Universal Paper was recently visited by Tissue World Magazine. Below is what they had to say.(Click here for Article Source: www.tissueworldmagazine.com)
Inhibiting exchange rates, rising energy costs, changing consumer habits, struggling economy … no wonder Universal Paper & Plastics has become creatively self-sufficient.
TWM talks to three members of the founding Sher family.
The roads are lined with glorious, blooming Jacaranda trees on the drive to the Universal Paper & Plastics (UPP) plant which is situated in Ga-Rankuwa. Ga-Rankuwa – meaning “we are not taken” – lies within the Gauteng province, where the family owned business of 65 years is currently situated.
Members of the four generations of the Sher family from left to right: David, Barry and Jonathan
TWM met with managing director Barry Sher and his sons David and Jonathan, both directors of the company and the fourth generation working in the business. They are softly spoken and eloquent as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of running an independent tissue business in Southern Africa, with topics ranging from the local consumer base to printed designer tissue products.
In 2002, UPP decided to manufacture water based flexographic inks for printing its tissue products as well as to sell externally for corrugated manufacturers. The group’s tissue manufacturing company Universal Paper Manufacturers (UPM) was established in 2008 and it manufactures 100% virgin tissue paper and produces a variety of one and two ply grades for bathroom tissue, household towel, serviettes and napkins.
Universal Paper has had to become more innovative and efficient as a result of deteriorating exchange rates, rising energy costs, changing consumer habits and a struggling economy. Its Consumer offering consists of leading premium brand Dinu; a range of serviettes, napkins, bathroom tissue, household towel and hankies, and the Diamond range of printed designer napkins. Its Professional division focuses on AfH products, which sells customised serviettes and napkins, bulk bathroom tissue and household towels, as well as hankies to the wholesale, hotel and hospitality industries.
With its many different flexographic printing machines the company has claimed a strong niche in the South African tissue market, making products that are both creative and hygienic. UPP currently converts over 1,000 tonnes of tissue products per month. Demand is increasing and the company has ambitions to grow further. To support the expansion, it is extremely challenging as a family owned business with no outside investors, to raise additional capital.
In the consumer sector, UPP’s business extends to all of the major South African retailers such as Shoprite Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar, Woolworths, Massmart, Clicks, and Food Lovers Market, to mention a few. Jonathan Sher says: “… with our in-house graphics capabilities we have the capacity to focus on the aesthetics of the design of the print as well as the packaging. We are confident that our recent launch of the Décor Collection will create a high level of interest in the market. It’s specifically targeted at younger people and is well priced. We have created a niche that our competitors cannot compete with due to our printing capabilities and expertise. Our aim is to offer the consumer a wider range of trendy products. We also understand the importance of hygiene with respect to our product offering. In this light, we recognised that we needed to re-assure consumers and as a result we have had our product dermatologically tested. Further to this, we have had our household towels food grade certified by the German certification body ISEGA.”
With respect to the AfH market, David Sher adds: “We are focusing more on the AfH sector as consumer sales have become very challenging with margins being eroded due to increasing input costs and a weak economy.” “We are exporting some products to neighbouring countries and in the near future will look to increase our market share in these regions, however long distance transportation is not profitable because of the poor value to bulk constraints when selling tissue. Consequently, further into Africa is not likely at this point in time”, he adds.
“We are exporting some products to neighbouring countries and in the near future will look to increase our market share in these regions” David Sher
When asked about the environmental considerations Jonathan Sher adds: “Although we are fully FSC-certified, only one of our main customers have requested this. The average South African consumer is left to battle his conscious when deciding on environmentally friendly products or pricing. The weakening South African economy is changing buying habits where smaller weekly purchases are replacing larger monthly spends. The smaller quantities show the financial constraints and conservatism of the local consumer.”
David Sher adds: “This family business has a lot to be proud of! 65 years of heritage, a self-generated niche in the South African market and ambitious plans to keep on growing. The future looks very bright with a unique high performance culture, driven by experienced and loyal staff that are embraced in a family environment.”
A fleet of trucks advertising the Dinu brand of tissue products
UPP currently converts over 1,000 tonnes of tissue products per month. Demand is increasing and the company has ambitions to grow further
35 4th Street, Ga-Rankuwa Industrial, Gauteng, South Africa, 0208
Phone: +27 12 703 5530 | 
Fax: +27 12 703 9430
