Branded, versatile packaging system replaces cardboard

SIW Windows and Doors offers a complete line of hurricane impact-resistant aluminum windows and doors. In 2002, the company opened a new manufacturing plant in Delray Beach, Fla., and products are sold and shipped throughout southwest Florida, including Miami, Palm Beach and Broward County. After improving its packaging, the company reduced product damage while presenting a more appealing product.

Previously, the company used non-branded corrugated packaging that adversely impacted consumer confidence and occasionally resulted in product damage in transit. The company considered an edge-protection solution with single-piece construction that can be formed into a variety of widths and leg lengths.

Abe Lopez, president and CEO of SIW, decided to take it one step further and use a three-sided edge protection solution (Great Northern Laminations). To achieve a variety of sizes, workers can fold the packaging along scored lines and it is ready to use. Products can also easily stack one on top of another to use space efficiently and optimize transport costs.

The new packaging is also branded with the SIW logo to set their product apart from others. “Now our packaging sets the tone for our quality product,” Lopez says. “Customers can clearly see they’re getting the best hurricane impact resistant windows and doors available in the marketplace.”

The supplier’s team was very knowledgeable and knew the right expert to call in to discuss his needs, Lopez says.

“We appreciated the fact that they came in to actually see our products and talked with us about what we wanted and needed,” he adds. “Then they made a recommendation that was well-suited to our situation.”

Lopez says the transition to the new packaging was simple and continues to work well. “My employees like how easy it is to use and work with,” he says. “In some cases, they combine it with corrugated under the edge protection as an added cushion, and then strap the whole thing together. It also helps us keep freight costs down, which we appreciate, as do our customers.”