Meet the Team: Chris Robertson – General Manager at Inovar Packaging Group -Newburyport, MA

For the past five years, Chris Robertson has been a driving force at Inovar’s Newburyport facility, bringing his problem-solving mindset and leadership to his role as General Manager. Starting as the Production Supervisor in Newburyport, MA, Chris’s dedication and expertise quickly led to his promotion to General Manager. With a deep fascination for the label and packaging industry, he’s especially passionate about watching a concept take shape and move through the entire manufacturing process.

For Chris, the allure of the packaging industry lies in the complexity and precision of the machinery that brings labels to life. “I find the machinery fascinating, especially when you consider that someone invented the equipment you’re using to print with. The constant improvements to design allow us to produce faster and better products for our customers,”.

One of Chris’s standout projects involved working closely with major food producer. His Newburyport team collaborated with Precision Label, a part of Inovar Packaging Group, to ensure label consistency across different production locations. “It was challenging but rewarding to align our work with Precision Label to create matching labels,” underscoring the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in the industry.

Chris values Inovar’s unique culture, which balances independent decision-making with the support of a larger organization. “One of the things I appreciate most is that each business unit can run independently, making the best decisions for our customers, while still benefiting from the buying power, capital investments, and manufacturing support of a larger entity”. Chris sees this balance as a win-win, providing customers with the attention of a small company backed by the resources of a larger organization.

When it comes to problem-solving, Chris is proactive and collaborative. He believes in weighing pros and cons and considering input from his team before making decisions. “There’s no such thing as a perfect day in manufacturing, so it’s essential to be prepared and make choices that minimize issues”. For Chris, problem-solving is both a daily challenge and a way to continuously grow as a leader.

Chris’s first job was as a waiter for a catering company, though he notes his later job as a lifeguard taught him more. “Being a lifeguard taught me to pay attention to small details, a skill that can be life-saving in that role”.

If given the chance to switch jobs for a day, Chris would love to try his hand at writing a novel as Stephen King. “I’m a big Stephen King fan, and it might be fun to work on his next great story”.

A fun fact about Chris? He originally pursued a career in teaching as a History/English major in college, though his path took a different direction. On his days off, he enjoys disconnecting from the world by hiking in New Hampshire, finding the tranquility of the woods to be a rare escape from today’s fast-paced world. If he could have dinner with any historical figure, Chris would choose Abraham Lincoln, admiring Lincoln’s leadership and resolve during one of the most challenging times in American history.

Chris’s journey at Inovar Newburyport is a testament to his passion for the industry, dedication to his team, and commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.