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aking the transition from a semi-automated to a fully-automated manufacturing line during a strategic move into brand new premises in 2007 has been the main catalyst driving the growth of Uganda’s number one corrugated box packaging manufacturer, Riley Packaging. Taking all the necessary steps to improve its technical capacities and
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allocating the capex spending required for state-of-the-art machinery to remain a competitive player in the market over the past nine years since establishment of the new plant, the Company now has plenty of room to continue bolstering its internal capacities; led by an unparalleled customer-centric focus that sees its boxes supplied to the vast majority of FMCG, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, flowers, cosmetics, stationary, tobacco, plastics and more in Uganda. Furthermore, the Company is the largest exporter of corrugated boxes to the surrounding countries – Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and South Sudan – where demand for its services has escalated in recent years as the aforementioned landlocked countries look to Uganda for an affordable and quality packaging solution close-by. Company Director, Vipul Desai recalls Riley Packaging’s journey to the present day: “When we formed in 2001, there were already a few players in existence and around two years later, we had proved ourselves in the market so started to expand by putting up a semi-automatic plant. By around 2005, we had reached capacity of our semi-automatic line which prompted the need to expand further and to improve productivity. “Therefore, we identified the 17 acre site in Mukono Town, 25 kilometres from Kampala and, starting from scratch, we took the next step and put up a fully-automated manufacturing plant – with 5-ply corrugation equipment imported from Taiwan – that went on to be inaugurated by the President of Uganda in 2007. We have also purchased additional land of more than seven acres, taking our total land up to around 25 acres. This central region on Jjinja Highway is emerging as a main commercial centre and the size of the site still gives us plenty of room for future expansion.”
Customer-centricity
Having compounded these initial spends in both 2010 and 2014 with the addition of new lines to cope with the organic increased demand for its corrugated boxes, it quickly became apparent how important Riley Packaging’s service was not only locally, but in the surrounding landlocked countries who face their own geographic challenges. “Before our plant investment and relocation, around half of the Uganda’s packaging was being imported from Kenya; with a similar situation occurring in Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and South Sudan,” says Desai. “In striving for a better solution, around four years ago we forged a strong relationship with Dodhia Packaging in Kenya; aligning synergies between the two companies and sharing industry expertise, expats and other internal efficiencies that promise to mutually enhance our interests.” This strategic alliance has helped to generate long-term clientele from all walks of business across East Africa and reaffirms the all-important customer trust and confidence in Riley Packaging to produce the very best product to international quality standards.
Company Director, Vipul Desai recalls Riley Packaging’s journey to the present day
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