A personal approach to excellence

Asked how the business has maintained this consistent upward curve, owner and MD, Dave Russell, pinpoints two key factors – building enduring, professional business relationships and delivering beyond expectations.

‘In 1991, we started selling corrugated packaging to specific companies in the greater Johannesburg region. We built a reputation for quality and service and the business began to flourish,’ he relates. ‘Over the years, we’ve surpassed brand owners’ expectations by getting to know their businesses, understanding their specific packaging and peripheral consumable requirements. With the wealth of knowledge and trust we’ve acquired, we‘ve grown into an holistic packaging manufacturing concern, supplying hundreds of FMCG, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, industrial, chemical and agricultural companies across southern Africa.’

Today, the business operates from impressive 10 000m2 premises in Robertville (Gauteng), specialising in prepress and repro, plain and printed corrugated packaging, short-run litho printing, die-cutting for folding cartons, retail ready packaging and the supply of consumables.

From proof to product

Rusmar also provides a packaging consultation service. Ensuring a smooth link between packaging design and construction, Rusmar’s in-house design and repro specialists offer practical and creative personal advice on board grades, print options and innovative design concepts.

As a result of its accrued and combined skills and expertise, Rusmar’s packaging consulting team assists brand owners, large and small, with innovative ideas and advice on aspects such as design and development of tooling, allied packaging products, protective packaging, cost-efficiencies, and value-added packaging.

‘We work closely with brand owners at the design stage to gain the necessary facts to create a perfect, individual blueprint for production,’ comments Dave. ‘In terms of corrugated packaging manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 80% of our turnover, we offer up to three-colour printing on a variety of board grades from ultra- light single-wall to heavy double-wall board, including substrates to match specific applications such as moisture resistance and food grade packaging. We have the capability to produce short or run longs, from very small to ultra-large size packaging.’

To complement its corrugated packaging offering, Rusmar provides full-colour large-format litho printing (up to 1 100mm x 1 600mm). Yet another capability is binding or saddle-stitching for magazines, catalogues and brochures.

Focus on sustainability

‘Demonstrating our clear commitment to improving quality is imperative,’ Dave continues, ‘and in this regard we’ve recently acquired ISO 9001 certification. We’re building on this by working towards full FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) accreditation, which we hope will open new doors into the food, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.’

Questioned about sustainability, he replies: ‘Naturally, we’re aware of the impact packaging has on the environment and aim to meet common objectives on sustainability, while ensuring minimal environmental impact. For example, 80% of the paper used in our corrugated packaging is recycled and we actively participate in extensive recycling initiatives, investing time and resources in developing more sustainable products.’

Dave insists that delivering consistent, cost-effective and tailor-made packaging is the ultimate goal and his national sales team, headed by Jaco Ferreira, has the knowledge, experience and support to ensure project objectives are met.

‘Delivering excellence takes team work and our sales team is supported by a highly-experienced management, collectively boasting over 100 years’ experience in the industry.

‘Everyone, from drivers to directors, is committed to excellence and passionate about innovation. It’s what drives this company forward and we’ll continue to offer our customers the most qualified, personal and flexible service to guarantee they receive the very best!’ he declares.