Introducing Wrapping Things Up — the podcast that tackles packaging automation without putting you to sleep.
No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just proven insights from the people who’ve been there (and have the busted bag samples to prove it). New episodes drop monthly to bring you dependable relief from your biggest packaging automation headaches — just by tapping ‘Play.’
What Packaging Equipment Downtime Really Costs, and How to Minimize It
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 Wessel, Technical Training and Support Specialist at Viking Masek, for a ground-level look at what actually drive...
4 May 2026
What’s Driving Packaging Automation Investment Right Now
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 14 years of industry experience to the conversation — and he doesn't hold back. What we cover: Why la...
6 Apr 2026
Why the Best Brands Treat Co-Packers Like Strategic Partners
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 difference mattersWhy 30–40% of annual volume at a co-packer comes in on short noticeHow emerging bran...
2 Mar 2026
Packaging Psychology and Why Shoppers Choose What They Choose
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 a shopper’s mind in those first few secondsWhy tactile, “premium” packaging can increase pur...
2 Feb 2026
How Packaging, Automation, and Supply Chains Advance Humanitarian Aid
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 Masek will help scale that impact. What to expect: How Convoy of Hope serves millions through food, ...
5 Jan 2026
What Engineers Need to Know About Flow Wrapping Speed, Precision, and Sustainability
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 product integrity. What you’ll learn: Speed vs. seal quality: how to strike the right balanceCommo...
1 Dec 2025
Future-Proofing Your Packaging Line: Smart Strategies for Sustainable Growth
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 operations. You’ll learn: What future-proofing really means (and why it matters)How to balance speed, fl...
3 Nov 2025
The Packaging Engineer’s Survival Guide: Adapting to a Changing Industry
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. They also dig into collaborative robotics, augmented reality for service, and how engineers can beco...
6 Oct 2025
Packaging Trends with Purpose: Innovation, Design, Sustainability
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. Drawing on real-world examples (like coffee packaging’s outsized influence), AJ dives into what m...
2 Sept 2025
Measuring the True ROI of Automation in Packaging
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 expert insights on calculating ROI, the biggest mistakes companies make, and how to plan for long-te...
31 Jul 2025
How Automation Solves Labor Shortages in Packaging
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 common misconceptions about automation, its impact on jobs, and strategies for implementing it step by...
1 Jul 2025
Packaging Automation Misconceptions
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 tricky product types like cheese and matcha powder to outdated resealable packaging formats. Together...
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