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Maximise exporting Potatoes with Smart Pack’s Leno Mesh Potato Bags

Are you in the business of exporting potatoes and looking for ways to optimize your packaging costs? Look no further! Smart Pack Limited introduces our new Leno Mesh Potato Bag range, designed to not only safely transport your product from A to B but also help you save money on exporting. In this blog, we will share some valuable tips on how to maximize cost-efficiency while utilizing our new leno mesh bags for your potato exports.

Lightweight Design:

One of the key advantages of our leno mesh potato bags is their lightweight construction. Traditional bags made from heavier materials, such as hessian, can significantly add to shipping costs due to increased weight. Our leno mesh bags are engineered with a lightweight yet sturdy mesh fabric, reducing the overall weight of each bag. This enables you to ship more bags per container, maximizing your export volume without incurring additional freight expenses.

Increased Ventilation:

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of potatoes during transportation. Unlike some more solid bags that restrict airflow, our leno mesh bags feature an open weave pattern that allows for optimal air circulation, as well as, help with shaking of any excess dirt on the potatoes. Improved ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to rot or spoilage. By using our leno mesh bags, you can minimize the risk of product damage, reducing potential financial losses.

Customized Sizing:

Smart Pack Limited understands that every potato export venture has unique requirements. To optimize cost-efficiency, our leno mesh bags can be customized in terms of size and capacity. By tailoring the bag dimensions to match the specific volume of your potato shipment, you can minimize unused space, prevent overpacking, and ultimately reduce overall packaging costs. Our team of experts can assist you in determining the ideal bag size for your export needs.

Bulk Ordering:

Maximize your savings by taking advantage of our bulk ordering options. By purchasing our leno mesh bags in large quantities, you can benefit from economies of scale, obtaining preferential pricing that lowers your cost per unit. Smart Pack Limited values long-term partnerships and is committed to offering competitive pricing for our valued customers.

Faster Processing

Our new leno mesh Potato bags feature a new beige weave that helps your operational team quickly and easily identify the product, speeding up packing and transporting processes. Creating efficiencies in any type of operational process within your business then saves on personnel and freight costs, with the added bonus of increasing satisfaction with your end customers.

Exporting potatoes can be a profitable venture, but optimizing packaging costs is essential for maximizing your profitability. Smart Pack’s Leno mesh potato bag range presents an innovative solution that not only enhances product quality but also helps you save money. With lightweight design, increased ventilation, enhanced durability, customized sizing, and bulk ordering options, our leno mesh bags provide a cost-effective packaging solution for your potato exports. Make a smart choice for your business by partnering with Smart Pack to revolutionize your potato packaging process today.

 

www.smartpack.co.nz | hello@52.65.95.104

06 356 9835 | hello@52.65.95.104
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Multi-use vs. Single-use Bulk Bags: Key Factors to Consider

Multi-use-vs.-Single-use-Bulk-Bags
Multi-use-vs.-Single-use-Bulk-Bags

Bulk bags, also known as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), are large bags designed for carrying and storing large quantities of materials. They are available in different types, including multi-use and single-use bulk bags. While both types of bags serve the same purpose, there are significant differences between them that buyers need to know before making a decision.

Single-use bulk bags, also known as disposable bags, are made of materials such as polypropylene and are intended for one-time use only. They are designed to carry and store bulk materials such as powders, granules, and grains. Once they have been used, they are disposed of and replaced with new ones.

On the other hand, multi-use bulk bags are designed to be used multiple times before they need to be replaced. They are made of durable materials such as woven polypropylene and have a higher capacity to withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Multi-use bulk bags are also referred to as reusable bags, as they can be used several times before they reach the end of their service life.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between multi-use and single-use bulk bags:

Cost:

Single-use bulk bags are generally less expensive than multi-use bulk bags. However, the cost of using single-use bags can add up quickly if they are used frequently. In contrast, multi-use bulk bags require a higher upfront investment but can be cost-effective in the long run due to their durability and reusability.

