1. I want to let you know that we are changing our 401k providers. We will continue to be with Mass Mutual (soon to be Empower).  The insurance company that manages the 401k will be new as we decided to go with a local provider that has more ability to meet with you regarding your financial planning.   We are excited about this change, and we hope you will be, too.   Small group meetings, as well as one-on-one meetings, will be set up at some time in the next few months

2. We are having a Company Meeting on Friday. It will be at 11:30am for 1^st shift, 3:30pm for 2^nd shift and around 12:30pm for Volk Pack.

3. I have recently had a couple of people ask me why we continue to take orders when we are so over-booked already. This is a long and complicated situation, but the basic answer is that we are not.   Our sales reps are being very careful with regard to taking on new business.  We are also taking many steps to figure out how we can service the long-term and loyal customers that were instrumental in getting us to where we are today.  As the old cliché goes, “We have to dance with the one who brung us.”  I hate turning away business, and my sales reps would wholeheartedly agree, but right now it is something we feel we must do.  Last week I had a customer offer us $5 million in sales, and it was all easy-run, profitable flexo business.  He was offering us 7 to 9 trailers per week, yet I said no.   It still pains me, but I know it was the correct decision for our company right now.   I may be begging to have that opportunity back when the economy crashes, which it inevitably will do if inflation continues.  Unfortunately, that business will be comfortably in someone else’s plant who and no longer available to us.   Additionally, I have shut the Canadian brokers off for new business. It is disappointing to reject work, but it is necessary currently because what we are doing now is not working for anyone.

I appreciate all your hard work, dedication and commitment and, I promise you, I am doing everything within my power to improve our situation regarding lead-times, labor, and space.   None of these solutions will be evident overnight so please be patient with me.

Thank you.