Author: dev@samuel

Samuel Grant Packaging are delighted to announce the launch of the Samson Nano Slingshot, which makes their pallet testing laboratory the only EUMOS certified centre for horizontal pallet load security testing in the UK.

This type of pallet stability testing machinery is already making an impact in Mainland Europe, but the Slingshot is the first of its kind to be installed in the UK and unique to Samuel Grant Packaging. The Samson Nano Slingshot replicates the inertia of a vehicle and whether the load will potentially displace. The machine can initially test at 0.1G and work up to the EUMOS standard of 0.8G.  From the pallet data entered, the maximum deformation of the load is calculated to create a pass or fail.

Revered in the transit packaging industry for their own pallet wrap system the Samson Nano, for which the company received a Queen’s Award for Innovation, the investment in the Slingshot machine seemed an obvious progression for the company. Pallet stability and safety are crucial to manufacturers, who not only want their goods to reach their destination in perfect condition, but also need to keep their warehouse teams, logistics operations and the wider public, safe from displaced loads.

EUMOS is the European Safe Logistics Association, of which Samuel Grant Packaging are proud members. EUMOS are aiming to reduce the number of fatalities to Zero by 2050 instilling safer working practices throughout the supply chain and have created standards which are industry recognised.  By using the Samson Nano Slingshot, Samuel Grant Packaging can guarantee compliance with the EUMOS:40509 2020 safety standards.

Julia Allen, Managing Director of Samuel Grant Sheffield said, “We are proud to be part of EUMOS and offer the Slingshot in the UK to provide the highest safety possible to clients’ loads tested to EUMOS:40509 2020 standards. Not only does this offer peace of mind in getting goods delivered in an ‘as despatched’ condition, but also helps logistics companies and manufacturers avoid the cost and damage to reputation associated with claims or governing body investigations if loads are shed or damaged.”

Lidia Maestre, from Safe Load Technologies who supply the machine, said: “ Safe Load Testing Technologies is member of the EUMOS association to support research and contribute to the development of new standards and test methods related to cargo transport safety. Being members of the main associations and research groups such as EUMOS, ISTA, IAPRI or CEN is part of Safe Load’s contribution to society. Safe Load Testing Technologies provides innovative packaging optimization and validation solutions to leading companies, such as Samuel Grant,  to provide safer and optimized packaging solutions for their customers.”

For more information, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-JQJwAJsBM&t=73s or visit www.samuelgrant.co.uk/test

You can also read more on the official EUMOS website: https://eumos.eu/the-uks-only-eumos-approved-pallet-stability-testing-centre/

Yorkshire’s Samuel Grant Packaging is delighted to announce their new expansion plans, which will see them build a new 40,000 sq ft distribution and stockholding warehouse in the Logic Leeds logistics hub.

Neighbouring the Thorne’s Farm location of their current headquarters, the 110 acre Logic Leeds is located by Junction 45 of the M1. Samuel Grant Packaging will be joining the likes of Amazon, John Lewis and Premier Farnell, who have also set up significant distribution centres there.

During the pandemic Samuel Grant Packaging have been operating at full capacity, providing complete packaging solutions to the supply chain throughout the UK. Many packaging materials have been in short supply, largely due to the unprecedented demand in packaging for online deliveries, especially cardboard.

Samuel Grant have the buying power to be able to purchase and store huge amounts of packaging materials on behalf of their customers, so that their clients don’t see any downturn in production themselves due to shortages. They have managed to circumnavigate the nationwide packaging supply challenges, and continued to provide an unrivalled service.

Andrew Grant, Joint Managing Director said, “Packaging stockholding and distribution is now more valuable than ever in the supply chain, with many packaging materials having experienced shortages over the last year. As the North’s biggest distributor it’s important that we have enough space to continue to grow, and we have every confidence that the demand for our services will see us fill the new warehouse very quickly.”

The new warehouse expansion comes in the year that Samuel Grant Packaging celebrate their 130th anniversary and on the back of their investment in the UK’s only EUMOS certified pallet stability testing centre.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we took some time out to speak with Finance Apprentice, Elle Towse, to learn what she loves about completing an apprenticeship with Samuel Grant Packaging: 

Firstly, why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with Samuel Grant? 

“I wanted to learn from the best and I knew Samuel Grant had won the Queen’s Award in 2018. Therefore, that meant I would be learning and working with experts in packaging.” 

What type of apprenticeship are you doing? 

“I am studying to complete my AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). I am doing this course online with BPP, I watch pre-recorded lectures and I am provided with studying materials.” 

What is the best part about being an apprentice at Samuel Grant Packaging? 

