A REQUEST TO solve a problem by building a special crate for mining equipment destined for Angola changed the entire working operation of a Cleveland, Gauteng company two years ago. Out went furniture and instead wooden packing became the order.
We'd been making outside deck furniture for the hospitality industry, serving two of the country's restaurant chains, says Ryan James, sales and marketing director of Crate Craft. But the casual request from an observer of our work has changed everything in our workshop. Now it's crates for export goods and our business is expanding all the time.
With his father Charles handling production and distribution, Ryan James has linked with Paul Netto of an adjacent paint manufacturing company who is now financial director. The two companies share transportation and secretarial operations.
I went out to the customer and knocked together the crate with a hammer and nails on the spot to meet his requirements, says James jnr. He was satisfied and immediately placed more orders. We've been building crates ever since. Now we have steady demands from the motor industry and package everything from insect repellents to diamond sorting machines.
Tailor-made crates are a normal procedure, designed to carry weights of up to 30 tons and allowing up to 150 cu/m space. Kiln dried timber ensures minimal moisture content with optimal structural strength. It's no longer the hammer and nails used these days. All timber is joined with the aid of pneumatic machinery.
Thicker structurally graded timber is used in assembly when abnormally heavy products are to be accommodated. Crate Craft also undertakes what it terms 'selling a service to the client' by handling the products on to delivery transport and off-loading providing project management.
Father and son and a crate ready for packing. Ryan (left) and Charles James inspect the final product at Crate Craft's Cleveland factory.
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