An American in Germany

This blog has been written by guest writer, Joe Spitz, VP of Sales and Marketing for Liberty Packaging - yes, he is my husband. Here, Joe talks of his recent trip to Germany:

“You must order the white asparagus soup,” insisted my hosts, Frank and Peggy Krökel. This was the start of my infatuation with this delightful vegetable. The selected restaurant for my first night in Germany, located in Eisenach, served the soup and the white asparagus dish in a butter or hollandaise sauce. I chose the butter and it was quite delicious. May in Germany is a perfect season to indulge in this unique dish.

The white asparagus discovery was certainly a pleasure, but back to business. My Germany visit allowed me to participate in an Intercept Technology™ team building event for representatives and distributors from all around the globe. Organized by Frank and Peggy’s company CompTrade (European Intercept Technology Dealer), the event included a spirited off-road team competition in which teams of participants drove rugged vehicles through obstacle courses (see pictures) and also a day of sharing Intercept sales situations and packaging solutions from all attending parties.

Applications stories varied, but what was quite evident is that automobile manufacturers all around the world are accepting and appreciating the corrosion protection that Intercept packaging offers. Many wide-ranging tiered parts for the major manufacturers are being transported from diverse locations to assembly sites safely in Intercept, including engine blocks, drive shafts, manifolds; there are very few limitations. The groups’ creative packaging ideas utilizing Intercept were proficient such as bulk packing to save costs, and eliminating protective oil application and removal. Implementation of these ideas saved their customers money on packaging materials and labor, but the big savings came in costs associated with reducing reworks and returns.

It was a joy for me to visit beautiful Germany with its rolling hills, quaint villages, castles, fine cuisine, and friendly people. I am so appreciative of my CompTrade hosts for this experience. It was also illuminating for me to meet people from different parts of the world and who speak different languages that are as passionate about the revolutionary Intercept Technology™ packaging as I am. Intercept is truly worldwide. For more about Intercept Technology packaging, please visit Liberty Packaging Co., Inc.

Electronics Manufacturers Challenged by RoHS - Intercept Technology Packaging Offers Solution

Packaging has solved many of society’s problems (think foods and medicine); for storage and shipping, the Intercept ™Technology packaging products are a solution for packaging electronics, so they can operate for their whole life as designed. After all, defects, and especially field defects, can damage a company’s reputation, increase product returns, increase field services, decrease its bottom line earnings, and damage its stock ratings. Electronics companies can look to Intercept from Liberty Packaging Co. for an advantage.

A “Green” revolution is afoot affecting the electronics industry: the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) instituted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation effective July 1, 2006. RoHS banned the use of six substances, with lead being the most relevant to the electronics field. Military, transportation, sensors, and large machine tools have received exemptions from RoHS, but the rest of the electronic companies must now comply if they wish to do business in Europe. Other countries and states are beginning to embrace RoHS or similar legislation. With the presence of lead, the disposal of these electronic parts is alleged to be not ideal for protecting earth’s environment.

The tin/lead alloy (historically reliable) had been used primarily during the 20th Century for soldering components and circuit cards. All lead-free solder alloys have some sort of a disadvantage when compared to the old reliable mix. Some have higher melt temperatures, causing problems in the application process; some create a weaker bond or do not cover as well; most are more susceptible to corrosion. Tin, by itself, has a problem called “Whisker Growth” where the metal actually grows metal whiskers that can cross over circuits and cause shorts.

The main reason I have interest in this issue is that my company, Liberty Packaging Co., features the Intercept Technology products (previous link shows our German counterpart site) - packaging that adds to product longevity, reduces defects, is healthier for workers than some alternatives, eliminates the need for vacuum sealing, and reduces labor costs. My thinking is that, if there is a better way, let's use it. Many manufacturers find that Intercept is a better way. http://www.libertypackaging.com/ for more information.