At PHOENIX, we are always seeking new ways to ignite creativity and encourage the forward-thinking mindset that drives our company’s success. That's why we're so excited to share the highlights of our Innovation Roadshow, where we traveled across Indiana to connect with our talented employees and inspire the next big ideas.
The Innovation Roadshow isn’t just about presenting new concepts. It’s about cultivating a company-wide culture of innovation. We want every employee to feel empowered to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and think about how we can make tomorrow better than today. So far, we’ve had two amazing stops: Greencastle and Bloomington, Indiana.
Stop #1: Greencastle, IN
A key outcome from Greencastle was identifying a communications gap, especially during shift changeovers. The team stepped up with a practical solution by reviving processes that had been discontinued during COVID. We reinstituted structured shift handoff meetings and introduced an electronic notes system to highlight key information for incoming teams. These updates are already making shift transitions smoother and more informed.
The Innovation Roadshow also created space for cross-departmental discussions, something that the daily pace of operations rarely allows. The energy in the room was contagious as teams engaged in ideation sessions that sparked truly groundbreaking ideas. At PHOENIX, we believe that innovation is a mindset found in everyone, no matter their role. Greencastle showed us that when given the opportunity to collaborate, our teams can push the boundaries of what’s possible in packaging solutions.
Stop #2: Bloomington, IN
Our second stop brought us to the Bloomington facility, where the enthusiasm for innovation was equally strong. As in Greencastle, this session focused on fostering collaboration and empowering team members to think boldly about the future.
One of the key insights uncovered in Bloomington was related to plant layout. Employees were spending valuable time navigating inefficient routes to get to where they needed to be. To address this, we are implementing a multi-pronged solution. First, we’ve partnered with a project team from the University of Illinois who will visit the facility to conduct value stream mapping and propose a more efficient layout. Second, we are introducing new technologies to automate some of the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Third, we have added step-over and step-through stairs to create more direct paths through the plant.
These improvements are designed not only to save time but also to provide a work environment that reflects our commitment to smarter, more streamlined operations.
Looking Ahead: Continuing to Drive Innovation Forward
Both stops on the Innovation Roadshow were a huge success, and we are just getting started. Each location has established a sub-committee to keep the momentum going by tracking progress, continuing the dialogue, and developing the ideas that surfaced during the sessions.
Most importantly, the roadshow opened up conversations that were not happening before. It gave team members a voice and a platform to collaborate across roles and departments. By involving everyone in the innovation process, not just the corporate innovation team, we gain a broader and more diverse range of ideas and perspectives.
We are excited to visit our other locations and see even more of our employees engage with our core value of innovation. These events continue to prove that our greatest strength is our people. When we come together and listen to each other, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive PHOENIX packaging toward a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.