New name, new structure
Now a new business unit of West African International has been formed. Named BOPP Packaging Solutions (a division of West African International), it is being managed by Duncan Brown in his capacity as BU manager, assisted by Angela van Maasdyk. Both are transferring from Flexible Packaging & Exporting Agency to BOPP Packaging Solutions (BPS) to ensure seamless integration of the business.
The West African Group has developed a strong reputation as a reliable distribution channel for ExxonMobil polymers into South Africa over the past 12 years and many synergies are expected to be gained by the acquisition of the Ti Films agency. Just one manifestation of this expectation is the appointment of Duncan Brown to West African International’s management committee, and his taking on of a complimentary role of handling technical sales development for ExxonMobil polyethylene products in Southern Africa.
Undoubtedly, the dynamics of South Africa’s BOPP market have changed in recent years, and, says Duncan, by plugging into the West African Group’s extensive distribution infrastructure, with nine warehousing facilities in South Africa and one in Zimbabwe, and the group’s healthy resources, BPS is in a strong position to service customers on a stock-and-sell basis, in local currency, as well as servicing the needs of direct indent supply.
‘Customers will be able to purchase the complete range of quality products for which Ti Films is well renowned,’ he adds.
Taghleef Industries – a dozen years of steady growth
Taghleef Industries (Ti) was formed in 2006 by the merger of three BOPP producers – Dubai Poly Film in Dubai, Al Khaleej in Oman, and Technopack in Egypt. Later that year, Ti built offices and a distribution centre in Europe, in order to provide a first-class supply service for one of the world’s most strategic markets. In 2008, Ti acquired the Shorko business in Australia, while another strategic move was its merger with Italian-based Radici Films with BOPP plants in Italy and Hungary.
But those acquisitions were by no means the end of the story. In 2008, Ti also completed a new 8,7m line in Oman, the first line in the Middle East to achieve a running speed in excess of 500m/min. In addition, new metallising facilities were installed to produce high-barrier metallised films.
Further investments included a new BOPP line at the Egyptian plant, the conversion of one of the European lines from three to five layers, and the installation of a new metalliser at the Australian plant.
With this year’s acquisition of Derprosa Film, a leading Spanish supplier of flexible films for the packaging industry and graphic arts applications, Ti enters a fresh era of development.
Founded in 1988, Derprosa manufactures and markets BOPP films for food packaging, labels and graphic arts. Headquarters and production facilities are located in Spain with an office in Madrid and a worldwide sales network in place. The company’s success comes from strong investments in R&D and great attention to the quality of its films. In recent years, Derprosa clearly differentiated itself from competitors by developing, patenting and offering a portfolio of films for graphic arts applications and luxury packaging.
Says Rashid Al Ghurair, Taghleef Industries chairman: ‘Derprosa Film’s high added-value films allow us to penetrate new markets, diversify our product offering and seize further business opportunities. Our companies are joining forces and consolidating their presence worldwide.’
This strategic acquisition expands the Ti group’s presence while increasing its annual global BOPP film production capacity to approximately 400 000 tons.
