The Craemer Group is a worldwide leading specialist for plastics processing, metal forming and tool making. Craemer is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality plastic pallets, storage and transport containers and environmental systems of the Kliko brand. Headquartered in Germany, Craemer employs over 700 people at four European sites in Germany, Slovakia, France and the UK. Having manufactured one of the world’s first one-piece injection moulded plastic pallet nearly 50 years ago Craemer is known as a pioneer in plastics processing. To this day the company continues to be at the forefront of development and innovation with a comprehensive range of high-quality plastic products.
WLN – As the Pallets & Containers category experts, how has the category been performing in the last 12 months? What are the major trends and developments?
There was much to be positive about in 2014. In general, the demand for smooth supply chain processes is growing. As a result we have been experiencing high demand for our product range of future-proof material handling solutions. One of the major developments the category is benefiting from is the increasing modernisation and automation of warehouse operations. Companies from various industries are beginning to adapt to this by implementing new solutions for their warehousing and intralogistic processes.
WLN – What are your core products and services: what are you best known for providing?
The Craemer Group is a worldwide leading specialist for metal forming, plastics processing and tool making and a trusted provider of high-quality products and services. We are best known for manufacturing reusable material handling solutions including plastic pallets and various storage and transport containers that optimise logistic processes. At Craemer UK we also have a strong focus on manufacturing high-quality wheelie bins of the world famous Kliko brand, which you can find in over 40 percent of local authorities across the UK.
WLN – What makes you the ‘go to’ supplier in your area of expertise?
Craemer developed and manufactured one of the world’s first one-piece injection moulded plastic pallet in 1967 and is known as a pioneer in plastics processing. To this day we are constantly innovating to always meet the latest market requirements. There are many suppliers of injection moulded plastic products out there. What makes us the “go to” supplier is a combination of two things: Reliable high product quality and dedicated service. Since opening our doors, quality, service and reliability have been Craemer’s promise to the customer. We aim to go the extra mile to make sure the customer gets the right pallet for his application. For example, we offer the service of supplying sample pallets. This enables our customers to evaluate our products at their facilities, using their own products and systems.
WLN – Have you launched any new products and services in the past year? How are they performing?
It is our aim to continuously develop and improve our existing product range. We have realised a number of bespoke solutions for our customers in the past year and are proud to be known as a flexible and reliable partner. In particular, we received positive feedback for our D1 pallet. It is performing very well in the market as our lightweight solution with only 12 kg tare weight. For many customers this is a cost-saving and flexible alternative to wooden pallets with many options for an easy adaption to changing logistic requirements. Craemer also offers a wide product range for the international fishing industry and 2014 saw the launch of our latest product innovation: The first fish box with integrated RFID transponder. This patent-pending solution enables flawless net-to-plate traceability. It gives our customers the flexibility they need to prepare for a future where traceability of produce is becoming ever more important. We have recently been awarded for this simple, yet innovative solution. The RFID fish box convinced the judges of the renowned Icelandic Fisheries Award 2014 and they awarded it for outstanding excellence in the category “Outstanding International Supplier Processing (Large Companies)”.
WLN – Which industry sectors are your customers in?
Our customers come from all industries and use our plastic products for a variety of different applications. Craemer plastic pallets for example are the ideal load carrier for various applications inside the factory and warehouse for storage, logistics and pooling. They are perfect for increasing logistic efficiency as they satisfy all demands for economy, durability and hygiene. They can support even the heaviest loads just as well in their use in high-rack warehouses or on automated conveyor belts. The versatility of our pallets and storage and transport containers make them a practical solution for many industries and their quality is proven a million times over. Companies worldwide and from industries such as food processing, automotive, packaging, pharmaceuticals and all major pooling providers trust this quality.
WLN – Have you made any big moves recently in terms of investment in the business, recruitment and so on?
After nearly ten years of successful business we had outgrown our Telford operation and decided to make the big move of expanding our warehouse and production facilities. We invested a total of £6.5m for the recently completed expansion and new plastic injection moulding machinery and expect to significantly increase production in the next years. These major technical and operational improvements within our UK manufacturing platform represent the Craemer Group’s continuous investment in the UK waste and material handling industries and will enable us to achieve the level of service demanded by the industries we serve.
WLN – What are your plans for 2015? Are you planning to bring out any more products or services, move into new markets or enter new countries?
We have ambitious growth plans for the next years. Our plans for 2015 include the introduction of more products as well as an expanded plastics production line at our UK facility to help provide sustainable material handling solutions for the UK automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical and logistics industries.
We also expanded our Sales team in 2014 and are pleased to announce the appointment of Garry Rutherford as Business Development Manager to our pallet division. Garry brings a wealth of expertise in the material handling sector having spent many years working for pallet pooling services provider CHEP. With this valuable support we can further ensure responsive and dedicated service for our customers.
WLN – Are you exhibiting at any major trade shows this year?
The Craemer Group will be present at a variety of international trade shows.
LogiMAT and FachPack are just two examples of major and international German trade shows Craemer will attend. We will also present our product portfolio at major trade events in other countries including the U.S., France and in Eastern Europe. In the UK we are planning to focus our 2015 activities on selected conferences and industry events.
WLN – What are your predictions for the industry in 2015?
The significance of flawless logistic processes and automated warehousing is increasingly gaining momentum in the UK as well as in Europe and worldwide. The main reason for this development is a continuing global integration of markets. Against this backdrop, intelligent and economic solutions that can satisfy the demand for fast and transparent processes are required. The industry will experience growing demand for innovative material handling solutions that enable flawless and transparent operations. We are continuously developing and improving our product range to make sure they meet these latest demands. Together with the recent investments in our facilities and machinery we are confident for 2015 and look forward to many interesting and challenging projects.
WLN – What other headline news from your company can our readers look forward to reading about in Warehouse & Logistics News in 2015?
We will be further developing our staff and have a number of new positions to fill in 2015. Keep an eye out for job advertisements which will be published in the local Telford press, national trade publications such as Warehouse & Logistics News and, of course, on our website.
Phone: 01952 6078-00
Email: info@craemer.co.uk
Web: www.craemer.co.uk
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