The Route to Market (RTM) department is currently undergoing major fleet improvement and expansion.
The department to date has been outfitted with 11 new units aimed at refreshing the current ageing fleet of 41 units and is slated to receive another 10 units in 2023. The inclusion of these trucks is poised to aid in route expansion, with the department looking to introduce five new routes this year.
Currently, the RTM represents 20% of the distribution arm of the business, which means this expansion will help the operations to dig deeper into the crevices and corners of Jamaica.
RTM MANAGEMENT - EVE
Manager: Andre Johnson
Supervisors: Pott Douglas, Omar Ferguson, Rohan Walker
RTM MANAGEMENT- KRAFT
Manager: Orville Butler
Supervisors: Kimton Fagon
Clint Parkins, Eric Wilson
We congratulate our employees who recently completed their course of study. Congratulations!
FLEET MANAGEMENT
Manager: Ishmael Moodie
Supervisor: Stephen Rose, Mechanic: Larry Simmons
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Krisanne White Industrial Performance Analyst - Serge Dairies BSc. in Computer Science (UWI)
Osheeka Buchanan Accounting OfficerSerge Dairies MSc. in Accounting (UWI)
Simone McFarlane Business Development Manager (Brunswick)Facey MSc in Marketing and Data Analytics (UWI)
Okaro Bennett SHE Officer - CPL BSc. in Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health (UWI)
Business Data Analytics is a key enabler for Seprod to gain a competitive advantage and deliver value to our customers, employees, and other stakeholders. The department was formed in 2021 and is expanding to include 3 units, with distinct focus areas:
Business Analysts
Providing business insights and datadriven decision making
System Support
Through data maintenance, governance, and user training
Data Analysts
Sourcing, exploring, and presenting data Data is all around us. It is information such as facts and numbers used to analyze and make decisions. Therefore,
we aim to create a data-first culture using these four pillars, i.e. Data F.A.A.S:
Data First – A data-first culture starts at the top.
Our management team focuses on the facts and figures, showing why making decisions based on insights, research, and experimentation is essential rather than intuition alone.
Data Asset – Data is an organizational asset and needs to be treated as such. Like money or property, data holds significant value and needs to be carefully managed. Investing in a data strategy will yield future benefits.
Data Access – By enabling your entire team to use data in real-time, our systems will become more robust. The data value will increase when transac-
tions are entered, updated, and posted in sync with our physical activities.
Data Success - Success with data comes down to the right tools and processes. We encourage you to consistently evaluate your operations with the aim to increase information quality, allowing for greater levels of process improvement. If it is too complicated or difficult; there may be room for improvement.
Partner with the Business Data Analytics team to become more agile and effective in daily business/ operations activities and enable informed decisions faster. Be #DataFAAS. Contact us at datalab@seprod.com.
HR Assistant - FACEY
Top Seprod/ Facey products used at home: Brunswick Tuna and Sardine, Serge Milk, Eve Browning, Club Social
Tenure of Employment: 1 ½ Years
Since being at Seprod/ Facey, Shanna has garnered much knowledge about the role and value of HR and life in general, which has benefited her personal development. Shanna’s primary functions include managing the benefits administration for staff, leave tracking and the preparation of job letters. She believes her role is very beneficial as more emphasis is being devoted to ensuring that staff receive all the necessary benefits that are available to them. Her vision for Seprod/ Facey is that there will be an increase in the current compensation package, professional and personal development programs/training sessions for employees and an upgrade to the facility.
CLAUDINE HAMILTONHuman Resource Officer - FACEY COMMODITY
Top Seprod/ Facey products used at home: Chiffon Butter, Benjamin flu and cough syrup, Eve browning, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Tenure of Employment: 1 year
“I am humour personified!” Claudine believes life is too short to be serious all the time, so if you cannot laugh at yourself, call her, and she will do it for you. She considers herself to be dynamic- a big fan of dancehall music, excursions and travel, astronomy and nature.
