TUCKER ROCKY

Tucker Rocky, a leading American company in the distribution of premium motorcycle clothing and accessories, has selected Robopac as its partner for tire packaging across North America. This partnership marks a significant success for the San Marino-based company, as it has adapted and customized its Compacta S series wrapping machine with horizontal wrapping technology using stretch film to meet the unique needs of this previously unexplored market.

Tucker Rocky’s Requirements

With seven offices spread across North America and an extensive catalog featuring 75,000 items, Tucker Rocky serves both motorcycle shops and individual consumers, including online sales. Seeking to enhance its tire packaging system in terms of functionality, aesthetics, cost reduction, and packaging time, Tucker Rocky engaged the US subsidiary of Aetna Group. Previously, tire packaging involved the labor-intensive process of applying two custom-cut paperboards to each side of the tire before strapping—a cumbersome and time-consuming operation that did not always ensure pristine condition upon receipt. Collaborating with Robopac, Tucker Rocky sought an alternative solution to streamline its operations.

Solution Development with Robopac

To address Tucker Rocky’s needs comprehensively, Robopac’s technical team meticulously analyzed technical data and available machinery, exploring various options. Following an in-depth preliminary assessment, a semi-automatic tire packaging solution with a wrap-around packer emerged as the most promising proposal. Throughout the custom machine development process, active collaboration with Tucker Rocky, particularly with Dan Kent (Director of Operations), was integral. Kent provided samples, participated in tests in Italy, and approved mechanical modifications to tailor the solution precisely to the product specifications. Tucker Rocky’s initial order of nine machines underscored the successful collaboration.

Benefits Achieved

The feedback from Tucker Rocky following the implementation of Robopac machines was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous advantages observed:

Substantial time savings in tire packaging operations, leading to increased productivity.

Enhanced tire protection, resulting in fewer damages during handling and transportation.

Simplified application of labels on stretch film, facilitating batch tracking and logistics management.

Improved handling and transportation of tire batches, optimizing logistics processes.

Greater flexibility afforded by stretch film packaging compared to cardboard.

Aesthetic enhancement of packaged batches and reduced packaging material costs.

Significant improvements in the storage and disposal of consumable materials, particularly stretch film reels.

Future Prospects

Buoyed by the success of the new solutions, Tucker Rocky subsequently ordered five additional machines with larger diameters, reflecting its expanded operations following a recent merger. Robopac and Eurotecsa International continue to collaborate with Tucker Rocky to explore further enhancements, including the integration of more automated lines to bolster overall efficiency and speed. The envisioned system features a motorized infeed conveyor, facilitating seamless tire transportation to and from the wrapping station, with provisions for label application and load recording. The Robopac Compacta S series has proven its robustness, ease of use, and adaptability, solidifying its position as a top-tier product in tire packaging technology.