Coast Packing's Cameron Hensley Named to IPPE’s Sixth Annual Young Leaders ‘30 under 30’ Program

Affirming that youth will be served, IPPE has recognized Cameron Hensley, Plant Engineer for Coast Packing Company, as part of its Sixth Annual Young Leaders “30 under 30” Program, the company announced today.  Hensley, 28, of Hermosa Beach, is the first Coast Packing employee so honored.

Coast is the West’s largest supplier of healthy animal fat shortenings.  Hensley is responsible, among his other duties, for the design and installation of equipment within Coast’s growing facility.

The 2018 IPPE — the International Production & Processing Expo — was held in Atlanta from Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.  IPPE is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).  The event drew more than 30,000 attendees.

According to IPPE, the “30 Under 30” program seeks to “engage and invest in the next generation of young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 29, who work for companies directly involved in the production and processing of poultry and meat or in the production of animal or poultry feed.”  Candidates typically lack the resources or opportunity to attend IPPE, which provides additional technical education and training in the recipient’s chosen field.  Finalists are selected by a panel of industry professionals.

“I was totally surprised to receive this recognition,” Hensley said.  “This is a vast industry, there’s a great deal of talent in my age bracket, and IPPE is the largest trade show of its kind.  It helps solidify the fact that I’ve made great career choices, and that I’m working for wonderful company in an outstanding environment.  I’m eager to learn more, to contribute to the company and help both me and the company grow.”  Hensley is currently Plant Engineer but will soon be transitioning to Maintenance and Engineering Manager.

“Millennials are making their mark throughout the economy, so it’s fitting that this major consortium within the foodservice industry is cultivating tomorrow’s leaders today,” said Eric Gustafson, Coast Packing CEO.  “The ’30 Under 30’ program not only exposes emerging leaders like Cameron to the latest technology, but also enables them to attend valuable educational programs to assist in their leadership development.  We at Coast could not be more proud of Cameron.  He’s the very definition of a rising star.”

The International Production & Processing Expo is the world’s largest annual trade show involving the production and processing of meat and poultry products and the manufacture of feed and pet food products.  IPPE brings together three shows – the International Feed Expo, the International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo – representing the entire chain of protein production and processing.  AFIA is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers.  NAMI is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry.  U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is an all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today’s poultry industry.

About Coast Packing Company

Now marking its 100th year in business, Coast Packing Company (www.coastpacking.com), a closely held corporation, is the number one supplier of animal fat shortenings – particularly lard and beef tallow — in the Western United States. The company sells to major manufacturers, distributors, retailers, smaller food service operations and leading bakeries. The company participates actively in diverse ethnic markets – from Hispanic retail chains, with its VIVA brand, to various Asian specialty markets. Based in Vernon, Calif., Coast Packing Company is regional, national and, increasingly, global. In some cases, supplier relationships are multigenerational, extending back 50 years and more. Coast is a founding member of the Healthy Fats Coalition (https://www.healthyfatscoalition.org/).

For more information about Coast Packing Company, visit: www.coastpacking.com. Follow us via social media on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coastpackingco, Twitter @coastpackingco and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/coastpackingco.