Pallet Stretch Wrappers by Phoenix

Phoenix will attend the Pack Expo 2011 in Las Vegas

2011-07-07T09:41:00.015-04:00

Phoenix will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Pack Expo Show Sept 26-28 2011 Booth #C-4432 located in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, that will be our home for the 3 day event.

We look forward to talking with current and future distributors about our automatic and semi automatic stretch wrappers product line and market plans. We look forward to meeting with you then!

Phoenix will attend the PackEx In Toronto June 21-23 2011

2011-04-08T13:25:00.007-04:00

We'll be attending the upcoming PackEx in Toronto June 21 to June 23, 2011 at the Toronto Congress Center.

Check us out at booth #1388 to meet our stretch wrapping experts.

"There are exciting stretch equipment news to catch up with!"

Doing More With Less - A New Wave Of Change In The Stretchwrapping Industry

2011-04-07T11:54:00.028-04:00

(From the article "The Finishing Stretch", Canadian Packaging, 31 March 201 )
Keeping a pallet loaded with packaged products safe and sound from shipment to customer delivery may not sound like one of the most glamorous packaging functions out there, but no self-respecting end-of-line packaging operation is really worthy of the name these days without at least one reliable, robust stretchwrapping machine in place to apply layers of stretchwrap film onto palletized loads to keep them stable and secure throughout their journey down the supply chain.

But while standard turntable and rotary-arm stretchwrapping technology has been largely bypassed by groundbreaking technological advances witnessed in some other packaging machinery segments, recent developments in the stretchwrapping systems and materials market suggest that this vitally important equipment category may be entering a far more exciting chapter in its evolution driven by relentless technological innovation, ongoing costs-reduction efforts, and concerns about the environmental impact of tonnes of discarded stretchwrap film ending up at landfills around the globe.

Doing more with less appears to be the emerging new mantra for some of North America’s leading stretchwrapping equipment manufacturers and distributors, with technology-savvy companies like Phoenix Innotech Inc. of Laval, Que., setting the pace in new equipment design and performance capabilities.

"You cannot look at stretchwrap equipment improvements without addressing the improvements in stretch film",says Phoenix Innotech general manager Graham Nicholson.

"With the vast improvements in stretch film technology, typical stretch film thicknesses have plummeted, and this ‘downgauge era’ has resulted in a real paradigm shift as to what is most required from stretchwrapping equipment today" as thin gauge films have eliminated the need for maximizing pre-stretch capabilities by up to 350 per cent.

"Now it is about providing a machine that can consistently run these light-gauge films and eliminating inherent deficiencies in the wrapping process", says Nicholson, explaining that Phoenix has recently addressed the issue by upgrading its film carriage design to execute reliable wraps even with film defects like nicks, gel spots or holes without film breaks.

"There is one huge deficiency in the conventional wrapping process that is causing a strong wave of change," says Nicholson, pointing out there’s been remarkably little real advancement in the mechanical design of most stretchwrapping systems in the 40 years since they were first commercialized.

"Turntable and rotary-arm technology has not really changed since the early 1970s", relates Nicholson, deriding the "inherent deficiency" and "costly drawbacks" of having the clamp and the cutting system both located in a fixed location on the conveyor. This means that while the carriage moves to the top of the load to start a wrap cycle it must dispense wasted film as it moves to get there. These two or more extra revolutions only increase costs, waste and wrapping time, while bringing little additional, if any, load integrity to the load being wrapped.

In fact, Nicholson contends, the costs of these extra film revolutions end up running into tens of thousands of dollars-money that could be easily recovered with his company’s rotary-ring machines whose clamp-and-cut mechanisms move within the carriage to eliminate the extra film revolutions and facilitate faster, more customized wrapping cycles.

"A recent customer who saved over $30,000 per year in stretch film costs likened it to using an old eight-pound satellite phone instead of a hands-free cellphone", Nicholson recalls.

"Although patent issues prevented the widespread use of ring technology in North America to date, the overwhelming dominance of rotary-ring technology had already taken hold about 15 years ago in Europe, where today’s rotary-ring wrappers have effectively replaced the old conventional rotary-arm and turntable automatic machines," Nicholson relates. "I don’t think it will be long before companies in North America begin switching en masse from the old turntables and rotary-arm machines to rotary ring equipment to take advantage of those cost benefits, and our company is actually leading the wave of this sweeping change by offering two models of rotary-ring systems to allow every level of end-user take advantage of this game-changing technology."

New Phoenix Stretch Wrapper - PRRA-4000 Automatic Rotary Ring

2010-12-09T10:02:00.006-05:00

More speed, more productivity, more savings!

The PRRA-4000 Rotary Ring Wrapper with his new 4 post heavy frame design and 40 RPM, provides high speed wrapping and unmatched film savings. A blazing 40 RPM and 120+ load per hour with a minimal footprint that takes 25% less space that most rotary arm style wrappers.
Learn more about the Phoenix PRRA-4000 Rotary Ring Stretch Wrapper here

Phoenix Appoints Rob Shoemaker as West Coast Representative

2010-09-14T09:46:00.005-04:00

Rob Shoemaker, a 20-year veteran of the packaging industry, has been appointed the exclusive West Coast representative of Phoenix stretch wrappers, one of the fastest growing stretch and pallet wrapping equipment manufacturers in North America, effective immediately.

Shoemaker will manage sales and customer service of the full Phoenix product line of automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrapping products throughout the West Coast.

“Phoenix offers technologically advanced stretch wrapping machinery, engineered by industry veterans that will stand up to any competitive brand,” says Shoemaker. “It is a well established product that I am proud to be introducing to the West Coast.”

Shoemaker brings 15 years prior experience as Orion Packaging System’s West Coast regional manager where he was the number one distributor for 13 years. He was also awarded for setting the all-time record for the most sales in a single month in the company’s 20 plus year history. Shoemaker was strategically involved in several innovative stretch wrapping equipment advancements in the beverage, concrete products and agricultural industry.

“I had the pleasure of working along side Rob for 15 year with Orion, and I can honestly say there is no one on the West Coast that has a better understanding of this industry,” says Mucha. “Shoemaker is a valued partner and we are happy to have him on the Phoenix team.

Chicago Pack Expo 2010

2010-04-28T11:34:00.003-04:00

Phoenix/CAPS will be attending the upcoming Pack Expo 2010 in Chicago October 31 to November 3 at the McCormick Place. It's going to be quite an event and you should attend if at all possible! If you do attend come to the Phoenix/CAPS at booth N-4436 , we will be happy to present our full line of stretch wrapper products.

This blog has moved

2010-04-28T09:50:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://phoenixwrappers.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://phoenixwrappers.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Phoenix Leasing Program

2009-08-19T11:00:00.009-04:00

FINANCE YOUR STRETCH WRAPPING EQUIPMENT TO INCREASE YOUR CASH FLOW!
To create high returns, efficiency is paramount, and to maximize your productivity you need high efficiency equipment. The higher the efficiency, the more product your company can produce, which will result in more profit for you! However, if your budget doesn't allow you to purchase new equipment, financing your new stretch wrapping equipment is a quick and sure way to increase your cash flow while acquiring the equipment your company needs to stay ahead of the game. Conserve the capital you have for payroll, misc expenses, and utilities!

CALCULATE YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS IN MINUTES!
Instantly generate a customized financing proposal for the equipment under consideration. Automatically calculate monthly payments for 12 to 60 month terms

PACK EXPO LAS VEGAS: PHOENIX

2009-07-13T12:18:00.005-04:00

Phoenix/CAPS will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Pack Expo show Oct 5-6-7 Booth 4016 located in the Central Hall will be our home for the 3 day event and we look forward to talking with current and future distributors about our abilities and market plans, We look forward to meeting with you then!

PHOENIX BUCKS THE DOWNWARD TREND ORDERS UP SIGNIFICANTLY IN 1ST QUARTER '09?

2009-07-06T11:01:00.005-04:00

Phoenix/CAPS is well aware of the difficult times being had by all in the packaging industry and we are not immune. However, our approach to business has allowed us to continue to grow despite the financial downturn. Phoenix/CAPS increased sales by 20% in the first 4 months of 2009. Sales volume in semi-automatic and fully automatic machines were up equally during that period.

These increases are even more impressive when you consider the secondary effects of this economy. With the daily announcements of companies shutting down facilities or downsizing plants, used packaging machinery is flooding the market due to these closings. Thus not only is there a reduced market, but this used equipment which is priced to sell, has caused downward pressure on prices. A large amount of this used equipment has now been absorbed by the market and should help with margins and sales volumes moving forward.

There is no question that our success with our growing distributor network is playing a large role in these increases in sales. Distribution worldwide has continued to expand at a very solid pace. We are proud of these growing relationships and take them seriously. Thank you for your growing support and we will continue our commitment to supporting our distributors, before, during, and after the sale.
For more information concerning our distributor program.

MANY PACKAGING COMPANIES STILL SEE RED

2009-07-06T10:49:00.009-04:00

PACKAGING MARKETS REPORTING DIFFICULT TIMES IN 1ST QTR '09!

For most equipment manufacturers the start of 2009 has been a continuation of an extremely difficult 4th quarter. The economic downturn has been tough on most and cruel to many. Some manufacturers have simply folded, while others are restructuring or slashing spending to help get through this difficult period. Weak consumer demand for goods is reducing the immediate need to purchase new packaging equipment, and the ones that are looking for new machinery are having more trouble getting financing for these capital expenditures. The result is that for packaging equipment manufacturers 25% to 50% lower 1st quarter yr-over-yr sales results are very common in the packaging industry. As an example, here are a couple of publicly traded packaging companies and the difficulties they are reporting in their most recent financial reports.

KRONES INC.:
Krones Inc., the large Equipment Systems provider, recently announced that sales orders for the first quarter of 09 were down 32% with sales revenues down 19%. In fact Krones also warned that customers are wary about investing in new equipment and those that are investing are having a difficult time getting financing from the financial markets for their projects. They have announced the termination of 800 temporary and contract workers for this year. They do not rule out the potential that 09 results could be negative.
Read Krones interim report for the 1st Qtr. 2009 here

MJ MAILLIS:
MJ Maillis Group, which manufactures strap, tape, shrink, and stretch wrapping equipment and materials, reported an after tax loss of 42.9 Million Euro($59 million USD) last year (ending Dec 31,2008), compared to a loss of 36 million Euro in 2007. They mention in their report that the last 4 months of 2008 were very difficult (sales down 27.6% year over year in 4th qtr) and it would continue in the first quarter this year. They were anticipating a bottom in the negative sales trend in qtr 1 of this year with a reversal happening after that. They noted that layoffs were made across the board including at their Wulftec stretch and strap equipment manufacturing facility in Canada.
Read MJ Maillis 2008 financial performance here

XPEDX:
Difficult times are not restricted to the manufacturers. Distributors are feeling the heat also. International Paper noted in its 1st quarter earnings report that its wholly owned distribution business, XPEDX, reported an operating loss of $7 million, down from the $26 million gain posted in the fourth quarter of 2008. Weakened paper and packaging volumes and lower margins were partly offset by favorable cost reductions.
Read International Paper First-Quarter Earnings Report here

PHOENIX/CAPS INTRODUCES NEW MIDWEST REGIONAL REP.

2009-06-15T13:01:00.005-04:00

Phoenix is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. John Darby as the regional rep for the Midwest territory. John has been in the stretch packaging industry for more than 23 years and will be a wealth of stretch wrapping knowledge for our distribution group.

While managing this territory John will also be providing valuable input to current improvement projects to the distributor support system.

"Phoenix/CAPS has a simple game plan." John explained "Provide distribution with a quality machine with outstanding technical sales support. They are doing a great job of it and I hope to add to that."

John noted "What strikes me is the passion. It reminds me of the good old days, the way they approach everything with enthusiasm, its infectious. We are going to surprise a lot of people. Phoenix/CAPS are making bold statements and are doing it very quietly. It won't stay quiet for long."

Graham Nicholson, president of CAPS said "John's experience matches perfectly with our product management approach to supporting our distribution group. We want to be able to provide our distributors with quick answers to technical applications that they can not get from anyone else. John will help support this approach. We are excited to be able to add John's experience and our distributors will be the winners."
"Yes, times are difficult. However, our focused approach to supporting distributors will allow us to continue to grow sales. When the markets improve we will be positioned with our distributors for explosive growth, and we will be ready."

PHOENIX Continues With Growth Plan In 2009

2009-06-01T13:13:00.013-04:00

Successful Product Launches And Improving Distribution Network Drive Success!

Firmly Settled Into Our New 50,000 Sq. Ft. Facility, Phoenix Continues To Broaden Its Product Line And Manufacturing Capability

While other companies shrink or lock down the hatches to ride out this economic storm, Phoenix/CAPS continues on its growth plan set up 18 months ago. Expanding our stretch packaging product line, increasing our manufacturing capability, and rolling out our distributor program continues to be our focus moving forward in 2009.

While competitors try to boost sales by switching their focus and watering down their engineering and R&D departments to focus on different products like strapping equipment, case erectors, palletizers or shrink machines, Phoenix has stayed focused on stretch packaging equipment. It is because of this focus that Phoenix can adapt their product line to meet the customer's application instead of asking the customer to adapt his application to meet a standard machine like many competitor's attempt to do.

