Leading provider of office supplies and services, Office Depot Europe, has enlisted the help of strapping specialist, Mosca, to enhance its internal packing and shipping processing as part of a Carton Consolidation Project.
Office Depot Europe purchased three of Mosca’s Evolution SoniXs MP-6R high-speed, fully automatic strapping machines for two of its UK distribution sites, in Ashton Under Lyne and Leicester. The machines are being used both in-line and off-line for non-conveyable ‘awkward products’ and packages. The Carton Consolidation Project was devised to help improve Office Depot’s transportation efficiencies and reduce their environmental impacts, by consolidating items to be shipped rather than re-boxing or re-packaging; now they can simply stack, strap, and secure multiple boxes together to create one package.
The MP-6 model chosen by Office Depot comes with rollers in a hinged tabletop and is ideal for use within busy distribution centres. It has lockable steering casters so it can be situated wherever needed and a small footprint, making it particularly suitable for a busy warehouse where space is often limited. The machine housing facilitates quick strap coil changes from the front and side of the machine and an automatic strap threading system further simplifies use for machine operators. The MP-6 also boasts low energy consumption and can strap up to 35 cycles per minute (depending on bundle size); it comes with CE markings and a declaration of conformity.
With the addition of Mosca’s patented ultrasonic ‘SoniXs’ sealing head, the MP-6 range of machines offers economical operation by using high-frequency vibrations to weld the strap ends together. This provides a faster and more environmentally friendly solution than conventional heat welding, as no warm-up time is required. The strength and stability of a SoniXs seal – with up to 85% tear resistance at the joint – makes it possible to use thinner strap, further supporting a reduction in packaging waste and material costs. Continuous operation from the end of one coil to the start of a new coil ensures there is no wasted material, helping to support Office Depot’s ISO14001 accreditation for environmental standards; an accreditation they have proudly held since 2002.
Office Depot Europe have previously used Mosca machines and felt they would once again be the best option for their consolidation project. Ryan Price, Engineering Manager at the Leicester Distribution Centre, comments: “Having used Mosca in the past, we felt confident in their ability to match our bespoke needs. Mosca has always maintained a solid relationship with us from a number of angles, including site-support for the equipment we have purchased from them, both new and old. They also have a strong consumable product line which we haven’t had any issues with.”
Owing to the vast array of products and pack sizes that Office Depot Europe stock and distribute, they required a machine that could cope with varying pack sizes and shapes. The MP-6 does exactly that and even handles their more unusual shaped packages with ease.
Sanjay Patel, Operations Manager at Office Depot Europe’s Leicester site, comments, “The machines are performing extremely well and are doing everything we’d envisaged. The installation went well and there have been no issues. The machine training given by the engineer on site was to a very high standard; our team found it very useful and now have a good understanding of the equipment.”
About Mosca Direct UK
Based in Cotgrave, Nottingham, Mosca Direct is the UK subsidiary of Mosca GmbH, providing full, localised service and support for Mosca’s vast range of German-manufactured automatic, semi-automatic and fully automated strapping machines. Visit the website: www.mosca.com/en-uk or call 0115 989 0209.
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