Innovations brought GLF and Husqvarna together

GLF’s collaboration with Husqvarna is truly packed with innovations. The newest product developed is factory assembled without tools, delivered in flat packs and packed with chainsaw blades that are shipped to the USA.

The innovative sustainable packaging solution collaboration between Husqvarna and GLF began just over ten years ago when Stora Enso got in touch and needed help with better special pallets for riding lawnmowers on Husqvarna’s behalf. GLF developed a better pallet than the one they got from another supplier and pretty soon Husqvarna also wanted a better packaging solution than the one they had before (which was made of cardboard). GLF then developed a collapsible wooden fence with stretch film that made it easier to pack the products, with less material consumption than before and which made the packaging process significantly easier for the packaging staff.

We went up to Husqvarna and stood by the product line to see how it went when they packed.

– We went up to Husqvarna and stood by the product line to see how it went when they packed. After that, we started 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, for a while we almost lived there. Today they are our biggest customer, says Per-Ola Hoff, head of innovation at GLF.

The specially adapted solution was named “best innovation” by Husqvarna’s group management in the same year.

There is an environmental aspect to this which is important

– The wooden crates consist of five details as opposed to twelve that their previous solution had, which increases the packaging rate considerably. They are also adapted for return use – all products we manufacture are, even if in some cases they are initially seen as disposable products. The environmental aspect of innovative sustainable packaging is important not only to us but also to our customers.

In 2020, when Husqvarna was looking for a new product to facilitate transport to the US, they once again turned to GLF. This time it was about chainsaw chains, which are manufactured in Husqvarna and which are then sent to different parts of the world for assembly in different machines.

– The first assessment is always about whether the project in question is something we can and want to do. You can’t do everything. Our experience is important and we had knowledge and experience of similar projects, suitable materials, suitable subcontractors, etc. And high capacity. The conditions were favorable.

Husqvarna had a reusable plastic product, a plastic reel, which was sent back and forth to a factory in Poland to do the same job that would now be done across the Atlantic. A return solution from the US would not be sustainable, neither financially nor environmentally, given the long transport.

Our proposal could be assembled and disassembled without tools or glue and could be delivered in flat packages, which is an environmental advantage.

– When they contacted me, I asked a number of questions. Do you want to return the product? Assemble yourself? Can you store large volumes? What volumes will you need? I then produced two different proposals that responded to their needs and wishes, a cardboard-based solution and a wood-based solution that was a development of a wooden turbine for plastic hose originally developed for another customer. Our proposal could be assembled and disassembled without tools or glue and could be delivered in flat packages, which is an environmental advantage.

Husqvarna also received proposals from another supplier, in corrugated cardboard. They compiled and evaluated the various possibilities and after a number of meetings stuck to Per-Ola’s proposed solution. GLF produced samples of both contributions and sent them to Husqvarna, so they could feel and squeeze the products.

It was clear that the solution to the problem had been found.

New meetings followed, exact measurements were made and new samples were delivered to Husqvarna for testing in the machine they were meant to be used in. It was clear that the innovative sustainable packaging solution to the problem had been found. Chains were rolled on wooden drums and sent to the USA, for testing in the factory there. A sample series of 100 specimens was produced, packing tests were carried out.

After feedback, we made some changes

All feedback was collected – from the organization internally and from the factories in Husqvarna and from the USA and from the transporters, which is an important aspect. Stacking, load securing, weight – a lot has to be right. Most everything matched perfectly.

– After feedback, we made some changes – it became e.g. five plywood sticks instead of four. We also held a dialogue about where the products should be manufactured, how they should be packed, what quality we should have in the wood, etc. At the same time, GLF’s own internal product development is also taking place in which the customer is not involved, although of course it is the customer who sets the conditions.

Then the product was sent for testing, as is always the case with new products. Compression testing, shock testing, drop testing – simply tests to evaluate whether the product is capable of what it is intended for. Sometimes it is GLF who orders the tests, sometimes it is the customer, it varies. These tests take place at an external test facility and the results end up in black and white in a test report.

– If the tests turn out well, you are very close to a finished product.

It is a security for everyone involved.

The first series deliveries were carried out after approved tests and the customer, in this case Husqvarna, could thus fully try the product. The close collaboration continued. A final drawing review was done together, where every small detail was scrutinized to ensure that the product corresponds to what was agreed. At this stage, a number of documents were also processed – does the product contain any dangerous substances, where is it manufactured and by whom – and where do the raw materials come from? A so-called PPAP (production control) is also carried out – where everything is checked so that everything is 100% in sync.

– It didn’t work that way before, but that’s how it is today. Of course it means more work, but I think it’s good. Larger companies want full control over everything and after all these meetings and briefings, both parties are fully aware of and agree on all the details. It is a security for everyone involved.

An innovative sustainable packaging project like this takes place in close collaboration with the customer’s R&D and purchasing department, as well as GLF’s sales, product development and factories.

– A price is set fairly early on, a sort of maximum price, which matches the customer’s budget and GLF’s sales. It is important that the customer’s purchasing department is involved to avoid ending up in a situation where a product has been produced that they cannot pay for.

If you can create compressed products, it is a huge advantage

The deal is open when the final contract is signed by both parties, and this is usually quite late in the process – after all the documents have been reviewed and the PPAP has been completed. Once the contract is signed, production can start, so the customer can start ordering immediately.

– In this case, Husqvarna ordered the first batch directly in April 2021, 5000 units. How large batches are ordered and with what frequency can vary, but a batch every six months is normal. Larger volumes at each production event are easier for everyone. Then all the packaging is bulky, but if you can, like us in this case, create compressed products, it is a huge advantage.

It is together that we create innovations

The innovation work at GLF is an idea work where the innovation department collaborates closely with production, the CEO and any subcontractor. With the various expert knowledge gathered under the same roof, GLF is Packed with innovations.

– It is together that we create innovations and innovations are what we are most passionate about. To find a solution that makes a difference for the customer, and from which we can make money of course. Innovations enable the customer’s business to develop but also for us to develop. If you only make standard products, you stand still and will eventually disappear. Development is important and innovation is part of our DNA, says Per-Ola, adding:

– Husqvarna among the best I have worked with in terms of innovations. They are extremely talented. Our relationship is about us seeing each other as partners and not sellers and buyers. That’s a recipe for success when it comes to innovation.