40 years of business impact

The year 1982 was a landmark period for Namibia.

Constitutional advancements, social change and an economic upswing set the tone for that year.

Though unbeknownst at the time, three wholly Namibian entities would be established that would go on to make an indelible mark on the Namibian business, manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, and propel the next level of exceptional growth of local brands.

This August, Bank Windhoek, Namib Mills and Plastic Packaging all celebrate their ruby jubilees, and the decades of impact they have each made in the lives of Namibians.

"Plastic Packaging has joined hands with two other large businesses in Namibia, Namib Mills and Bank Windhoek, who are also celebrating their 40th year in business in Namibia.

"We understand that we had humble beginnings, but a grand, noble vision to be contributors to and enablers of our country’s growth, and we continue to share this value today," Nico Du Plessis, managing director of Plastic Packaging, said.

Devotion

Plastic Packaging has become the country’s leading packaging manufacturer, whose sustainable packaging products now span a wide range of commercial offerings across southern Africa.

"It is such a coincidence that a vibrant ruby-red stone symbolises the 40th anniversary. It represents devotion and passion, reflecting what this journey means for our boards, shareholders, employees and customers," Baronice Hans, the managing director of Bank Windhoek Namibia, a subsidiary of the Capricorn Group, said.

The group started its first branch in Karasburg in 1982 and has since garnered a multitude of accolades, including the bank of the year award, on the issue of the Sustainability Bond, and then becoming a member of the Nasdaq Sustainable Bond Network in June 2021.

Namibia Mills chief executive, Ian Collard, provided insight into his organisation’s commitment to their founding mandate.

"Since Namib Mills was founded in 1981, and the establishment of a maize mill in Windhoek in 1982, the company has evolved into Namibia’s leading supplier of staple foods. The company’s prominent position is reflected in its well-established and diversified range of preferred wheat flour, maize meal, pasta, sugar, rice, instant porridge and mahangu brands."

Excellence at heart

Thriving throughout 40 years of economic ups and downs, political upheaval and even global health crises is no mean feat.

The fact that these prestigious local businesses have not only managed to stay the course, but have also expanded their offerings and access export markets is testament to the excellence of their processes, the quality of their offerings and the unwavering commitment of their staff and stakeholders.

"Bank Windhoek was founded to revolutionise the financial sector in Namibia. Our heritage lies in our people, customers, partners and communities as the only fully Namibian-owned bank. This year’s anniversary is a milestone that reflects our commitment to our nation as we have become an integral part of its progress and evolution," Hans said.

Bank Windhoek plays a critical role in the economy.

It employs 1 704 Namibians with a branch footprint of 53, 149 automatic teller machines, and hundreds of auxiliaries and community initiatives that benefit from their personal investment in the people of Namibia.

Feeding the nation

Namib Mills has, through expert planning, innovation, industrial development and the use of modern production technology, established itself as a leader in manufacturing products to the highest international standards, and has achieved ISO 9001 certification. Their standards ensure that everyone, whether local or international, only enjoy the highest level of quality, nutrition and taste available and affordable to all.

"As part of the company’s continuous drive to improve, Namib Mills also strives to achieve the certification of a Food Safety Management System for the rest of the premises (excluding pasta) based on the requirements of Global Food Safety Initiative," Collard emphasised.

This is crucial, as hundreds of thousands rely on their decade-long consistency for subsistence and support, with the group feeding nearly 40 000 people daily through their corporate social responsibility programmes alone.

Namib Mills has grown to employ over 2 500 permanent staff, including employees across South Africa, Zambia, Australia and Zambia, with its current annual contribution to the Namibian gross domestic product standing at 8.5% annually.

Capitalising on the circular economy

To compete on the international market and for their clients to compete through value addition, local companies must be competitive and proactive.

Having small economies of scale in Namibia is challenging, but having an international footprint has helped many to invest in technology and harness their skills and passion to produce world-leading products.

"Plastic Packaging’s factory in Windhoek is FSSC 22000 (food certified) and the business has recently invested in technology that will enable us to manufacture packaging that has different properties that will not only help to save on material but will also help us to solve our customers’ needs better," Du Plessis said.

"We have a footprint in Angola and in South Africa to ease the export of our local manufactured goods and have made tremendous inroads to achieve a level of trust that allows us to supply industries that export meat, fish, sugar, salt, beverages, grapes, and even charcoal from Namibia, with packaging manufactured or supplied by us, thus putting our products in the international market and supporting the real GDP-contributing market segments of Namibia," he said.

"We have a total staff complement of 513 permanent employees in the Plastic Packaging group. It is our policy to employ local citizens. In Namibia, 100% of our employees are Namibian, and we make concerted efforts to recycle and reuse a high percentage of the plastic products we put into the market," he added.

To the next 40

Through a series of celebrations, these three corporate giants will be celebrating their successes with staff, clients and stakeholders to show their gratitude for the hard work, commercial support and professional service providers that have enabled them to grow and evolve into the pillars of Namibian business leaders they have become.

When asked what the next 40 years hold in store, these industry giants all highlighted similar values: To grow and diversify Namibian business to cater to both local needs and those of lucrative markets abroad.

"After 40 years, we would like to thank all stakeholders for their contribution to the growth and sustainability of Namib Mills. We will continue to commit ourselves to expanding our footprint of products in the region and adding additional products to our basket, while stimulating growth at home and healthy diets to feed a healthy nation," Collard said.

Congratulations

"We are committed to delivering on the board’s mandate to develop Plastic Packaging into a sustainable growth entity that will deliver above-average returns. We strive to be a significant contributor to Namibia’s growth indicators through increased exports, the creation of employment, and by giving back to the communities we operate in and serve."

Bank Windhoek echoed this commitment.

"Our vision is to be a catalyst of sustainable opportunities, and by driving our purpose of being connectors of positive change, we will continue to provide seamless, convenient, relationship-based banking to all our customers and stakeholders. We want to ensure that Namibia is a better place because Bank Windhoek is here.

"We are equally excited about the future as we reflect on the past. Happy birthday, Bank Windhoek, Namib Mills and Plastic Packaging," Hans said.