GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (News release) -- UFP Packaging announced the opening of its 10,000-square-foot Packaging Design and Development Center (DDC) at its Newnan, Ga., facility.

The DDC features expanded, customer-focused spaces that foster collaboration and innovation. Clients can engage directly in lab testing, participate in design reviews and collaborate hands-on with packaging development, creating a more interactive and immersive experience.

"Many of our customers have unique products that require more than an off-the-shelf packaging solution," said Executive VP of Structural Packaging J.F. Granger. "Our new design center will enhance our service capabilities, protect their products through rigorous testing and help our customers keep their customers happy."

The center includes a fully equipped prototyping shop and an ISTA-certified testing laboratory. The DDC will focus on sustainability, saving customers money by refining designs, minimizing material waste and maximizing protection within the supply chain through rigorous testing. PalletOne, a company of UFP Packaging, will also use the center to host unit load design classes and to optimize pallet solutions as a part of their Pallet Concierge™ service.

Key testing services at the Design and Development Center include:

• ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) Certified laboratory
  • 1 Series, 2C, 3ABEFK, 4AB, 6 Series
  • Specializes in 3B (Less Than Truckload) and 3E (Full Truckload) testing
  • Certified in Amazon 6 testing
• ASTM and ISO package and pallet testing

The facility's strategic location near Atlanta, Ga., will enhance service, speed and product quality, making it easy for customers throughout the United States to access.

For more information about UFP Packaging and its new Design and Development Center, visit www.ufppackaging.com or contact Victoria Lake at victoria.lake@ufpi.com.