By Ahmed Omah & Folashade Oba
In its bid to drive more innovation for a competitive advantage in the packaging world, BOBST has just concluded a two-day conference within Africa Roadshow for converting solutions 2017, under the theme DRIVING INNOVATION FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.
Joseph Otto Bobst, anticipated by the global challenges prowling in all sectors of the world economy founded the company in Lausanne in the midst of challenges faced by the local consumers in other to meet their need in 1890. From a mere graphic arts supplier shop to renowned world class blue chip packaging equipment manufacturing company, he sailed through the thick and thin of world economy challenges to see the company spread across the world.
The road show held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast at the Radisson Blu Hotel on 21st and 22nd February, dedicated to flexible material on the first day and to corrugated board and folding-carton converting on the second day respectively was a great success.
A cross-session of participants, including manufacturers, suppliers, and sales representatives, among others, have described the road show 2017 that it surpassed the much anticipated expectations.
The conference provides an engaging insight into the latest technologies and key trends that impact and shape the growth of the packaging industry in the Western Africa, as well as an event with tremendous networking opportunities and introduction into the Sub-Saharan market.
BOBST and leader partners welcome key customers and prospects in the region as well as financial institutions, packaging organizations, VIP guests and brand owners, CPG companies (such as Nestlé). The conference also bring together partner companies and key industry players specialized in paper, inks or complementary equipment, such as: Siegwerk, Daetwyler, Macchi, Coim, Colines, Dupont, Esko, KBA, Delta-Neu and Marbach.
Bobst has since strengthened its leadership in the 1980s. It became the world’s leading machine builder for the corrugated board industry and moved into the flexible packaging market.
Currently, global packaging marketing industry made over $820b in sales, as the market is envisaged to reach $1tr by 2020. It is of important note that 53 percent of all global packaging sales are accounted for by industries serviced by Bobst.
BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 12 production facilities in 8 countries and employs close to 5000 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.33 billion for the year ended December 31st, 2015.