inperson
George Prest is the chief executive officer of MHI, the nation’s largest material handling,
logistics, and supply chain association. In addition to promoting the industry, MHI also
organizes the ProMat and Modex trade shows. Prest has more than 30 years of experience
in the material handling industry. Before joining MHI, he was the CEO of Prest Rack Inc.
Prest is a graduate of the University of Arizona. He recently spoke with DC VELOCITY
Editorial Director David Maloney.
George Prest
of MHI
industry reports, and the rise of digital supply
chains only exacerbates this issue. Technologies
like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIo T) are supplementing and augmenting human roles in areas
like data analytics, supply chain planning, and
order and inventory management. A highly
skilled and increasingly “digital” supply chain
work force will be needed to implement these
technologies. MHI has been focusing on programs to educate young professionals, women,
and other constituencies about the great job
opportunities in this industry.
Q: WHAT DOES THE INDUSTRY NEED TO DO TO
ATTRACT MORE WOMEN TO THE PROFESSION?
A: Some possibilities include getting more
girls involved in STEM (science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics) programs and
more young women involved in career and
technical education and university-level programs. However, I think it starts at the top
and leaders need to make a conscious effort
to promote more women to executive- and
board-level positions so women can see themselves in our industry.
Q: HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRY
ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS MHI?
A: MHI’s mission is to deliver member value
every day. Organizations like MHI are only as
strong as our member base, and we have to
deliver tangible value to them. As long as we
continue to do that, I believe that the future of
trade organizations like MHI is very bright.
Q: THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME TO BE
IN THE MATERIAL HANDLING INDUSTRY.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE
BUSINESS SINCE YOU TOOK OVER THE
REINS OF MHI?
A: The pace of material handling and
supply chain innovation has been
truly astounding, and it’s creating
real and measurable competitive
advantage. E-commerce retail is a
big driver of this innovation as it
fuels the need for speed, accuracy,
and efficiency in supply chain operations. What we are seeing as
a result is more interest in robotics, automation, and other digital
supply chain solutions as a means to reduce operational costs and
delivery times.
Q: YOU JUST COMPLETED A SUCCESSFUL PROMAT SHOW IN CHICAGO. TO
WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE SUCCESS OF THIS EVENT?
A: The continued success of ProMat, and of Modex, is a testament
not only to the strength of our industry but also to the MHI team’s
commitment to offering a best-in-class supply chain solution
experience. MHI is committed to creating the best environment
for exhibitors to showcase their cutting-edge solutions and to
constantly improving the educational and networking opportunities these expos offer. This strategy has paid off in the quality
and quantity of the expo attendees, which keeps exhibitors and
attendees coming back year after year.
Q: IN YOUR RECENT MHI ANNUAL INDUSTRY REPORT, YOU CITED A
GROWING LABOR SHORTAGE AS A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR THE INDUSTRY. HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM?
A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 7 million jobs available and only 6 million people looking for work. The
talent gap has been the common thread of the last six MHI annual
In our continuing series
of discussions with top
industry executives,
George Prest talks about
the sweeping changes
facing the material
handling industry and the
role of groups like MHI.
