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.

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 step.

What you’ll learn:

• Why labor shortages are impacting manufacturing at record levels
• Practical ways automation improves efficiency, quality, and consistency
• How even small businesses can adopt scalable automation
• Real-world examples of companies thriving through automated processes

Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of manufacturing and packaging automation!

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, they explore:

• Why some businesses fear automation (and how to move past it)
• What questions to ask before investing in equipment
• The role of testing and validation in long-term success
• How customer education and honesty are key to smoother automation projects
• What’s next for packaging automation, and how to prepare

If you're looking to upgrade your packaging process, or just want to understand what’s possible, this episode will leave you informed, confident, and ready to take the next step.

Follow, rate, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode!