Richard Gottlieb

Services You Can Use: Packaging Services
April 28, 2008

Finding someone to create your packaging can be a big challenge for many toy companies.  In fact, some companies new to the toy industry don’t even know where to start.

In order to shed some light on the subject I contacted Ron Cohn, President of the 86 year old Paragon Packaging, Inc.  Ron is the third-generation owner of his company so he obviously grew up in the business.  

Before beginning my interview with Ron, let me note that my research has unfortunately not been able to come up with a data base of toy industry packagers.  There are, however, a number of them:  FRV Group, Delano Service, Why Design, PackageRight Corporation ,  ColorMagic and Boxes Inc. to name a few.  If you are a packager and would like “Out of the Toy Box” Blog readers to know about your services please let us know about you by responding to the "Comments" section at the end of this blog.

Richard:          What kind of work does your company do for the toy industry?

Ron Cohn:        The  goal is  for us to become the customer’s manufacturing “partner,” utilizing our supply chain to make a great package at  a fair and affordable price, eliminating costly errors in manufacturing and shipping , and eliminating the necessity of our customer in hiring inexperienced and expensive staff to produce the game or package the toy. 

From an operations view, what our company does is manage the project or product line and coordinate the entire production for companies.  We will utilize  their concept (in the case of a board game, for example), prototype, and artwork, depending on their latest progress, produce or acquire all the printing, packaging and other  specified components, and assemble all of the items into a well produced package that will provide perceived value for the buyer and consumer.

In the cases of molding or electrical component manufacturing, we’ll design, engineer and manufacture the piece in its entirety.  The basic process generally involves:

• ·        Massage the specifications with our customer to produce the best quality and most cost efficient package available.
• ·        Provide pricing and advice on quantity and shipping logistics.
• ·        Coordinate with graphic designer to eliminate layout errors.
• ·        Submit prototypes for final design approval.
• ·        Produce all components and assemble into final package.
• ·        Provide quality control and applicable testing as necessary.
• ·        Arrange and coordinate shipping and provide scheduling to customer.

Richard:          What services do you provide?

Ron Cohn The service we provide is expert turnkey manufacturing of board games and card games specifically, and we also produce quality printing and packaging of all types for the retail market.  The packaging styles run the gamut, as follows, including and not limited to:

• Rigid boxes (board game style two-piece box)
• Game boards
• Vacuum-formed plastic trays and other plastic packaging
• Printing and die-cutting of specialty components such as tokens
• Chipboard and corrugated platforms
• Paper money
• Folding cartons
• POP displays
• Plastic game pieces
• CD and DVD replication
• Electric component design and manufacturing
• Corrugated shipping cartons
• Product assembly and shrink wrapping

Richard:          Do you only produce packaging in the United States or do you also offer production in China?

We produce board games and specialty retail packaging both domestically and offshore.  Of great significance, Paragon Packaging and its manufacturing partners constantly monitor regulations and conform to International testing standards under ASTM F963-07 and EN-71.

Richard:          One of the questions that constantly come up is: What are the benefits and deficits of making packaging in the US versus China?

Ron Cohn         Common sense tells one that lead times should be much shorter making something on US ground versus having to put it on the water for two to three weeks.  Secondly, there is a control factor available for most customers in the US that is not as readily available when producing in China.  Paragon Packaging, like many others, has manufacturing partners on the ground in China and make our own regular visits to retain continuity of the relationships and assist in the manufacturing process. 

Historically, companies have turned to China for packaging due to the significant cost savings.  However, with the decline of the global and US economies, increases in the cost of raw materials, upgrading of labor standards, and the cost of fuel, this gap may continue to narrow in the near future.  Nonetheless, currently there is a true saving to be had purchasing in China.  At the same time, the cost of tooling, for die cutting and especially plastics manufacturing, is unbelievably less expensive in China. 

Richard:          So if it is cheaper to make products in China, are there any quality differences between the US and China of which manufacturers should be aware?

Ron Cohn:        Yes.  There are Chinese companies to be found that know the difference and are capable of producing quality packaging.  It comes down to the raw materials used, inks, equipment, and the labor practices.  You know, if a plant’s culture includes making packaging at the lowest possible cost without regard to quality, they’re not going to turn that around immediately.  It’s not because they don’t want to, it’s just not in their realm of thinking. That’s why you have to know who you’re doing business with. 

Richard:          What should new toy companies look out for when choosing a company to handle their packaging?

Ron Cohn:        First off, we believe that every US company ought to give consideration to having their games or packaging manufactured at home, in the US.  They may find the price difference being too great, and may opt for China, but it’s good to consider the options before making a decision.

Next, find out how long the company has been in business and what kind of track record their customers have.  Find out what that company’s expectations are of quality, service, and price to make sure they’re compatible.  Ask about their capacity so there is an understanding of the ability to produce in the heaviest production season.  Finally, the supplier should be one that is comfortable to talk to, that there is a sense of relationship-building taking place, and enjoyment. Remember:  “Success Leaves Clues.” 

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on April 28, 2008 | Comments (5)