Packaging sector adapts to pandemic
G. Mondini (UK) has revealed that it has changed the way it operates. Where possible, each department within the business has moved to remote working while it continues to maintain a limited presence at its new facility.
The service arm of its business saw the most dramatic change, with a very high level of resource needed to support its customers.
Creating business activity
Ross Layton, managing director, G. Mondini (UK), told Food Manufacture: “The streamlining of tray formats, generated by retailers narrowing down their number of SKUs [stock keeping units], created business activity for tooling, as well as high levels of service/maintenance to existing tools that had been stored away.”
Multivac UK has revealed that key workers including its team of 51 service technicians continue to provide support to its food customers, with many now being used to provide production cover and support to ensure food shelves stay full.
Its UK manufacturing and refurbishment workshop remains operational, with shifts being used to provide extended hours and worker separation. And in March, it decided to increase its UK spares holding by £1m (now £2.6m in the UK) to deal with any potential spares issues.
Working from home
Jim Campbell, managing director at Multivac, said: “I am pleased to report that Multivac systems and processes are holding up well and those that can work from home are doing so, supported by IT systems that make everyday support to our customers seamless.”
Meanwhile, Robinson Packaging, which produces rigid paper over board items has seen a huge influx in enquiries for its bespoke premium offer, Paperbox, for food businesses.
Chief executive officer Helene Roberts said: “There is a lack of flexibility as shipping times from Asia are now over four weeks, maybe longer as the crisis continues, whereas we can react immediately.
“Many people are not travelling as they would have done to check on quality standards with the overall impact being an influx of orders for us.”
