Change in Packaging of Many Caterpillar Filters in 2003 Caterpillar

Caterpillar will be changing the packaging of many Caterpillar filters in 2003. A transition to shrink-wrapped filters is being made to maximize contamination control. The request for this type of packaging has been heard many times over the years, and shrink-wrapping is the industry standard. This change is supported by extensive transportation tests as well as humidity tests that prove shrink-wrap provides superior rust protection compared to our current packaging. Shrink-wrap will be the preference for all liquid filters; however there may be instances where an alternative method, such as bagging, will be used to achieve equivalent contamination control.

There is another industry standard that we will be adopting where possible. If volumes are large enough, we will not package each filter in its own box and then a master pack. Instead, we will shrink wrap each filter, then 6 or 12 will be placed in a master pack. This determination will be made based on sales volume, filter weight, size, and price.

The picture to the left illustrates the current packaging for many liquid filters. The individual filter is packaged inside a Point of Purchase Chipboard Box, and it is then placed in a Point of Purchase Corrugated Master Carton

The move to individual shrink-wrap, as shown in the picture to the right, while eliminating the chipboard carton will reduce material as well as improve the contamination control for the filter.

The move to individual shrink-wrap, as shown in the picture to the right, while eliminating the chipboard carton will reduce material as well as improve the contamination control for the filter.

The removal of the chipboard carton will prevent the filters from being shipped individually, so the Package Quantities will not be "breakable." This should not affect business processes, as it will apply to only a small percentage of filter part numbers. These parts will typically be the fastest moving.

Caterpillar air filters will continue to be packaged as they are today. Most are packaged individually in corrugated boxes. The only difference will be that new air filters will be packaged in what we call "Cat® black-banded" boxes versus "Point of Purchase" boxes. All this means is that new air filters will not have their picture on the outside of the box.

Penny Shumaker

Filters Marketing

H3000 ? (309) 578-1489