Di 10 Sep 2019
'We operate in that world,' says Dennis Groesbeek, director of Meilink. 'The products we package have considerable value and/or great vulnerability. Our packaging is more than a shell. It is part of a complex process and must fit perfectly into the customer's chain. Moreover, the customer has several drivers around the packaging. The ultimate challenge is to bring everything together properly.
Extension
'Industrial packaging is an unknown world for many,' states Rob Jansen Duighuizen, account manager and packaging consultant. 'They are functional and have a high risk of failure. Not only because of the costliness of the product itself, but also because of the level of subsequent damage. The packaged product must arrive at the right place at the right time in the right capacity. Our packaging must be a seamless fit and stable extension for our customer to successfully deliver to their customer. If not, the process can come to a standstill. With potentially far-reaching consequences.'
Fragile
'But to be of substantial importance, we must fully understand the customer's process. However, everything depends on the customer's willingness to share information with us. The more information he provides, the more we can add value. How is the product handled in the factory of issue? How is it transported? By air, where weight is an important factor? Or in shipping containers, where temperature and condensation are important concerns? Where is the factory of arrival? How fragile is the product? How shockproof? It makes quite a difference whether the package is transported on Dutch highways or along unpaved roads in the interior of Brazil. We start working on the technical solution when we have the business aspect clear. Which does not mean that we do not arrive at the best solution even with little information," Dennis smiles.
Pretty spicy
'We always try to make packaging as simple as possible, even though we face a broad spectrum of challenges. For example, the conditions of delivery can be quite challenging. For example, we had to deliver very expensive designer frames four-high to our client's customer. In downtown New York. Transport via elevator was not an option because it was too small. In such a situation, it comes down to creativity and expertise. Volume is a more mundane challenge. Empty packaging is useless volume. That's why we try to apply the plano-tobox concept. The packaging goes flat to the customer and is assembled there. It saves costs and reduces transport costs. Favorable transport dimensions, shorter packing time and fewer additional resources are also factors that weigh heavily when developing a packaging concept. 'That's what makes the work so fascinating,' Rob says enthusiastically. 'Nothing is the same.'
Challenge
'Of a different order is the challenge of having all parts of the packaging available at the same time of production. Our customer must not notice that we are dealing with different materials from different suppliers with different delivery times. We have to make sure that everything is there on time. If the customer comes up with different requirements after the first fitting test, we look together at how it can be done faster, cheaper, smaller, more manageable or smarter. Because we know the customer and the process well, we always come up with a good solution.'
Years of commuting
'We try to be as sustainable as possible,' agrees Dennis. 'The raw materials of our packaging are from certified wood and cardboard, sourced from sustainably managed forests. The packaging itself is sent so, of course, it is not sustainable to retrieve the packaging. We inspect and possibly repair the packaging for reuse. There are also the shuttle packaging. These shuttle back and forth between two locations and are designed to be quick and easy to use at both locations. Some commute for years, maintaining the original packaging needs.'
Special asset
'The fact that we can take care of the entire chain has made us the market leader in the Benelux and among the top internationally,' Dennis concludes. 'With the Meilink Chain Solutions we are unique. With our subsidiary IPS Technology, we also have a special asset. In an ISTA-certified test environment, we can have prototypes of innovative packaging tested and certified in Eindhoven. That makes us the designated partner for a broad spectrum of companies.'
'In 1874, Meilink and Van Dassen Steam Sawmill and Wood Sawmill was founded. So in September the company celebrates its 145th anniversary. We are going to celebrate that in a big way. Together with our 300 employees we will make it a smashing celebration in Borculo. How do we see the next 145 years? Continue doing what we do best: packaging and transporting the unusual in an effective, appropriate and budget-friendly way. Even to the other end of the world. Any challenge, any time," Dennis Groesbeek says enthusiastically.
Text: Gerda Baeyens
Photography: Marjo van de Peppel
