Timber crates are one of the most common packaging methods available to manufacturers and distributors. However, some manufacturers are making some mistakes that could be causing them to lose money unnecessarily. This article discusses some mistakes that people who would like to open manufacturing plants should avoid during the packaging of their products in timber crates.

Mistake 1: Building Timber Crates In-House

Some manufacturers may think that it will be more cost-effective to fabricate their own timber crates instead of sourcing them from an external supplier. However, it may not be advisable for you to start making your own timber crates for several reasons. First, timber crate fabrication is a complex manufacturing process in its own right. You will need to set aside space, personnel and time in order to engage in all the different activities, such as buying raw materials and ferrying away waste that are connected to making timber crates. It is much better to focus on your core business of manufacturing your products so that your attention isn't divided between making your products and making the timber crates.

Mistake 2: Not Customising the Base

Never be mistaken into thinking that all timber crate bases are the same. Such a mistake may lead you to incur losses when your products are damaged once the base of the timber crate is unable to protect them adequately during transportation and distribution. For instance, an inappropriate base may cave in as a forklift lifts the crate. It is therefore very important for you to work with an experienced timber-crate design team so that the bases of the crates that you use are customised for your product and transportation needs. For example, steel reinforcement may be used to strengthen the bases in case your products are very heavy.

Mistake 3: Not Upgrading Your Crates

Different timber crate manufacturers keep coming up with a variety of upgrades that improve the functionality and longevity of those crates. For instance, you could add link locks so that your employees do not injure themselves as they open the crates. The link lock is in the form of a latch that doesn't have to be nailed shut once the crate is loaded. Such upgrades can enable you to get more value from the crates because less time will be spent during the packing or unpacking of products.

The mistakes above can be identified if you develop a close working relationship with a timber crate manufacturer. Such an expert will keep giving you the latest information about the innovations that can help you to get more value from the packaging solution. 

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