As a long-time supporter of FIRST, the PMMI Foundation was invited to join this partnership due to its substantial contributions through the PMMI U Skills Fund.

Herndon, Virginia; April 2, 2025 — The PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is proud to announce its official Alliance Partnership with FIRST. This partnership marks a significant step in PMMI Foundation's ongoing commitment to developing the future manufacturing workforce by supporting hands-on STEM education and robotics competitions.

As a long-time supporter of FIRST, the PMMI Foundation was invited to join this partnership due to its substantial contributions through the PMMI U Skills Fund. In 2024 alone, the PMMI Foundation provided nearly $300,000 in funding to support FIRST® Robotics Competition teams, empowering students to gain real-world experience in automation, engineering, and problem-solving.

"Our partnership with FIRST aligns perfectly with PMMI's mission to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers for the packaging and processing industry," says Kate Fiorianti, director, workforce development, PMMI. "Through our continued investment, we are providing students with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to explore careers in robotics, engineering, and manufacturing."

As part of this partnership, PMMI Foundation representatives will attend two regional competitions and the FIRST Championship in Houston in 2025, engaging with students, mentors, and industry leaders to further strengthen the connection between robotics and the packaging industry.
FIRST Robotics Competition challenges students to design, build, and program industrial-size robots to perform complex tasks in a competitive setting. These experiences not only enhance technical skills but also foster teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership — essential skills for careers in modern manufacturing.

By becoming an Alliance Partner, the PMMI Foundation is reaffirming its dedication to inspiring the next generation of innovators and ensuring a robust, skilled workforce for the future.
For more information about PMMI Foundation's workforce development initiatives, visit pmmifoundation.org.

About the PMMI Foundation
The PMMI Foundation, a charitable foundation of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, supports packaging and processing education. Its mission is to attract, develop, and retain a workforce for the packaging and processing industry. The Foundation works to raise funds and aid education programs across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit pmmifoundation.org.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media, and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, ProFood World, Healthcare Packaging, OEM, Contract Manufacturing and Packaging, and Mundo EXPO PACK. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market, and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.