How will the globalization of trade affect the industry in the future?
Biedenbach: Globalization is going to be behind some of the changes I just described (above). Also, international size standardization is coming. Gunilla Beyer chairs the ISO Size Standardization Committee on which Mark White is a member. If those issues ever are finalized it will have a negative impact on the competitive nature of all manufacturers, since one of the strengths of wood over alternative materials is our ability to customize our product. On the flip side, size standardization is going to improve the quality of the product produced. Customers will look at pallets even more as a commodity, which is going to drive the need for manufacturers to get smarter in the way they market their companies. ENTERPRISE: Does the association plan on doing anything different or better next year to improve its services to its members? Biedenbach: This association has a long history of constant improvements. This striving for increased member value started years ago with Bill Sardo. Every yea
