Meet Mohamed El Shami, CSCO at Garlock Flexibles

"I feel supply chain is like the brain of the operations," Mohamed El Shami, CSCO at Garlock Flexibles. With a background spanning chemical engineering, sales, R&D, and operations, Shami brings a comprehensive perspective to the packaging industry that he describes as "the Switzerland of packaging" — where technical expertise meets operational strategy.

The flexible packaging industry faces significant challenges in balancing sustainability with performance requirements. As consumer demands shift toward more environmentally friendly options, manufacturers must innovate with materials like mono-layers, reduced gauging, and post-consumer-recycled content while ensuring products remain functional. For produce packaging specifically, maintaining freshness for perishable items becomes an additional complexity that impacts every aspect of the supply chain.

Garlock Flexibles has built its reputation over nearly 40 years as a leader in the packaging industry, with a particular strength in the produce market where they supply approximately 60% of salad kits and fresh-cut vegetables in the US. With manufacturing sites in Massachusetts and Nevada, the company has evolved from a family-owned business to their current position under private equity ownership. Their journey reflects the larger transformation of manufacturing in America, balancing domestic production capabilities with global supply chain realities.

In This Episode

In this episode, Shami explores how Garlock navigates post-pandemic supply chain disruptions through diversified supplier relationships, implements sustainability initiatives without compromising product integrity, and prepares for emerging technologies like AI-supported equipment. He emphasizes that successful supply chain management requires understanding the entire product lifecycle, from raw materials to consumer experience, while maintaining profitability for both Garlock and their partners. His insights provide valuable guidance for manufacturing leaders facing similar challenges in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Topics

The evolution of supply chain management from pre-COVID to post-COVID, shifting from cost efficiency to material availability and supply security considerations.
How the packaging design process balances product protection requirements with sustainability initiatives like mono-material structures and post-consumer recycled content.
The technology behind flexible packaging manufacturing, including the complex printing and laminating processes that create everyday food packaging products.
Strategies for managing inventory and raw materials for produce packaging, where timing is critical due to the short shelf life of the contents.
The importance of building trust and transparency with both domestic and international suppliers while navigating cultural differences and regulatory requirements.
Key metrics for measuring operational excellence, including overall equipment effectiveness, on-time delivery, and maintaining profitability throughout the supply chain.
How the voice of customer feedback directly influences manufacturing processes and supply chain decisions in the packaging industry.
The anticipated impact of AI-supported equipment on manufacturing operations, knowledge preservation, and attracting a new generation of workers.
The balance between just-in-time production and maintaining safety stock inventory in response to global supply chain disruptions.
Approaches to sustainability that include material innovation, structure simplification, and working within existing recycling infrastructure capabilities.

Get in touch with Mohamed El Shami, CSCO at Garlock Flexibles:

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Get in touch with your host, Kerrie Jordan:

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Trade War Day 1 – March 4, 2025