With approx 40,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space now in full operation and another 10,000 sq ft of engineering and office space we are well positioned to meet the demands of a growing distribution group.

We know it isn't about us. Growth comes with a quality distributor network. If we support our distributors by meeting their customer's requirements with quality equipment and at a competitive price, then they will be succesful. If our distributors are successful, then Phoenix is successful. Being pro-active in creating opportunities for our distributors is critical during these difficult times. We are growing our distributors sales during this tough economic period and we will be ready for explosive growth when the economy catches its breath. Rest assured, Phoenix will be ready when it does.

Stretch Film Waste - How You Can Cut Your Stretch Film Bill

2009-03-26T11:03:00.001-04:00

You are probably throwing more than 50% of your stretch film out the door without even knowing it. More than 75% of stretch wrap equipment we have tested is performing below acceptable levels, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in wasted stretch film
Did you know that proper prestretching of the film is required to change the stretch film properties that create the Film Force, Film Tension, and Film Strength required to hold your product together during shipping?
Without this, the stretch film cannot perform the task required. Just because a stretch wrap machine is running does not mean it is working. Although it might be applying stretch film to the load, that doesn't mean it is prestretching the stretch film and creating all the properties in the stretch film required to hold your pallet together during transport. We provide a simple on-line tool that can test the efficiency of your stretch wrapper, you can find the " stretch film efficency test tool here"

Phoenix is proud to introduce it's new Rotary Ring automatic stretch wrapper product line

2009-03-19T14:47:00.002-04:00

The PRRA is a revolutionary design that uses a unique wrapping ring concept.
Because of its ability to start and stop the cycle anywhere on the load, the Phoenix PRRA rotary ring pallet wrapper reduces stretch film cost drastically when compared to conventional rotary arm and turntable style wrappers. The PRRA Rotary Ring style wrapper is able to start at the bottom of a load and finish at the top without having to return back down to the clamp fixed at the conveyor. This means that you can save an extra 30+ feet of stretch film while still applying the same required load retention wraps. The result is thousands of dollars in annual film savings compared to all conventional wrappers
Learn more about the features of the PRRA-2100

Phoenix introduces the "NO GIMMICK" Sale!

2009-03-19T10:11:00.000-04:00

As an engineering driven stretch wrapper company, we don’t have advertising gurus sitting around coming up with ingenious ideas like “Winter Blitz, Employee Rebate or Roll Back the Prices”.
So there are no “Blow up Gorillas” or “Price is right” beauties (We just aren’t smart enough) BUT..... WE DO HAVE A $ 1,500 REBATE ON ALL STRETCH WRAPPER MACHINES!
So take advantage of our slick campaign to buy what you need...Contact Us Now or Learn more about this Rebate

Phoenix announces move to Allen Bradley components throughout the product line

2009-01-10T10:07:00.003-05:00

A number of upgrades have been recently implemented to the complete range of Phoenix stretch wrapper products. One of these upgrades is that all Phoenix Semi-auto and fully automatic stretch wrappers are controlled using Allen Bradley variable frequency drives for all motors. From our entry level wrapper right up to the high speed automatics, the BALDOR motors are now all controlled using ALLEN BRADLEY Powerflex VFDs. VFD control provides accurate and increased flexibility of the motor and eliminate the problematic DC control boards and the maintenance issues associated with DC motors. Unlike DC motors which can be difficult to locate, AC motors are readily available worldwide.

Allen Bradley components are predominantly used throughout the Phoenix product line. The simplicity, maintenance improvements and control capabilities are improved dramatically and make this upgrade to our lineup a big hit with our customers worldwide. We are sure that this readily available name brand will simplify after sales support for our customers.

Pack Expo 2008: A great success for Phoenix

2008-11-30T09:30:00.013-05:00

Phoenix/CAPS enjoyed a great show at this year’s PACK EXPO in Chicago with two new machine models introduced and a number of machine upgrades announced. The PHOENIX PCTA-2000 rotary turntable automatic was introduced at the PMMI show. This automatic wrapper provides true automatic tail treatment at an entry level price.

The pallet is loaded directly on the turntable and the program is actuated with a pull cord. Once wrapped, the cutting and stretchfilm wipe-down is performed and the load is discharged onto the gravity exit conveyor by the powered conveyor on the turntable. Click here for more info on the Phoenix PCTA-2000 automatic stretch wrapper