How Collapsible Containers Are Transforming Kia Motors
04 Dec 2016
Collapsible containers are being used to deliver over 100 different subassemblies and components to Kia Motors’ Georgia plant every day.
The plastic reusable bulk storage containers increase efficiency and decrease waste, as they can be sent back to suppliers for refilling once emptied at the West Point facility. The collapsible plastic crates are used to carry products to be used on the Kia Motors’ assembly lines and in the paint and welding shops.
The Kia Motors manufacturing plant in Georgia does not have forklift trucks operating, meaning that the collapsible containers arrive stacked double-high or just single-height on a dolly, complete with hitches and tow bars. All of the storage containers are also connected together and arrive with 24 per truck if they are single-stacked and 48 per truck if they are double-stacked.
Improving Efficiency
The plastic crates improve logistics efficiency at the plant and have been being used since the 800,000 sq ft facility opened. The containers used at Kia have a height of between 25 and 48 inches when raised and of between 12.75 and 29 inches when collapsed. They are also manufactured of high-strength plastic with bases, release latches and door hinges capable of withstanding harsh manufacturing conditions.
A spokesman for Kia Motors said that the containers are simple to collapse and erect and have recessed hinges to maintain a flat wall on the inside of the container. They are also lightweight in order to prevent excess shipping costs and to make handling as easy as possible, making them an effective financial choice for Kia as well as a logistical one which can enhance handling procedures.
An Increasingly Popular Choice
Other companies are also making use of the collapsible containers, such as HS Automotive Alabama, which supplies rubber components for the likes of Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Hyundai and Kia. The company had previously used corrugated containers which were generally discarded after a single use, meaning that replacements had to be bought on a frequent basis.
These companies have found that it pays to choose a quality design option, as HS Automotive had previously tried using containers with a handle that was not durable enough to withstand constant use. The spring-loaded handles would frequently lose springs and needed continual repairs in order to keep the company’s containers in circulation.
Another consideration for the likes of Kia and HS Automotive is stability. Some collapsible crates have a central foot which has the potential to damage items contained in the crate below, whilst others have a non-damaging periphery runner to improve stability.
Kia and HS Automotive opt for crates with curved corners to increase the strength of the container and reduce the risk of splits forming in the plastic, and the company’s’ containers have finger tabs on their walls to make them quicker to erect, a flat deck to make the most of the internal space and snap-in latches. Access doors on every side of the containers are also an option.
Plastic Pallet Containers
Follow KIA’s trend of collapsible containers by taking a look at our space-saving container options. Awarded the iF Packaging design award, our containers come in a range of designs and sizes, including:
- Folding Boxes
- Folding Boxes with Lids
- Nesting Containers
- Nesting Containers with Lids
- Nesting Containers with Stacking Frames
Designed to be highly durable and easily folded, they are great when space-saving is required. Due to their variety, plastic containers can be used in many different ways. Your could order collapsible containers for storage, transporting goods, and home and commercial use. If you have any questions relating to our plastic containers, please get in touch with us today.
Plastic Pallet Container Prices
Available with next-day delivery on stock items, or 10 – 14 days on non-stock, the collapsible containers can transform not only KIA Motors’ business but yours too. If you’d like our space-saving containers for your business or home, please get in touch. You can either choose to use our easy and quick secure checkout system or for more specialist sizing; please use the get a quote option.
With our online checkout system, you can choose the type, dimensions and amount of plastic space-saving containers you require. After selecting the amount you need, make sure to add them to your cart and proceed to checkout. Once at the secure checkout page, you’ll have the option to choose your preferred payment method. We can deliver plastic space-saving containers across the UK, Europe and rest of the world.
If you have any questions relating to your order or would like advice on which option to choose, please contact us. You can contact our team using the local number 02380 667 999 or via freephone at 03301 757 766. Alternatively, we also have an online contact form you can use. We look forward to hearing from you.