Great Lakes Export

Business Details

Your Trusted Export Packaging Partner in Detroit, MI

Great Lakes Export has been the Midwest's leading export packaging company for 48 years, specializing in safe, reliable international shipping solutions for machinery and capital equipment. Our family-owned business combines traditional values with global shipping expertise, maintaining a 100% on-time delivery record and investing heavily in advanced equipment and employee development. With an average worker tenure of 18+ years, we offer unmatched experience in custom crating, plant relocations, and logistics management. Our secure 60,000 sq. ft. facility features 60-ton cranes and proprietary tracking systems to ensure seamless customs clearance and reassembly. As a debt-free company, we prioritize continuous innovation in packaging processes while maintaining strict compliance with international wood and packaging regulations. Our clients include top machine tool manufacturers who rely on our proven track record of handling complex projects like 900,000-pound machinery components and historic aircraft shipments.

We provide comprehensive logistics solutions from planning to execution, offering expert guidance on equipment tear-down procedures that save time and reduce costs. Our customs-bonded warehouse and vacuum-packaging capabilities ensure maximum protection against corrosion during transit. With extensive experience relocating entire manufacturing plants to destinations across China, Russia, Korea, and Europe, we deliver tailored solutions for both commercial and government clients. Our commitment to quality is evident in every project, from trade show prototypes to full-container shipments, backed by a team that understands the critical importance of precision in international logistics.

Services

Custom packing & crating Value pricing Warehouse services Container loading Trade show crating Vacuum packaging Plant relocations International compliance Logistics management Prototype packaging

Highlights and features

48 years of specialized export packaging experience
18+ years average worker tenure ensures expertise
Secure 60,000 sq. ft. customs-bonded warehouse
100% on-time shipping record since 1975
Proprietary item tracking system prevents shipment confusion

Website

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Services

Custom packing & crating

We provide tailored packaging solutions for machinery and capital equipment shipments across air, land, and sea transport. Our team uses dense oak hardwood runners and advanced crating techniques to ensure maximum protection during international transit. With proprietary cataloging systems and 60-ton crane capabilities, we handle complex projects ranging from single components to entire manufacturing plants.

Plant relocations

Our specialists manage complete plant relocations including disassembly, packaging, and reinstallation of production lines. We've successfully relocated stamping, engine, and plastics plants to destinations across China, Russia, and Europe. Our experienced team provides expert guidance on equipment tear-down procedures that optimize shipping efficiency and reduce reassembly time.

Vacuum packaging

We offer advanced vacuum packaging solutions to protect machinery from moisture damage during long-term storage or international shipping. Our full-service vacuum-packaging equipment ensures rust-proof protection for sensitive components. This service is particularly valuable for clients shipping to humid climates or requiring extended equipment storage.

Trade show crating

We specialize in secure packaging solutions for trade show exhibits and prototype equipment. Our team understands the time-sensitive nature of event shipments and provides expedited handling for prototype deliveries. We've packaged unique items including the first airplane flown between Europe and the United States for museum exchanges.

International compliance

We ensure all shipments meet or exceed international packaging and wood requirements. Our customs-bonded warehouse facilitates smooth clearance processes. With extensive experience handling government contracts, we maintain strict compliance with ISPM 15 regulations and other international standards for wood packaging materials.

People

Peter Chelovich

President

Peter Chelovich leads Great Lakes Export with 48 years of industry experience, maintaining the company's 100% on-time delivery record. He oversees strategic investments in equipment and processes while ensuring family business values guide operations. Peter directs the company's focus on continuous innovation in export packaging solutions.

Victor Chelovich

Vice President Operations

Victor Chelovich manages daily operations with deep expertise in logistics and plant relocations. He oversees the 18+ year experienced team handling complex projects like 900,000-pound machinery components. Victor ensures seamless execution of the company's proprietary tracking systems for customs clearance efficiency.

Deb Barry

Office Manager

Deb Barry coordinates administrative operations with extensive knowledge of the company's 48-year history. She manages client communications and supports the debt-free business model that enables continuous investment in facilities and personnel. Deb ensures smooth coordination between departments.

Questions

What types of machinery can you package for export?

We handle all types of capital equipment including stamping presses, engine manufacturing systems, plastics machinery, and complete plant relocations. Our cranes accommodate components up to 60 tons.

How do you ensure on-time delivery?

With 48 years of experience and a 100% on-time record, we maintain strict scheduling controls and have fast, dependable delivery systems in place for all international shipments.

Do you handle international regulatory requirements?

Yes, we meet or exceed all international packaging and wood requirements. Our customs-bonded warehouse and proprietary tracking systems ensure compliance with ISPM 15 and other regulations.

What makes your packaging process unique?

We use dense oak hardwood runners without cross-skidding, inventory oak timbers up to 32', and employ a proprietary cataloging system that prevents confusion during customs or reassembly.

Can you handle urgent prototype shipments?

Yes, we specialize in time-sensitive trade show and prototype crating with expedited handling capabilities. Our team has packaged historic aircraft and other unique items for international delivery.