Fima firmly focused on growth

Much of the film manufactured in Chamdor, Gauteng, is destined for converters in KwaZulu-Natal. However, over the last two years sales have escalated in Gauteng and in exports to SADAC (Southern African Development Community) and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern & Southern Africa) regions.

Prolonged growth seems certain thanks to the combined efforts of COO, Bongani Mhlongo, and Fima’s highly-experienced team.

Technical guru Vijay Gramoney recently returned to the company after completing an independent project to drive developments in the confectionery, beverage and carton wrap segments. Anton Hough is the resident expert on snacks, baked goods, dairy and agriculture applications. Both are supported in their roles by technical administrator, Gerard Oaker.

The job of maximising factory capacity falls on the shoulders of dedicated demand planner, Renette Brummer, who maintains a five-week production cycle on commodity films and a four-week cycle on speciality films. She achieves these goals by liaising closely with customer care manager, Tersia Lewies, who oversees national sales activities.

Building brands

Besides its locally-manufactured film, Fima imports some 4 000 tons/annum of commodity and premium-quality film from Treofan in Germany and Dor Films in Israel, much of which is destined for high-barrier applications and niche-market products. To grow Fima’s footprint in these segments, Anneke Coetzee has recently assumed the role of outsourced manufacturing operations manager, with a particular focus on enhancing the supply of modified atmosphere packaging and in-mould label films.

Fima is also rolling out an improvement plan that includes newly-developed speciality films and commodity products offering cost savings for price-sensitive applications.

A recent addition to the Opal Flex film range is Opal Flex PSS, a solid white, high-gloss three-layer coextruded BOPP designed for high-speed packaging in the confectionery, baked goods and frozen foods market. Its formulation offers low seal initiation temperature, high puncture and abrasion resistance, good moisture and odour barrier, controlled slip and high yield.

According to Bongani, more packaging films are soon to be released to complement Fima’s labelling films (Rollflex and Injectflex) and carton overwrap film (Cartonflex).

With minimum production quantities between100kg and 500kg, Fima ensures its world-class BOPP films are accessible to large and small businesses alike.

Further information is available from Tersia Lewies on 011 7617627 or email tersia.lewies@fima.co.za