Environmental Impact:

Single-use bulk bags have a significant environmental impact as they contribute to the growing amount of waste generated globally. In contrast, multi-use bulk bags are eco-friendly as they reduce waste and help conserve resources. They also help reduce carbon emissions as fewer bags are required overall.

Hygiene:

Single-use bulk bags are recommended in situations where hygiene is a top priority. For example, in the food industry, where contamination can pose a significant risk to public health. Single-use bags can be easily disposed of after use, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Multi-use bags require regular cleaning and inspection to ensure they remain hygienic and safe to use.

Storage Space:

Single-use bags take up less storage space than multi-use bags, making them a better option for companies with limited storage space. Multi-use bags require more space for storage as they need to be stored properly to prevent damage and maintain their quality.

Conclusion:

Both multi-use and single-use bulk bags have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on the needs of the user. Single-use bags are a cost-effective option for those who require bulk storage occasionally and need to conserve storage space. Multi-use bags are a more sustainable option for those who require frequent bulk storage and handling of materials. Ultimately, choosing the right type of bulk bag comes down to a careful consideration of the specific needs of the user.

Still unsure which type of bulk bag is best for your business? Get in touch with our team to discuss your specific needs and receive personalised recommendations.
06 356 9835 | hello@52.65.95.104
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How to get more out of your Onion Bags

Smart Pack Onion Bags
Smart Pack Onion Bags

Each year, it’s a given that you’ll use bags to deliver fresh produce to your customers. What you may not realise, is that there are potential gains to be made when it comes to your packaging.

Upgrading your bags doesn’t always mean spending more money, often, it’s about finding efficiencies that save on cost. Below we have a few tweaks you can make, that could be the difference between having less or more in the bank at the end of the day.
  1. Optimise your machinery & bags to achieve higher production output:

Many pack-houses in the industry have invested in high-quality automatic wicket onion bagging presenters. Although there is capital expenditure, your return on investment will be quickly realised by increases in productivity and decreases reliance on labor. To ensure you get the production output you are after on your automated wicket machines, it is important to have high quality wicket bags. Smart Pack’s wicket bags come very well packed in bales to ensure the bags present seamlessly to the machine, maximizing production outputs.

  1. Utilise Full-Graphic Custom Branding (Our design & print service)

Marketing is no doubt a great way to get your bags to stand out. We’ve developed a new design with full-graphic print to help with this and to bring something new and fresh to the industry for your generic bag requirements.

If you are looking to perosnalise your onion bags with branding, contact Smart Packs Graphic Design team who can support you in achieving the desired look and feel. Sometimes it just takes a small tweak, like using high-quality print and the same amount of effort to maximise on this area of your packaging. And at little to no extra cost to growers, it’s a win, win in our books!

  1. Analyze your weave quality:

Are your onion bags under or over specified?

If your bags are under specified, you may see the leno mesh stretching too much. This will cause issues with stacking the bags as the bags will fail to hold their shape. It may also result in damaged onions, decreasing customer satisfaction.

If your bags are over specified, there may be some cost benefits that Smart Pack can assist you with, whilst still ensuring the bag is still fit for purpose. Smart Pack can identify this by analysing both the weight and weave pattern of your current bags.

  1. Consider using non-baffle bulk bags instead of baffle bulk bags:

Are you exporting or packing bags for export to Europe? Many of these are transported in ventilated bulk bags, predominantly with internal baffles. Baffle bulk bags are ideal for this as they hold their form well, however they are considerably more expensive than un-baffled bulk bags.

Smart Pack have developed a new option for un-baffled onion bulk bags. The superior weave on our un-baffled onion bulk bags ensures the bag holds it’s structure and shape when being transported, fits well in the containers and will save you considerably on cost.

unbaffled vs baffled onion bulk bag
unbaffled vs baffled onion bulk bag

 

If you are looking for support on any of the above or if you would like to request samples of our onion bags, talk to the team today – 06 356 9835 | hello@52.65.95.104

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5 ways to be Packaging Prepared for Spring

5 ways to be packaging prepared
5 ways to be packaging prepared

With a lot of the primary sector forecasting and planning for the Spring rush, having your packaging prepared will reduce the risk of unwanted surprises.