Her experience thus far in the Seprod/ Facey Group “has been tremendously fulfilling both personally and professionally”. She considers HR to be the ‘heart’ of any organization and as such, she ensures that the workflow stays smooth and that all employees stay updated with the organization's policies and procedures. It has evolved from the traditional 'fire and hire' responsibilities. Therefore, it is obvious that Claudine’s strength spans the breadth of driving policy development, translating business vision into Human Resource initiatives that improve performance, profitability, professional growth and employee engagement. “I am big on change management, so I strongly believe in motivating and empowering employees… transforming the company culture to a more positive and comfortable workplace of choice, which will ultimately reduce our attrition rate”.
Her vision for the Seprod/ Facey is that the Seprod Group be seen as the place of choice to work. She believes this can be done by focusing more on culture rather than strategy. Based on an ongoing debate on LinkedIn, Claudine highlighted that “culture creates future leaders while strategy creates managers and bosses”. Therefore, from an HR standpoint, she believes this can only be achieved by promoting a positive workplace in which employees go above and beyond to achieve organizational goals resulting in a reduction in attrition rate and a more positive interaction between all staff across the group.
HR Project Officer - FACEY
Top Seprod/Facey products used at home: Baking Soda
Tenure of Employment: Since April 2022
As the name of the Job role suggests, Akaylia handles all of the projects in the HR Department. Most of which are online databases to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow which reduces time. “A database in the pipeline is Bamboo HR which will give HR officers and employees access to their information, such as leave status. This database will reduce staff reliance on a HR representative for that information in a timely manner.”
Her vision for Seprod/ Facey is that there will be a higher staff retention rate and marvellous staff bonding activities.
Human Resource Representative - FACEY
Top Seprod/Facey products used at home: Oreo Cookies, Serge condensed milk, Eve browning, Benjamin wintergreen alcohol, Arm and Hammer laundry detergent
Tenure of Employment: 1 year
Nickoan came to the Facey team with a background in the BPO industries and is determined to ensure that the best talents are hired, and that staff members are encouraged for the company’s overall growth.
Nickoan’s primary duties include employee screening and hiring, planning and coordinating engagement activities, and internal communication. He loves that his job allows him to do new things every day instead of repeating the same activities, and he appreciates the team with which he works. Nickoan especially enjoys interacting with staff members. “I like to make everyone around me smile, and I also enjoy allowing each person to feel like they have a voice that is being heard”. His vision for Seprod/Facey is for there to be a Seprod financial division, which is like a banking/loan division within the Group. Until then, he expects the Company to continue growing and is eager to see the current construction completed and us being the highlight of Marcus Garvey Drive.
The Facey HR Team is on a mission to ensure that top tier candidates become employees and an environment is created wherein employees work harmoniously, are engaged and treated with the utmost respectNICKOAN BRAMWELL AKAYLIA RICHARDS ANNICA ANDERSON HR Manager ISL & FACEY COMMODITY
Department: Creative and Communications Unit (Seprod Corporate)
Tenure of Employment: 6 months
With just over 6 months at Seprod, Carlene has hit the ground running. You would have seen her as the face of Seprod Changemakers, heard her as the animated character Sharon in the Seprod Safe video or experienced Carlene’s ideas come to life on multiple other projects within the Group.
Now, it is time to get to know our Communications Specialist. This Portland native considers her childhood as “normal”, wherein she was often reading books or watching television. Though from humble beginnings, her mother ensured that she and her siblings lacked nothing.
ence, Carlene ensured she had the theory to support it. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Commu nications, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Public Health and Currently doing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Carlene is adamant about contributing consistently to the Jamaican business community in a meaningful way!
But, all work and no play makes Carlene a dull girl!
She loves to travel and has been to 27 countries (so far). “In fact, in five years, I would have set foot in my 50th country”, said Carlene. She is also a big fan of watching anything investigative or true crime series.
