“ Their legacy-building ethos and customer service structure resonates with us.”

1. Tell us a bit about your company.

Sun Packaging (Mauritius) Limited (SPM) specialises in printing high-quality gravure flexible packaging for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market. Being in the industry since 2013, SPM is an established brand with both suppliers and power-brand customers. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility comprising of gravure printing presses, lamination and pouching machines, is strategically and geographically located to supply South Africa and Sub-Saharan African countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda – we are now looking forward to further expand our global footprint.

2. What was your challenge?

Being a capital-intensive business with ongoing investment requirements in plant, machinery and stock, we needed a bank that would provide a personalised partnership. The packaging market faces global competition that dictates fine margins. This requires an innovative business model that integrates advanced technology-based systems to enhance efficiencies. The latter, in turn, accentuated the need for collaboration with an established and reliable financial institution capable of meeting global market requirements.

3. To what extent did our trade finance offering help you overcome your challenge?

AfrAsia’s Trade Finance Team is efficient and knowledgeable in the process and cycle required for our international industry. Their guidance and support have ensured that our continual import and export divisions are consistently undisturbed, especially during the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has safeguarded the delivery of our promise to ensure global access to our customers worldwide.

For example, during the first lockdown in 2020, vessels were already in port but unfortunately the documentation (invoice and Bill of Lading) usually sent by the logistics company were not yet available due to closure of borders.  To help us out, the Bank and the Team took it on themselves to provide import loan facilities and effect payment for release from the shipping company so as to unload the container and clear the goods at customs…all of this so SPM could continue production in order to match the delivery times committed to our customers.

4. What can you say about your banking experience with AfrAsia?

SPM and AfrAsia have had an ongoing partnership for almost a decade. Their efficient and swift model has made them a first choice for collaborative business expansion.  Their legacy building ethos and customer service structure resonates with us and we look forward to future decades of successful association.