The Frain Group: A One-Stop Shop for Packaging and Processing Needs

FRANKLIN PARK, IL — When Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Lee’s Summit, MO, contracted Luciano Packaging to rebuild an existing packaging line for a new drug, they weren’t expecting Luciano to save them money by strategically replacing older equipment. Pfizer was merely trying to save time and manpower they didn’t have internally. They outsourced Luciano’s engineering group for their expertise in packaging line integration. Manufacturers often hire Somerville, NJ-based Luciano Packaging for assistance purchasing equipment, installing packaging machinery or creating an entire packaging line.

But for Pfizer, Luciano found a new way to save money and meet their time constraints; used equipment. While most manufacturers assume it is necessary to go directly to OEM’s for specialized packaging equipment, Luciano found a valuable source for used equipment that meant a substantial savings for their customer. And, they were even able to trade in some of Pfizer’s old equipment that was no longer of use to them.

“Our clients are usually looking for specialized equipment, but we have found that sometimes used equipment offers great opportunities to get equipment in place fast at a substantial savings from buying new,” said Larry Luciano, Vice President Operations. Buying used is not as easy as simply saving money. The machinery is not always a perfect fit and must still be specified for the line. But refurbished equipment still tends to be faster than ordering new.