As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on a year filled with milestones, memories, and growth.
From celebrating two decades of excellence to fostering team spirit and achieving remarkable collaborations, this year has been one to remember.
Here are our Top 10 Highlights of 2024:
This year marked two decades of dedication, innovation, and success at SmartShield Packaging. We celebrated with a special anniversary party filled with fun, food, and gratitude for our incredible team. It was a fitting tribute to everyone who has made SmartShield what it is today.
In October, our annual pumpkin carving contest took creativity and teamwork to new heights. Ten teams competed, crafting imaginative designs like the hilarious “pumpkin birth” scene that won first place.
The event wasn’t just about carving; it was a feast too! With burgers, hot dogs, a toppings bar, our team mate Angie’s famous salads, and seasonal desserts like apple and pumpkin pie, it was a meal to remember. Events like these remind us how important teamwork and fun are to our culture at SmartShield.
We strengthened our partnership with Teledyne FLIR after supporting an urgent drone case project late last year. Their visit in January included a pizza party and shared insights, and we were thrilled to hear their appreciation for our agility and dedication during challenging deadlines.
Andy Reid, Teledyne FLIR’s Supply Chain Director, highlighted the collaboration in his own words:
"SmartShield’s ability to design, build, and deliver a complex drone case within just two weeks was exceptional. Their dedication during the holiday season made a huge difference for our team."
We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with Teledyne FLIR and look forward to many more successful projects together.
In April, our team paused to witness the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse. With eclipse glasses on, we stepped outside to experience this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic phenomenon together, capturing stunning photos and creating unforgettable memories.
At our 20th-anniversary celebration, we unveiled a new profit-sharing program, rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Starting back in July, the initiative ensures that everyone shares in the company’s success, reflecting our commitment to building a rewarding workplace.
This year, we said a heartfelt farewell to Sohail (pictured above) but were excited to welcome many new team members to the SmartShield family. Their addition allowed us to introduce another production shift, enabling us to deliver products to our clients more quickly and improve our overall efficiency.
Here’s Sohail’s goodbye message: ‘The time I spent at Smart Shield has been the best time of my life, and I’m leaving with some amazing memories that I will cherish forever. I may not be able to thank each of you individually, but this message is for every single one of you.’
Although we didn’t introduce new machinery this year, we’ve laid the groundwork for an exciting upgrade in 2025. Our fleet will soon welcome a sleek line of black-and-chrome trucks, showcasing our commitment to innovation and our drive to stay ahead of the curve.
In 2024, our commitment to sustainability continued to guide everything we do and we were proud to help our clients in various industries meet their sustainability goals by offering tailored packaging solutions that help to reduce environmental impact.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to expand our product range with even more sustainable choices, already available and soon to be featured on our website.
From friendly competitions to milestone celebrations, our team has grown stronger and closer than ever. Events like the pumpkin carving contest, the table tennis tournament (currently in the playoffs stage, with the final set for our year-end event), and the anniversary party are great adverts for the camaraderie and creativity of our culture.
As 2024 comes to a close, we're already thinking about the road ahead. We're excited to keep delivering creative solutions, grow our product range, and build even stronger connections with our customers and partners. Here’s to making 2025 our best year yet!
Well, what a remarkable year it’s been! We’re incredibly grateful for the milestones we’ve achieved and the unforgettable moments that have brought our team closer together.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement about new projects, fresh ideas, and our continued commitment to design excellence. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
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