or scaling your operations, Jordan shares firsthand insights into the most common misconceptions customers have when entering the world of automated packaging, from...