Approximately 16,000 items are sent out per year at Sabena technics in Brussels/Zaventem, and since August 2007 most of them are protected with the foam padding material FOAMplus® from Storopack. As a service partner in the field of “maintenance, repair and overhaul” (MRO), with world-wide 2,650 employees at 14 locations, Sabena technics takes over the operation of maintenance programs for airlines. About 60 airplanes and 25,000 aircraft parts are maintained annually at Brussels/Zaventem, among others, for TUI airlines, Thomas Cook, Brussels Airlines, as well as for the Belgian Air Force and NATO.
2,500 different articles, the value of which range from a few hundred to over 100,000 USD, are sent out regularly. Very different methods and materials are used for padding and protection inside the package: from bubble wrap and paper to polystyrene chips and vermiculite. With the introduction of FOAMplus® Bager, work processes were simplified considerably.
Upon the push of a button, two foam components are dispensed into a film bag. While the foam is still expanding, the bag is put inside the package and the goods to be packed are placed on top. A second bag is laid over and the package is closed. A few seconds later the FOAMplus® has hardened to a tailor-made, light molded part, which is shockproof and holds the goods in the package.
The proper foam density is selected according to the size, weight and sensitivity of the product. Light products, such as electronic components, are packed in light high-performance foam. Heavy products, such as drive parts, are best embedded in a solid foam so that the transport protection satisfies the required function “block and bracing”.
Regardless of the shape and size of the product, the “on demand” foam padding material is suitable as transport protection for a whole range. Flexibility and safety in use – these are the strengths of FOAMplus® for the logistics of airplane spare parts.
MRO is comparable to a box stop in formula 1 racing: Although speed is everything, without taking sufficient care and safety all effort will be for nothing. “Only an airplane which is in the air is making money. MRO has to be as fast as possible and one hundred percent certain. With FOAMplus® we have improved the service for our customers in this respect”, is how Hendrik Van Mulders, Supervisor Logistics with Sabena technics summarized the positive experience of the company.
Storopack UK
Tel: 0114 249 2004
Email: packaging.uk@storopack.com
www.storopack.co.uk
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