Unipac and Sumitomo Chemical celebrate 3 years of partnership

With more than 20 years of experience in in-house production operations, Unipac – a member of the Jacto Group and considered one of the most technologically advanced polymer processing industries in Brazil – has examples of success in this type of project, a competitive advantage that puts the company ahead in the market. For three years, recently completed, Unipac has been operating in this packaging manufacturing model within the Sumitomo Chemical manufacturing unit, located in Maracanaú (CE), a strategic partnership that involves innovation, competitiveness and trust throughout the entire production process.

With benefits in the short, medium and long term, the good results of the in-house operation at Sumitomo Chemical are the result of a well-structured project and investments made in equipment, physical facilities, infrastructure for operation and the provision of services, logistics, testing laboratories performance and human resources. All care was taken to ensure that safety and sustainability standards were followed. In 2021, the incorporation of another high-productivity blowing machine allowed the expansion of production capacity, supporting the growth in demand.

The success of the partnership comes from several factors, starting with a good understanding of the customer's needs. “The quality of our products and the ability to integrate ourselves into the client’s operation are fundamental factors for the consolidation of this project. One of the great advantages of in-house production at Sumitomo is the efficiency of the production lines installed close to the packaging, which has ensured the fluidity of the operation and reduced costs”, assesses Mauro Fernandes (photo), Commercial Director at Unipac.

However, not only quality and cost were decisive for the union between Unipac and Sumitomo, but also credibility, socio-environmental commitment and innovation, aspects present in the culture and values ​​of both companies.

The in-house unit has a total area of ​​4.500m2, including the building, warehouses, support area with laboratory, rest area, training and cafeteria. Unipac's team of employees is responsible for the entire operation, seven days a week and, currently, the company provides the complete portfolio of packaging, including monolayer and barrier, for the packaging of agricultural pesticides.

Solid base

The partnership between the companies began in 2017, still by Nufarm, later acquired by Sumitomo Chemical. Quality, technical capacity and business values ​​were fundamental for the consolidation of the business, which became structurally and corporately a reference.

According to Marcelo Amaral, Director of Procurement Latam at Sumitomo Chemical, more than a partner, Unipac is an extension of the company in the Maracanaú industrial complex. “An in-house operation requires a lot of time and is only viable between companies with the seriousness and credibility that Unipac has. We are sure that the decision was correct and directly contributes to the growth of Sumitomo Chemical, with excellent service, ensuring quality, delivery time and innovation in our packaging”, he states.

For Unipac, the operation in Sumitomo opened up new opportunities to operate in different regions of the country. “It helped us develop policies, learn the culture and new ways of working, respecting the characteristics of the region. We have improved our in-house management model and relationship program to support customer growth, aiming to ensure that their needs are met and security of supply”, concludes Fernandes.