Jim Stillwagon Email & Phone Number

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Responsible for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging material specifications, their selection and qualification for use in the production of low acid, acidified, and aseptic food products. Provided technical support and assistance related to packaging materials and system at 9 domestic plants and 3 contract packer locations.* Led project to identify alternative non-epoxy coatings for metal packaging components to address potential consumer/regulatory issues with BPA. Result: Converted baby food closures to non-epoxy coatings and established test protocols, completed test packs, and conducted follow up evaluation for “hard to hold” product categories. * Directed packaging for introduction of new “Value” can size in soup category, established can and end specifications, and commissioned packaging at Mendota and Pittsburgh plants. Result: Created new soup category and met customer pipeline fill requirements.* Qualified new supplier and revised specifications for cans and ends at Dixon, Mendota, Pittsburgh, and Plymouth plants. Result: Realized annual savings of $2,445,000.* Developed new container and closure designs, established qualification protocols, and conducted plant trials at Green Bay and Faison to convert 10 oz., 16 oz., and 24 oz. non–pasteurized pickle, relish, and pepper varieties to PET containers. Result: Addressed consumer preferences and produced annual savings of $1,000,000.* Led or collaborated on various packaging cost reduction projects and initiatives which realized an additional $5,000,000 in savings while at Bay Valley Foods.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Responsible for packaging materials selection, specifications, innovation, and technical service supporting soup, College Inn broth, infant feeding, and specialty dry pet food business units. Project lead /key participant in new package introductions and package innovations.• Qualification of Easy Open Ends for condensed soups with comparative testing of 2 suppliers and multiple process conditions. • Developed retorted microwaveable bowl with EZO film seal for ready-to-serve soup. • Developed and introduced retort pouches for ready-to-serve private label soups and gravy.• Developed specifications and qualification protocol for the introduction of 307 x 407 can size for private label ready-to-serve soup.• Commissioned production of Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) laminate bags with zipper closure for specialty pet foods brands. * Tested and qualified multiple soup cans and end base weight reductions: Result: Realized savings of $270,000.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Responsible for developing and maintaining specifications, providing technical service, and identifying cost savings on packaging materials used with private label and foodservice soups, baby foods, gravy, retail and foodservice tomato products, pickles and vinegar, and single-serve condiments.