On Monday, October 11th, 2010, we broke ground on the first of a multi-phased plan to improve our flow of production, warehouse operations and receiving and shipping facilities. In conjunction with the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund, we have received a grant that will partially cover the expense to make these improvements. Phase 1 will include the construction of 3 new loading docks at our Receiving Warehouse. The addition of these docks will greatly increase the speed and ease of incoming raw material deliveries. In Phase 1, we also will be leasing additional warehouse space that will be used for inventory of our distribution and shipping products. Plans are for Phase 1 to be completed by the end of November. Phase 2 will include the extension and complete dedication of our internal docks for shipping. Until now, both shipping and receiving were from this single location. With regard to increasing our production capabilities, we will be opening up more manufacturing space to finishing, packing and shipping. We expect Phase 2 to be completed by New Years. The goal is increased production capacity, reduced manufacturing stress, reduced lead times and increasing our (already high) on-time shipping performance. It’s all good!
Drum It Up
STEEL DRUM INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS AND ISSUES
Archive for October, 2010
Closure Instruction Requirements Modified by PHMSA
Seeming to receive ongoing attention from the DOT, the Closure Instruction requirements have been modified. With regard to Closure Instructions, 49 CFR 178.2(c)(1)(i) was revised to specify that the closure instructions “must provide for a consistent and repeatable means of closure that is sufficient to ensure the packaging is closed in the same manner as it was tested.” This modification seeks to further encourage packaging manufacturers, resellers and shippers to read and understand the requirements of proper closure. Proper closure is the most critical element of insurance that a dangerous goods package performs as tested. With revised versions of the Code of Federal Regulations printed annually taking into account regulation changes that are effective as of October 1 of each particular year, PHMSA has chosen October 1, 2010, as the effective date for this regulatory enhancement. Those affected should ensure they are in compliance on the date the requirements take effect. Follow these links for more Closure Instruction information and to check out our highly acclaimed Closure Instruction videos.
Coming in 2011: Seamless Wine Drums
In 2010, SKOLNIK introduced a line of “seamless” stainless steel drums. The “seamless” construction refers to the fact that although the drum is made by welding a cover, body and bottom head together, the edges are butt-welded and therefore, there are no lapped edges where bacteria can accumulate. We are very close to the introduction of a seamless drum for wine, as our wine customers have been requesting seamless interiors for their drums. In addition to increased longevity, these crevice free interiors will allow for easier cleaning. They will be available in 55 gallon capacity, complete with a 2“ tri-clover fitting, just like our drums with conventional seamed construction. We expect to showcase this unique and improved drum at our booth at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California, in January 2011, and then begin production for the 2011 season. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
