Company profile: Handicare is a global manufacturer and distributor of products that help make the lives of disabled and elderly people, and those that assist them, easier.

The Issue

Handicare had been experiencing several issues with their incumbent packaging supplier. Stock and delivery issues were proving problematic and they were subject to regular price increases. The incumbent supplier even delivered items that weren’t ordered by Handicare – attempting to deliver something every day. This caused problems for the warehouse and was disrupting day to day work at Handicare.

The Handicare team had also been experiencing product quality issues and communication from the incumbent supplier was poor. When these issues came to a head, the Handicare purchasing team got in touch with Network Packaging, to see if we could help.

The Solution

To address the issues Handicare was experiencing, the Network Packaging team spent time at the Handicare site. Over the course of several weeks, key areas for improvement were identified and Network Packaging was able to not only deliver revised solutions but also proved competitive on like for like packaging products. Materials reviewed included:

• Tape
• Bubble wrap
• Strapping
• Foam

The foam packaging in particular involved a lot of development work to ensure the Handicare rails didn’t get damaged and the products were resourced. Plus, as Network Packaging is located close to Handicare, a stock holding and just-in-time delivery service was put in place to alleviate storage issues and provide robust control of stock levels.

The Results

• Saved valuable warehouse space – at least 12 pallet spaces released meaning more room for Handicare product on site
• Increased efficiency – management resource can be directed elsewhere, as stock managed by Network Packaging. New materials also helped improve packer efficiency
• Less intrusion & increased control – the scheduled just-in-time delivery service now means the Handicare warehouse can plan for deliveries and know exactly what’s coming in, so there’s less disruption to operations

What do Handicare say?

“We no longer have to worry about stock levels as our Network Packaging account manager conducts a regular onsite stock take. The team always provide alternative solutions, saving us time and improving efficiency. Overall our operation runs more smoothly and we know that our packaging needs will always be met.

Handicare would most definitely recommend Network Packaging to other businesses as we’ve had a great experience. Our account manager endeavours to solve any issues that arise and goes out of the way to help us.”