Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Costs with Stretch Wrapping Equipment

By Neal Magaziner, Hughes Enterprises

True or False? -- Hand wrapping your pallet loads a multitude of times is the most secure way to prepare your shipments for transportation. Believe it or not, the answer is “False.” The truth is the strength of stretch wrap comes not from the volume used, but from maximizing “material memory” by stretching the wrap to within a few foot-pounds of its breaking strength.

Automated stretch wrapping machines wrap the palletized load to secure it for storage and transportation. Stretch wrappers use exactly the amount of stretch film needed and wrap to a standard tension, every time. As a rule, any company that needs to wrap 15 or more pallets each day can see a cost-benefit from automated stretch wrapping systems.

In addition to saving on the cost of stretch film and reducing the cost of damaged goods, automated stretch wrapping machines increase your shipping operation’s productivity and reliability. They also provide a safer work environment for your employees. Stretch wrapping equipment decreases the risk of injury by minimizing your employee’s physical activity. Most automated stretch wrappers can be operated from an easy-to-use control panel.

Depending on your capacity needs and the level of automation required, automated stretch wrapping machines typically range from $6,500 for semi automatic systems to upwards of $100,000 for fully automated high speed systems.. The decision to automate any process comes down to a combination of quality, safety, ergonomics and cost-benefit analysis. So, check it out — your profit margin could depend on it.

Neal Magaziner is Executive Vice President of Hughes Enterprises, a leading distributor of packaging, labeling, product identification and other automated machinery and related supplies located in Trenton, NJ. More information on the company can be found at www.hughesent.com.