AIP recognises 125+ years of service

Five members of the packaging industry who have cumulatively contributed more than 125 years of service to the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have been recognised for their work by the AIP.

The five packaging industry veterans are:

• Peter Hull MAIP, Technical Manager, Ardagh Group
• Gregory Johnson MAIP, Product Development Manager, Visy Board
• Mitchell McDonald MAIP, Key Account Manager, Amcor Flexibles
• Andrew Preston MAIP, Appointments Group
• Tony Whelan MAIP, Regional Sales Manager, Ulma Packaging

Starting in the packaging industry in 1986 for Leigh Mardon Flexibles in Sydney, Whelan worked with a very young George Ganzenmuller FAIP. When asked what has changed in the industry in the last 25 years, Whelan says he has seen significant improvements in the quality of packaging equipment being produced.

Tony Whelan with Michael Grima.

“With improved health and safety requirements of today’s customers, packaging machinery is increasingly exposed to aggressive cleaning processes and must be able to withstand exposure to a wide range of cleaning agents. Some of the equipment being manufactured today is almost submersible,” Whelan said.

“Having worked in the packaging industry now for 28 years, I would invite everyone to be a part of the AIP in some way. The AIP has always been about the monthly meeting and the chance to catch up with colleagues and meet new people.

“Training and education like the AIP provides our industry is critical in our industry today. Every company involved in packaging food items should have a qualified packaging professional working for them.”

When asked what advice he would give the people just starting out in the packaging industry, Whelan said: “If you are asked to do anything in an organisation and you don’t know how to do it, say yes anyway and then then learn what to do as quickly as you can.”