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Trade Shows
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Media Group
Packaging WorldThe leading business publication for users of packaging equipment, materials and
Healthcare PackagingThe leading media brand covering life sciences packaging and logistics. Via print and
OEMThe go-to information resource for packaging and food processing machine builders. OEM is
ProFood WorldPMMI Media Group’s newest brand, edited for food and beverage processors. Readers will
Mundo PMMIThe new Spanish-language brand from PMMI Media Group created for professionals who
The official publication for CPA, the Association for Contract Packagers &
Emerging Brands AllianceProviding year-round education, resources, and growth opportunities for high-growth
Board of Directors
Steve Mulder
Steve Mulder
CPG Industry Manager
Rockwell Automation
Hi, my name is Steve Mulder. I'm with Rockwell Automation, and I'm the CPG Industry Manager in North America. I joined the board in Jan. 2021, so I'm just beginning my four-year term. I'm excited to be part of the board and to be able to represent you for the next four years.
Rockwell Automation specializes in industrial automation, so we build a broad array of products that wind up going into many of our member's machines. Everything from controllers to motion products like Servo and AC frequency drives, advanced motion products like independent cart technology and robotics, as well as visualization, push buttons and breakers – and all of the other automation products that you'd need to create a machine.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I got my start in the packaging world almost 30 years ago with Bosch Packaging Technology. It wasn't my specific aim to wind up in packaging; I guess I just got lucky. I went to interview for a job with Bosch in their robotics and automated assembly business. I wasn't the right fit for that job, but they started me in a vertical/form/fill seal facility in Michigan, and I wound up getting hooked. Since then, I've been involved in this industry and enjoy it. I was a packaging OEM for more than 20 years at various companies, building a wide range of different equipment for different segments, mainly within food and beverage. I've been with Rockwell on the supplier side for about seven years, which has been a bit of a turn for me, but it's been fascinating. I enjoy supporting all of our equipment builders within PMMI.
How did you get involved with PMMI?
I first got involved with PMMI when a particular Annual Meeting caught my interest because it was at a company that I admired, and I wanted to know more about them. Once I was there, I realized just how valuable the relationships that could be built through participation in PMMI could be, and the wider array of ways that PMMI could help me in my company's role to succeed.
What’s your favorite PMMI program?
It's tough for me to pick a favorite program or event with PMMI. I would have to say it's two-fold. One is the shows, of course. There's so much excitement at the show around meeting with customers, introducing new machinery, and showing off our member companies' skill sets. I love the energy and the progress that these events continue to show us.
The next thing that I really enjoy is the Executive Leadership Conference. I think the opportunity to get such great content help us in the jobs we do and help us move forward. PMMI does an excellent job with it, especially the networking aspect. Being able to see friends and colleagues and friendly competitors that we've known for years is always a great time.
What are you looking forward to most about serving as a PMMI board member?
What I'm looking forward to the most on the board is combining my 20-plus years as a packaging OEM with the last seven years and bringing those things together and helping serve our members and represent them as best as I can. I think for me personally – the opportunity to work with the PMMI staff, who are just fantastic at what they do in their dedication to us as members, and also my fellow members on the board.