Ishida strengthens African presence with NPS acquisition

SOUTH AFRICA – Ishida Europe has finalized the acquisition of South African packaging equipment manufacturer National Packaging Systems (NPS), marking a significant step in expanding its footprint in Africa.

Headquartered in Pinetown, NPS has garnered a formidable reputation for its design and manufacture of high-performance and reliable vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

These machines cater to various packaging needs, including sachets, stick packs, pillow packs, as well as volumetric fillers, auger fillers, and feed systems.

NPS also specializes in tailoring systems to meet customers’ specific requirements, serving a diverse clientele spanning both food and non-food sectors.

Their product range encompasses a wide array of items, from everyday essentials like sugar, rice, and salt to specialized applications such as firelighters and automotive components.

The newly formed Ishida/NPS partnership is poised to offer startup operations the opportunity to automate their processes with entry-level weighing and packing systems.

Ishida emphasizes its commitment to providing customers with the highest levels of support, ensuring fast response localized service and spare parts supply.

Russell Gwynn, Managing Director of NPS, expresses enthusiasm about the acquisition, foreseeing enhanced offerings for customers and expanded business opportunities in both domestic and export markets. Despite joining Ishida, NPS will continue to operate as a separate business entity.

Dave Tiso, Managing Director of Ishida Europe, extends a warm welcome to NPS, highlighting the shared values and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Tiso underscores the synergies between the two companies and their dedication to customer satisfaction and societal well-being. He looks forward to a collaborative journey towards continued growth and success for both Ishida and NPS within the industry.

In a separate development, Ishida has recently appointed Nico Behrens as the General Sales Manager for Germany and Austria.

Before assuming this role, Nico, a qualified machine engineer, served in the capacity of supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across Germany, Austria, and Benelux.

The technical and commercial acumen acquired during his tenure in this role will prove invaluable as he leads Ishida’s sales teams.

His aim is to cultivate enduring partnerships with customers, delivering bespoke packaging equipment solutions tailored to their unique requirements.

Reflecting on his appointment, Nico Behrens remarked, “The challenges posed by the COVID pandemic underscored the pivotal role that automation can play in sustaining operations while ensuring quality and consistency across the food industry.”

He further added, “Irrespective of the application, Ishida stands as a reliable provider of optimal solutions. Even our entry-level models offer substantial efficiency enhancements.

“I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our customers to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly evolving markets.”

Meanwhile, Sensodyne has launched Clinical White, a new premium range extension, in collaboration with global agency Marks.

The aim of this release is to broaden the product’s appeal to a wider audience experiencing teeth sensitivity.

Marks ensured that every aspect of the design conveyed Clinical White’s unique proposition while being meaningful and distinctive.

Leveraging a nuanced understanding of both scientific language and aesthetics, the design strategy employs attractive visuals and premium print finishes, incorporating the iconic Sensodyne ‘S’ redrawn in a signature version that divides the pack horizontally to emphasize the product’s key benefits.

James Houghton, Global Senior Design Director at Sensodyne owner Haleon, emphasizes the importance of creating a holistic and future-proof design that aligns with the brand’s premium positioning.

Matt Kerr, Executive Creative Director at Marks, underscores the design’s shelf standout while celebrating the product’s premium attributes, positioning it alongside categories like beauty, perfume, and wellness products in the bathroom environment.

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