Founded in July 2002 by Nico Maharaj, Techno Tape Printers started as a distributor facing adversity. Yet, resilience and a keen eye for opportunities led to a pivotal moment – the purchase of a tape printing machine. ‘Security printing became the game-changer,’ Nico explains.
With over 30 years of experience, Nico learned the skills of the trade from his late father, Monty Maharaj, who boasted over 40 years of experience in the sector. This expansive combination of experience has enabled the operation to overcome the odds and establish itself as a leading manufacturer of printed tapes and labels.
By supplying branded tapes to enhance product security and advertising, the business took off. Investments in state-of-the-art machinery, including a five-colour Nilpeter and eight-colour Etirama label printing press, propelled Techno Tape Printers to new heights.
‘Most companies wanted to find ways to eliminate theft and the tampering of their goods. We realised that if we supplied branded tapes to our customers, replacing the clear tape that they were using, it would make their products more secure while providing an additional means to advertise their company and protect the contents inside the cartons. The rest, as they say, is history,’ Nico states.
The company’s strategic move into label printing, coupled with the recent acquisition of a nine-colour Mark Andy flexo press, showcases its commitment to staying ahead in the industry. ‘These investments gave us the edge because we could then go to our customers and offer them tapes and labels. This allowed us to stand out from the rest of the players in the industry.’
Local innovation with global impact
As a flexographic printer, Techno Tape Printers takes pride in being a level 1 B-BBEE contributor with ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications. Nico emphasises the company’s commitment to recyclability and sustainability, producing tapes locally to meet global business priorities.
With recyclability and sustainability being a priority for most businesses globally, Techno Tape Printers made it its mission to develop a product that would meet these requirements. ‘While most suppliers of recyclable tapes are importing the product, I am proud to say that we are producing them ourselves; all of our tapes are either converted and produced or converted and printed locally, which I believe distinguishes us in the industry,’ he explains.
Acknowledging the support from Spanish tape supplier UBIS, Nico highlights the production of fully recyclable paper tape, making UBIS a pioneer in this field.
A lasting legacy
Techno Tape Printers has built up a solid reputation over the years, especially with its corporate customers. ‘If it weren’t for our customers and their loyal support over the many years – for over 15 years in some instances – we wouldn’t be celebrating 21 years. I would like to thank them for choosing the right supplier and for staying with us through the good and bad; they’ve stuck with us and I appreciate their loyalty over the years,’ he adds.
Nico continues: ‘I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our staff for their dedication, loyalty and the personal contribution that each of them has made to our company over the years.’
To Nico, his staff is his focus and main commitment. He believes that without good staff, one cannot produce outstanding quality. This dedication to employees is evident in the company’s low turnover rate.
Through its commitment to honesty with its customers, striving for excellence and looking to innovate, Techno Tape Printers has a legacy of 21 years to be proud of and a future that shines bright.
A business built on relationships
In the realm of business partnerships, longevity speaks volumes. Techno Tape has built an enduring collaboration with Hi-Tech Inks (HTI), a partnership that has thrived for nearly two decades.
Samantha Saroop, operations manager at HTI, sheds light on this robust alliance: ‘We have supplied Techno Tape since October 2005. We consider them a strategic partner, where HTI offers Techno Tape products and services; and Techno Tape allows HTI to develop and promote specialised inks to a very specific market.’
The dynamics of this relationship are marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to innovation. Samantha highlights: ‘They purchase our Tapeflex Ink system, which are a range of flexographic inks specifically created for printing on low treatment film, as well as self-adhesive tape. Techno Tape has always been excellent customers who have always been accommodating and welcomed discussions related to innovation and product development.’
When asked about their dealings with Nico and the Techno Tape team, Samantha response is unequivocal: ‘They have always been phenomenal. A great team to work with and a pleasure to serve.’
As Techno Tape commemorates its 21st anniversary, Samantha extends a heartfelt message: ‘Congratulations Nico, Rajen, Noelene, Ridge, and Team on your 21st. Wishing you continued growth, success, and good fortune as you embark on another 21 years and more in business. Of all the choices you have available, thank you for choosing Hi-Tech Inks.’
ROTOCON, a crucial partner in Techno Tape Printers’ journey, commends founder Nico Maharaj for his role in the company’s growth and his unwavering loyalty and ethical business practices.
ROTOCON’s Durban branch manager Akhmuth Sayed has witnessed Techno Tape Printers’ evolution from a small operation to a thriving label and tape printing business. Akhmuth highlights the companies’ close relationship, with ROTOCON serving as Techno Tape Printers’ exclusive tooling and consumables supplier.
During the course of their journey as a customer, Techno Tape Printers also purchased a second-hand flexo press and a slitter-rewinder machine from ROTOCON Durban. ‘The team has grown its label business exponentially,’ states Akhmuth. Nico and Akhmuth’s relationship goes beyond professional. The duo has built a strong bond and considers each other close friends. With the recent introduction of Nico’s son into the business, ROTOCON has successfully managed to build relationships within Techno Tape Printers that stretch over three generations.
‘We’ve successfully grown the business over the years by staying up to date with technological advances in the sector and forming partnerships with reliable suppliers such as ROTOCON in the sector,’ adds Nico.
