Metal Packaging: Steel Racks, Stillages, and Gitterboxes
- Insights
- Austria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kuwait, Moldova, Oman, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates
- Automotive
- Industry solutions
For the heaviest and most valuable automotive components, metal packaging solutions are often the go-to choice. Steel racks, stillages (stackable steel cages), metal containers and gitterboxes (metal wire mesh boxes) provide durability that wooden or plastic packaging can’t always match. These heavy-duty containers are designed to carry engines, gearboxes, transmissions, and other bulk or weighty parts through many cycles of use. In an industry where parts might shuttle back and forth between suppliers and assembly plants in a closed-loop, metal packaging shines: steel stillages or frames can last for years of continuous use, handling rough forklift treatment and high stacking loads without failing. They also often feature collapsible designs – for instance, foldable steel cages – gitterboxes that can be knocked down when empty. This significantly saves space on return transport, cutting down the cost and inefficiency of shipping empty containers.
Half Gitterboxes
Designed and produced according to your specification. Half Gitterboxes are designed for smaller and lighter loadings with or without clap. Produced with wire mesh or walls from steel, with a load capacity up to 1500 kg.
Gitterboxes
Gitterboxes are one of the most well-known material handling units in the industry. The metal boxes weigh around 70 kg and their capacity is around 0,8 m3. One box can be loaded up to 1500 kg, and while stacking more boxes, a maximum capacity of 6000 kg can also be reached.
Steel Pallets
Steel pallets have many advantages compared to other pallets made from different materials. These include the highest load capacity of a pallet, high durability, withstanding harsh storage environments, and ease of cleaning and maintenance, where a sanitary & hygienic work environment is required.
Special load carrier
Tailored to your specific needs, these load carriers provide exceptional flexibility in size and construction. They are built to withstand heavy loads and are compatible with various metal handling equipment.
Foldable Gitterboxes
Folded Gitterboxes from PalletBiz are fully collapsible and light in weight. They are very durable and require no maintenance. Their loading capacity is around 1.800 kg.
Constructed from lightweight galvanized steel, these boxes provide protection for bulk products during short and long-haul transportation.
The Rise of Returnable Metal Packaging
There is a noticeable trend in automotive logistics to adopt returnable metal packaging, especially for new applications like electric vehicle (EV) components. EV batteries, in particular, are heavy and sensitive; many companies are investing in specialized reusable battery containers made of metal and reinforced plastic for safe transport. Local PalletBiz teams have similarly noted clients shifting from older wooden crates to custom metal crates or frames for critical parts – one reason being the heat resistance and strength of steel. In high-temperature climates (like the Gulf region), metal packaging is less prone to warping or degradation, providing more reliable protection.
Our Capabilities: From Custom Design to Refurbishment
PalletBiz divisions supply and repair metal packaging to help clients optimize their supply chain. We provide standardized EU gitterboxes and custom-fabricated steel racks depending on needs. Often, we design metal racks with specific part holding fixtures – for example, a steel rack that precisely holds engine blocks in place so they don’t shift. These racks can be coated or lined (with rubber, foam, or corrosion inhibitors) to protect delicate surfaces. Another benefit of metal packaging is its high load capacity and rigidity, which allows very high stacking in warehouses and trailers, maximizing space usage. PalletBiz also offers refurbishment services: rather than scrapping a bent metal cage, we can repair welds or replace panels, extending its life and saving cost.
Metal vs. Wood: Longevity and Load
When deciding between wood and metal, the rule of thumb is longevity and load. Metal entails a higher upfront cost but pays off over countless trips and heavy loads. As automotive manufacturers increasingly focus on returnable packaging loops for sustainability, steel stillages and racks are becoming more common for components that demand extra toughness.
With PalletBiz’s design expertise, clients get metal packaging tailored to their parts – be it a collapsible cage for axles or a custom steel pallet for battery packs – ensuring both durability and efficient handling. Read more about metal load carriers PalletBiz or contact your local PalletBiz division today to discuss a custom-designed or refurbished metal packaging solution.
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