An evening on Sydney Harbour taking in the Vivid light show was a fitting event to farewell former chair, Mark Dingley, and announce the new executive.
Following its meeting on 28 May, the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) board announced Heat and Control’s Robert Marguccio as its new chair.
Marguccio is business team manager – Packaging for Heat and Control and was APPMA’s vice chair. He brings a wealth of knowledge from more than 24 years’ experience in the packaging industry to the role.
The board said, “Throughout his tenure on the board, Robert has been a tireless advocate for the APPMA’s members. His commitment to growth, both within Australia and internationally, has been unwavering. He consistently seeks ways to enhance the industry as a whole and ensure genuine benefits for all stakeholders.”
Fibre King CEO, James Windsor, was elected deputy chair. Windsor has been on the board since 2017 and has more than 20 years engineering and leadership experience in packaging machinery manufacturing for some of Australia’s biggest industries and iconic brands.
Mark Emmett was re-elected as treasurer in December 2023. Emmett has been on the board since 2006 as a strong campaigner for educational opportunities, member services, and industry advocacy.
Dingley had announced his resignation as the APPMA chair and board member at the APPEX gala dinner in April. He had been on the board for 22 years and 14 years as chair.
As those on the boat gathered, Marguccio shared the official figures from the inaugural APPEX, an event Dingley had transformed from Auspack, tripling the size of the expo.
Marguccio said, “There were over 10,500 visitors 430 exhibitors, it was a record number of award submissions this year for the awards of excellence. There were 630 gala dinner attendees, and over 1200 member visits utilising the APPMA lounge for 4000-plus visits, lunch, and refreshments over four days.”
He said, “Before 2018, the APPMA constitution required all board members to nominate for re-election every three years and now it is two. That means during his tenure, Mark was re-elected and endorsed by the board five times.
“Clearly the members in all areas of the board, on multiple occasions, have shown their confidence in Mark to lead the association, and we owe him a huge congratulations and thanks.”
Marguccio recalled joining the board around the same time, when the association had 43 members.
“Today, through Mark’s leadership, the association boasts over 180 members – a great achievement and it continues to grow.”
Dingley said, “I cherish this industry. I’ve certainly grown up in this industry. And I love this industry and love the friends and the colleagues that have grown to love as well through the 22 years of the board.
“So, thank you everyone for sharing this night. It is truly humbling to hear that the words that have been spoken since my announcement at APPEX. From my standpoint, I'm now a bystander, but I really cherish with what we achieved and what the team carries forward.
“I can say to everyone in this in this boat tonight and everyone in the industry. We are in really good hands with a board that is passionate and committed.”
