Namibia Plastics leads the way
Namibia Plastics supports the Growth at Home strategy by manufacturing locally.
At first glance, one would not think that Brakwater could be the ideal location for what is arguably one of Africa’s most sophisticated plastic manufacturing plants. Adding to that perception is the three-kilometre stretch of gravel road that leads to Namibia Plastics’ new state-of-the-art factory.
Stepping into the building reveals a different story, though. It is hard to believe that the founder and CEO of Namibia Plastics, Johan Struwig, started out by converting a spare room in his home into an office. Namibia Plastics later moved into a small warehouse in Prosperita, which it now uses as a storage facility for some of its raw material.
“We can now supply our customers, which include cement and beverage factories, which aim to increase their efficiencies with inline, quick and cost-effective load stabilisation.
“Stretch hoods, a plastic product which used to be imported from abroad, is now successfully manufactured by us in Namibia. We want to take this technology not just to Namibia, but also to the rest of Africa,” says Struwig.
As he walks through the factory, he shows a sample of the work that is being done. It is the printed shrink plastic used to pack Windhoek Draught six-packs.
“Most of this work used to be done in South Africa. We are doing it here now,” says Struwig.
He has managed to lure business away from South African plastic manufacturers, an achievement he is particularly proud of.
He then points to the packaging for Sugar King, a popular local sugar brand. He lifts up the empty printed sugar bag and says with a smile: “This packaging is also being done in Namibia now.”
“The secret behind the success of this manufacturing plant is not just the choice of technology that has cost more than N$100 million, but the quality and commitment of the people which supports our dream The Brakwater factory is closing the gap of an estimated 50% of plastic that used to be imported from abroad.
“When we select our equipment, we ensure that they adhere to European Union standards. They have been selected to offer an environmental benefit,” says Struwig.
Struwig’s ambition is to grow the company and empower people in order to drive the business to even greater heights.
“We have our eye on expanding throughout the continent, and our employees will contribute significantly to that. They are always reminded of Namibia Plastics’ motto: ‘Beyond Success to Significance’.
“Business is not just about making profit; business is about creating a purpose and direction and making a change in society,” he says.
The company’s ethos, which has resulted in astronomic growth for Namibia Plastics, was derived from a vision board that was put up when the company was still in its infancy. More than seven years later, this can-do attitude has rubbed off on everybody and is clearly evident by the ambience in the factory.
The flagship Namibia Plastics factory is situated on Plot 34 of the Shali Industrial Park at Brakwater. The company also has branches in Walvis Bay and Tsumeb.
OGONE TLHAGE
Stepping into the building reveals a different story, though. It is hard to believe that the founder and CEO of Namibia Plastics, Johan Struwig, started out by converting a spare room in his home into an office. Namibia Plastics later moved into a small warehouse in Prosperita, which it now uses as a storage facility for some of its raw material.
“We can now supply our customers, which include cement and beverage factories, which aim to increase their efficiencies with inline, quick and cost-effective load stabilisation.
“Stretch hoods, a plastic product which used to be imported from abroad, is now successfully manufactured by us in Namibia. We want to take this technology not just to Namibia, but also to the rest of Africa,” says Struwig.
As he walks through the factory, he shows a sample of the work that is being done. It is the printed shrink plastic used to pack Windhoek Draught six-packs.
“Most of this work used to be done in South Africa. We are doing it here now,” says Struwig.
He has managed to lure business away from South African plastic manufacturers, an achievement he is particularly proud of.
He then points to the packaging for Sugar King, a popular local sugar brand. He lifts up the empty printed sugar bag and says with a smile: “This packaging is also being done in Namibia now.”
“The secret behind the success of this manufacturing plant is not just the choice of technology that has cost more than N$100 million, but the quality and commitment of the people which supports our dream The Brakwater factory is closing the gap of an estimated 50% of plastic that used to be imported from abroad.
“When we select our equipment, we ensure that they adhere to European Union standards. They have been selected to offer an environmental benefit,” says Struwig.
Struwig’s ambition is to grow the company and empower people in order to drive the business to even greater heights.
“We have our eye on expanding throughout the continent, and our employees will contribute significantly to that. They are always reminded of Namibia Plastics’ motto: ‘Beyond Success to Significance’.
“Business is not just about making profit; business is about creating a purpose and direction and making a change in society,” he says.
The company’s ethos, which has resulted in astronomic growth for Namibia Plastics, was derived from a vision board that was put up when the company was still in its infancy. More than seven years later, this can-do attitude has rubbed off on everybody and is clearly evident by the ambience in the factory.
The flagship Namibia Plastics factory is situated on Plot 34 of the Shali Industrial Park at Brakwater. The company also has branches in Walvis Bay and Tsumeb.
OGONE TLHAGE
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