A distribution center for an electronic parts manufacturer had been using Storopack’s PaperPlus system to create void fill for its shipments. The company’s decentralized packaging system utilized 12 freestanding single-table top units. The packers pick the parts from racks then transfer them manually to the packing stations.
- Packers picked the parts from racks then transferred them manually to the packing stations
- Unnecessary doubly-ply paper
- Cumbersome to mount the paper
- Expensive packaging operation
- Improved productivity
- Best total cost
- Improved worker safety
- More sustainable solution
- Fewer jamming accidents
The table top is an integral part of the Storopack machine. (The paper roll and mechanical components are mounted underneath.) The crumpled paper is fed up to the packer through a rectangular opening on the table’s surface. Additionally, the paper used with this system was 29.5-inches wide, doublt-ply (30 pounds for each layer).
An IPS Packaging specilaist recommended the Pregis GeoSpeed® Quantum. Having been trained on the features of the new Quantum, the specialist felt that it had multiple benefits over the existing Storopack system and recommended a trial to the customer.
During the first meeting a Quantum unit was demo’d. The company liked what it saw (and the cost analysis was positive) so the decision maker agreed to trial two machines. One unit was freestanding; the second was a table mount.
The packers were extremely pleased with the performance and encouraged management to commit to replacing all 12 units. (Their preference was the table mount.) The Quantum’s design meant that they no longer had to get on their hands and knees to replace heavy rolls of paper or come in close proximity to potentially dangerous moving mechanical parts that were located under the Storopack table.
It was determined that the wide, double-ply paper used on the Storopak unit was "overkill". Performance deliverables could be met by the narrower (12-inches wide), single-ply (30 pound) paper used on the Quantum. Not only was the paper much easier to mount, but the 50% lighter weight made it much easier for the mostly-female packing staff to carry it across the production floor.
The reduction in paper usage improved the company’s expense and environmental footprint. Switching to a thinner, narrower paper reduced costs by 25% or $12K annually and helped conserve a valuable resource.
