Monday, April 7, 2025
The new head of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is Hinton Howell of Hinton Lumber Products. As NWPCA chairman, Howell takes over from Jeff Lewis of Atlanta Pallets and Services. In March, the association held its annual leadership council in Napa, California, where it has elected its 2025–2026 board of directors.
“The wooden pallet and container industry is at the heart of the global supply chain, facing evolving challenges from regulatory pressures to workforce development and emerging technologies,” Howell stated. He went on, “I’m particularly excited about the opportunities ahead, including how artificial intelligence can help our businesses grow and thrive.”
Hinton added, “NWPCA is not only a national leader, actively engaged in Washington, D.C., but also a global thought leader. With members in 41 countries and marketing partnerships across five regions, our influence continues to expand. My experiences visiting pallet mills across Europe, Central America, and South America have given me valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges we face.”
NWPCA President & CEO Brent McClendon welcomed the new leadership team. “Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the wooden transport packaging industry. Their leadership and expertise drive innovation and ensure that NWPCA remains a strong advocate for our members. With our updated strategic plan as a guide, I look forward to working with this outstanding group to advance our industry.”
The individuals mentioned below were elected and re-elected to the NWPCA Board:
Newly Elected:
• Alex Battistella, Embalatec Industrial
• Heather Ross, Atlas Pallet Corp
• Fred Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet
Re-Elected:
• Henry Bowman, C&L Wood Products
• John Dye, James Jones & Sons Pallets and Packaging
• Justin Hegsted, Challenger Pallet & Supply
• Alex Jimenez, Jimenez Pallets
• Bruce Kennedy, PRS Group
• Fernando López Bello, Losifra
• Kate Matz, McVantage Packaging
• Lindsey Snowden, Pallet Logistics of America
The Board Meeting elected individuals to the NWPCA Executive Committee for 2025/2026.
• Hinton Howell, Hinton Lumber Products – Chair
• LeRoi Cochran, Relogistics – Chair‐Elect
• Jeff Lewis, Atlanta Pallet & Services – Past‐Chair
• Scott Vipond, Girard Wood Products – Secretary/Treasurer
• Justin Kamps, Kamps, Inc. – Director at Large
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