Bespoke Pallet Crates: Made to Order in Somerset

Last week our team completed 8 bespoke pallet crates for our client MANN+HUMMEL. Each crate was built to a different specification, and together they will safely carry engines all the way to India.

It’s a great example of what we do best. Every pallet crate we make is built to order, around the product it needs to protect.

What is a pallet crate?

A pallet crate is a strong timber box built on a pallet base. It protects goods during storage, handling and transport, and it lets them be moved by forklift or pallet truck. Pallet crates are widely used for heavy, valuable or awkward items such as engines, machinery and components, particularly when they are being shipped long distances.

Why choose bespoke pallet crates?

Standard sizes don’t suit every product. A crate that is too big wastes space and lets goods shift in transit, while one that is too small simply won’t do the job. A bespoke pallet crate is made to fit your goods, your handling equipment and your shipping method, so your products arrive in the condition they left.

At Somerlap, our experienced craftspeople build every pallet crate and packing case to order. We pride ourselves on responding quickly to new requests and on being flexible about requirements.

Case study: 8 pallet crates for MANN+HUMMEL

MANN+HUMMEL needed to export engines to India, and each engine needed its own crate. We built 8 bespoke pallet crates, each made to a different specification, so every engine had protection that fitted it properly. Because the crates were going overseas, protecting the goods on a long journey was the priority.

What to consider when ordering a pallet crate

When you order a bespoke pallet crate from Somerlap, it helps to have a few things in mind. Don’t worry if you’re not sure about any of them, as we’re happy to talk you through the options.

Four-way or two-way entry base? A four-way entry base can be lifted by forklift from all four sides, which makes handling easier. A two-way base can be lifted from two sides only.

Close-boarded or gapped sides? Close-boarded sides give fuller enclosure for your goods. Gapped sides use less timber and allow airflow. If you choose gapped, tell us what size the gaps should be.

Lid or no lid? A lid gives extra protection and keeps contents enclosed. Without one, goods are easier to load and inspect.

Flat-packed or assembled? Flat-packed pallet crates are easier to store and transport before use. Assembled crates arrive ready to fill.

Lined or unlined? If your goods need extra protection inside the crate, tell us and we can discuss lining options.

Heat-treated for export? Many export destinations require timber packaging to be heat-treated. If your pallet crate is going overseas, let us know so we can supply one that is suitable for export.

Talk to us about your pallet crates

Whether you need a single crate or a run of several, we’ll build pallet crates around your requirements. Get in touch with your specifications, or just your questions, and we’ll take it from there.