As automation is rapidly growing across industries, finding the right automation partner can make all the difference. For one manufacturer specializing in metal enclosures and toolboxes, that partnership began at a trade show and has grown into a multi-year relationship that continues to evolve today.
This manufacturer approached the TAB Wrapper team with the goal of enhancing their already-efficient wrapping operation while maintaining the pristine condition of their highly polished stainless steel products. With their mindset of constant improvement, they weren’t just looking for equipment, they were looking for a partner who shared the same idea that automation isn’t going away any time soon.
Understanding the Challenge: Premium Products Demand Premium Protection
The client’s production challenge was unique but critical. Their metal enclosures, featuring stainless steel with polished finishes, needed to arrive at their destinations in perfect condition. Every scratch or dent represented not just a quality issue, but a potential hit to their reputation with their customers.
“They needed their wrapped loads completely enclosed,” explains Andy Brizek, vice president of sales and marketing at TAB Industries. “These aren’t just products; they’re pieces that can’t have any scratches and dents.”
They needed an automated solution that wouldn’t do the job halfway, one that would ensure complete enclosure of their palletized products every single time. For premium goods like theirs, a half-wrapped pallet simply wasn’t an option.
The Solution: Perfect Storm Technology Meets Custom Engineering
TAB’s answer came in the form of our Perfect Storm model, tailored to fit seamlessly in their warehouse dimensions. The system features conveyors and incorporates TAB’s innovative spin tail technology, ensuring complete enclosure of every palletized product.
The customer also integrated AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) into their operation, demonstrating how TAB Wrappers seamlessly connect with other automated technologies. While the client handled this integration independently, it highlights a key advantage of TAB’s systems: they’re designed to work together with other automated technologies.
A Growing Partnership: Three Orbital Stretch Wrappers
The ultimate proof of success? This manufacturer has continued to invest in TAB technology over the years, now operating three Perfect Storm models across its facility. Each new purchase represents not just satisfaction with the TAB Wrapper, but confidence in the partnership with our team.
“They keep buying these machines as time moves on,” said Tom Brizek, president of TAB Industries. “They have an open correspondence with us. They even came to TAB to experience the product firsthand. We view them as friends.”
The Future of Automation: Accessible and Integrated
For us, this success story reinforces an important message: automation is more accessible than many manufacturers realize.
“Don’t be afraid of automation. It’s becoming more affordable and usable,” said Andy. “You don’t have to be super techy or have an advanced relationship with technology. AMR robots are proving to be pretty perfect partners, and the TAB Wrapper can integrate seamlessly.”
The company’s Genius and Smart controls enable them to write custom programs for each Perfect Storm model, and the Smart controls integrate smoothly with conveyor systems and third-party solutions when needed. This flexibility means that automation can start small and scale as the business grows.
Lessons Learned: The Human Side of Automation
This project reinforced several key insights:
Automation is inevitable. Embrace it. “Whether you’re on board or not, it’s going to happen,” Andy noted. “The question isn’t if, but how you’ll adapt.”
Relationships matter. “We’re a family business, and we are approachable,” explains Tom. “We want to treat our customers like they aren’t a number. TAB wants to continue to work with you to further your automation. It’s an old-school customer relationship with new-school knowledge of automation.”
Don’t underestimate packaging. People often think of wrapping as simplistic, but it’s far more critical than it appears. “We are the first thing that your customers see,” Andy said. “Don’t do the job halfway.”
Ready to Upgrade Your Packaging Operation?
This metal manufacturer’s journey with TAB Wrapper Tornado demonstrates what’s possible when two innovation-driven companies align their visions. From a trade show conversation to three installed systems and counting, the partnership continues to evolve and deliver value.
Contact our team today to discuss your product needs and discover how we can help you find the perfect orbital wrapping solution.