Exciting times for companies in the MPP group: Organizational changes unify four companies operating in synergy to provide comprehensive packaging solutions.
Read about the process and the future ahead as Natan Vilner steps into the CEO role
A few months ago, the MPP Group, composed of the companies Madaf Plazit Packaging, Polyraz, and Benda, acquired MCP, a company specializing in manufacturing PET, CPET, and PP trays for various applications in ready-to-eat meals. Natan Vilner, the CEO of MCP, has recently assumed the role of CEO of the group. He replaces Mr. Yoram Sarussi, a senior figure in the packaging industry. Yoram has served in this position for over 30 years, will remain within the organization, and will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board in the group.
Currently, the group operates four production sites, mainly located in the northern part of Israel, and offers a wide range of products, including trays, containers, lids, and sheet rolls of various materials such as PET, CPET, PS, and PP, including MLPP, a composition of materials with high barrier. These are suitable for packaging various food products - fresh, frozen, dairy products, meat, ready-to-eat meals, and more.
Transforming Four Companies into a Unified Entity
"We are currently undergoing a process where each of us, in our respective roles, looks at ourselves and our goals as a group rather than as separate entities," explains Natan. "One of the significant challenges is to establish shared and common objectives while preserving the strengths of the partner companies within the group. As mentioned, the unity of these long-standing factories, each with its own expertise, allows us to offer an extensive range of solutions in the field of rigid packaging."
The organizational change is being carried out under the guidance of a consulting company, specializing in implementation of organizational changes. The selected group management consists of experienced professionals with many years of expertise in the packaging industry, who have a deep understanding of the markets, customer needs, and, of course, the product portfolio that the group currently offers. "The role of the management is to drive the entire team as a unified company, with all the implications that come with it: expanding the product range and expanding our presence in global markets. The diversity of our manufacturing sites allows us tremendous flexibility, resulting in clear advantages such as improved delivery times, production efficiency, and the ability to provide competitive pricing," says Natan.
As part of the transformation, meetings have taken place with people from all across the group, and there is already a synergy between the companies. Channels for knowledge and information transfer between the various factories within the group are established.
Looking Towards the Future - Advancing the Group Forward
As the CEO, Natan has several strategic plans for the group, aiming to position it as a leader and solidify its economic stability. One of these plans emphasizes operational excellence and efficiency across all the group's companies. This is a significant issue in the polymer and packaging industries, where raw material costs are high, and profit margins are slim. Therefore, enhancing efficiency is crucial. "This issue requires us to step up our game in terms of optimization and upgrading production lines. Each factory already implements various optimization and automation processes, and site managers share information among themselves to implement successful actions in other sites and draw conclusions from less successful processes," explains Natan.
Additionally, the concept of sustainability, considered a core value for MCP and the entire group, holds significant importance. Development teams work on projects, sometimes in collaboration with the Innovation Authority of Israel, to promote recycled products, including polymers that currently lack well-established recycling infrastructure, such as PP and PS. Madaf Plazit Packaging, for example, initiates the collection of PP products for post-consumer recycling (PCR) and utilizes internally the recycled material. The RePET tray line is produced using 35% to 80% recycled CPET material. There is a focus on manufacturing products made from mono-material that enables easy recycling at the end of their life cycle. Additionally, the development teams monitor global regulatory changes and remain responsive and flexible to ensure that the group's customers comply with evolving regulations.
Customers - Loyal Partners of the Group
"Our customers are very satisfied with the new situation," says Natan. "Instead of receiving a single solution for rigid packaging, we open up a whole world of possibilities for them, not only in terms of different packaging shapes for various applications but also a wide selection of polymers. We can now provide customized solutions tailored to each customer since we have a much broader toolbox to offer them.
We are blessed with loyal customers who have been with us for many years, and we are proud to call them partners in our success. The ongoing process within the group will deepen this partnership and enable better service for our customers both now and in the future. The group's strategy is to to get closer to global market and customers. The future for the MPP group looks interesting and most promising," concludes Natan.