Here are 5 important points to consider this season:

  1. No bags – No business – we get this.

With 100’s of customers having to manage seasonal requirements, it’s safe to say we understand the impact it has on your business if you run out of bags. Even if accurate forecasting is a challenge for you, Smart Pack have the systems, capabilities and infrastructure to navigate variances, remove the risk and ensure you’re in safe hands.

Here’s a few things we’re doing to ensure we never run our customers out of bags:

  • Forecasting – Robust analysis of previous seasons actual numbers and collaboration on upcoming trends.
  • Reporting – Detailed real-time reporting.
  • Inventory Management – We’ll customize a plan just for your business to ensure it fits with your cashflow requirements and physical capacity to store and handle the stock.
  • NZ Printing – In-house printing/overprinting service with low MOQ’s and fast turnaround – perfect for those times when you need to launch a new product at the 11th
  • Warehousing/Logistics – We have warehousing right across NZ and Australia to ensure you bags are there when and where you need them.

 

  1. Compliance & Recyclability

With the priority products identified for regulated product stewardship, the recyclability of your on farm-plastics has become more of a priority. Being ahead of the game and knowing the types of bags that are best for these recycling/collection schemes is a sure-fire way to not get caught out. We have been working with Agrecovery to identify the packaging materials and specifications that are most ideal to align with the schemes in place.

Talk to our team today about how your bags may be affected and what you can do to be working towards the future.

 

  1. Packaging Design and Marketing

Design is a crucial part of your packaging, so try to make sure you have covered the following:

  • Labelling – ensure you have the correct labelling of products so that you are compliant with any warnings/regularity requirements.
  • Visual Impact – ensure you’ve maximized on marketing potential – making sure your bags stand out next to competitors in retail situations.
  • Product Differentiation – maximize design elements such as color as product differentiation, so your staff and customers can work quickly and efficiently with your bags.

Our in-house Design team can offer expert recommendations based on your branding and operation to boost your brand through packaging design.

 

  1. Integration with your packing equipment

When was the last time you reviewed your packing/filling processes? We’ve found that even the smallest of tweaks can make a world of difference in creating efficiencies to your operations.

Whether it’s switching a measurement or reducing the specifications, there’s usually a way to improve efficiency. Our SMART360 framework is used by our team to identify opportunities within your packaging processes where we can boost productivity and in turn profitability.

Contact one of the team today for a no obligation SMART360 appraisal.

 

  1. Supply Chain Sustainability

A packaging partner that understands the bigger picture of your business, industry and operation is a huge advantage. Even though you can’t see what’s around the corner, you can have confidence that there will be no risks or surprises with your supply.

Smart Pack has created a well-oiled supply chain network to ensure delivery lead times, quality and reliability never let you down. All our suppliers are taken through a rigorous validation process to ensure we are delivering you the best.

For support on all of the above, contact our team today – hello@52.65.95.104 | +64 6 356 9835

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Considering a switch to Polyethylene (PE) Bags?

The current theme surrounding packaging in NZ is change.

With more of a focus on sustainable products and processes a lot of NZ businesses are looking at further packaging options to match their environmental objectives.
As a packaging partner we are always expanding our offering to accommodate these changes. To add to our recyclable packaging options, we are now introducing Polyethylene (PE) Open Mouth and Valve Bags.

If considering a change to Open Mouth PE Bags, there are a few important areas to be aware of. This is where a packaging partner can help you find a solution for your specific needs, but for now here are some of the main points to preface:

Filling of bags

Filling LDPE (Low density Polyethylene) Bags is very similar to common industrial agriculture bags and can often be completed on existing machinery designed for Woven Polypropylene or Multi-wall Paper bags. However, you may find some LDPE (Low density Polyethylene) bags are not as rigid which means automated machinery may need to be adjusted slightly to accommodate the change in bag material.

Closing of bags

LDPE bags are heat-sealed closed which results in a strong and air-tight seal. Your production targets, and your current equipment will need to be considered to reach your specific output goals. Contact us for a list if automation machinery suppliers.

