Logistics and Warehousing are no doubt the lifeline of any business. The rising demand for quick and efficient logistics services has pushed companies to innovate by leveraging the latest technologies, thus leading them to integrate automation into logistics. Given the massive advantages they offer, logistics and warehouse automation services are in great demand in recent times. Among the horde of companies operating in this space, one company that stands a notch higher than the rest is Signode.
The foundation stone for Signode Industrial Group was laid by Ellsworth E. Flora and his partner, J. Fremont Murphy in 1913 as a seal and fastener company, and was later named Signode in 1916. Today, with its global headquarter in Florida, the Group is engaged in a diverse range of business that include General Manufacturing & Engineering, Distribution & 3PL, Printing & Mailing, Construction, Fiber & Textile, Pharma, and F&B, to name a few. In 2017, Signode became the transit packaging division of Crown Holdings, wherein it involved transport, packaging, and automation of various intralogistics functions.
Today, Signode offers a wide range of solutions and services that include packing, bundling, unitizing, warehousing, and transportation. Additionally, the company also offers a wide range of products in the areas of case packaging, protective material, stapling & strapping systems,
stretch systems, and warehouse automation. Some of the key emerging areas where Signode specializes include Conveying, packing & sorting systems for boxes & pallets, Auto Palletisation systems for single SKU pallets/Rainbow pallets, Multi-deep shuttle-based Automated Warehouse (ASRS) and RGV/AGV systems to connect ASRS with production system & loading bays, to name a few.
“We possess an end-to-end integrated solution capability, right from packing to shipping the goods. Being part of a global company has enabled us to gain easy access to the latest technologies, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure to serve our clients in the best way possible. Additionally, we also have an in-house software team that helps us update our software modules in tandem with the changing market dynamics. This along with our strong project management skills and post commissioning support system has enabled us to conceptualise tailormade solutions as per our customers’ requirements & implement them successfully", says Rajesh Sahu, Business Head - Warehousing & Logistics Automation, Signode.
Signode handholds its clients throughout the complete process cycle, wherein it first conducts an on-site audit, design optimal solutions, executes the concept, and then even offers additional support services. Also, the company is compliant with all safety standards like CE, UL, and OSHA, and even tests each of its solutions using 3D models and simulation tools in the design stage itself.
Signode possesses an end-to-end integrated solution capability, right from packing to shipping the goods
“All our equipment & modules undergo compulsory Factory Acceptance Test as per pre-defined checklist before they are shipped to the customer sites. The tests are witnessed by customer representatives & the reports are shared with them. After commissioning, the system also undergoes two stages of the Site Acceptance Test – dry run (dummy product & low speed) and wet run (actual product & rated speed) before they are handed over for operation. Additionally, all our component vendors go through a thorough approval process after inspection of their manufacturing infrastructure, quality process, and core team capability”, further explains Rajesh.
Going forward, Signode has all plans in place to scale up its business by identifying and bridging the gaps in its offering with the help of its in-house R&D team and making acquisitions in similar verticals. Furthermore, the company also aspires to strengthen its position in the market as an integrated solution provider by forging more alliances with OEMs in the days to come.
