A film production specialist, with its head office in Dubai and a worldwide network of blown and cast film manufacturing plants, Technovaa Industries is the packaging arm of the Darvesh group, formed in Mumbai, India in 1909.
The investment marks Technovaa’s first footprint into southern Africa; and the custom-built plant, which cost R50-million to establish, is thought to be the most sophisticated plant of its kind in South Africa with a production capacity in excess of 10 000 tons/annum.
‘Technovaa’s vision is to be the most efficient and sustainable global stretch film producer by creating value for customers. We’re very pleased that operation has commenced, and we can finally make our stretch film product available to the South African market. Through our investment, we believe we’re being proactive in stimulating economic growth in the country,’ remarks Ahsan Hassan Darvesh, president of Darvesh.
Heading up the project is chief operating officer, Derek Cranston, who has built a notable 19-year career in the South African flexible packaging industry.
Since joining Technovaa in January, Derek has worked tirelessly to ensure that phase one of the South African operation is on schedule and perfectly tuned. Other members of the start-up team include financial manager, Steve Crowley, production manager Pravin Ranjith, and key account managers Tracey-Lee Lazarus (KwaZulu-Natal) and Ken Pinkus (Gauteng).
Derek and Steve have spent valuable time together at Technovaa’s Dubai headquarters, getting to understand the company’s culture, vision and operating systems. Derek is obviosly fired up about the opportunities ahead and his excitement is palpable. ‘Worldwide, Technovaa has an unsurpassed reputation for quality, value and vision and I believe we’re producing a special product that enhances the brand,’ he replies when questioned about Technovaa’s global synergies. ‘I’m confident that Technovaa has the best converting equipment in the world. We’re quality driven and competitive, which is essential for the commodity industry we’re in.’
World-class manufacturing
With a projected investment of R200-million over the next five years, Technovaa has installed the very best extrusion technology and auxiliary equipment at the South African plant. An impressive Austrian-built five-layer SML cast film extrusion line – the first of its kind in South Africa – is designed to make heads turn. Patented die technology and 0,2% gauge control allows production of high-impact clear film for high-tech pallet stability applications for machine wrap rolls and hand wrap applications. New specialised applications for hand wrap and food wrap products are planned for the near future. With a current net production capacity of 1 200kg/hour (750 tons/month), Technovaa is already attracting 100-ton orders and more from national and international customers. ‘As a SADAC registered company we’re supplying significant export orders to Kenya and beyond and intend growing our export sales substantially. On a local level, we’ve aligned ourselves with serious strategic business partners such as the ICM group for our import/export and logistic solutions and blue-chip packaging distributors, with the aim of improving service delivery and taking costs out of the supply chain,’ explains Derek. ‘We aim to raise South African film quality levels and to reduce film imports by offering an economic advantage, great quality and service, plus market expertise. Customer confidentiality is also assured,’ he insists.
With phase one now underway, specialised account managers will soon be joining Technovaa Packaging in Cape Town to provide national sales and support.
Phase two of the building project, due to begin shortly, includes additional offices and a spacious factory for the manufacture of cores and tapes, primarily for in-house use. Once complete, the complex will make an impressive landmark in New Germany’s industrial hub. ‘Getting Technovaa off the ground has been a work of passion,’ Derek declares. ‘With such a tenacious team alongside me, and the unswerving support of the Darvesh group, I believe we’re in a position to take on anyone in the world!’ are his final, confident words.
Technovaa Industries
Technovaa Reception: +27 31 940-4230
General Enquiries and Operations Enquiries to contact our Chief Operating Officer:
Mr. Atul Vij Mobile Number: 076 982-5192
