Ron Pontolilo, vice president of sales at Jacobson Companies, recommends that you address the following four areas when qualifying prospective packagers.
• Location. Ask about the services they offer or the size of their operations, by region. What services do they provide, how seamlessly can they execute them, and where do they operate?
• Design capabilities. Inquire about structural and graphic packaging facilities, and also about the co-packer’s credentials in designing display pallets that are “shoppable” from multiple sides.
• Purchasing power. Request combined rates that address materials, and freight and ship-forward costs. Ask for a plan on how the co-packer can deliver economies of scale.
• Compatibility. Make sure the co-packer is a philosophical fit with your company. A seamless fit provides the best opportunities to drive costs out of packaging.
