When it comes to industrial packaging, most people never give a second thought to the stretch wrap securing pallets on their journey from warehouse to destination. But for Vision Flex Americas President John Fagala, that final stage of manufacturing is the key to unlocking major cost savings and a healthier planet.
Fagala didn’t grow up dreaming of revolutionizing packaging. Like many great stories, his began with a relationship. A friend from church who introduced him to the packaging world more than 30 years ago. After decades in the industry, and with a new European business partner, Fagala launched Vision Flex Americas with a mission: modernize the end-of-line packaging process by making it smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
A Clear Problem: Old Tech in a New World
“Most people don’t realize it, but the technology behind pallet wrapping hasn’t changed in over 40 years,” Fagala says. While manufacturers obsess over data from the moment raw materials enter the facility to when a product is boxed, everything goes dark at the final step, when it’s wrapped, stacked, and shipped.
“That’s the black hole,” says Fagala. “You don’t know if it was wrapped properly, if it’s going to survive shipping, or how much material was wasted doing it.”
That’s where Vision Flex comes in.
A Smarter Solution: Cloud-Based, Data-Driven Tech
Vision Flex’s flagship innovation is a smart box that connects to stretch-wrapping machines, capturing critical data in real time, including film usage, wrap consistency, and potential pallet failure points. The data is accessible via the cloud, and customers can analyze performance by the hour or by the shift.
It’s a small shift with big returns.
The technology helped Coca-Cola reduce damaged pallet shipments from 4% to 2%, a billion-dollar impact.
“We’re not just selling a stretch wrapper,” Fagala explains. “We’re selling a solution. A way to reduce damage, improve relationships with your customers, and cut costs.”
Sustainability Without Sacrifice
In today’s climate-conscious economy, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Vision Flex’s system uses significantly less plastic per pallet, reducing film usage from 20 grams to as little as 8 or 9. Many of their products also incorporate up to 50% recycled content, diverting plastic from landfills and helping customers meet ESG goals.
Some partners are even exploring fully biodegradable wrap. “American Airlines is testing it,” says Fagala. “They wrap luggage pallets for entire groups. If they can switch to biodegradable film, that’s a game-changer.”
A Business with Heart
For Fagala, Union County is home. His wife grew up here, and they raised their family here. He has a strong desire to serve the community and use the building to help more than clients.
“This building will be used for good and will provide for neighbors in need. We already have a backpack drive running for food and hygiene products. And we plan to bring in a mobile laundromat to help those in need as well,” John shares.
They also run Sole2soulmission.org as well, which provides shoes , socks, and food to kids all over the world.
Looking Ahead
The response from the manufacturing community has been strong, and Vision Flex is just getting started. “We’re solving real problems, saving money, using less plastic, and improving the shipping process for everyone involved,” says Fagala. “And we’re doing it right here in Union County.”
For manufacturers looking to lower costs, increase reliability, and reduce environmental impact, the future of packaging might just start in Monroe.
Last modified: May 19, 2025
