Plant upgrade reflects increasing demand for company’s Thermo Shield™ fire-resistant shipping wrap and J-Crate corrugated crating container, among other packing solutions.
PACT, LLC, an innovator of packaging and crating technologies, is moving to a spacious new facility in Watertown, CT, just a few miles from its current headquarters in Waterbury. The 71,000-square-foot space is necessary to accommodate the company’s rapid growth in its specialized shipping niches. In addition to added production infrastructure and warehousing space, the move is expected to result in 15-20 new personnel.
PACT will be moving into the larger facility incrementally over the next year or so. Once the transition is complete, the company expects to double its current product output.
Key to PACT’s upward growth trend is a marked uptick in demand for one of its signature products. Last year, the company was granted a US patent for Thermo Shield™, a paper-based, fire-resistant shipping wrap designed to prevent catastrophes caused by battery explosions during transport. Utilizing a revolutionary technology that actively and automatically cools the internal environment of a corrugated container, the paper-based, 100% recyclable protective logistics product prevents damage to the outside shipping container, suppresses fumes or gasses from escaping, and limits external oxygen supply.
Thermo Shield™ comprises a lightweight pleated material with a non-toxic moisture vapor application that ensures the safety of lithium-ion products in transport. The solution can suppress thermal runaway and propagation at temperatures up to 800°C, and restrict the temperature outside the wrap itself to 60°C.
Another sustainable shipping solution seeing sizable growth is PACT’s patented J-Crate, a customized corrugated crating container offering reduced shipping costs, maximization of warehousing space, and increased sustainability. An attractive alternative to the conventional wood shipping crates used to transport large items, the solution comprises a wooden base surrounded by sturdy yet pliable corrugated material. The lightweight shipper saves on transport costs and, since it can collapse to be barely wider than the base wood component, takes up exponentially less space than standard crates.
Crucially, J-Crates do not sacrifice product protection. The corrugated containers have been proven to keep even the most fragile items secure during transport, as the structure can withstand 4,000 lbs. of pressure – the same amount as a standard wooden pallet. In addition to the J-Crate’s inherent sturdiness, its corrugated material is a better shock absorber than wood, meaning J-Crates diminish the sort of vibration-related damage that can result from the jostles and jolts packages frequently endure throughout the supply chain.
Notably, the move’s negligible geographic distance means that PACT can retain all of its current employees.
“The new Watertown facility is an ideal combination of talent continuity and accommodating current and future growth,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC. “Being able to not only expand our team but keep all of our loyal, skilled personnel with us were both crucial factors in our decision. The expanded space, new infrastructure and dedicated team members will be instrumental as Thermo Shield, J-Crates and our other shipping solutions continue their forward momentum.”
About PACT
PACT, LLC is a world leader in manufacturing industrial packaging and crating solutions. With over 25 years of experience, PACT has designed such popular industry solutions as J Crates and Pleatwrap, as well as custom packaging products for the furniture and automotive industries. PACT was founded on the idea of sustainability and continues to embrace a green future in the packing and crating industry. For more information, visit www.pactww.com.
