BRIEF FOR THE RT. HON. P. J. PATTERSON,
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA,
FOR PLANT TOUR AT
WEST INDIES PAPER PRODUCTS LIMITED
ON FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1999
Industrial Pioneer
West Indies Paper Products Limited is one of two companies in the West
Indies Pulp & Paper Group (WIPAP), whose involvement in the local
manufacturing sector dates back almost 40 years. The majority of shares
in the Group are owned by Jamaicans.
The WI PAP Group, which manufacturers corrugated cartons ( cardboard
boxes) and tissue products, is now listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange,
having moved from state to private ownership over the years. The Group
is a successful model of co-operation between the local partners and
foreign experts, representing the United States-based Gibson Group.
A pioneer in Jamaica's industrial sector, West Indies Paper Products
Limited was incorporated in 1960. It began producing carton boxes in
February, 1962, in response to the drive to develop local industry and
also in line with the trend towards boxing export bananas.
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Today, the Company is a market leader in its sector; and more than 50%
of its services are geared towards export sector customers in
manufacturing, agriculture, horticulture, food processing, distilling and
consumer durables. It also produces file storage for the banking and
business sectors. The major clients of West Indies Paper Products
include:
Desnoes & Geddes Ltd.
Wray & Nephew Limited
Jamaica Producers Limited
NABISCO
Grace Kennedy & Company Limited
Jamaica Floral Exports
West Indies Glass
Award Winner
West Indies Paper Products was recently presented with the Jamaica
Manufacturers Association's Merit Award, for being named third runner-up
in the Champion Exporter Category in 1998. During the review year, it
exported some US$1/2 Million worth of boxes to regional markets, with
Trinidad and Tobago accounting for the largest volume.
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The Company was also named the 1998 winner for the Printing,
Packaging and Paper Products Group. This is the second consecutive
year that it has won both JMA Awards. It is also a many-time recipient of
the Jamaica Exporters' Association Award for Packaging.
Enhancing Competitiveness
Over the past two years, operations at the 6,300 square metre carton
manufacturing plant at Ashenheim Road in Kingston's industrial estate,
have been streamlined to enhance the Company's competitiveness. This
programme has involved more extensive use of computer technology in
production and marketing activities, as well as the design and
implementation of a strategic marketing initiative.
The plant, which operates a two-shift day, currently employs 206 workers.
The centrepiece of the operation is a modern corrugator, which provides
uniform flute bonding. And, as part of its ongoing thrust to provide a total
packaging service, emphasis is placed on scientific design and testing of
the product, in keeping with the requirements of the Jamaica Bureau of
Standards, and international quality regulations.
Graphics, state-of-the-art plate-making, die-cutting facilities and colour
printing are also provided.
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TOUR LOGISTICS
Participants:
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In addition to the Prime Minister's
party, the touring party will
include:
Dr. The Hon. Paul Robertson
Minister of Industry and
Investment
(To include a party of five
persons)
Mr. Sameer Younis
President, Jamaica
Manufacturers Association
Ms. Shirley Hutchinson
Manager, Membership Service
Development, JMA
West Indies Paper Products
Representatives:
Mr. Joscelyn Joi ly
Deputy Group Managing Director
Mr. Roy Baker
Operations Manager, WIPAP
Group
Mr. Noel Brown
Plant Manager
Mrs. Winsome Tennant
Group Marketing Manager
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Procedure:
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1) On arrival, the visitors will be
met by Mr. Joscelyn Jolly, Deputy
Group Managing Director, and
escorted to the Board Room for a
short briefing.
2) The tour will follow and is
expected to last for
approximately half-an-hour.
3) Refreshments will be served in
the Board Room
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Factory Tour - Friday, May 14, 1999
10:00 a.m.
11 :00 a.m.
11:15a.m.
12:15 p.m.
Arrive Sun Island Factory
Address: 32 Old Hope Road
KINGSTON 5
To be met by: Mr. Raymond Miles ( Jr & Snr)
Brief on company's operations & tour
Depart Sun Island
Arrive West Indies Paper Products
Address: 6E Ashenheim Road
To be met by: Mrs. Winsome Tennant
HPM & party will be directed to the Conference Room to be
shown a video on the operations of the company
Tour
Depart West Indies Pulp & Paper
Touring party to include : Minister of Industry & Investment and team
Representatives from the JMA
Representatives from the Media
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