Stacking

PE bags have lower anti slip properties compared to other packaging therefore may be more likely to move when stacked compared to Woven PP and MWP bags. However, with current technologies there are small changes that can be made to the specification and construction to ensure minimal movement when stacking. It is also recommended, dependant on the product going in the bag, that you add perforations or punch holes so the air can be released as fast as possible to keep a consistent stack pattern.

Bag Construction Types:

Valve PE Bags are also an excellent option for all interested and have a range of options to meet your needs.

Printing

Full-graphic printing can be utilised for optimal branding exposure as well as simple and time-efficient methods such as our in-house flexographic printing (up to 5 colours).

Recyclability

100% recyclable in New Zealand if the bag is thoroughly cleaned out and returned to a facility with recycling capacity.

Cost

The price will typically depend on the construction, material, printing, and quantity of your bags. You can usually see the cost of PE bags sitting between that of WPP and MWP.

Smart Pack are the experts when it comes to PE bags and can cover all the above and more so you  can have confidence when making the switch.

Talk to us today – hello@52.65.95.104 | 06 356 9835 | www.smartpack.co.nz

 

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How optimising your Bulk Bags can save you time and money when exporting

Optimising your Bulk Bags for Export
Optimising your Bulk Bags for Export

Feeling the strain of current freight delays and rising costs? Here’s how you can maximise container space and reduce loading times through optimizing your Bulk Bags.

1. Make sure your Bulk Bags are the right size to maximize on space in the container.

As we all know, the cost of international freight prices are rising therefore it’s important that we utilise any and every space within containers – no one likes paying for air to be transported across the ocean!

For exporting, we recommend a baffle constructed bulk bag as they hold their square shape for maximum utilisation of space and stability when transporting.

When selecting your Bulk Bag size, consider the following points:
  • What is the internal width, length & height of the container being used? A common 20ft container is 5.89m long x 2.35m wide x 2.39m high.
  • Baffle bulk bags will bulge a little bit between the baffles so ensure you run trials or add an additional 20mm on each side for each bag in your calculations.
  • Within the container, make sure the bags are not rubbing against each other as this can result in difficulty loading into the container and material damage caused by friction between the bags.
Circular vs Baffle Bulk Bags
Circular vs Baffle Bulk Bags

Baffle Bulk Bags have a more square look and hold their form well which is why they stack better than Circular Bulk Bags.

2. Ensure your Bulk Bags are manufactured to a high quality to optimize loading and space efficiency.

Not all Bulk Bags are made the same! The quality can make a significant difference to the loading speed and the amount of space it needs within the container.

It’s important to partner with a supplier who you know can supply high quality Bulk Bags that hold their form, to ensure you are receiving bags that meet your specific requirements, every time.

Below are some key points to ensure your bulk bag is fit for purpose:
  • Weave type – Bulk Bags stack, load and transport the best when you have a quality, tight weave pattern.
  • Baffle Specification – The baffles need to be constructed in a way that ensures efficient loading, holds square with a flat bottom and doesn’t grin or open at the seams.
  • Cross Corner Loops that hold their shape – The better quality cross corner loops you have,  the easier it is to pick up and load your Bulk Bags. This reduces people power you need for the job and in turn, reduces the Health and Safety risks of having multiple people involved in the process.
  • Certification – If you are transporting food products, your bags are required to meet the NZ food grade standards. Having supplier that offers Quality Control and Certified Packaging Processes minimizes any risk of thread & material contamination and supply chain mishaps.

Whatever industry you may be in, if you’re exporting product in Bulk Bags, having a packaging partner that understands every part of the process from manufacturing to export, can save you time, money, and stress now and down the line.

Want to explore how you can export your product more efficiently? Get in touch with the team today!

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ISO – what is this?

smart pack iso accreditation/certification

No doubt you have heard of ISO Accreditation/Certification before? – if not, these are global standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
ISO standards cover a wide range of business functions across manufacturing, systems/processes and product requirements to name a few.

Well… at Smart Pack, we continuously strive to be at the top of our game for you and your customers, and our people, without forgetting the importance of caring for our environment. With that top of mind, we decided that we’d do what needs to be done to get the accreditations to match our expectations.

