Packaging Lab builds shipping solutions

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer, AFLCMC Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – When warfighters in the field need supplies, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center not only acquires the gear, but ensures it arrives safely too. 
 
The job of the Air Force Packaging Technology & Engineering Facility is to design and build containers to ship all manner of cargo no matter the size, shape or sensitivity.  The staff of 16 includes engineers, welders, machinist, sheet metal mechanics and financial personnel with the focus on specialized container design and testing.    
 
“One of the things that we go through with each one of our customers when we start a container design is a requirements gathering process,” said Joel Sullivan, AFPTEF chief.  “You need to have a firm understanding of what that item needs in order to get from point A to point B and be ready to operate as the warfighter needs it.” 
 
The lab offers full design, fabrication and testing capabilities all in house. 
 
“All of our designs are prototyped here under the oversight of our design engineers and then they’re tested in house,” Sullivan said. 
 
In addition to delivering a prototype container, they provide a full production level drawing package as well as a draft special packaging instruction and a full up project report that includes all testing results. 
 
Operating as a cost reimbursement organization, the office charges customers for the manpower and materials used on their respective projects, Sullivan said.  The containers are built from durable materials, primarily aluminum, and designed to last for 20 years.
 
The ability for long-term use means the upfront container investment pays for itself – especially when it means a vital piece of equipment arrives as expected and functions as needed.  
 
To hear the full conversation, you can watch Leadership Log on YouTube at https://youtu.be/E9BGmKB9c6U.  You can also listen by searching “Leadership Log” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Radio Public or Breaker.