“The best part about Samuel Grant is that I am always learning within the job as well as my studies therefore it puts the learning into practice. This is helped by being surrounded with people who have a lot of experience in this field, which means there is always somebody to explain more about what I may not understand. This makes the information very enjoyable to learn.” 

Describe some of your day-to-day tasks: 

“I have some main tasks that I complete every day, these include doing the bank statements and posting purchase invoices. However, every day is very different as I can go from reconciling the bank to writing off stock which gives me an understanding of all aspects of the business.” 

What new skills have you learned during your time so far? 

“I have learnt many new skills since working for Samuel Grant, these have been helpful with my course and what I am learning but also within my job in general.” 

Would you recommend taking on apprentices to other businesses? 

“I would recommend taking on apprentices to other businesses as you are able learn as well as help the business which then means you have more of an understanding as to why everything is done a certain way.It gives people the experience they need too.”  

What did you do before your apprenticeship? 

“Before starting at Samuel Grant Packaging, I studied at college doing my A-Levels. I wanted to get started on the career ladder, but I knew I still needed to study; therefore, an apprenticeship was the best option and solution for me.” 

What would you say to others tempted by an apprenticeship role? 

“I love being able to learn and work at the same time! It is the best decision you will make.” 

For Samuel Grant Packaging it’s clear to see the great value that apprenticeships and the apprentices themselves add to our business, especially with employees as keen to learn and take advice on board as Elle. We’re all looking forward to seeing how she progresses within the role and with her apprenticeship! 

To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week and how apprentices can aid your business, visit the gov.uk website.

The BBC has reported this week on the UK’s national cardboard shortage, caused primarily by the enormous increase in online deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We’re not going to say it hasn’t been a challenge, it has, but Samuel Grant have risen to the occasion, and have continued to supply all of our customers with a reliable source of quality cardboard through this difficult time, as we always do. 

At Samuel Grant Packaging we have the sleepless nights so our customers don’t have to, and in times like this, it’s more important than ever that we deliver our quality products, on time every time, without the national shortfall in cardboard box supply affecting our clients’ businesses. 

There is a lot of competition in the marketplace, but with 130 years’ experience of supply and demand, we are market-leading packaging merchants by staying ahead of market trends. We use our buying power and reputation to ensure that we mitigate against any challenges, so our customers can run their businesses effectively. That’s why our customers continue to use our support and expertise to get their goods to their destination in perfect condition, and have done for four generations. 

To read the full article from the BBC click here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55878062 

Samuel Grant Packaging celebrates 130 years of trading in 2021. If we put this into perspective given the current disaster we find ourselves in, the business has survived through:

Pandemics

Wars

Financial crashes

Recessions

Millennia

Digitisation

We are stronger for it.

Why does 130 years in business help our customers?

Our customers know that we are a safe bet. We’re not going anywhere. We have survived huge challenges, and helped our customers through challenging times too. From start-ups to enormous manufacturing operations, and everything in between, we are the trusted packaging partner, a constant in a crazy changing world. We pride ourselves on having the latest products, the best suppliers, the most innovation, and the most consistent levels of service.

Why does 130 years in business help our suppliers?

Occasionally suppliers have to make challenging decisions. At the time of writing for example, there is a nationwide cardboard shortage. In times of deciding where to supply a limited resource, the obvious choice falls with the companies with impeccable credit histories, timely payments, and sustained profitability. Our suppliers are assured that we can support them by paying on time, and we can support the supply chain the most effectively with their products.

Why does 130 years in business help our staff?

Despite what the world throws at us, our staff are safe. Safe in the knowledge that we will do everything we can to keep them, and their jobs secure. We exist as a company due to the skillset of our team, and their skills and experience are second to none in the packaging world. We value all our team members hugely, and they know it.

Put simply, 130 years in business creates confidence, from our customers, our staff and our suppliers. Without that confidence, we wouldn’t be here 130 years later and still going strong.

Here’s to the next 130!

We are delighted to announce that after BRC audits for our Sheffield and North East branches this week, both achieved ‘AA’ grade, the highest grade possible. 

To have achieved this during a global pandemic is testament to the hard work of all Samuel Grant staff, with both sites working especially hard to achieve the same grade 2 years running. We are so proud of every member of staff and are ever thankful for all their hard work.  

Group Health & Safety Manager Lauren Davies said: “It is difficult to achieve this at the best of times, maintaining such a high grade in a repeat audit gets even more difficult as both sites reached this level last year but I’m even more thrilled that we have still achieved this 8 months into a pandemic. It presents that standards within our processes and quality management system have not slipped despite the challenges we are facing. Well done and many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the audits. 

Special thanks to Sarah Clarke and Lee Grayson for being on hand all day with a constant flow of documentation yesterday and the same to Paul Henderson, Julie Dunn and Deb Alderson for today.” 

