Automatic shrink wrapping machine - Rexel
Background
Rexel is a supplier of electrical products to electricians and members of the public across Queensland that has invested in two automatic shrink wrapping machines, used to wrap stock on pallets to ship to customers.
Benefits
By investing in the automatic shrink wrapping machines, Rexel has:
- substantially reduced the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by 66 per cent and other injuries by eliminating awkward postures and forceful exertions needed to manually shrink wrap pallets
- increased efficiency for the task by 80 per cent. The automatic shrink wrapping device takes approximately one minute to wrap pallets of various types. Previously, if the pallet contained mixed products, it could take approximately five minutes to shrink wrap the pallet
- saved in supervision time and improved security of products in the pallet through greater continuity and uniformity of wrapping.
Costs
The two automatic shrink wrapping machines purchased for the Tingalpa distribution centre had a total upfront cost of $15,000 compared with an upfront cost of $100 for two manual shrink wrapping devices.
Return on investment
Over a five year period, the investment made by Rexel is estimated to provide a return on investment of around $1.82 of benefits for every $1 of expenditure.
The payback period for the upfront costs was around 2¾ years.
| Item | Value | Calculation details |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits (annual) | ||
| Efficiency gains in shrink wrapping pallets | $5,432 |
Assumptions:
|
| Return on investment | ||
| $ of benefits per $1 of costs over five years | $1.82 | |
| Payback period for upfront costs | 2¾ years | |
Source: Adept Economics, 2015.
Note: This is a high-level analysis and should not be relied upon in making any future business decisions. Proponents are strongly urged to make their own estimates and decisions based on their individual business modelling.
Further information
View further information on return on investment for work health and safety interventions.