Leading UK arts and crafts supplier meets volume increase with Endoline systems

Endoline Automation has supported the growth of a leading UK supplier of arts and crafts following a growth in demand during the pandemic.

Co-founded in 1974, Baker Ross supplies arts & crafts, educational and fundraising products to schools, playgroups and organisations across the UK. The company offers over 3,000 items through its website and catalogue, which are packaged up and shipped from its head office in Harlow, Essex.

Endoline Automation originally supported Baker Ross when they automated their end of line packaging production back in 2018. Due to the large range of case sizes Baker Ross packs, Endoline recommended the installation of its 225 Fully Automatic Case Erector and its 714 Semi-Automatic Random Case Sealer.

Boxes are formed on the 225 and then taken off around the warehouse for orders to be picked and packed into. The random sized boxes are then hand fed into the 714, which automatically adjusts itself to the box size being presented to it.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Baker Ross experienced a rise in orders being sent out directly to end users at home rather than to schools and clubs, so the volume of boxes needing to be packed increased with over 1.2 million boxes despatched in 2021.

When Baker Ross moved to a new, larger facility to accommodate growth, they took the 225 and 714 machines with them and approached Endoline for two further machines to help them manage the increased volume.

This time, Endoline recommended the installation of its 221 Fully Automatic Case Erector dedicated to forming Baker Ross’ higher volume, smaller cases. Running at speeds of 12 cases per minute, the 221 feeds into Endoline’s 7048 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer via a new conveyor.

Working alongside the hand fed 714, the 7048 automatically accept cases from the new conveyor and automatically closes and seals cases at a speed of 12 per minute without operator intervention. Very lightweight cases are diverted to the hand-fed 714.

“We have been using Endoline as our preferred partner for the past 3 years and have their Case Erector and Case Sealer,” comments John Hurdle, Warehouse Operations Director for Baker Ross. “We recently moved to much bigger premises and as a result of a growth in business and customer demand, we found ourselves in need of additional systems. Our colleagues have found the equipment easy to operate and I am very happy with the service we receive. We would not hesitate in recommending them as a supplier to any business who is looking to streamline labour costs and improving production speed.”

Endoline Automation’s end of line packaging solutions have supported the growth of Baker Ross

With people at home during the lockdowns, demand for arts and crafts soared