CEO, FIPCO
At FIPCO, there is always a focus on developing new products. We focus on developing packaging that can be used for marketing promotion. For example, we did a project for a company in Egypt that faced issues of duplicity. We developed a specialized packaging to international standards where the color of the packaging changes when rubbed. It was innovative to solve a company’s specific problem that was then widely recognized by its customers. The way to survive in any manufacturing is to continuously improve; the second-most important thing is innovation. The market is becoming extremely competitive, and operations must be lean to make money in this industry. Since market prices, raw materials, and buying prices are more or less the same for everyone, profits are generated on the shop floors, where it is required to continuously develop processes and introduce new technologies to reduce down time and increase manufacturing time. These are the ways through which one can truly improve. In the printing business, we continuously identify ways to improve our operations by evaluating machines, materials, and manpower. We have to continue to identify how to improve our efficiencies and eliminate waste from the system. Cost reduction at times implies compromising on the quality, though at FIPCO quality is extremely important. We are recognized as an international quality manufacturer and are extremely proud of that.
CEO, OCTAL
OCTAL’s growth has been through a phased approach and over the past 10 years, we have invested in technology introducing PET in applications never seen before. This innovation, combined with our strategy, has helped us to sustainably increase our production capacity. We are currently increasing production capacity by about 100,000 tons by adding four sheet lines to our reactors, two in 2018 and two in 2019. At the same time, we are increasing the capacity of our Cincinnati plant by up to 50,000 tons, which is an extremely large amount considering the use of unconventional technology. OCTAL’s focus on sustainability has achieved the industry’s lowest energy input and CO2 emissions per ton of production. This advanced operational and environmental efficiency translates into significant value for consumers at large who benefit from using the lightest weight, highest-quality PET packaging with the smallest environmental footprint. OCTAL manufactures the clearest sheet in the world that is 100% recyclable at quality standards that are second to none. With the most innovative technology in use, we have built a reputation for reliably creating products with on-time deliveries at a competitive price combined with a low carbon footprint. Compared to traditional plants, OCTAL’s PET resin uses 63% less energy and DPET sheet uses 65% less energy, resulting in source reduction, and lower environmental impact of carbon generation.
Managing Director, Mohammed Saeed Khawar
Techno was an early adopter of polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) in Oman and became the leaders for this segment in the market. Initial challenges were educating customers about PPR and how it is better than copper. We started with basic products that are fast moving, and as the market dynamics changed, PPR was more widely accepted, and we started exploring more products within the hot and cold water application. Today, with greater competition, customer segmentation has been an important factor in market demand. We have moved to exporting to 20-plus countries, where the need for product specification and price points are different, and our products are customized according to country demand. As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding the portfolio to include polyethylene for gas supply and PPR for fire and industrial use. The majority of demand comes from government infrastructure followed by corporate projects, and, finally, a small individual residential segment. Our primary PPR suppliers are Bourouge, Hysung, and SABIC. Other raw materials are supplied from China and India. Techno Plastic is known for its quality products; its production is in line with the European standards, though our pricing is more in line with the Middle East market. Our competitors can afford to sell at a lower price because of the quality of their products.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT