ARLINGTON, Va. – The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (P.M.M.I.), producer and owner of Pack Expo, and the American Meat Institute (A.M.I.), sponsor and producer of the International Meat, Poultry and Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition, announced a new strategic partnership.

Although details of activities are in the planning stages, P.M.M.I. and A.M.I. are discussing ways to address mutual concerns such as safety standards and issues related to meat packaging and processing.

As part of the agreement:

• A.M.I. will participate in P.M.M.I.’s Allied Association Program, and will exhibit at Pack Expo International 2010 (Oct. 31–Nov. 3, McCormick Place, Chicago), and promote the event and A.M.I. participation to its members;
  
• P.M.M.I. will exhibit in the 2011 A.M.I. International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention & Exposition (April 11-13, 2011, McCormick Place, Chicago), and promote its participation to P.M.M.I. members; and
  
• To better serve the two groups, P.M.M.I. and A.M.I. are also discussing conducting jointly sponsored programs at their respective events.

"This partnership is very natural, a great fit," said Charles Yuska, P.M.M.I. president and chief executive officer. "That’s especially true now that we’ve added processing solutions providers to the P.M.M.I. membership and the Pack Expo exhibitor base. Clearly, this stronger relationship between A.M.I. and P.M.M.I. will be mutually beneficial."

"P.M.M.I. and A.M.I members’ interests and concerns overlap in many places," said J. Patrick Boyle, A.M.I. president and c.e.o. "Working together, we can accomplish great things for both groups and the industries we all serve."

There are three categories of A.M.I. members: Packers and processors of meat and poultry; suppliers to packers and processors; or they are otherwise involved in the meat and poultry industry.

"P.M.M.I. members make roughly 60% of their sales to food manufacturers," Yuska said. "So it only makes sense that A.M.I. and P.M.M.I. sit down and strategically consider mutual issues. We’re looking forward to working together to better serve our members."