Signode from Zwijndrecht shares their experience
Have you ever wondered what happens to incorrectly printed milk or juice cartons? At Signode in Zwijndrecht, they know exactly what to do with them! We spoke with plant manager Kuno about the process in the factory, saw how rejected packaging is given a new life as tubes, and learned how the collaboration with Tentoo contributes to efficient cost management. “With Tentoo as our partner, we keep our costs low,” says Kuno.
Signode in short
Signode is a leading international manufacturer of transport packaging with an extensive range of products, more than 80 production facilities worldwide, and over 9,000 employees. Their product range includes everything needed for effective end-of-line packaging: think of stretch and protective packaging, strapping bands, and the necessary tools and equipment. These commercial packaging products are used to pack, bundle, separate, protect, and secure goods during storage and transportation.
From milk cartons to
column packaging
The Signode factory in Zwijndrecht, formerly Van Antwerpen Cartonnage, has been part of Signode since 2019 and has been in operation since 1954. Here, rejected packaging such as milk and juice cartons with a polyethylene coating are transformed into new packaging materials for transport and tubes for industries like construction. The factory uses one production method, a continuous process of sealing the polyethylene coating of cardboard strips. “A company has a product that needs to arrive at the customer undamaged. We take care of the packaging and everything that comes with it, from building the machines to designing the packaging,” explains Kuno. The product range of Van Antwerpen Cartonnage includes various types of cardboard tubes and corner profiles. They also produce column packaging for the construction sector. These products are custom-made and supplied to both industrial and private customers.
Intern at Van Antwerpen Cartonnage, Plant Manager at Signode
Kuno walked into the Van Antwerpen Cartonnage factory as an intern, stayed on after his studies, and has now been the plant manager for quite some time. “As an intern, I created the layouts for the machine park. I also helped with the renovation during the expansion. After my internship year, I did my graduation project here. It was about the waste we were producing at the time, despite working with a waste product, and potential ways to recycle it,” Kuno explains. After his graduation project, Kuno first learned to operate the machines, then shadowed the technical service team, and gradually worked his way up to his current role.
The collaboration
with Tentoo
To produce all the above-mentioned products and operate the machinery, skilled staff is absolutely essential. At Signode Zwijndrecht, 25 people are employed on a permanent basis, with an average of 5 additional staff working on a flexible basis. These flexible workers are paid through temporary employment contracts.
The benefits of working with Tentoo, according to Kuno:
Low costs
“The costs are much more favorable compared to employment agencies. I can easily find my own employees and then pay them via Tentoo at a competitive rate, without a recruitment fee. We also always remain the direct employer.”
The cost savings were also noticed by the controller handling the invoices at the Zwijndrecht location. “When asked for an explanation, we mention Tentoo. We’ve even advised the other locations to get in touch with Tentoo as well. I expect that will happen soon.”
Valuable knowledge
“From the very first contact, Tentoo shared so much information I had no idea about. The temp agencies we worked with before had never told me any of that. Tentoo always provides us with honest and transparent information about legal changes and obligations, for example when it comes to contract extensions. I feel like temp agencies often speak from their own financial interests. I also really appreciate that my contact person, Celine, explains the reasoning behind changes and legal updates. She adds a personal touch and dives deeper into the subject matter. I actually find that kind of information interesting to know myself.”
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