Calstone Paves the Way with Stretch Hood Technology

With over 50 years of service to the northern California region, Calstone is a leader in high quality concrete masonry and landscaping products for the retail industry, as well as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional construction. Calstone has four manufacturing facilities-Sunnyvale, San Martin, Galt, and the newest in Tracy, which began operation in 2005.

Jim Grossi, the director of manufacturing of all facilities, pursued the task of meeting Tracy's packaging objective: to find a wrapping solution that is efficient, providing high load stability and enhanced product display all at a minimum cost. After a thorough analysis, MSK Covertech was chosen to be the packaging solution provider.

A fully automatic MSK Stretch Hood applicator called Tensiontech was purchased in 2005. In this packaging process, products are automatically identified first, in order to choose the right film roll from the various film rolls stored on the machine. Then the film is cut at the required length and sealed. After this takes place, the film or "bag" is pre-stretched at four corners to the appropriate size for the load. The stretched plastic film is gently applied over the load and then released. Because of the high elasticity, the stretch film is similar to a rubber band, returning to its original state once released. The stretch hood not only creates a horizontal tension around the product; it also creates a vertical tension which keeps the load in position, securing it to the pallet, contributing to the maximum load stability.

Outside storage Calstone Zuschnitt VDH

Irfan Oezdemir, General Manager of MSK Covertech Inc., explains some of the advantages of using the MSK Tensiontech Stretch Hooder, "With the bi-axial stretch process, the film can be stretched exactly to the required pallet size, avoiding excessive use of film, unlike diagonal stretching. Even products with sharp edges can be wrapped optimally with the elastic stretch hood film without tearing or damaging the packaging material. Also, an enhanced marketing effect can be achieved. Many companies take advantage of the 5 sided wrapping by printing graphics on the film so their logo is highly visible from any angle. MSK machines are designed to keep up with the high uptime requirement, even under harsh environmental conditions. The easy operating and trouble shooting is a key issue for our customers. MSK has developed a 100% customized operating system, MSK EMSY, which displays drawings, pictures of machine components and allows operators to adjust parameters, trouble shoot the machine, check preventative maintenance, spare parts etc. within seconds."

Grossi confirms these benefits, "the loads are stable and the stones don't fall off the pallet load. The sealed package does not allow dust and dirt to enter the pallet. The stretch hood film used for the application has the company logo on it which has improved the product's presentation and corporate identity. Most of all, the company packaging costs have been reduced. We are very satisfied with MSK Service giving us quick and easy support."

Stretch hood

MSK has installed numerous film wrapping machines at other well known companies in the building and stone industry worldwide.