Innovations brought GLF and Husqvarna together
GLF’s collaboration with Husqvarna is truly packed with innovations. The latest product developed is assembled at the factory without tools, delivered in flat packages, and packed with chainsaw blades that are shipped to the USA.
The collaboration for innovative sustainable packaging solutions between Husqvarna and GLF began over ten years ago when Stora Enso reached out for help in developing better custom pallets for riding lawn mowers on behalf of Husqvarna. GLF designed a better pallet than the one previously supplied by another provider, and soon Husqvarna also wanted an improved packaging solution to replace their existing cardboard packaging. GLF then developed a foldable wooden crate with stretch film, which made packing the products easier, reduced material consumption, and significantly simplified the packaging process for the staff.
We went up to Husqvarna
We went up to Husqvarna and stood by the production line to see how the packing process worked. Then we kicked off the product development—it was an exciting process. Husqvarna didn’t know us before, and we didn’t know them. We had many meetings with Husqvarna, and at one point, it felt like we practically lived there. Today, they are our biggest customer,” says Per-Ola Hoff, Head of Innovation at GLF.
The customized solution, developed to meet Husqvarna’s specific needs, proved to be a groundbreaking improvement in its field. Thanks to its innovative design and technical efficiency, it quickly gained attention within the company. After a thorough evaluation and comparison with other development projects, Husqvarna’s corporate management named it the ‘best innovation’ of the year. The decision was based on the solution’s significant contribution to product development, its practical application, and the positive feedback from both internal experts and external users.
An important environmental aspect
The wooden crates consist of five components, compared to twelve in the previous solution, which significantly increases the packaging speed. They are also designed for reuse—just like all the products we manufacture, even if some are initially perceived as single-use. Innovative sustainable packaging solutions. The environmental aspect of these solutions is crucial not only for us but also for our customers.
When Husqvarna sought a new product in 2020 to facilitate transportation to the USA, they once again turned to GLF. This time, the focus was on chainsaw chains, which are manufactured in Husqvarna and then shipped worldwide for assembly into different machines.
“The first evaluation always revolves around whether the project is something we can and want to take on. You can’t do everything. Our experience is key, and we had the knowledge and expertise from similar projects, the right materials, suitable subcontractors, and high capacity. The conditions were favorable.”
Husqvarna previously used a reusable plastic product, a plastic reel, which was shipped back and forth to a factory in Poland for the same purpose as what was now needed across the Atlantic. However, a return solution from the USA was not sustainable—neither economically nor environmentally—due to the long transport distances.
Our proposal
It was designed to be assembled and disassembled without tools or glue and could be delivered in flat packages, which is an environmental advantage.
– The wooden crates consist of five components, compared to twelve in the previous solution, which significantly increases the packaging speed. They are also designed for reuse—just like all the products we manufacture, even if some are initially perceived as single-use. Innovative sustainable packaging solutions. The environmental aspect of these solutions is important not only for us but also for our customers.”
-When they contacted me, I asked several questions: Do you want to return the product? Assemble it yourself? Can you store large volumes? What volumes will you need? Based on their needs and requests, I developed two different proposals—one cardboard-based solution and one wood-based solution, which was an evolution of a wooden turbine for plastic hoses originally developed for another customer.
Our proposal was designed to be assembled and disassembled without tools or glue and could be delivered in flat packages, which is an environmental advantage. Husqvarna also received a proposal from another supplier using corrugated cardboard. They compiled and evaluated the different options and, after several meetings, decided on Per-Ola’s solution. GLF created prototypes of both proposals and sent them to Husqvarna so they could physically inspect and test the products.
GLF
It became clear that the solution to the problem was a perfect fit.
New meetings followed, exact measurements were taken, and new prototypes were delivered to Husqvarna for testing in the machine they were intended for. It became clear that the solution to the problem was a perfect fit. The chains were rolled onto wooden drums and shipped to the USA for testing at the factory there. A trial series of 100 units was produced, and packaging tests were conducted.
After receiving feedback, we made some changes.
All feedback was collected – from the internal organization, the factories in Husqvarna and the USA, as well as from the transporters, which is an important aspect. Stacking, load securing, weight – many factors need to align. Almost everything matched perfectly.
– After receiving feedback, we made some changes – for example, five plywood sticks were used instead of four. We also had a dialogue about where the products should be manufactured, how they should be packed, and what quality the wood should have, etc. At the same time, an internal product development process at GLF is ongoing, which the customer is not involved in, although, of course, the customer sets the requirements.
The product was then sent for testing, which is always the case with new products. Compression testing, impact testing, drop testing – simply tests to evaluate whether the product holds up for its intended purpose. Sometimes GLF orders the tests, sometimes the customer does – it varies. These tests are conducted at an external test facility, and the results are documented in a test report.
– If the tests turn out well, the product is very close to being finalized.
It provides security for everyone involved.
The first serial deliveries were carried out after the tests were approved, allowing the customer, in this case, Husqvarna, to fully test the product. The close collaboration continued. A final review of the drawings was conducted together, where every small detail was examined to ensure the product met the agreed specifications. At this stage, several documents were also processed – does the product contain any hazardous substances, where is it manufactured, and by whom? Where do the raw materials come from? A so-called PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) was also carried out, where everything was meticulously measured to ensure 100% synchronization.
– It didn’t use to be done this way, but this is how it works today. Sure, it involves more work, but I think it’s a good thing. Larger companies want full control over everything, and after all these meetings and reviews, both parties are fully informed and in agreement on every detail. It provides security for everyone involved.
A project for innovative sustainable packaging solutions like this is conducted in close collaboration with the customer’s R&D and procurement department, as well as GLF’s sales, product development, and factories.
– A price, a kind of maximum price, is set fairly early on to match the customer’s budget and GLF’s sales. It is important that the customer’s procurement department is involved to avoid ending up with a product that they cannot afford to pay for.
Compressed products
If, as in this case, we can create compressed products, it is a huge advantage.
The deal is finalized when the final contract is signed by both parties, which usually happens quite late in the process—after all documents have been reviewed and the PPAP has been completed. Once the contract is signed, production can begin, meaning the customer can start placing orders immediately.
– In this case, Husqvarna placed the first order directly in April 2021, consisting of 5,000 units. The size and frequency of orders can vary, but typically, one batch every six months is standard. Larger volumes per production run are easier for everyone. Packaging is always bulky, but if, as in this case, we can create compressed products, it is a huge advantage.
