Packing punch in the export of heavy machinery

KEVIN MAYHEW THERE IS a major demand for industrial packaging for heavy material and machinery being moved into Africa, according to managing director of Mitchell Packers, Greg Mitchell. “Just two weeks ago we boxed an 80-ton piece of equipment for Nigeria. This is just one of many orders being filled by us for the rest of Africa – particularly the northern countries of the continent,” he said. The introduction of new legislation governing the treatment of wooden pallets and packaging to new international specifications is a major consideration for other countries looking to import or export from South Africa, he said. Mitchell only produces wooden boxes and pallets that meet the specifications. The company also introduced the world’s first cardboard box and pallet combination. Patented in South Africa by Mitchell, the new specially waterproofed combination is available in three standard sizes and weighs up to five times less than its wooden alternative, making it ideal for airfreight as well.