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| Two
New Regional Managers Join the Standard-Knapp Team |
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Michael
Woehl
We are pleased to announce that Michael Woehl has joined Standard-Knapp as North
Central Regional Manager. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mike will cover
a territory that includes the states of Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois,
Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana,
Wyoming, and Idaho. He joins Standard-Knapp with 20 years of experience in the
packaging and material handling industries. |
Mike
began his career in electrical circuits and mechanical
engineering
and has a full understanding
of the intricacies and demanding nature of high-speed
production processes. His solid technical background
gives him the ability to understand the detailed
aspects of production, including equipment, materials,
line labor, and plant methods. His career includes
positions as Applications Engineer, Project Manager,
Product Manager, and National Account Manager.
Mike
is adept at systems, line layout designs, project
schedules, and applying the right equipment
for the
job. He considers himself a problem solver
and customer care representative who always puts
the customer
first. |
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Tom
Stasiak
We also take pleasure in announcing that Tom Stasiak has joined Standard-Knapp
as Southern Regional Manager, based in Houston, Texas. In his new capacity, Tom
will be responsible for the following states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, Utah, Arizona,
Colorado, and New Mexico. Tom brings over 25 years of experience in packaging
machinery and bulk material handling systems. |
While
having held previous management positions in
sales, marketing
and operations, Tom began his career
in engineering and brings a very strong technical
background to Standard-Knapp. He has functioned
as both an end-user and as a supplier of packaging
machinery
and packaging systems. This combination gives
Tom a unique, value-added approach for Standard-Knapp's
current and prospective customers.
His
experience also includes both domestic and international
projects, giving Tom a true global
viewpoint in technology.
Tom is a seasoned professional who will add
tremendous
service and support for Standard-Knapp's customers,
end-users, and partners in the packaging Industry. |
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| Versatility of the Traditional Vertical Case Packer |
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By Kristofer Kolstad
Vice President of Marketing
For
putting the containers into the case, there is
simply not a more versatile
machine then a vertical
case packer. Vertical case packers deliver bottles
or jars to a preconstructed corrugated case or
molded plastic case, often with internal partitions
for
product protection. Vertical case packers are
precise in delivering the containers into extremely
tight
cells or basket carriers. They are a necessity
for returnable lines where the empty bottles
are delivered
to the manufacturing plant in cases (as opposed
to bulk pallets). In the instance of reshipper
cases,
the case may be slightly deformed or out-of-square,
and a precise top-loading case packer is essential. |
The precision comes from three key factors:
1) the accuracy of the geometry of the change part
head (grid and fingers);
2) the rigidity and consistency of the lanes into the
packing area;
3) the registration of the bottles to the case at the
merge point (where bottles meet the case).
| Standard-Knapp
has been designing vertical case packers for
over half a century and has developed the capability
for virtually any imaginable application. Collectively,
we have over 300 years of case packer experience.
At Standard-Knapp, we strive for simple solutions
for our customers. Our goal is to "make
packaging easy." From the details in our
machine manuals, to the application of servo
drives and advanced motion control, our focus
is on delivering high performance and high efficiencies,
while maintaining an ergonomic, user-friendly
interface. Standard-Knapp establishes specific,
quantitative design parameters at the beginning
of every project. Throughout the design process,
we measure our progress against the initial design
parameters. The end result is a machine that
satisfies the end user's needs and desires. |
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| Quick Change Grid |
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 Changeover
has been a focus for all new machines, given the
emphasis on manufacturing flexibility. Packaging
proliferation continues, as brand managers continue
to strive for a unique identity for their product.
Packaging changes have also been driven by cost-savings
initiatives; these changes put demands on machinery
changeovers. The evolution of the vertical case packer
at Standard-Knapp over the last decade has given
our Versatron the most consistent, fastest changeover
in the industry. Change parts are designed to be
easily removed by one operator. Side adjustments
are completed with single point cranks and set by
scales and pointers for repeatability. A changeover
sheet is provided with each application to record
all settings (click
here to view sheet).
Vertical
case packers are also very economical to purchase,
install, and maintain. There are few
machines
as cost-effective
when evaluating capital costs over case output.
The Versatron's operator costs are also very
low. Standard-Knapp's
Versatron is simple and intuitive, allowing
first-time operators, with little training, to be
effective.
Maintenance costs are lower, too, when compared
to other machines like a "wrap-around" type
packer. Standard-Knapp firmly believes that having
fewer moving parts leads to simplicity and, ultimately,
lower operating costs. Versatility,
however, continues to be the defining characteristic
that allows
the vertical case
packer to survive and prosper after so many
decades. Not
surprisingly, Standard-Knapp's Versatron has
been the favorite among
many contract packers, whose own survival is
often based on the ability to be flexible and
add new
packaging applications quickly and efficiently.
Cases ranging
from RSC, Bliss, and tab-lock to low trays
and plastic molded shells can easily be run on the
same line.
Containers made from glass, metal, HDPE, PET,
and Sonoco tubes
all run on vertical case packers. The line
layouts
can be inline, right angle or counter-flow,
depending on a plant's needs. |
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| Training Initiative |
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By
Ryan Seely
Manager Technical Documentation and Training
Training
is arguably one of the most important factors
in machine operation. So, last year, Standard-Knapp
took a close look at its training program.