That’s why we did the mahi and got awarded with the relevant accreditations earlier this month.

We are now officially certified by Telarc for the following:

ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management

ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management

ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management

We’re pretty excited with this achievement, once again making us a better company. If you’d like to know more on this, feel free to get in contact with Donna Marshall, who spearheaded these accreditations for us.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
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Every 24 days (or less)

We are pretty aligned with one thing here at Smart Pack… (this time it’s not only our commitment to our customers) but we as a team, believe that true kindness comes through helping other Kiwis in need, and that’s why we created our giving initiative.

We kicked this off last month and thought we’d keep you in the loop because we’re more than just a company that buys and sells things…

So, here’s how it works… every Smart Pack employee selects a NZ charity of their choice that they’d like to give to, and Smart Pack will donate to that awesome cause. *that’s one every 24 days!

If you’re you’d like to see how this unfolds and see who gives to who – follow us here: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram.

In the future, we want to include our customers in this initiative – so keep following our charity drive to see how you can be part of our story, giving back to fellow Kiwis and helping those in need.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
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Then… Now… The Future

new zealand bag and sack supplier

Can you believe it has been six years down the line since we started Smart Pack? We can hardly comprehend it ourselves!

While we spend a vast amount of our time projecting forward, working on business strategies, and all the stuff that comes with it, we often reminisce back to the days when it all started. It is important to maintain the core roots of the business and not forget those truly humble beginnings.

Nothing in principle has really changed since we started. In essence it is all about genuinely helping clients who want seriously good packaging. The advantage with time, comes experience, and we can now back our principals with on-ground knowledge and a seriously loyal and committed team. Everyone here goes the extra mile to help our clients be their best and get the results they want. Bags and sacks might be our business, but it is really about people and performance, energy, and attitude. Every day.

We wanted to share our latest company video, as it is an opportunity to meet the people who bring the vision together, to benefit every client we have.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to see more of what we do.
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Could the functionality of your bags be improved?

smart release™ drawing

So often when visiting various clients, we find them using Bulk Bags that are not ‘fit for purpose’. Most of the time they do not even realise this. The question is what do I need to understand to choose the right bulk bag? Below are some key points to consider to ensure your bulk bag is fit for purpose.

Is the current size/dimensions of your bags correct?

A few centimeters can make all the difference with a bag.

To ensure your bulk bag is the optimal size/dimensions you need to consider the following:

  • What is the cubic density of your product?
  • How are the bags being stored?
  • How are they being transported?
  • What sized pallets are you transporting them on?

Consideration of the above points will help you work out the ideal bag size/dimensions for ease of storage, transportation, best use of container space (if your product goes into containers) etc.

What type and weight of fabric do you actually need?

Often overlooked is the material type and strength required for your requirements. We have found a lot of customers using an over specified or underspecified bags resulting in unnecessary extra cost or poor bag performance.

To ensure your bag has the correct material type and strength, consider the following points:

  • What is the weight of the product going into the bag? – you may require a heavier or lighter duty fabric.
  • Is your product combustible and therefore requires anti-static material to avoid combustion?
  • Is a laminated material or an internal liner necessary to avoid product seepage and/or for moisture protection?
  • Is the weave pattern in the material holding as form stable as you require?
  • Are your lifting loops holding form for ease of use?

Bag Filling & Emptying

Filling

Filling bags can be a pain point if you haven’t got the correct bag top option for your product or bag filling system.

There are two common filling options to choose from:
1. a ‘spout top’ – which is usually sized to fit your bag filling head.
2. a ‘duffle/skirt top’ – this is more of a general top option as it gives scope for a wider range of filling methods.

Ask yourself:

  • Is your current bag filling system working as well as it could be?
  • Do I have the best filling equipment for my requirements?
  • Do my current bags have the correct top construction for your bag filling system?
Emptying

Is it safe and easy for the end-user to empty your bags?

There are multiple options when it comes to bag emptying systems but its a question of what works best for the person who has to empty your bags.

