Why Stretch Wrappers Are the Unsung Heroes of Warehouse Efficiency

October 14, 2025

Warehouses today face relentless pressure: tighter supply chains, higher labor costs and rising customer expectations.

Inefficiency is no longer an option – every damaged pallet, mis-wrapped load or wasted labor hour cuts into profits. That’s why more facility managers are turning to a quiet but powerful ally in warehouse efficiency: stretch wrappers.

The Problem with Manual Wrapping

For many operations, hand-wrapping pallets is still the norm. While it may seem cost-effective upfront, manual wrapping comes with hidden expenses:

  • Inconsistent wraps lead to unstable loads that shift during transport
  • Higher product damage rates eat into margins and delay shipments
  • Labor drain as employees spend hours walking in circles with stretch film instead of focusing on higher-value tasks

In short, manual wrapping may be simple, but it’s not efficient.

The Stretch Wrapper Advantage

Automated and semi-automated stretch wrappers are designed to tackle those challenges head-on. Here’s how:

  • Cut Product Damage: Consistent, machine-tight wraps keep pallets stable, reducing the costly risk of damaged goods in transit
  • Slash Labor Costs: One operator can secure loads in a fraction of the time, freeing staff to focus on productivity-driving tasks
  • Improve Safety: Less bending, twisting and lifting for employees means fewer workplace injuries
  • Boost Throughput: Facilities can wrap more pallets per hour, keeping up with peak demand seasons without adding headcount

The ROI That Pays for Itself

Stretch wrappers are not just about efficiency – they’re an investment with measurable returns. Consider the combined impact of:

  • Lower claims from damaged products
  • Reduced labor hours per pallet
  • Improved customer satisfaction with intact, on-time deliveries

For many operations, a stretch wrapper pays for itself in as little as a year.

FAQ

Q1: What types of stretch wrappers does MHS Lift offer?
A1: MHS Lift partners with Robopac, a global leader in packaging automation. Options range from entry-level semi-automatic turntable models to high-speed, fully automated rotary arm systems designed for high-volume operations.

Q2: Do stretch wrappers work for all pallet sizes?
A2: Yes. Robopac machines are engineered to handle a wide range of pallet dimensions and load weights. For specialized needs, custom configurations are available.

Q3: Can I still wrap pallets manually if needed?
A3: Absolutely. A stretch wrapper doesn’t eliminate the ability to wrap manually when needed, but most warehouses find they rarely go back once they see the efficiency gains.

Q4: How do I know if a stretch wrapper is right for my warehouse?
A4: If your operation wraps more than 10–15 pallets per day, or if you’ve had issues with damaged goods in transit, a stretch wrapper is likely a smart investment.

Ready to calculate your savings?

Talk to MHS Lift about how much your operation could save with a Robopac stretch wrapper. Give us a call today: (877) 647-9320.