Here’s to another great year! 

We are proud to announce our sister company Marmax Recycled Products have won a silver and gold award for the International CSR Excellence Awards. These are for the recycled gameboard and for manufacturing excellence. They have also won a Green World Award for their recycled gameboard. During these unprecedented times we are excited to share this good news. 

The perspex gameboard is a great addition for picnic benches to transform the bench into an outdoor work surface, while still being able to see the bench beneath. Available in a range of designs from chess, snakes and ladders, multiplication or perspex. 

Marmax Recycled Products are one of the market leaders in the manufacturing of 100% recycled plastic furniture and playground equipment which does not rot, corrode or splinter and is guaranteed for a minimum of 25 years. Furthermore, once the product has come to the end of its life, it can be recycled back into the extrusion process and create more products for future generations. 

Our sister company cater for all sectors of industry, from schools and councils, theme parks and pubs, parish councils and hospitals to fisheries, sporting clubs and re-homing centres. Their vast range of products means they have something for everyone. 

All their products are manufactured in Stanley, County Durham, and they are able to offer a bespoke service so if there is anything that you require but cannot see it on their website, give them a call and they will be happy to help. 

Over the years, Marmax Products have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Green Apple Awards, Green World Awards and have held Green World Ambassador status for 5 consecutive years. They have also been finalists in the Plastic Industry Awards and finalists in local awards such as North East Employee of the Year Awards and Durham Environment Awards. Congratulations to all at Marmax for showing that recycled plastic products can be award winning. 

Find out more about our sister company here. 

The Queen’s Award-winning pallet wrapping system by Samuel Grant Packaging, Samson Nano, has continued to deliver unrivalled service through the COVID-19 pandemic 

We have worked throughout the crisis and ensured that those providing supplies to the front line have been well supported, with many of our clients operating in both food and pharmaceuticals.  

  

As the country begins to move towards a ‘new normal’ and businesses reopen, Samson Nano clients have an added advantage of the machine being Capex free. With no outright payments or hidden costs, clients can manage their budgets more accurately and effectively and are able to account for every penny spent.  

With social distancing now part of normal business practice our Samson Nano system will not only reduce the number of employees required to wrap pallets by up to 75% but will minimise cross contamination found with multiple employees using the same hand roll. The government guidelines have seen many employees shielding up and down the country leaving companies short staffed and struggling to keep up with demand. Our Samson Nano wrappers will keep up with demand and bridge that gap.  

We understand the current uncertainty in cash flow and offer our clients full flexibility as their workforce return, with clients being able to get additional machines if, and when, needs be. 

Introducing the Samson Nano system to your business allows packaging spend to be kept low, with a price per wrapped pallet costing system, meaning clients only pay for the pallets they wrap. There are also no hidden costs of maintenance, service of repair, as we take full responsibility for this.  

To keep up with ever increasing demand, we have recruited two more engineers taking this to 10 employees committed to providing the excellence of Samson Nano service.  

Samson Nano pallet wrappers have pre-set programs tailored to suit your needs which are locked out, so you get a consistent stable wrap every time. Our high quality 33-layer stretch film is wrapped to optimal load containment tensions without causing crushing. This leads to a cost reduction in packaging purchasing, transportation and the cost of replacing damaged goods in transit, saving you time and money with added environmental benefits.  

With upcoming installs of Samson Nano this week, Samson Nano are keeping the industry moving and are ready to supply to new and existing clients.

Samuel Grant Packaging are delighted to announce the launch of their new Speed Boxes, brought to the market in conjunction with PackSynergy. 

The boxes are an ideal solution for e-commerce. They are quick to assemble, seal and open, reducing labour costs. They are fully customisable and can be printed on, both inside and outside. The speed boxes are available in a huge range of sizes and shapes, and feature a unique tamper-proof closing system which provides peace of mind to despatchers. 

The boxes are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable themselves. There is no need for any additional tape / closing, as their self-adhesive band provides all the strength of closure the boxes need. 

Faster and more efficient packing is now completely achievable. To see an example of the speed of the Speed Boxes, watch our video https://youtu.be/ADYim6o8-xI 

Samuel Grant Packaging, the North’s largest packaging distributor, became the UK arm of PackSynergy in 2018, a network of 17 leading European packaging materials distributors. Joining the group of equally innovative and entrepreneurial companies has given Samuel Grant Packaging the opportunity to mitigate the risk of supplier challenges that could be caused by Brexit, expand their distribution network further into Europe, increase their product range, and swap best practice with their European counterparts. 

The group meet regularly to discuss trends and innovations in the world of industrial packaging, to share their knowledge and expertise in a collaborative way. They are also able to pool their experiences in warehouse and logistics management.