Background
A leading global consumer goods company manually unloaded 240 containers per month or 12
containers per day. During peak periods, workers could unload up to 430 containers per month or
roughly 21 containers per day. To staff the docks, the company utilized approximately 60 people, the
majority of which were agency workers.
The Solution
The company decided to make an investment in their operation and installed two Destuff-it™
machines on their inbound dock. By optimizing a worker’s positioning to the box wall, faster unload
times and greater throughput were realized. Greater throughput meant more trailers could be
unloaded each shift and because the Destuff-it reduced the amount of lifting, twisting, carrying and
overhead reaching required, workers experienced less fatigue and muscle strain.
The company quickly discovered theDestuff-it could help increase the overall health & safety of
their workforce as well as maintain a high level of productivity, all with fewer people. The company
analyzed their current operation and decided to make a dramatic change.
To handle the regular monthly volumes, they hired 12 full time employees to replace the 60 temp
workers. Based on the productivity gains realized by the first two Destuff-it machines, the company
then added a third machine with an additional six-person crew to assist with seasonal peaks.