Plant Managers Training Course
on Weights & Measures
The LINQ Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
August 24, 2022

Download a meeting registration form: CLICK HERE

Who Should Attend

• Every plant manager of a mulch and/or soil packaging plant should attend this program.
• Company owners not familiar with weights & measures and package labeling regulations should attend.
• Company quality control managers and packaging line supervisors should attend.
• MSC members and non-members may participate.
• Everyone is welcomed to participate.

Course Objective

This course will instruct program participants on the requirements for compliance with W&M regulations, inspection procedures, test protocols, package variability, target fill setting, inspection penalties, bulk product guidelines, equipment impacts, BMPs, and product labeling. An inspection demonstration of current NIST Handbook 133 test procedures will be conducted.

Course Overview

• In 2018, major updates to the mulch testing protocols in NIST Handbook 133 were adopted.

• In 2019, a series of 6 training videos on checking net contents of packaged mulch and soils were prodced by MSC and NIST for state inspector and industry training.

• Where NIST historically offered traing on mulch inspections once a year, it now provides continuous training of state inspectors via online instruction; so, increased training of state officials is likely to trigger increased inspections using the updated test protocols.

• Industry knows proper product packaging is necessary to maintain a fair and competitive market. Now is the time to make sure you know what to do in a plant inspection.

• Under-filled product packages represent a significant liability to manufacturers for lost profits, state penalties, off-sale products, disruption of business and lost customers -- You Can Even Go To Jail!.

• In the current difficut labor market, company turnover and loss of experienced managers can be a significant problem.

• If your company is not prepared for a major round of state compliance inspections, immediate action is recommended. You must begin updating practices and training of plant personnel immediately.

The MSC Weights & Measures training course is the first step in a major, nation-wide campaign to assure package compliance and a level playing field for fair competition!

The MSC is presenting this special course on W&M practices and procedures for new plant managers and anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge on this critically important issue.

Full Meeting Registration

All advance registrations must be accompanied by the appropriate registration fees to be eligible for the registration discount. Registration fees cover attendance for all meetings and coffee breaks. Entertainment and tour fees are additional. Lodging is not included in the registration fees.

Non-Member Participation

Participants from non-member companies are welcome to attend the meeting and all functions. Non-member participants may attend one association meeting as a first-time registrant and are entitled to the member registration rate. Participation at a second meeting as a non-member is permitted at non-member registration rates. Attendance at additional meetings is by special invitation.

Cancellations & Refunds

Requests for cancellation of meeting registration or guest tickets must be received in writing at the MSC office. Cancellations received by August 5, 2022, will be subject to a cancellation fee of 25%, which will be deducted from the refund. No refund will be made for cancellation requests received after August 5, 2022.

Limits of Liability

The planners and sponsors of the MSC Plant Managers Trainng Course on Weights & Measures and any associated events claim no liability for the acts of any supplier to this meeting, nor for the safety of any attendee while in transit to or from this event. Attendees who purchase non-refundable airline tickets do so at their own risk. In the event of meeting cancellation, the total amount of liability of the planners and sponsors will be limited to a refund of the registration fee. Submission of the registration form acknowledges acceptance of these provisions.

Join the Mulch & Soil Council & Receive an Immediate Discount

Non-members of MSC may join the Council at any time prior to the Annual Meeting and receive an immediate discount on the registration fee. For information on becoming a member, contact the MSC office at (806) 832-1810










Event Program
Wednesday, August 24

7:15a - 8:00a Continental Breakfast - Spronsored By LOADSCAN
8:00a - 8:45a NIST Regulations - Product Definitions, Method of Sale, Average & Individual Package Requirements, Sampling Plans, Test Procedures, Inspection Lots, Random & Alternative Package Selection, Test Container Specifications. Instructor: Robert LaGasse, MSC, Shallowater, TX
8:45a - 9:15a Penalties and Alternatives- “Off Sale” & “Removal” Orders, Criminal & Civil Penalties, Detention and/or Arrest, Customer Disruption, Media Coverage & Brand Credibility, WAMIS Listing, Re-labeling, POP Signage, Discount to Packaged Quantity. Instructor: Robert LaGasse, MSC, Shallowater, TX
9:15a - 10:00a Inspection Guidelines - Manufacturer’s Responsibilities, Inspector’s Responsibilities, Retail Vs. Plant Inspections. Instructor: Robert LaGasse, MSC, Shallowater, TX
10:00a - 10:15am Break
10:15a - 10:45a Package Test Demonstration - Mulch & Soil Product Fill Test Demonstration, Reading & Recording Data. Instructor: Shelli Williams, MSC, Shallowater, TX
10:45a - 11:45a Bulk Mulch Volume Principles & Practices - Issues with Bulk Loads, Determining/Documenting, Loading Procedures, Customer Education. Instructor: Don Dugger, ScottsMiracle-Gro, Lawrenceville, VA
12:00p - 1:00p

Working Lunch Sponsored by KOMPTECH AMERICAS

1:00p - 1:45p Determining Target Fill Level - Product Variability, Test Results on Mulch Run, Test Results on Soil Run, Target Fill. Instructor: Dr. Bill Fonteno, Emeritus Professor, NC State University
1:45p - 2:45p Equipment Effects - Product factors & effects, packaging materials effects, equipment operations and handling impacts (conveyors, dosing, filling), automated vs manual systems, testing & validation, maintenance schedules and effects, production tracking, personnel safety and staff training. Instructors: Randy Kimmick & Jeff Conrad, Hamer-Fischbein Div. of nVenia, Plymouth, MN
2:45p - 3:00p Break
3:00p - 3:45p Best Manufacturing Practices - Setting Equipment, Determining Bag Size, Setting Line Speed, Quality Control Testing, Operator Training, Setting Lot Criteria and Lot Numbering, Record Keeping, Plant Inventory Control for Inspections. Instructor: Dr. Bill Fonteno, Emeritus Professor, NC State University
3:45pm - 5:00p Labeling Guidelines & Issues - What managers and designers need to know about package labeling laws to avoid fines and product "stop sale" penalties. Instructor: Robert LaGasse, MSC, Shallowater, TX
5:00p Course Ends
Registration Fees Members = $349/person / Non-Members = $550/person

Download a meeting registration form:
Plant Managers Training Course Registration Form.







Hotel Information

The LINQ Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
August 24, 2022

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel & Casino is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its budget friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, The LINQ Hotel & Casino makes it easy to enjoy the best of Las Vegas. During your stay, take advantage of some of the amenities offered, including room service and a concierge. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as The LINQ Promenade (0.2 mi) and Mirage Volcano (0.3 mi), guests can easily experience some of Las Vegas' most well known attractions. Las Vegas has plenty of cafes. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Grand Lux Café and Bruxie, which are serving up some great dishes. Should time allow, High Roller, The Strip, and Bellagio Fountains are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or both, The LINQ Hotel & Casino is sure to make your visit to Las Vegas one worth remembering.

A special block of rooms has been set-aside for MSC meeting participants. The preferred guest rate for MSC members is: $72.95 (+tax)/night. The deadline for discounted room rates 
and space availability is when the block is filled or August 1, 2022 - WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

Space is limited! You will be sent a hotel reservation link as soon as your training course registration is comfirmed.

More general information about The LINQ Hotel is available at: HOTEL INFO

Join Us In Las Vegas!