WORK TRANSFORMED: HOW ZIPGRIP IS ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL

The world of work has changed. And to survive, businesses will have to adapt, says Enrico Smith, co-owner of print manufacturing company ZipGrip.

During an interview with Invest Cape Town at the company’s Airport Industria office this week, Smith said employers have an enormous responsibility under the “new normal”.

“Covid-19 is real. Things have changed. Businesses have to adapt, and fast,” says Smith.

“The wellbeing of our staff is our key priority. You can have the best machinery and the biggest clients, but without the people, you might as well close your doors.

For ZipGrip, operating under the new normal is all about protecting our staff.

​ZipGrip has been manufacturing plastic packaging for the medical, food and retail sectors since 2018. Clients include some of South Africa’s leading retailers, food processing and healthcare companies.

The current staff compliment of eight mainly experienced machine operators, work across two shifts.

“We have implemented strict new health and safety measures,” says Smith. “Staff know that when they arrive, they get their temperatures checked and have to ensure that their hands are sanitised. The machinery also gets sanitised before and after every shift. Everyone gets a mask and protective gear.”

ZipGrip prides itself on being the leaders in low-density polyethylene and laminated resealable packaging.

The company, Smith says, was started on the back of a disappointment.

“I was employed by packaging manufacturer Packaging World at the time. We had commissioned a specific bag that we wanted a potential supplier to produce because we didn’t have the in-house capacity, but it was a huge disappointment.

“After that, I told my managing director that I could do better if given the opportunity. His response was, why don’t we start a manufacturing plant together. I brushed it off. But three days later, he sent me a message saying ‘let’s start the business… get the machinery’. I was in shock, but took the leap and today I’m blessed beyond measure.”

On average, ZipGrip produces about 40 000 polyethylene bags per shift or 80 000 bags a day. The bags are used to package an array of products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing and medical supplies.

Smith says operating a business in the Covid era won’t be easy.

“For startups it will be tough, but we have to comply. Business owners have to ensure that their staff have the required personal protective equipment and must do daily screening.

“I think every employer knows that people make the business, so let’s take care of our staff.”