Small parts packaging can become a major operational responsibility as an OEM grows. What begins as a manageable internal process may eventually require more employees, inventory space, packaging materials and coordination than expected. 

When teams spend increasing amounts of time sorting, labeling and packaging parts, production efficiency can suffer. A custom packaging and kitting program can help simplify this work by preparing parts according to specific quantities, product requirements and branding needs. 

How do you know when it is time to consider outside support?  

Here are five signs your business may be ready for a custom kitting program.

1. Your team spends too much time packaging small parts 

Packaging small parts involves several time-consuming steps. Parts must be received, organized, packaged, labeled and prepared for their next destination. 

As order volume grows, these responsibilities can take employees away from assembly, production and other essential work. Businesses may also need to dedicate additional floor space, equipment and materials to support the packaging process. 

A custom kitting partner can manage these responsibilities according to the OEM’s requirements. Outsourcing does not need to replace an existing packaging operation. It can supplement internal capabilities and provide additional support when needed. 

2. Increasing complexity is making inventory harder to manage 

Growth often introduces more products, configurations and packaging requirements. Each variation may require different quantities, labels, barcodes or packaging specifications. As this complexity increases, purchasing, inventory, packaging and fulfillment teams must coordinate more individual requirements to keep operations moving. 

Custom kitting can organize parts into packages prepared according to an OEM’s product specifications. Kubota Engine America can package to specific minimum order quantities, incorporate customer-requested labeling and develop tailored solutions for different operational needs. 

This approach can reduce the number of loose parts moving independently through an operation while creating a more organized packaging process. 

3. Packaging requirements are slowing production or fulfillment 

Production and fulfillment can lose momentum when packaged materials are not ready for the next stage of the process. Employees may need to locate parts, confirm packaging specifications or prepare labels before work can continue. 

A tailored kitting program establishes a more consistent approach to preparing parts. Defined quantities, packaging specifications and labeling requirements create a repeatable format for each order. 

Kubota Engine America follows proven quality-control processes from incoming parts through final packaging. These procedures support accuracy, reliability and product integrity throughout the packaging process. 

4. Your packaging operation cannot easily accommodate growth 

Higher order volume can create new demands on an internal packaging operation. Additional work may require more employees, materials, equipment and production space. 

Seasonal increases and rush jobs can make capacity planning even more difficult. A process that works during an average production period may struggle when demand changes unexpectedly. 

Outsourcing packaging and kitting can provide greater flexibility without requiring an OEM to develop every capability internally. Kubota Engine America offers scalable support ranging from small-part kits to fully customized packaging programs. The team can also supplement an OEM’s current offerings and accommodate quick-turnaround projects and rush jobs.

5. You need more consistency across your packaged products 

Consistency is important when packaged products are distributed across customers, locations or applications. Differences in quantities, labels or packaging formats can create confusion and require additional work. 

A custom program allows the OEM to establish clear requirements for how its products should be prepared. Kubota Engine America’s capabilities include: 

• Tailored kitting 

• Brand labels and logos 

• Customer-branded packaging 

• Packaging to specific minimum order quantities 

• Packaging to customer product specifications 

• Printed logos and barcodes 

• Sourced branded packaging 

In addition to creating a more consistent presentation, customized packaging can provide greater brand exposure each time a product reaches a customer. 

How outsourcing can simplify your supply chain 

Outsourcing small parts packaging and kitting is not only about reducing hands-on packaging work. It can also help simplify communication and coordination. 

Working with one packaging and kitting provider can reduce the number of points of contact involved in managing packaging, labeling and fulfillment. A local provider may also help minimize transportation and packaging costs while supporting faster turnaround. 

Based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Kubota Engine America offers the personalized service of a local partner while supporting efficient distribution throughout North America. Its team works directly with customers to develop packaging programs around their specific product and operational requirements. 

Consistent quality backed by a proven process 

Outsourcing an operational process requires confidence that each order will meet the company’s expectations. Kubota Engine America believes its customers deserve high-quality products and services. Its team follows established quality-control standards throughout the product life cycle and uses the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology to continuously evaluate and improve its processes. 

This structured approach supports consistency from the time parts enter the Lincolnshire facility through final packaging. It also allows Kubota Engine America to develop dependable solutions that can evolve alongside changing customer needs.

Is your business ready for custom kitting? 

If small parts packaging is consuming more labor, increasing operational complexity or limiting your ability to accommodate growth, it may be time to explore a custom kitting program. 

With more than 25 years of distribution experience and over a decade of packaging and kitting expertise, Kubota Engine America provides reliable, scalable support for OEMs and partners. From tailored kits to customer-branded packaging programs, each solution is developed around the customer’s specific requirements. 

Ready to simplify your packaging and kitting process? Explore Kubota Engine America’s capabilities or contact Kubota for more information.