The Great Resignation is driving manufacturing labor costs up. Discover how UBL’s Automated Cartoning Machines provide immediate ROI by cutting labor dependency and eliminating hidden turnover costs.
The Labor Crisis: A Global Challenge for Cartoning Machines Users
The phenomenon known as “The Great Resignation” has fundamentally reshaped the global labor market, creating a persistent and costly labor shortage in the manufacturing and packaging sectors, particularly in the US and parts of Southeast Asia . While the US manufacturing turnover rate hit a high of 26% in 2024, the Asia Pacific region faces its own challenges, with rising workloads and shifting employee priorities driving high job switching rates .
For companies relying on manual packaging lines, this crisis translates into a severe cost bottleneck. The need for a reliable packaging labor shortage solution is urgent.
Unpacking the Hidden Cost of Manual Cartoning and the Role of Automatic Cartoner
Manual cartoning is one of the most labor-intensive and error-prone processes in the end-of-line packaging setup. The true cost of relying on human labor goes far beyond the hourly wage. This is where cartoning automation becomes essential.
Hidden Cost Factor | Impact on Production | Solution by Automated Cartoning Machines |
|---|---|---|
Turnover & Training | Manufacturing turnover rate reached 26% in 2024 . Each new hire requires costly training and supervision. | Eliminates Dependency: One Automatic Cartoner replaces 3-5 workers, stabilizing the workforce and eliminating training costs for repetitive tasks. |
Error & Rework | Human fatigue leads to misaligned boxes, incorrect product counts, and poor sealing, increasing material waste and rework time. | Precision & Consistency: PLC-controlled systems ensure near-perfect accuracy, reducing material waste and rework to near zero. |
Burnout & Safety | Repetitive tasks cause worker burnout and increase the risk of workplace injuries, leading to higher insurance premiums and absenteeism. | Improves Worker Well-being: Workers are redeployed to higher-value, less repetitive tasks, improving job satisfaction and safety . |
UBL’s Automated Cartoning Machines: A Strategic Investment for Stability
Investing in an Automated Cartoning Machine is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic necessity for companies seeking to future-proof their operations against labor volatility. UBL’s solutions provide immediate and long-term ROI:
Future-Proofing Your Business with UBL Cartoning Machines
The Great Resignation has exposed the fragility of labor-dependent supply chains. For manufacturers in the US and emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the path to stability and profitability lies in smart automation.
By integrating a UBL Cartoning Machine, you are not just filling a labor gap; you are transforming your cost structure, enhancing product quality, and securing a competitive advantage in a volatile global market.
Ready ? Contact UBL today to explore how our Automated Cartoning Machines can stabilize your production and deliver measurable ROI.
If you still have questions, please leave a comment below, and let’s discuss how to turn this labor crisis into a competitive advantage.
References
[1] ASCM. Manufacturing Labor Shortage Threatens U.S. Nearshoring Efforts.
[2] PwC. Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024.
[3] The Economic Times. From the Great Resignation to the Great Burnout….
[4] Wharton University of Pennsylvania. Employee Turnover Costs More Than You Think.
[5] Crown Staffing. Manufacturing Labor in 2025: Hidden Costs & Turnover.
[6] Modula. Packaging Industry Outlook: Trends, Challenges &….
[7] Wolf Packaging. How To Solve Labor Shortages In Food Manufacturing With Packaging Automation
