ML. Fadesa has been in the Ecuadorian market for more than 65 years. What were those beginnings like? How has the company evolved over the years?
We were born in 1956 as a company dedicated to the manufacture of general line containers, shortenings and oils in the city of Guayaquil and then we grew together with the Ecuadorian canning industry incorporating sanitary containers for fishing in our portfolio.
Our operation has evolved over time to serve different market segments through different locations in the Andean region: Quito-Ecuador, Callao/Chimbote-Peru, Barranquilla-Colombia and Jaramijó-Ecuador. We started to venture into the pharmaceutical and cosmetic segment with aluminum tubes, crown caps for the beverage segment, welded tinplate containers for the food segment and plastic packaging for the industrial, food and pharmaceutical segments in order to be close to our customers and meet their needs.
Our evolution was also marked by technology, being pioneers in the implementation of UV printing for metal packaging in Ecuador and being the first plant to offer 6-color printing in Latin America. This evolution is the result of the development and growth together with our customers who, thanks to their trust, have allowed us to consolidate our position in the market.
Ml- One of the company’s objectives from the beginning was to be a leader in the Pacific-Latin American region in packaging solutions, right?
Our vision is focused on being leaders in the Pacific-Latin American region in packaging solutions, and to this end we promote a culture of transformation focused on the continuous growth and development of our operations, aimed at satisfying the needs of our customers.
This vision has materialized over time, which has led us to consolidate our position in the market and to continue developing those markets in which we are not leaders.
ML- 2022 was a year of many achievements. What were the achievements and what is your assessment of the past year?
2022 was a challenging year due to fluctuations in raw material prices and freight rates that affected the packaging industry, along with a recovering market due to the reduction in demand for canned goods at the international level.
Despite the market instability, we achieved important milestones such as the start of operations in our new plant in Jaramijó and the digital transformation in all our locations through the implementation of the new ERP SAP S/4 HANA and the implementation of an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) that helps us monitor production through real-time indicators. In terms of sustainability, we completed the measurement of our carbon footprint at our plants in Ecuador and achieved LEED certification at the Jaramijó plant.
ML Fadesa is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals through responsible management and production. What objectives have been proposed in this area?
We have proposed some initiatives that will allow us to have more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations and create awareness among our personnel that every small action we take can have a significant impact on our planet.
Among the main actions implemented we have:
20% reduction of common waste through its correct classification to allow its reuse.
Deployment of an external recycling campaign with staff.
Measurement of our carbon footprint, and with this result we are already working on reduction plans.
Increase the use of recycled resin in the production of our plastic packaging.
ML- Among its strategies is its firm commitment to continue delivering safe, high quality and sustainable packaging solutions. What sets them apart and makes them leaders?
As Fadesa we have always been characterized by delivering safe, quality and above all environmentally sustainable packaging. To this end, our business philosophy, which we put into practice, comes to life through a differentiating strategy that proposes an eco-efficient and sustainable production model.
Our value proposition to the market is based on responsible and clean production through policies aimed at saving electricity, reducing emissions and optimizing fuel consumption, which allows us to deliver environmentally friendly packaging. As an important part of the value chain, food safety is key in the packaging manufacturing process and that is why we orient our processes to be safe and supported by all international certifications.
The experience and trajectory we have in the industry is another important aspect in which we make the difference, which has allowed us to be prepared to provide effective and dedicated assistance to our customers and meet their needs and requirements in time, quantity and specifications.
ML- They have recently obtained a new certification at their plant in Jaramijó, which ratifies compliance with demanding industry standards, of which Fadesa is a clear example. Also training with the “Building Talent” program. Could you tell us about both issues?
It is important for us to offer quality and safe packaging to the market so that our customers can meet their expectations. For this reason, we have implemented food safety and innocuousness standards to avoid any possible contamination in our production and storage processes. We are constantly working to improve our infrastructure, creating a culture of food safety among our employees to generate a high degree of commitment, and we work hand in hand with our suppliers to promote their development and bring them up to the required standards.
With regard to the Building Talent program, we seek to link young people to the various Fadesa plants so that they can develop technical knowledge and soft skills, and prepare them for the world of work. At Fadesa, they have the opportunity to grow to permanent positions within the organization, and thus continue to build their path within the industry. Thanks to this initiative, by 2022, we were able to place 7 of our interns in permanent positions, thus achieving 30% of the program’s effectiveness. This allows us to transform the industry from the inclusion of young talents so that they not only give us their support at a specific moment, but also achieve mutual growth.
ML-What growth expectations do you have for this year?
This year we expect to consolidate our operations in our new Jaramijó location and continue to strengthen our market position in all of our locations.
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