Haley, you've been Head of TRATON Group Logistics Packaging and Head of Central Packaging for Scania since mid-2024. Previously you were Director of Logistics at International, formerly Navistar. How has your experience there prepared you for your current role? 

At International, I had the opportunity to bring areas in-house that were previously outsourced and connect them together to build up the inbound and outbound transportation department. We developed new ways of working with our partners, created a vision, engaged in meaningful projects, and collaborated to set key performance indicators. We were able to deliver substantial value and have fun doing it. It had a startup feel, because most of the team were new to working together in this way. That's very similar to how we're now approaching packaging and logistics for TRATON GROUP, building up a cross-brand team with a core group mission. 

Portrait Haley Wilson
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Our TRATON packaging strategy will support all group brands as they introduce the TRATON Modular System and common components.

Haley Wilson Head of TRATON Group Logistics Packaging and Head of Central Packaging for Scania Quote

What innovations are you and your team implementing to create an integrated and sustainable packaging network for all TRATON GROUP brands? How do you balance efficiency with sustainability? 

Our TRATON packaging strategy will support all group brands as they introduce the TRATON Modular System and common components by developing and operating common intercontinental and regional logistics packaging networks. This means that we will have universal, returnable, outer and inner packaging assortments for cross-brand, regional logistics operating with a mutual supplier and part base. By standardizing packaging concepts and standards, we can now interact with our suppliers in a unified voice. And we will have expendable, one-way packaging for overseas flows. Environmental studies indicate a breakeven point, both in terms of cost and sustainability, beyond which returning empty packaging no longer makes sense. 

One key innovation is TRATONPACK, a system that will give packaging engineers at all brands the ability to leverage a common interface for developing and aligning packaging concepts. It will also serve as a central hub for all brands to communicate with our suppliers about future packaging needs. This system is already in development, and we will have a minimum viable product ready in the coming months.  

Haley Wilson group photo
As part of their work, Haley Wilson and members of her team hold workshops at various TRATON sites – for example at MAN in Salzgitter, Germany.

How does the introduction of regional packaging assortments help optimize transport flows and what potential savings does this offer the group?  

As we develop a regional packaging assortment with common requirements, suppliers will be able to use our packaging interchangeably for each brand that's located within the region. We can also optimize transport of empty packaging across brands. We’re currently developing the business cases to assess potential savings, expecting at least a 10 percent reduction in empty packaging transportation costs for applicable flows along with part price and packaging handling advantages.  

Are there any other methods such as automation or robotics that you're exploring to optimize costs and processes?  

Within our packaging system, we'll leverage robotic process automation to support engineers as they develop packaging instructions. The system will consider the available packaging assortments and simulate several potential ways to best fill the packaging. This means packaging engineers can analyze myriad different options and select the optimal solutions from both a cost and sustainability perspective. There is also potential to integrate artificial intelligence to further optimize the transportation of empty packaging within this system. 

The workforce in the trucking and logistics industry is still predominantly male. What advice would you give young women aspiring to management positions in these fields?

Be curious, be your authentic self, believe in yourself, and know the value that you bring! At the same time, have the courage to take educated risks. When you see an opportunity that looks interesting and exciting, even if it might not have been part of your career plan or it might not seem like a perfect fit with your background… go for it! Being brave and open-minded can help you grow personally and professionally. Our industry needs more strong, intelligent and experienced female leaders.   

What advantages does diversity bring for the transformation of TRATON GROUP? 

Diversity is essential for our transformation. We represent four unique, amazing brands with team members and production all over the world. As we assess our current ways of working and need to define common principles and methods for the future, conflicting opinions inevitably arise. Rather than allowing our differences to divide us, we see and embrace our diversity as a strength. This requires a respectful, open-minded, humble, team-spirit approach to help us find the best group solutions. Diversity is at the heart of our transformation as we define the future together.  

Haley Wilson and her colleagues in Södertälje, Sweden

What motivates you personally when you start a new workday? Or to put it another way, what drives you?  

I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful, positive impact, both in the lives of the people that I connect with daily and in driving a more sustainable future for the next generation. Working in TRATON Logistics can be complex with a cross-brand, cross-cultural, cross-functional landscape but it is full of potential. And it's fun! And I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the design and the execution of the future TRATON packaging network together with highly knowledgeable, passionate colleagues united around a common goal.