Some points to consider include:

  • Are your workers or customers at any risk when emptying your bags?
  • Do you need a discharge spout on the bottom of your bags? If so, what size does it need to be to allow your product to flow easy?
  • Are the bags being re-used?
  • Could the Smart Release option be best for you?

With health & safety and ease of use in mind, having a safer, smarter and easier to use bag emptying system on your bags could result in an increased demand for your products from your customers.

Think about the end-user, make it easy and make it safe.

Not to be overlooked….

• Do your bags need to be multi-trip (re-usable) or single-trip (one use)?
• Do you need a plastic liner in your bag (particularly for food-grade products, or a product with a high moisture content)?
• Is your product very fine and would, therefore, benefit from having an anti-sift filler cord sewn into the bags seems to stop product seepage?
• Are your lifting loops user friendly – for both the end-user and you?
• Do you require food grade certified bags? – Maybe you think and have been told your current bags are food grade when actually they aren’t. This happens all too often.
• Do the bags need to handle high temperatures without failing?

The team at Smart Pack has a wealth of knowledge about the in’s and outs of bulk bags and packaging in general – in fact, we live and breathe it! So, if you’re looking to reassess your packaging requirements, feel free to contact us and tap into this knowledge because we’re here to help provide packing solutions that are “fit for purpose” for you!

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to see more of what we do.
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Thinking about packaging automation? 5 key things to consider.

automated packing machine

You’d be amazed at the number of conversations we had with people about packaging automation at Foodtech Packtech 2018. It was a hot topic, that’s for sure. Which makes sense given current problems with labour shortages in some sectors and, certainly at the moment, food contamination scares.

With the growing implementation of robotics and automation into production lines, there is the opportunity to reduce costs, provide more consistent quality products and improve profit margins. But just how much automation do you really need on your packaging line? How do you ensure you don’t impact your current operation and customer experience? And how do you know whether it’s time to take the plunge?

We work with businesses all the time who are taking that step. We have found there are some key points that need considering prior to committing to the capital equipment. Here are 5 simple questions worth asking.

1. Could you be selling more product?

Are you struggling to keep up with demand for your product? Or if you could make more product can you secure more sales?

2. Would you benefit from reduced labour costs?

The obvious answer to this question is ‘yes’. The real question is the Return On Investment (ROI)? Sometimes the capital expense is daunting however often once the ROI has been penned on paper it stacks up surprisingly well.

3. What is the cost of the ongoing consumable that is required for the level of automation you are considering?

More often than not, changes in automation require a change to the packaging. With the consumable being the ongoing cost we encourage anyone considering a change to ensure marriage between the machinery and the consumable is considered for the most economic outcome long term. Once the capital equipment has been committed to there is no reverse!

4. Do you have any risks?

With people in the mix, does your product pose any H&S risks? What is the risk of intentional or unintentional product contamination? Could this be mitigated through automation? The answer is yes, more often than not.

5. Are you prepared for the upfront investment?

Packaging automation doesn’t come for free. But your initial investment is only part of the picture. You need to take into account the total cost of ownership. Do some forecasting and calculate how much you will spend if you maintain the status quo versus your estimated future spend if you automate. You’ll soon work out how much time it will take to get a return on your investment (or not).

Always start with your product

Perhaps most importantly, when you’re weighing up your packaging automation options, you need to start with your product. What are the important factors in terms of your product’s shelf life, transport/handling, point-of-sale etc. You need to get the packaging right and match it to the automation process. And that’s where we come in here at Smart Pack.

Our 360-degree service looks at how your packaging fits into the big picture of your business. We are able to customise the design of your packaging to suit the requirements of your product from the production line to the consumer. We work closely with packaging machinery suppliers to ensure you get a product that is right for your customers and your business.

With the increased throughput that packaging automation can provide, storage space, cash flow and lead times can be tricky for any business. To help we offer a tailored inventory management service, where we can hold your product in stock for you and make things run a little bit smoother.

So if you’re thinking about packaging automation, contact us. We will work with you from start to finish to make sure you get the best product for your needs.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to see more of what we do.