PMMI (PMMI.org) members this month voted to expand its definition of “General Member” to include companies that manufacture processing machinery in North America. The shift, which is the first change to the General Member category since PMMI was incorporated in 1933, underscores PMMI’s focus on the processing and packaging supply chain.

In 2013, PMMI introduced a new tagline and descriptor, PMMI: The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. In doing so, the association made a statement about the entire packaging and processing supply chain. By expanding the category, PMMI is backing the statement up with action, says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.

“As The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, expanding the General Member category to include North American processing machinery manufacturers is a logical step,” says Yuska, “To support our members and their customers, we must take the same total systems approach they do. It’s the same philosophy that informs PACK EXPO’s customer-centric approach.”

The shift supports PMMI's strategic vision to convene the packaging and processing supply chain, Yuska points out.

 “By combining processing and packaging machinery manufacturers in one membership category, PMMI becomes the only association in North America focused on providing equal resources for business intelligence, education & workforce development, global marketing and trade shows to the entire processing and packaging supply chain,” he says.