Intervju Zorana Tadića povodom nastupa kompanije Neofyton na sajmu Propak West Africa 2019

“On the Propak West Africa 2019 fair, we are showcasing one of the fastest and most energy efficient machines in the world. ENGEL e-motion 740/160 machine will produce plastic food container of 1200 ml, with 1- cavity mold and cycle time of only 4,5 sec. This is equal to 6.4 million pieces per year in 350/24/7 production run. This year we are exhibiting a similar e-motion machine as in 2018, but using food container mold this time. So, seeing the production process will be very interesting to all our visitors”, said Zoran Tadic, Owner and GM of Neofyton. Taking into account Nigerian challenges regarding stable electricity supply, this machine concept is the best solution for WA plastic producers. Visitors will be able to see how precise the machine is, how flexible and how fast the mould movement are, and most importantly – consistency in part weight, cycle after cycle. In addition, Engel innovative clamp concept with absence of friction between tie-bars and platens, complete the great features of all ENGEL e-motion machines.

Not really. We have decided to penetrate African market with very attractive price policy. That strategy is leaving almost noroom for further Fair discounts, but of course, some attractive special offers will be offered to all our PROPAK visitors.

We have actually two questions here. First one is regarding our Fair presentation and second on our stand. Neofyton has always had a straight forward strategy during Fair presentations – meaning if we are at the Fair, we have to exhibit a machine in running conditions. Combining running high class equipment with attractive stand design and professional staff, we are confident our presentation will “steal the show” this year again. Talking about brand quality, we as Neofyton have a lot of experience in running operations in foreign markets. Starting from our home market in Serbia back in 1998, then expanding into Bosnia and Hercegovina and Macedonia in 2001, starting our operations in Croatia in 2009, we learned how to operate at foreign markets. Opening our operations in Nigeria and Cameroon in 2016 were continuation of our expansion plans, this time not only into another country but to another continent as well. This should put trust into our respected customers in Nigeria, that we are here to stay, and that we carefully planned our activities that include not only sales and promotion but (even more importantly) after sales support and service. Coming to Nigeria without proper offering would be a huge mistake, and therefore we are presenting ENGEL, SIPA, EUROCHILLER and TRIA, cooperating with PIOVAN, and since few months ago we started Exclusive Representation of High Class European Mold and IML Robots producer company “INMOLD”. All these brands have one thing in common – top class quality – We are confident that only strategy for sustainable development is investment into top class equipment. Since CAPEX costs represent only 10% to 15% of final production costs of plastic part, it is obvious that production capacity per year, and energy costs are much more important factors than CAPEX. Only with very fast and energy efficient equipment, companies could expect long term development and profitability. Just as a small example, difference of only 0,5 seconds in cycle time, let’s say from 3,5 sec. to 4,0 sec. would result in 700.000 parts less produced per year. What if your final customer needs this 700.000, or even 250.000 pcs. this year, and you are running your plant at 99% productivity? You would have to buy one more machine, one at least one more mould, and one more robot in case of IML, and employ 4 more persons to produce this extra capacity. You see, sometimes 15% more production capacity means 100% more CAPEX.

Generally, 80% of Fair time is used to meet existing customers, and to show them respect for putting their trust and time in us. But, knowing the entire market can be very difficult. So, these 20% we use to present our company to new and potential clients. This year we would be happy to host ENGEL President, Mr. Walter Jungwirth, and he will, not only support our customers at the stand, but he will also make a lecture on “High Performance Machines and Operational Excellence”. Our WA customers will be able to get most innovative insides on best procedures in high class/high speed production in packaging industry. In addition, Mr. Jungwirth will be ready to share his 30+ of experience of doing business not only in Europe, but in Americas, and Africa too. Most common mistake in our industry is when a businessman start believing that his problem is “very unique”, and that his boundaries are unbreakable – trust me they are not. Fairs like this, should be use to present best practices, from all over the world, and help local entrepreneurs to exchange opinions with colleagues from our profession, and to find solutions for faster and more rapid development.

Not really. If there would be an industry segment that is “stress free” packaging market would be one of few. During previous economy downturn back in 2008-2009, only food packaging and medical segment of plastic industry were growing. Number of people in the world, and especially in Nigeria is rising at 2,5% pace per year. That means 5 million “new customers” are born in Nigeria every year. Almost half of Nigerian population is living in cities, where food products have to be prepacked and delivered to supermarkets. That is a strong indication of future growth potential not only in Nigeria, but in global market as well. In addition, if WA producers would consider USA and Europe as potential export markets, it would change mind-set, strategy targets, and open new ideas for future development.

I think most of the answer is already presented in Q6, but I would like to share one more idea. I strongly believe in WA packaging market, not only due to WA growth potentials, but even more for global market potentials. Thinking about Lagos as “Capital of Africa” is fine, but thinking of Lagos as the biggest city in the world in 25 years time, is something totally different. In addition I would argue that “next big thing” in Nigeria will be Automotive industry. Again, taking into account 200 million population in Nigeria alone, or 360 millions in WA, that is similar to the population of USA. If we would include young, smart, motivated and skillful work force, it is becoming obvious that Automotive sector will search its production/assembly options in Nigeria.

It should be carefully considered, but advocating glass or paper packaging is not so reasonable. So, what do we do? We focus on recycling plastic waste. Taking care of the plastic waste on a proper level is crucial and it can benefit everyone. I recently presented an idea/initiative on LinkedIn called “Keep the Plastic, recycle the Plastic – save the Planet”. Uncritical banns on use of plastic, especially in food packaging in already taking its tall. According to UK “Mirror” paper published in few weeks ago, “Mc Donalds” internal memo admits that new “eco-friendly” paper straws are non-recyclable, while plastic ones, that were banned last year were 100% recyclable. Plastic packaging in not a problem, but wrong management of plastic waste is! Nigerian Government is already focusing in tackling this issue, and I am convinced that is very near future new regulation will be imposed, that would force people to sort the waste, and allow local communities to organize local Waste centers and convert plastic waste in new raw material.

Recycling and Converting industries are second “Big thing”, that are going to happen in Nigeria in next 5-10 years. That would mean not only cleaner and healthier environment for all of us, but new jobs and higher employment rates as well. Our partners ENGEL, SIPA and TRIA, are fully focused on recycling. ENGEL in machines for “big” products such as pallets, crates and waste containers where even 20% to 30% of recyclable raw material could be used with same/very similar part quality. SIPA in using recycled PET flakes in production of new preforms, TRIA with latest most developed grinders, with
excellent quality of grinded material are the final integral part of our offering regarding Recycling and circular economy.

The response from the Nigerian market is increasing significantly and companies show more and more interest in the equipment that we represent. From the previous Propak 2018 fair, we have sold 25 machines in total. We are very proud that the plastics market is recognizing the quality of the machines and their efficiency, and level of after sales support we are providing to our valuable Nigerian customers.

We hope that exhibiting at Propak fair will become our tradition, and that Nigerian market and African market in general will become a successful business story for us and our customers. I would like to invite all Nigerian and other WA business participants to join us at our booth and share this positive spirit with us. Because Nigerian market is very exciting for us, we are extremely proud to welcome in our team two new colleagues that would be our representatives in Africa: Mr. Anyangbeso Kingsley Ebagbota (Sales Manager Africa) and Mr. Ogunleye Gbolabowale (Service Engineer Africa). The second thing we are very excited is that Neofyton company as ENGEL partner is the proud winner of Grand Prix of the 63rd International technology fair in Belgrade (Link). Also, we are the winner of the most prestige “Đorđe Vajfert award” for Socially responsible business awarded by Chamber of Commerce of Serbia.