Skanem, a leading multinational label provider, has inaugurated a new labelling factory in Dar es Salaam.
The company’s goal is to deliver enhanced services to its customers and expand into new markets throughout the region. This new facility is a smaller counterpart to Skanem’s existing operations in Kenya, primarily designed to boost production volume, capacity, and lead times. Skanem Africa aims to establish a local manufacturing presence to better serve its existing customer base and attract new clients.
Initially, the facility will operate with a single, state-of-the-art printing press capable of producing various labels for the Flexo industry, including Self-Adhesive Labels (PSL), BOPP Wrap Around Labels, and Shrink Sleeves. These printing capabilities will enhance label production and meet the diverse needs of businesses in Tanzania and beyond, ensuring high-quality labelling solutions.
Future plans include expanding the facility with additional presses and labelling options to meet industry demands. As part of Skanem’s business contingency planning, the Tanzania site will also serve as a backup for the Kenya site and vice versa.
Strategic regional expansion
As a commercial hub, Dar es Salaam enables Skanem Africa’s manufacturing footprint to be closer to new and existing markets in seven East African countries. “With the new factory in Tanzania, we mark a significant milestone in the company’s regional expansion,” the company stated. “Servicing and deliveries will also improve for existing and new clients. We aim to continue our commitment to supporting local and regional businesses with top-tier labelling solutions.”
In December last year, the company installed a new Bobst Master M5 flexo press at its Nairobi site in Kenya to automate its production line. This digital workflow, with integrated printing and converting technologies, enhanced productivity. The Master M5 ensures high quality and consistency at low operating costs.
“For us, everything is about quality,” said Sachen Gudka, managing director of Skanem Inter labels Nairobi Limited. “Our customers rightly demand quality, and we want to provide them with the highest-quality labels available on the market. With the Master M5, we can feel confident about giving our customers exactly what they want.”
Sustainability is another major focus for Skanem, with a stated aim to create growth for its customers based on sustainable labelling and packaging in evolving markets. This is another area the Master M5 can support with systems and solutions that reduce downtime and waste.
Skanem label sustainability programme
The Skanem sustainable labels programme is a unique program that includes a complete analysis of your product packaging & supply chain by sustainable labelling experts. We will not ask you to blindly implement the newest technology or follow trends.
Together with our sustainability experts, will develop solutions that are suited for your specific product. We will generate a bespoke road map for implementation, keeping a close eye on the commercials. The program will be an ongoing process following a bespoke road map and will be adjusted as new sustainable innovations are brought to the market. As part of the programme we guarantee that you will reduce your carbon footprint.
Source: Sustainability Middle East & Africa
