press releases |
Creative Forming’s Snap-Lock™ Package for Windows Vista Makes Assembly a Snap |
Thermoforming solutions company creates breakthrough in software packaging with custom Snap-Lock lid and base.
Ripon, WI – September 13, 2007 – Creative Forming Inc., a solutions-oriented custom thermoforming company based in Ripon, Wisconsin, is the name behind a piece of Microsoft Corp.’s new Windows Vista packaging in select Latin American markets.
The situation in Microsoft’s selected retail marketplace and on the production floor required an outer-pack over the unit packaging that could meet a distinct set of demands.
On the retail shelves, the packaging had to hold up to the following criteria:
- Serve as a theft deterrent
- Be tamper resistant
- Offer optimal protection of product
- Aesthetically showcase product/package
- Manufactured with Recycled PET, a sustainable material
On the production floor, a different, yet equally important set of requirements was called for:
- Simple and easy assembly – it had to be an intuitive set up that required no additional training
- Low–assembly cost
- Seamless integration with existing machinery
- Immediate ramp up – easy, one-step process of snapping the lid and base shut for a tamper-resistant and secure seal
- Eliminating any need for secondary tooling or use of adhesives
Rob Fitzgerald, Regional Sales Manager of Creative Forming, in a meeting with Patti Sullivan, Senior Packaging Project Manager, Microsoft, had presented a prototype outer shell that Creative Forming had developed. Ms. Sullivan, saw great potential in the patented Snap-Lock design for an innovative solution for the new packaging for Windows Vista. Not only would it optimally showcase the product, it would offer Microsoft and its supply chain vendors, tremendous logistical flexibility.
“Patti’s excitement at the potential of the package was all we needed to begin the process and create a Snap-Lock outer pack that would exceed even the most ambitious expectations – ours,” said Fitzgerald. “We immediately began forming a new product development team to create not just an eye-catching outer pack but a smarter, more efficient packaging system.”
The Creative Forming New Development Team, made up of key experts from every department at Creative Forming, from design engineers to material specialists, from process and tooling experts to production floor managers, approached its challenge from every possible angle to ensure total and categorical success. Everything related to the project was done in-house, including the Recycled PET extrusion, which was produced by ALPHATEC EXTRUSION, a division of Creative Forming, Inc.
A key winning factor in Creative Forming’s total solutions approach is the close involvement and collaboration with its clients – in this instance, Patti Sullivan and Microsoft’s production processes.
“The Creative Forming team was thoroughly committed to achieving success. Learning and understanding Microsoft’s needs was a top priority. They made sure they knew our requirements and processes inside and out,” expressed Sullivan. “It’s this in-depth knowledge that made for a smooth process. As with any design and packaging project, there were rounds of testing and fine-tuning, but from start to finish they consistently delivered and met required criteria.”
Creative Forming’s extensive experience in custom thermoforming definitely came into play with the Windows Vista Snap-Lock project – an industry breakthrough for both companies. While thermoform packaging has seen immense popularity on retail shelves for countless products, its use as a tamper-resistant package, requiring no additional sealing has not been used for higher ticket price software products.
The intuitive design of the Snap-Lock package, besides making the final assembly a quick and easy one-step process, offers Microsoft’s manufacturers and supply chain vendors great flexibility. The Snap-Lock package not only speeds up but also simplifies the assembly line process for Microsoft’s assembly groups.
Additionally, it allows the assembly of the outer packs to be done at different locations – eliminating the need for costly freight and secondary tooling charges. Assembly can be done as and when required - either further up or down the supply stream. Regardless of where assembly is done, whether it’s in Miami, Asia or South America, at the manufacturing plant, custom fulfillment house or in-store, quality control and throughput remain consistently high.
While Creative Forming’s Snap-Lock design is a custom solution for Windows Vista, its application is almost universal. The potential for its use in just about any market is phenomenal. “The Snap-Lock for Windows Vista is just the beginning. We’re currently working on new and innovative applications and are extremely excited about the myriad of application possibilities it offers,” Robert Fitzgerald explains. “Its ease of use and design flexibility can be adapted for a variety of products in numerous ways. In Canada for example, the same Snap-Lock outer pack has been used as a point of purchase display. It’s proving to be a very versatile package design.”
About Creative Forming, Inc.
Located in Ripon, WI, Creative Forming and its extrusion division ALPHATEC EXTRUSION®, offer state-of-the-art extrusion expertise and custom thermoforming solutions to the consumer products, food packaging, and food service industries throughout the United States.
Product and service names mentioned herein may be trademarks of Microsoft Corporation and/or Creative Forming, Inc.
For more information, please contact:
Marc DeGroot, Creative Forming, Inc. | 100 Creative Way | Ripon, WI 54971 | (920) 748-7285