Fran Wlodarczyk Joins Matthews International Corporation’s Board of Directors

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Matthews International Corporation is excited to announce the appointment of Francis Wlodarczyk to its Board of Directors. With over 35 years of experience in industrial automation and working with manufacturers across various industries, Mr. Wlodarczyk brings a wealth of expertise to the company.

Formerly the Senior Vice President of Intelligent Devices at Rockwell Automation, Mr. Wlodarczyk led a multi-billion-dollar global business, overseeing strategic direction, growth, and profitability. Throughout his career, he has held numerous senior leadership positions, specializing in general management, strategy development, sales, business development, and engineering.

Alvaro Garcia-Tunon, Chairman of the Board at Matthews, expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Wlodarczyk’s appointment, stating, “As Matthews continues to evolve, his strategic expertise and deep understanding of the industrial automation industry will undoubtedly contribute to our continued growth and success.”

Mr. Wlodarczyk’s addition to the Board of Directors is the result of a rigorous selection process conducted by Matthews International Corporation. He has been appointed to the class of directors whose terms will expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Matthews International Corporation is a global provider of industrial technologies, memorialization products, and brand solutions. The company’s Industrial Technologies segment focuses on designing, manufacturing, servicing, and distributing custom energy storage, marking, coding, and industrial automation technologies. The Memorialization segment provides memorialization products and equipment for cemetery and funeral home customers, aiding families in their journey from grief to remembrance. The SGK Brand Solutions segment offers packaging solutions and brand experiences to help companies simplify marketing efforts, enhance brand visibility, and provide value.

With a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees across more than 30 countries, Matthews International Corporation is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services. The company remains committed to growth and innovation, driven by advancements in technology and industry trends.

Please note that any forward-looking statements made in this release are subject to risks and uncertainties and should be viewed within the context of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company’s expectations and beliefs, which may differ from actual results due to various factors, including economic conditions, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other unforeseen circumstances. Potential investors and shareholders are advised to review the Company’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved.

For more information about Matthews International Corporation, please visit their website or contact their corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In addition to the information provided in the article, it is worth discussing some current market trends and forecasts related to Matthews International Corporation’s business sectors.

1. Industrial Technologies: The demand for energy storage, marking, coding, and industrial automation technologies is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. This trend is driven by an increasing need for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes, automation in various industries, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to a report by Market Research Future, the global industrial automation market is projected to reach $296 billion by 2025.

2. Memorialization Products: The funeral and cemetery industry is experiencing a shift towards personalization and unique memorialization options. Customers are seeking customized memorial products and services that reflect the individuality of their loved ones. This trend has led to the rise of innovative memorialization products such as themed caskets, biodegradable urns, and virtual memorial platforms. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cremation rate in the United States is expected to reach 79.1% by 2035, indicating the need for specialized products and services in this sector.

3. Brand Solutions: In the era of digital marketing, companies are focusing on enhancing brand visibility and creating meaningful brand experiences. Packaging solutions that are eco-friendly, visually appealing, and aligned with brand values are in high demand. Additionally, companies are leveraging technology to provide interactive and immersive brand experiences to engage consumers. The global packaging industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2020 to 2025, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence.

There are several key challenges and controversies associated with the subjects discussed in the article:

1. Economic Uncertainty: As mentioned in the article, Matthews International Corporation’s business operations are subject to economic conditions, including currency exchange rates and interest rates. Economic fluctuations can impact the company’s profitability and growth prospects, especially in global markets.

2. Regulatory Compliance: The company operates in various countries, which means it must comply with local regulations and standards. Changes in regulations related to industrial technologies, memorialization products, or packaging solutions can impact the company’s operations and require additional investments in compliance.

3. Environmental Concerns: With increasing awareness about sustainability, there is growing scrutiny on the environmental impact of industrial technologies, memorialization practices, and packaging solutions. Companies in these sectors need to address concerns related to energy efficiency, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials.

Advantages:
– With the appointment of Mr. Wlodarczyk, Matthews International Corporation gains a director with extensive experience in industrial automation, which aligns with the company’s focus on providing custom energy storage, marking, coding, and industrial automation technologies.
– The company’s diverse portfolio of business segments, including Industrial Technologies, Memorialization, and SGK Brand Solutions, positions it well to tap into different market opportunities and diversify its revenue streams.
– Matthews International Corporation’s global presence and dedicated workforce across more than 30 countries give the company a broad reach and potentially allow it to leverage market-specific opportunities.

Disadvantages:
– The reliance on economic conditions and factors such as currency exchange rates can pose risks to the company’s financial performance, especially during uncertain economic periods or currency volatility.
– The memorialization industry is undergoing significant changes, with an increase in cremations and a shift towards personalized memorial options. Adapting to evolving customer preferences and market trends requires continuous innovation and investments in research and development.
– The highly competitive nature of the packaging industry and the need for constant innovation to meet customer expectations can present challenges to the company’s SGK Brand Solutions segment.

For more information about Matthews International Corporation, you can visit their website or contact their corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.