NatPak embarks on R16m project

see the company doubling its output to four million square metres a month.
This follows the acquisition of NatPak from National Foods Ltd late last year.
It will involve acquisition of new equipment and technology and enlargement of warehouses.
NatPak, which specialises in converting polymer into packaging products for various industries including agriculture, milling, fertiliser, cement, sugar and stockfeeds was established by Natfoods in the early 1980s to handle its own packaging needs and processing second-hand bags.
However, the ZSE-listed agro firm decided to sell the business since it was operating in an environment where it was competing for capital in a group that is focused on milling fast moving consumer goods and stockfeeds.
Until the entrance of the new investor, the company lacked fresh capital injection and was sustaining its operations on unreliable obsolete equipment.
“Plans are well underway to expand and improve upon this tightly-run packaging operation, which has recently benefited from an investment that will allow NatPak to more than double capacity and output,” its spokesperson said.
Commenting on the latest development, NatPak chief executive Mr Guy Martell said: “We are looking forward to the arrival of a new tape line, extruder and cutter, 30 new looms, new printers, a laminating coating line which allows for better quality.
“This equipment is capable of doubling NatPak’s production capacity from the current 1,8 million square meters a month to between 3,5 to 4 million square metres a month.
“The most exciting addition is not replacement but brand new technology, not just for NatPak, but for this country. It is equipment that allows us to produce block-bottomed bags. For cement packaging, it is ideal, ensuring an airtight but ‘breathable’ packaging solution that offers little wastage.”
He said NatPak and its investor’s objectives were to increase productivity, to raise quality levels and to ensure customers’ changing needs are met within the competitive environment.
NatPak employees in Bulawayo would be re-deployed to Harare.
The company employs over 140 at the Harare plant and with the addition of 130 Bulawayo staff, Mr Martell said NatPak would easily be able to handle the anticipated volumes of increased production from one modernised site.
He said NatPak would continue to support the Bulawayo office through its sales and warehousing.
“Bulawayo staff can be assured that their place with the company remains; their valuable contribution ensures that the company can look forward to a greater, more sustainable future for all,” he said.
Chief operating Officer Mr Tamuka Kunaka said the upsurge in business, competitiveness and profitability “is the automatic take-out for every one of our customers, not just our company”.