Flexpak

Packing a punch within the Jamaican Market

Providing ‘flexibility’ in its leading services while staying on top of the ‘pack’

It can not be understated the importance of packaging when it comes to the overall marketing and distribution of products. Only those companies that are equipped with the knowledge of the local market, are able to provide flexible solutions for their client base and also have the industry experience to back their products truly ‘pack’ a punch.

For Flexpak Ltd., the secret to packaging success lies in providing a total packaging experience as well as packaging in bulk while spanning the market across the island of Jamaica. Founded in 1999 by Nigel Hoyow with the help of his two business partners and born out of his vast packaging industry experience earned over many years dating back to the mid-1970s, Hoyow brought his vision into full focus and named it Flexpak. As the name dictates, Flexpak has made its mark by providing the very best, flexible packaging solutions for a market that it is deeply rooted in.

Although very few companies competed in this space at the time Flexpak hit the market, it was Hoyow’s steadfast vision and the overall marketing and distribution of products that allowed the company to hit the ground running and provide the springboard to its future success. Many have tried to come up with efficient packaging options but only those who have a clear vision to produce the very best packaging solutions come out on the top of the industry pack.

Packaging the right solutions

Hoyow’s business framework was to produce greater volumes of packaging so that Flexpak would have a more competitive pricing structure. The niche target was mainly bakeries, snack food manufacturers, and frozen juices – which to this day still make up a big part of the Flexpak revenue stream.

Today, Flexpak represents one of Jamaica’s largest manufacturers specializing in printed polyethylene and polypropylene bags. The company’s growth has been attributed to its ideal packaging solutions for food products that are both safe and considered to be the best solution for this market segment. Related to the food sector, Flexpak also provides ideal packaging solutions for one of Jamaica’s largest economic drivers, the agricultural industry.

Hoyow points to the garbage bags, crop protection bags, seedling bags, and weed protection bags the company produces in addition to graphic design options for its agri-based client needs.

Although Hoyow admits that there were bumps along the road to packaging success, Flexpak’s focus and clearly defined product approach began to pay off in a relatively short time. Viewing the business as a one-stop packaging shop formed the backbone of Flexpak’s business model.

Packing on more employees and expansion

As the company’s client base grew, so did the growth of the company’s employee base. Today, the company boasts over 65 employees who remain loyal to the principles that formed the company’s roots.

Coupled with the growth in its employee base, the company also boasts modern manufacturing facilities based in St. Catherine and a separate warehouse and administrative offices to support the work that it does. The manufacturing facility is equipped with a daytime solar installation producing about 100 Kilowatts and is primed to be upgraded as the company’s technical and machine capacity grows.

Although Flexpak’s primary target market remains the beautiful island of Jamaica, the company is looking to expand into a larger export-based market including the Cayman Islands, the U.S., Belize, and Guyana.

Packing a punch against supply chain woes

Hoyow notes that the company continues to look outward and welcome export opportunities along with its continued focus on its loyal customer base in Jamaica. He also notes that this outward focus is aided by Flexpak’s new offerings and technical expertise. Hoyow emphasizes that by upgrading its services such as providing its customers with laminations and full-color process printing options, further growth is bound to follow.

Coming out of COVID, Flexpak, like many other organizations, realized the value of sourcing locally, and clients also turned to Flexpak as supply chain woes caused delays and distributions over the last few years. When looking for quality printing and packaging options, Flexpak provided the local solution with second-to-none products for the local market. As supply chains have normalized of late, Flexpak’s proactive approach has guaranteed a loyal customer base to build on moving forward.

Client loyalty cemented during this time and the company continues to enjoy a wide local client base that appreciates the high-quality product base consistently offered by Flexpak. As supply chains have normalized of late, Flexpak’s proactive approach has guaranteed a loyal customer base to build on moving forward.

Monitoring the Schiavi

Packing the right products

Primary revenue drivers for the Flexpak operation are finished bags, pouches, and rolls using various substrates – whether multiple layers or monolayer films suitable for the required products e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, and polyamides (nylon) for vacuum packaging. There are a few local competitors, but they are not currently able to duplicate exactly what Flexpak does, especially in the area of full-color process printing and multiple-layer lamination –  both being done on wide web machines.

Hoyow draws attention to the company’s  Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) which forms the base of all Food Safety Management Systems and is anticipating its  HACCP certification (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Program). He notes that by prioritizing and controlling potential hazards in the company’s production process, Flexpak can assure its customers that the processes in place meet the requirements of globally established best practices and ultimately safe packaging.

Flexpak is also part of the worldwide Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, which is a Customs certification that the company achieved a few years ago. This helps to speed up the clearing of raw materials from the wharf, based on accurate record-keeping and the security of goods, containers, and premises.

Flexpak has many long-term customer relationships including companies like the Jamaica Broilers Group, Island Dairies, and numerous bakeries and manufacturers island-wide that have stayed the course throughout the years.

Hoyow highlights that the company has also changed company working hours to take advantage of and make use of its daylight solar system, 7 days per week, and is currently planning to upgrade this solar installation further to include a 24-hour system shortly to save on electricity usage.

Packaging future directions

When it comes to the future of Flexpak, one thing remains obvious. With the flexibility to be able to provide just what the industry and its clients require, Flexpak remains the leading choice for packaging solutions throughout Jamaica.

The company also is perfectly positioned to adopt new technology as it continues to look to sustainable options such as the introduction of reusable bags. Flexpak is also looking to move towards digital printing shortly as it adopts new machinery and focuses on sustainable solutions that match client demand.

With this progressive business approach and dedication to its customer base coupled with its extensive knowledge of the local market, Flexpak will continue to package the best solutions for years to come.

AT A GLANCE

Flexpak

What: Leading Packaging and design solutions company focusing on a loyal customer base

Where: St Catherine, Jamaica