Carlene is a proud past student of Happy Grove High School and was very active, joining the cadet force, getting involved in netball and serving as deputy head girl, student council president and Miss Happy Grove. She was pleased to share that she was also instrumental in starting a newsletter called ‘Grove Vibes’.
Fast forward a few years and…
Carlene is an award-winning journalist, author, and communication specialist with over 12 years of experience in radio, television, print and public relations, exploring the areas of news, sports, entertainment, health, and business. In addition to her experi-
As the host and producer of the Seprod Changemakers series, Carlene is passionate about highlighting Seprod employees doing extraordinary things at work and in their communities, which often goes unnoticed. Carlene wants to commend her team. She loves the dynamism and creativity this team exudes. “Our brainstorming sessions are awesome, teamwork is A1, and I’m looking forward to growing with this team.”
Her goal is to create a positive impact at Seprod. Yes, an impact which
shapes effective communication and supports the vision and business goals of the company. “I desire to reinforce the image of the company and its leading brands as an authentic, trustworthy, innovative partner and a trustworthy employer”. Therefore, her vision is that Seprod will continue to work towards becoming the company where consumers, customers and employees earn, learn, do business, and develop their full potential.
For 2023, Carlene and the Creative and Communications team will be undertaking quite a few projects externally and internally. Big things truly a forward!
My mother was always one to find a way to ensure we always had food and necessities.
On October 12th, Seprod Foundation joined our local and international partners and supporters of the Freedom Skatepark for the long-awaited official launch of the park. Seprod Foundation has been heavily involved in the planning, construction and operation of Freedom Skatepark from its inception. The park provides employment opportunities for members of the community and educational and summer programmes aimed at keeping the children in the community actively and positively engaged in a safe space.
“The opening of the skate park is consistent with national, regional and global sports policies to intentionally use sport to achieve what is referred to as "non-sport outcomes". Strong sport for development and peace programmes embody the values of the sport while embracing the experience that sport and play can provide. They empower the participants and communities in which they are being implemented by engaging them in the design, development, and delivery of the objectives while building capacity at the local level," - Alando Terrelonge, State minister in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Terrelonge, who spoke on behalf of Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange Terrelonge said.
In preparation for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO Jamaica) in 2023, Seprod Foundation has funded a series of robotics teacher training workshops featuring curriculum and certifications by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. The workshops are organized by our partner, and the national organizer for WRO Jamaica, Halls of Learning. Teachers who attend the session and receive their certification will have the opportunity to register for WRO Jamaica 2023 and receive robotics materials for their school!
“I FEEL LIKE I AM 10 YEARS OLD AGAIN”Lorenzo Hall, Harbour View Primary Robotics Teacher Training Nov 2022
“I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTO GRAPHICS AND NOW I GET TO LEARN ABOUT CODING”
Shavon Benjamin, Harbour View Primary Robotics Teacher Training Nov 2022
On November 12th, Seprod Foundation, in collaboration with Halls of Learning, hosted the Code Jamaica Awards to celebrate the top students across all 3 challenges that were offered throughout the year. The challenges included, The Bebras Challenge, Kangaroo Math and Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC). These students who were recognized participated in the finals of every challenge. The most outstanding students were awarded a CANDA to recognize their accomplishments.
The Seprod Foundation Annual PEP Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on November 21st, celebrated the children of Seprod employees who excelled in their PEP examinations. The awards ceremony featured the special Granville Marsh Scholarship Award, which was awarded to 2 top performing students from the parish of St. Thomas - Nadrek Chong and Ajani Smith - and the Byron Thompson Award for Academic Achievement, which is awarded to the top performing scholar from last year’s class of Seprod Foundation Scholars - Marshaye Lounds. Miss United Nations World 2022, Toni-Ann Lalor shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the students under the theme “Limitless”.
