‘Trempak has grown tremendously over the years and, from humble beginnings 26 years ago, we’re now in a position to develop striking, tailor-made brand propositions for small start-up companies as well as large blue chip corporations,’ states founder and MD, Graham Finke. ‘We take a partnership approach with each customer, large or small, taking heed of individual needs and budget requirements, and then plan a packaging strategy to provide for a seamless growth transition. We’re immensely proud of each product we supply and can extend or fine-tune a design during any stage of its life.’
Graham launched Trempak in 1987, primarily supplying unprinted packaging materials and machines to independent food manufacturers and packers.
Since then, there’s been a substantial investment in machinery and infrastructure and Trempak now counts among leading converters of anti-fog bags, vacuum bags, speciality high-barrier and metallised pre-made plain and printed bags, stand-up pouches and film, manufactured using food-grade raw materials.
Trempak also represents leading global suppliers of vacuum and heat-sealing equipment and shrink machines such as Audion Elektro and SmiPack
Significant milestones
Trempak’s custom-built factory in Modderfontein, Gauteng, has been home to the business for just over two years; and it’s already being extended to accommodate more printing and packaging machinery.
‘Two core businesses operate at our Modderfontein plant – Trempak and Didget Printing,’ Graham explains. ‘Although they’re independently operated and owned, they dovetail perfectly. Each business is on a consistent growth curve and we’ve almost finalised our latest phase of equipment installations.’
Besides printing Trempak’s standard bag and machine ranges, Didget specialises in bespoke prototypes for a host of packaging applications, printed using its advanced HP Indigo digital press. Didget also features prominently in the area of short-run labels, shrink sleeves, pre-production (trade launch) samples, and speciality applications such as unique numbering for competitions, security coding (anti-fraud/parallel import), and POS vehicles.
‘Didget’s prototyping service, managed by O’Neil Williams, is fast becoming the gold standard when it comes to FMCG launches. It’s breaking all the rules through creative thinking and out-of-the-box solutions,’ Graham reports proudly.
Whether it’s labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, cartons or POS, Didget offers streamlined workflow and cost-effective high-quality print with amazingly-fast turnaround times.
Prototyping has emerged as a powerful marketing tool for brand owners and Didget has managed numerous brand launches with pre-production listing and advertising samples for the likes of SA Breweries, ABI, Unilever, Nestlé, Cadbury’s, Pepsico and The Mars Company.
‘The effectiveness of Didget’s service in terms of colour standard and creating “the perfect mock-up” eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming sample runs on gravure or flexographic presses. In addition, the process eliminates the cost of investing in stock months before launch date,’ Graham explains. ‘Brand owners now have the freedom to change colour, detail, font size, product information or range at a moment’s notice.’
Didget’s raw materials are sourced through Trempak and, with a 48-hour job turnaround, brand owners can present prototypes to the trade, make revisions, negotiate forward orders, and improve forward planning.
‘Everyone in the supply chain breathes easy, safe in the knowledge that the mock-up is a true reflection of the final product,’ Graham continues. ‘The opportunity to showcase a number of promotional ideas also works well for new product launches. The possibilities are as endless as the imagination and, if we can deliver a creative and original “touch me, feel me, buy me” proposition, we’re paving the way for our customers’ future success! The HP Indigo, together with our specialised finishing equipment, provides the ultimate in flexible packaging solutions.’
Multiple product offerings
Trempak’s bag and pouch portfolio includes standard packs and made-to-order packs. Materials range from polypropylene to specialised laminates to suit food and industrial products.
The company manufactures a myriad pouch formats – from three- and five-side seal structures to zipper, stand-up and self-gusseted pouches. Importantly, it also handles multiple web-registered pouches on a single platform.
This month (February), more equipment is being installed to meet current and projected demand for bags, pouches and stand-up pouches.
‘Our choice and stockholding of standard and specialised films and laminates, together with on-site slitting facilities, allows us to meet requirements for form-fill-seal applications with enviable turnaround times and competitive pricing,’ continues Graham.
It’s his mission to provide a total solution so, along with the manufacturing operation, Trempak supplies a variety of impulse and band sealers, vacuum sealing and medical sealing machines, as well as spares from Audion Elektro (represented in South Africa by Trempak for some 20 years). Bolloré Bolphane polyolefin shrink film is sold nationwide, along with an array of Italian-built SmiPack shrink sealing systems, ranging from manual to fully-automated models.
‘Since inception, we’re offered a multitude of sealing and packing systems to suit any business, regardless of size or budget. What’s important is to provide a tailor-made service that meets customers’ specific needs. From printing to packaging and ancillary products we want them to feel assured that they have the right tools for the job,’ Graham asserts. ‘Each machine is also backed by a manufacturer guarantee and reliable local service and support from Trempak.’
Expertise and strict core values
Remaining on top of technological trends and production standards is vital to the future growth, yet, as Graham insists, the differentiator lies in the collective knowledge and expertise of his hard-working team. ‘Our business is about creating long-term, trusting relationships with customers, offering the reassurance that their brands are in safe hands,’ he says. ‘The primary function of packaging is to protect a product so that it’s delivered and presented in pristine condition. Our expert team offers valuable advice on all types of packaging structures to meet this need. We also have the knowledge to take brands to the next level and create a viable sales and promotion proposition that “wows” the consumer,’ adds Graham. ‘We’re invested in the country, in our employees and in our customers. We strive for fair play and ethics in our dealings with customers and suppliers. Proof of our commitment is highlighted by our long-standing relationships throughout the supply chain,’ he states.
As Trempak’s packaging technologies have become more complex over the years, Graham has ensured that the production team is well-versed in all aspects of production and able to construct added-value products. Training is carried out by Trempak’s local and international machine suppliers and each employee is encouraged to take ownership of his or her specific work station and output.
‘Overall, we provide a specialised consultancy service and top-quality production. From design to retail, we consider ourselves business partners of our customers and are around for the long haul,’ sums up Graham.
Trempak
T +27 011 4523268
www.trempak.co.za
Didget Printing
T +27 011 6099707