Insights from Paul Kovie, VP of National Accounts at 48forty Solutions
The supply chain continues to evolve, and businesses today must be able to adjust quickly. Flexibility, speed to change, and speed to market are becoming more important every year. In the conversation below, Paul Kovie, our VP of National Accounts, shares his perspective on how companies can strengthen their supply chain strategies as they prepare for 2026.
How Companies Can Prepare Their Supply Chain for 2026
When it comes to supply chain readiness, companies are focusing on having committed and reliable suppliers. That includes product availability, supply chain security, and supply chain flexibility.
Successful companies understand that their supply chains are not fixed; they need partners who can flex up and flex down with their needs. That applies to everything from packaging to warehouse space, and planning for that flexibility is becoming a priority.
How 48forty Solutions Helps Companies Stay Agile
At 48forty Solutions, we recognize the critical importance of supply chain agility to our customers' success. We are uniquely set up to support clients through spikes in demand, shifts in customer bases, and ongoing changes within their operations. As the largest pallet recycler in North America, our extensive geographic footprint enables us to service clients locally through facilities located across the United States.
And when inventory needs to move, we do that every day. Our scale and network help ensure customers have the pallets they need, when and where they need them.
How Companies Can Navigate Supply Chain Challenges
Companies that successfully navigate supply chain challenges tend to have one essential practice in common: pre-planning. They take the time to understand their supply chain, map it out, and identify areas of risk so they’re prepared when disruptions occur. While day-to-day challenges always demand attention, the companies that manage uncertainty most effectively are those that think ahead and create plans for potential issues.
Regardless of what happens in the stock market, with the Fed, with the presidential election, we have people that need products. We need to move food, we need to move the different things out there. We still have a housing demand regardless of where the interest rate is. All of those things are gonna create a need to, for the supply chain to continue to move.
One Piece of Advice for 2026
We've seen 2025 bring both challenges and opportunities, and we expect more of the same in 2026. One piece of advice is to build flexible production capacity. Companies that are positioning themselves for success are securing flexible warehouse arrangements, allowing them to scale up or down as needed. The same principle applies to pallets; flexibility is crucial throughout the entire supply chain.We would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you, learn more about your supply chain, and talk about your opportunities and challenges. Together, we can explore how 48forty can support your needs as you plan for 2026.