Each year, the Jamaica Fire Brigade joins the rest of the world in observing Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared in the event of a fire. This year, it was observed during the week of October 23rd-29th, under the theme “Preserving the Nation through Life Safety and Fire Prevention”, focusing on the disabilities and access and functional needs community. Seprod Foundation supported the initiative by providing over $200,000 worth of products to be distributed to children's homes and households that have been affected by fire, and by assisting in raising awareness about the importance of fire safety and prevention. The products were handed over to the Jamaica Fire
Brigade on October 24, 2022, to support the activities for the rest of the week. “We continue to be heartbroken by the cases of families being devastated by the loss of their loved ones due to fire; as recently as September, 3 children died after a fire destroyed their home. We want to stop these tragedies, which is why the Seprod Foundation is working with the Jamaica Fire Brigade during Fire and Life Safety Awareness week to highlight the steps that each of us can take to ensure the safety of our lives and that of our families and colleagues. We also want to salute the men and women in our Fire Brigade for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis."
- Richard Pandohie, CEO, Seprod Foundation.
After weeks of preparation and coordination between the Quality Assurance team, management and supporting staff, a game plan was curated around plant and grounds maintenance, records management, and guiding the auditor through the process of reflecting the Food Safety Policy of International Biscuits Limited “to provide at all times safe food for consumption”.
After two days of auditing, a plant tour, a few interviews with staff and multiple documentation reviews, the auditor announced in her closing meeting that IBL retained their FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification! Kudos and heartfelt thanks go out to the KTK Sanitation, who ensured the plant and surroundings were ready for inspection,
the Production and Planning and Logistics Teams, who continued to adhere to all safety practices, the Human Resource Team for providing all needed documentation, and of course the Management and Quality Teams that pulled the whole endeavour together.
A true reflection of collaborative interdepartmental and inter-organizational support and effort was exemplified through every step of the process towards FSSC 22000 recertification.
FSSC 22000 controls food safety risks, and its certification requirements provide a rigorous system to manage food safety risks and provide safe products for use by companies in the food industry.
Team work makes the Dream Work!
L-R: Vanessa Hinds, Macadian Weir, Lavaughn Scott, Marielle Coley, Michelle Morris, Dillette Brown
Howard Guthrie, General ManagerIBL
Distribution of trojan condoms & sensitization done
Did you know that people with diabetes are 25 times more likely to develop blindness than people without diabetes? In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. In addition, conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye disorders occur earlier and more often in people with diabetes. Shocking statistics highlight that more than 90% of vision loss caused by diabetes can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
MOHW Mobile Unit conducted HIV/AIDS and Syphilis Testing on-site at our various locations during December.
If you or anyone you know have been diagnosed with diabetes, please consider the following guidelines to remain healthy.
• Always take your diabetic medications, as prescribed
• Get a comprehensive vision exam, including a dilated retinal exam, once a year
• If you notice any changes in your vision (dark floating spots or streaks that look like a cobweb, dry eyes, sudden changes in the ability to see clearly, double vision etc) See your primary care physician and ophthalmologist immediately
• Manage your blood glucose levels intensively, as this can reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by 27%
• Moisturize your feet but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don't moisturize between the toes—that could encourage a fungal infection
• Cut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. If you have concerns about your nails, consult your doctor.
• Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing them. Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
• Be aware, check your legs, ankles, feet and in between your toes every day for new wounds or old ones that never seem to heal.
• Treat wounds and sores. Talk to your doctor about any sores, nicks, scratches or small cuts that do not seem to be healing.
IBL and Serge Dairies Employees were invited to learn a few cooking tricks and tips from Executive Chef, Latoya Panton and Registered Dietitian /Nutritionist, Sabrina Palomino on Google Meet as we wrapped on Diabetes Awareness Month.
We would like to recognize two groups of people at IBL, our painters and promoters. These are staff members who have extended themselves.
Thank you for making a di erence with your passion and pride in improving the work environment in 2022!
Thank you for your passion and dedication promoting the company and its products, and creativity in improving our brand’s connection with the community in 2022!
