President's Column - August 2026
Hello Members and Industry Friends,
I recently had the pleasure of being part of a panel discussion geared toward emerging leaders, the NextGen and those just entering the packaging industry. The focus was on industry associations, what they can provide and how beneficial they can be. Associations play an important role in nearly every profession, whether it is manufacturing, healthcare, education, transportation, packaging or technology. We exist to serve as resources for the people and companies that make up their industries. They are not there to sell a product or promote a particular solution. Instead, their purpose is to educate, connect and help members navigate an increasingly complex business environment.
Information is available everywhere. This is both a blessing and a curse for some associations. I’ve said it here numerous times, a quick internet search can provide thousands of results on almost any topic, which has replaced some of the benefits an association can offer. But there is a difference, we provide trusted knowledge, practical experience and insights that have been developed by professionals who work in the industry every day. We create opportunities for learning that are grounded in real-world challenges and proven solutions.
One of the most important functions of an industry association is education. Markets evolve, technologies advance, regulations change and customer expectations continue to rise. Staying current requires ongoing learning. Associations help bridge that gap by providing training programs, technical resources, conferences, publications and networking opportunities that allow professionals to expand their knowledge and improve their skills.
Equally important is the role associations play in bringing people together. While companies may compete in the marketplace, they often face many of the same challenges. Workforce development, technology adoption, sustainability initiatives and economic uncertainty affect organizations across the industry. Associations create a neutral environment where professionals can share experiences, learn from one another and work collectively toward solutions that benefit the industry as a whole.
Within the diemaking and tooling community, this role is particularly important. The knowledge required to design and manufacture high-quality tooling has been developed over decades through innovation, experience and continuous improvement. Much of that expertise has traditionally been passed from one generation to the next through mentorship and hands-on training. As experienced professionals retire, there is a growing need to ensure that this knowledge is preserved and transferred to future generations.
This is where organizations such as the IADD provide tremendous value. Beyond creating opportunities for networking and professional development, the IADD plays a critical role in preserving and advancing diemaking, converting and tooling knowledge. Through educational programs and sessions, technical resource libraries, industry events, publications and collaboration among members, the association helps ensure that valuable expertise is not lost. It serves as a collection of industry knowledge while also encouraging innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
At the same time, the industry faces another important challenge: attracting the next generation of talent. For many young people, manufacturing careers are often misunderstood. Traditional perceptions may suggest that diemaking is simply a manual trade rooted in the past. The reality could not be more different.
As those reading this likely know, modern diemaking is a highly technical profession that combines engineering, precision manufacturing, advanced materials, automation, digital design tools and increasingly sophisticated production technologies. Today’s tooling professionals work with CAD systems, CNC machining centers, laser technologies, simulation software and data-driven manufacturing processes. The skills required are both technical and creative, blending craftsmanship with innovation.
We know this, but how do we spread the word? This is a story that our industry must continue to tell. The next generation should view diemaking not as a traditional trade, but as a high-tech profession that sits at the intersection of manufacturing, engineering and problem solving. It offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology while making a direct impact on the production of products that consumers use every day.
Industry associations have an important role to play in that effort. By promoting career opportunities, supporting education, connecting students with industry professionals and showcasing the exciting technologies being used throughout the sector, associations can help build awareness and attract future talent.
As industries continue to evolve, the importance of associations will only grow. They provide continuity during periods of change, preserve valuable knowledge, inspire collaboration and support the development of future leaders. Most importantly, they remind us that while companies compete in business, we all share a responsibility to strengthen the industries that support our customers, employees and communities.
I don’t think any of these points are ground breaking or new thoughts. But I write them as a reminder of why we are here and what role the IADD and others can play. The conversation about staffing and resources is almost a daily one. We all face the same issues. Utilize your associations to attract, train and promote our industry. During the panel discussion, that was by far the most common theme, all of us, although in different roles for different associations were simply stating, we are here and we can help. The door is open!
Thank you and all the best,
Rob has 27 years of experience at Bobst, one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. He currently serves as Tooling Director.
Rob is based in Switzerland, with his wife Monica and their children, Leo and Manuela. His older son, Khai is engaged and remains living in New Jersey. Rob enjoys camping and cooking as well as being a full time chauffer to hockey and swimming practices.
He is proof that being one of those “take it apart and see how it works” kind of guys can lead you to a wonderful career, meeting new people and experiencing the world.
The President's Column appears in The Cutting Edge, the IADD's monthly magazine.
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