Vision Quest
Flexstar Packaging’s clear vision and heavy focus on people give it the tools to adapt quickly and change with its customers’ needs.
January 2008 by Chris Mc Loone
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Measuring success in a business isn’t always done by solely tallying dollars and cents. Customer and employee loyalty is one measuring stick, and having the ability to adapt to trends within a particular industry is still another, while setting high expectations and meeting them is another way. Flexstar Packaging, Inc. (Richmond, British Columbia) has a clear vision, a heavy focus on people, and the ability to change quickly—all of which are hallmarks of its success. Another notable quality is its ability to solve problems. “We believe it is very important to dig in and solve issues versus playing the blame game,” says Marc Bray, president and CEO. “There are very few new problems in this industry. The same problems just resurface.”
Expansion equals success
Expansion, in this case, does not include enlarging a building or opening up a second facility. Flexstar’s 62 full-time employees are located at the company’s facility. Flexstar is an independent operation, but also co-manufactures for a number of other North American converters. Expansion in this case comes in the form of deliverables. Over time, the company has expanded its product offerings to include high-barrier lamination using solvent, solventless, or water-based adhesives; cold-seal rollstock; microwavable hot-fill, and retort laminations; standup pouches; and a variety of new coex films.
“Our operating philosophy is quite simple,” says Bray. “Provide superior quality and service to the customers in our region. Our full-service offerings and capabilities allow us to support our customers as they grow into new products. We believe in an empowered team concept, and our commercial group consists of experienced industry players.” The experienced team has also aided in the company’s success. “Much of our success has been based on our team’s collective experiences in the industry,” states Bray. This philosophy has helped the company supply products for a wide variety of retail and industrial markets including fruit and nut, cereals, confectionery, coffee packaging, prepared foods, frozen foods, retortable products, and specialty films for industrial applications.
Flexstar came into being in April 2005 following an asset sale of the Richmond, B.C., facility by Sonoco Products Company. Its facility has operated for more than 27 years under various ownerships. Since its launch, it has invested heavily in new technology to enhance its capabilities and improve the efficiencies in the plant. “Capital investments have included a new SAP system, extrusion upgrades, a Nordmeccanica Super Combi 2000, the Uteco ONYX 876 press, and a PCG GQ pouch machine from PPI Global Technologies.” Through the years, according to Bray, the facility has seen the transition from PE-based converted products to high-quality printing, barrier laminations, and pre-made standup pouches.
Expansion equals success
Expansion, in this case, does not include enlarging a building or opening up a second facility. Flexstar’s 62 full-time employees are located at the company’s facility. Flexstar is an independent operation, but also co-manufactures for a number of other North American converters. Expansion in this case comes in the form of deliverables. Over time, the company has expanded its product offerings to include high-barrier lamination using solvent, solventless, or water-based adhesives; cold-seal rollstock; microwavable hot-fill, and retort laminations; standup pouches; and a variety of new coex films.
“Our operating philosophy is quite simple,” says Bray. “Provide superior quality and service to the customers in our region. Our full-service offerings and capabilities allow us to support our customers as they grow into new products. We believe in an empowered team concept, and our commercial group consists of experienced industry players.” The experienced team has also aided in the company’s success. “Much of our success has been based on our team’s collective experiences in the industry,” states Bray. This philosophy has helped the company supply products for a wide variety of retail and industrial markets including fruit and nut, cereals, confectionery, coffee packaging, prepared foods, frozen foods, retortable products, and specialty films for industrial applications.
Flexstar came into being in April 2005 following an asset sale of the Richmond, B.C., facility by Sonoco Products Company. Its facility has operated for more than 27 years under various ownerships. Since its launch, it has invested heavily in new technology to enhance its capabilities and improve the efficiencies in the plant. “Capital investments have included a new SAP system, extrusion upgrades, a Nordmeccanica Super Combi 2000, the Uteco ONYX 876 press, and a PCG GQ pouch machine from PPI Global Technologies.” Through the years, according to Bray, the facility has seen the transition from PE-based converted products to high-quality printing, barrier laminations, and pre-made standup pouches.
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