A leader in the development of multi-pack cartons and machinery for decades, MeadWestvaco created its new Pack Center service to fast-track products to market, as well as improve consumer testing of innovative packaging solutions with higher quality test results.

“MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center is truly a full-service fulfillment program developed for companies entering the market, as well as for established companies that want to rapidly test and launch new products,” says John Perkins, vice president, Business Development – Americas, MeadWestvaco Consumer Solutions Group. “Our customers use Pack Center to develop new multi-pack solutions for their products, then quickly move these into retail channels. Once we have an approved design and graphics, Pack Center can produce cartons, pack product and distribute multi-packs to stores in a matter of days.”

MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center handles every aspect of the packaging process from carton design and printing to packing and shipping, within tiered turn-around options, depending on quantity. The service was developed when MeadWestvaco customers responded favorably to having a full-service resource to help them quickly and successfully launch their innovative products. By getting to market faster, MeadWestvaco customers may gather higher quality consumer data to validate their business case and realize the profits of a new product launch sooner. And, after the launch when sales are growing, customers can work with Pack Center advisors to plan for a dedicated packaging system to handle higher product volumes.

“Many large retailers have extremely strict timelines dictating when product must be placed and goals for how well it must sell in order to continue to be granted shelf space in the store,” says Perkins. “We are able to help food and beverage manufacturers meet tight deadlines for retail placement as well as attract consumers with convenience features such as handles and openings on our multi-packs. Once their products generate an established consumer base, we can then assist them with creating a packaging line in their facility to continue to supply product to meet increasing market demand.”

MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center is an ideal solution for both small producers and larger customers who need to test new product offerings. By utilizing Pack Center, companies can by-pass methods like focus groups and mall-intercept to quickly and effectively test new products directly in stores, and better evaluate whether or not they are viable for national distribution. The Pack Center is an ideal support service for product testing because it requires no capital investment and does not interfere with already scheduled production of established products.

For many customers, the Pack Center is also an excellent interim resource for product packaging while preparing for an installation of a MeadWestvaco machine system. One pioneering customer, National Beverage, marketer of Shasta and Rip It energy drinks, has utilized the resources of the Pack Center while awaiting placement of highly flexible MeadWestvaco Duodozen® 1250M series machines. By taking advantage of the Pack Center’s capability to quickly move product to market, National Beverage was able to launch its Rip It energy drink in 16-ounce can-packs, in advance of the start-up of MeadWestvaco’s state-of-the art, in-plant packaging system.

“We have partnered with MeadWestvaco on several occasions and turned to them once again to help add speed and flexibility to our packaging line,” says Joe Caporella, president, National Beverage Corporation. “The MeadWestvaco machines we are installing will allow us to quickly change between varied height and diameter cans, which is a must for any manufacturer offering an extended product line. But, machine placement is not an instantaneous process, so we felt it was beneficial to our marketing plan to use MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center to get our new, large-can Rip It products into stores as soon as possible.”

In only 14 days, MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center was able to print over 1 million cartons, fill the multi-packs and ship them to National Beverage for distribution. By utilizing the Pack Center, National Beverage was able to get product into the market nearly six weeks ahead of forecast, ensuring that consumers could buy these products during the seasonal peak. As a result, the company’s Rip It product hit store shelves on June 1 and quickly became a hot seller. Placement of the beverage producer’s new MeadWestvaco 1250M machines was completed shortly after the product launch, and National Beverage was able to supply the market with the popular Rip It energy drinks in multi-packs without interruption.

“Whether our customers need to test a new product or supply the market while preparing for a packaging machine placement, the Pack Center allows beverage producers to pack and distribute their products to the world’s largest retailers in a extremely efficient and timely manner,” says Perkins. “MeadWestvaco’s Pack Center has helped customers of all sizes quickly reach store shelves in innovative and consumer-friendly multiple packaging; and ensure that their products are selling well before making a capital investment in equipment. We have seen great success with our Pack Center customers, and we will continue to develop and tailor this innovative fast-track service to improve speed-to-market and support other specialized needs.”