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Packing boxes with a 200-year tradition
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Ollur, in Thrissur district of Kerala, may be the last place that comes to your mind when using wooden boxes for packing. But these have been made there for years.
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BOXING EXPERTISE: Units in Ollur have been manufacturing packing boxes that reach all parts of the country.
Changing addresses is not so much of a hassle as transferring your paraphernalia when you shift to a new place of residence, especially if it is some distance away. The longer the distance, the more meticulous you need to be in packing your household wares.
So, when frequent packing and moving, especially to distant destinations, becomes a headache, think of Ollur, a hamlet in Thrissur. The people here have been trying to make your life easy. They have a history of expertise in making wooden packing cases, a tradition of 200 years. The cases are vital in ensuring the safe transport of your goods.
In and around Ollur, there are 250 units which make wooden packing boxes which reach all parts of the country. History indicates that during the British rule in India, sleepers and wooden platforms for railways had been made in Ollur. During World War II, packing cases were built in Ollur for military purposes. Gradually, the business grew and now the wooden packing cases not only reach all parts of India but are also exported.
The process
Rubber wood is used for making the boxes. The wood is cut into planks in the required thickness and size, as per the order. They are nailed later.
These boxes are used for packing alcohol, fruits, vegetables, heavy machine parts and so on. Some 20,000 people earn their livelihood from this business. Prices are fixed according to the size of the boxes. If you are living in a bungalow, then, a big container will be most suitable. If you are living in a flat or have a small house, then containers of multiple sizes are needed.
“We cut the wood to size and make the boxes and then despatch them. The assembling is done at the place where the packing is done,” says P. Sidhardhan, a worker. Thirty people work at the centre where he is employed.
Turnover
The monthly turnover of the 250 production units here is Rs. 2 crore. Top companies such as Telco, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland and Bajaj use the packing boxes. The rubber wood is taken on auction and this business is also gaining ground here. The sawdust and waste pieces of wood are used as fuel for cooking.
KUNDUR SATHYA NARAYANAN
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