Responding to customer needs, we moved to a
much more course-oriented training style. By
identifying objectives (ours and our customers'),
establishing schedules, and creating detailed
course outlines, we developed a curriculum
that targets specific areas of concern.
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Our
new program has already seen great success.
Last September, we conducted two full weeks
of Basic Operator Training using three instructors
on rotating shifts. As almost half of the students
were native Spanish-speakers, we utilized an
instructor who is fluent in Spanish. Students
improved as much as 87% in their performance
on written assessments given before and after
the course. We have consistently seen training
improve machine reliability, reduce down-time,
and increase line efficiency. In fact, training
is often the least expensive means of improving
productivity.
We
put this new curriculum to the test in April,
2003 when we applied for PMMI Certified Trainer
credentials. We passed with flying colors,
and, as a result, all courses are developed
by a PMMI Certified Trainer. Standard-Knapp
recognizes the value of a certified trainer
and is dedicated to maintaining this certification.
 As
always, if we do not have a course that you feel
addresses your needs, we are happy to work with
you to develop one. If you would like more information
on course cost and availability, as well as volume
incentives, please do not hesitate to contact
me via email at rseely@standard-knapp.com.
Purchase
a course by March 31st and save 10%! |
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| Understanding
Customers' Needs… A Customer-Driven
Company |
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By
Mario Mazzotta
Manager of CRM
At
Standard-Knapp, we know that being successful
in today's highly competitive market entails
more than producing quality machinery at a
competitive price. It requires becoming customer-focused,
listening to and understanding our customers'
needs, and reacting quickly and effectively.
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In
the modern fast-paced business world, it is becoming
increasingly difficult to build and
maintain strong,
long-lasting relationships with our customers. The
introduction of Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) has provided
us with a communication tool that helps our company
instantaneously share information about each
customer's history, recent
activities, and any future projects that may require
our attention. However, CRM is more than just a technological
tool. It is a business philosophy, a cultural change
in the way that every employee now fulfills his or
her role in the company. "CRM is presenting
one company to the customer and one customer
to the company."
This
new "customer-centric" approach transforms
the old system of individual departments into one
seamless customer service team. Each team member
has the ability
to view up-to-date customer histories and act accordingly
to satisfy our customers' needs. Information is collected
and stored in one central database, creating the
foundation for invaluable, knowledge-based customer
relationships.
 With
this new system in place, our customer service team
has all the important information at their fingertips.
As calls come in, information is logged into our
database, and follow-up reminders are sent to the
appropriate team member. These range from a simple
follow-up call, to scheduling field service, to setting
up a complete training program. Our team is now proactive,
staying ahead of customer situations rather than
becoming reactive or falling behind.
We
have also greatly increased our communication with
our customers. As soon as an order is placed, an
order acknowledgement is sent thanking the customer
for his or her purchase. Once the order has shipped,
a second notification reports that the order is on
its way. We close the sale cycle by sending the appropriate
contact a customer survey for rating his or her experience.
This feedback is an extremely valuable tool in fine-tuning
our customer service and strengthening our customer
relations.
For
over a century, Standard-Knapp has been on the
cutting edge of innovation and technical
design. However, we
have never forgotten that our customers are
our #1
priority. We know that the customer is undeniably
our future. Here's
to the next 100 years! |
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| Update on Labor Unrest and Operations |
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By
Kristofer Kolstad
Vice President of Marketing
In
August of 2003, I issued an email to all
of Standard-Knapp's customers with information
regarding our labor unrest at Standard-Knapp.
Specifically, on August 15, our machinists
and assemblers rejected Standard-Knapp's
contract offer, which was designed to control
manufacturing costs, and went on strike.
For those who may not have received the August
email, it can be viewed here. Our situation
since that email has not changed dramatically.
We have
been delivering machinery and parts on time,
providing high levels of customer service,
and have grown bullish on the outlook for
2004 with an increased backlog and improved
sales prospects.
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The
majority of our operations continue to be subcontracted,
primarily to partners located within
the Northeast, and many based in Connecticut. We
have developed a very reliable stable of fabricators
and assembly houses that continue to perform above
expectations. Many of these have been partners
with Standard-Knapp for more than a decade. Our
operational goals have been met or exceeded in
terms of delivery,
quality, responsiveness, and
cost.
Although
we continue to negotiate in good faith with our
labor group, so far we have not
reached
an acceptable contract. Standard-Knapp will continue
our efforts towards bringing our workers back
to work. Given the mutual respect between union
and non-union workers, I am proud to report that
there have
been no significant incidents on the picket line.
Vendors,
customers, temporary workers, delivery personnel,
and employees have unencumbered and safe access
to our facilities. The protesting has been conducted
civilly and in no way resembles Labor Strikes
as depicted in Hollywood movies.
As
we move into the new year, Standard-Knapp is
prepared to continue our growth and commitment
towards being a top innovative leader in packaging
machinery. We
have plans to
introduce a new continuous motion case packer
with tremendous advantages over anything available
today. Private showings
will
take place early in the year and it will be
showcased at the Pack Expo International in
Chicago this
November. Other new offerings include upgrade
kits for existing machinery, many of which are
detailed
here.
Machinery Training has also been a major initiative,
and the related article in this newsletter
highlights the program.
Standard-Knapp
has always promoted a policy of openness, and
I encourage you to
contact me for
specific questions or comments (regarding the
strike or any other matter) at kkolstad@standard-knapp.com.
You may also request to be put on our email
list for future updates. |
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