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 matters
• Why 30–40% of annual volume at a co-packer comes in on short notice
• How emerging brands can bridge the gap from commercial kitchen to retail shelf
• What co-packers wish their customers understood about contracts and pricing
• MSI Express's move into gummy manufacturing (including a former Ferrara/Jelly Belly facility)
• The "easy button" philosophy behind how MSI Express supports brands at every stage

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 seconds
• Why tactile, “premium” packaging can increase purchase likelihood
• The difference between the first and second moment of truth
• Emerging packaging trends for 2026, including human-centered design cues
• Small changes brands can make for a big impact on growth and loyalty

If you’re in marketing, brand strategy, or packaging operations, this conversation offers practical insights into how packaging drives customer acquisition, retention, and perceived value.

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, disaster relief, and empowerment programs
• The vision behind their new automated food packaging facility
• Why dignity and quality matter in packaging for humanitarian aid
• Lessons in scalability, automation, and mission-driven innovation

Whether you’re in packaging, nonprofit work, or just need a boost of purpose-driven inspiration, this episode is for you.

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 balance
• Common flow wrap inefficiencies—and how to fix them
• Tips for running recyclable, compostable, and paper-based films
• Why operator training and communication are key to success
• How to pilot new films without shutting down your line

Whether you're managing packaging for baked goods, bars, or high-speed snack lines, this episode is packed with hands-on insights for engineers and ops teams alike.

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, flexibility, and simplicity
• When to upgrade vs. buy new equipment
• How to avoid costly integration mistakes
• Real-world examples of delayed decisions that hurt growth

Whether you're scaling fast or just getting started with automation, this episode is packed with sales-side insights to guide smart packaging investments.

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 become automation influencers (and avoid project-killing scope creep).

Whether you're on the plant floor or planning the next system rollout, this episode delivers key insights into the intersection of packaging, automation, and human collaboration.

What you’ll learn:

• The difference between Industry 4.0 vs 5.0, and why it matters now
• How engineers can thrive in an age of automation, data, and AR
• Why labor shortages are the #1 disruptor in packaging today
• Tips to prevent automation projects from failing due to bad scope or planning
• The rise of pre-made pouches, spout packaging, and refillable formats in CPG

Plus: clever packaging innovations Lucas can’t stop thinking about (spoiler: pancake batter pouches).

Subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for more smart takes on packaging innovation, automation, and engineering.

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 manufacturers and marketers need to consider, including machine compatibility, design trade-offs, and how to future-proof packaging decisions for retail, e-commerce, and beyond.

What you’ll learn:

• Why material and format changes are accelerating in coffee & CPG packaging
• How to balance shelf appeal, sustainability, and machine performance
• Real insights on compostables, mono-materials, degassing valves, and carbon footprint tracking
• What manufacturers must consider when launching new packaging formats
• AJ’s concept of packaging as a Venn diagram of trade-offs, and how to prioritize effectively
  
  
  

Whether you’re in food, beverage, or specialty packaging, this episode delivers expert insight from the frontlines of packaging innovation.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for more insider tips on packaging automation, design, and strategy.

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-term scalability without overextending your budget. Learn how Viking Masek helps businesses choose the right equipment, prepare for implementation, and partner for success.

What you’ll learn:

• How to calculate ROI on automation projects effectively
• The key factors driving automation decisions in 2025
• Why buying for future growth matters more than ever
• Common misconceptions about automation and long-term costs
• Real-world examples of companies accelerating ROI through smart automation

Whether you’re a manufacturer, operations leader, or packaging decision-maker, this episode is packed with actionable insights to guide your automation strategy.

Subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for expert tips on packaging, automation, and manufacturing innovation.