- This year you are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of SP Ultraflex. What thoughts and emotions come to mind?
As I reflect on my journey of 35 years with the company, I am filled with a sense of both pride and gratitude. I joined as the youngest team member, and now, I stand as the oldest, witnessing firsthand the remarkable evolution of our organization. From our humble beginnings with just a few multitasking individuals, we have grown into a leading force in our industry, consistently maintaining our position at the top since our inception in 1985. Achieving the number one spot is one thing, but the true challenge lies in sustaining that success over the years. I am deeply grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us and for the unwavering support from our associates and well- wishers who have helped spread the word about our machines worldwide. This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I am honored to be a part of it.
- What made you start SP Ultraflex? Where did you draw inspiration from to start and build this incredible business?
In fact, I’m not the one who founded the company. The company has a rich history rooted in family legacy. SP Ultraflex was established by my grandfather, along-with my father, who worked together with my uncles before each of them branched out to set up their respective enterprises. I joined my father at a young age, in 1990, just 5 years after the company was formed.
- Who is your business role model? What other CEO’s do you look up to, and who has inspired you to have the work ethic that you do?
Throughout my business journey, I have encountered a diverse number of individuals who have contributed to my understanding of ethical practices. While I won’t name specific people, the insights I’ve gained from industry leaders have been invaluable. Two key qualities that stand out in the lessons I’ve learned are Integrity and Patience. These principles are not just essential to personal success but are the foundation to building trustworthy and lasting relationships in any business endeavor.
At our company, we pride ourselves on our core values that shape the culture and success of our business. Openness is essential; we believe in being transparent and addressing issues directly rather than sweeping them under the rug. We also emphasize on respect, ensuring that every individual is valued, regardless of his or her position within the organization. Furthermore, we are committed to knowledge sharing, and empowering the team to continuously grow in their roles. Another one of our core values is ownership and last but not least, customer- centricity which is non- negotiable for any manufacturing organization. When new employees join us, I make it a point to join our HR as she highlights these core values during their induction, to add my perspective in helping them to fully understand and embrace the principles that guide our work environment.
- Where do you expect to go in the next 10 years?
In regard to our strategic expansion, we remain focused on penetrating further into the 20 to 25 countries identified as focus markets for us. Focus has always been our strength and when it comes to technology, our priority is to enhance our existing machines with superior technology rather than extending our range. Another target that we have for the next decade is fostering our team’s capability in decision-making. My goal is to cultivate a self-sufficient team that can navigate complex decisions independently, rarely requiring my intervention. This approach will empower our team and drive our success and also ensure their growth, professionally.
- Do you remember your first day in office?
Reflecting on my early experiences, I remember being in the 7th standard and on occasion, having my father pick me up from school to take me to his then nearby factory. Such visits to the factory allowed me to observe the workings of the industrial environment firsthand. This exposure sparked my interest in the business world, as I was intrigued by how my father engaged with his work and how other colleagues operated. These moments not only fuelled my curiosity but also enhanced my focus on science subjects in school, shaping my educational journey and future interests.
- How has your job changed over the years?
Getting things done can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re tackling tasks alone. Through my own experience, I’ve learned that pushing myself to complete various projects was essential for developing my skills over the years. While I initially struggled to understand how to streamline my efforts and achieve results, I gradually refined my abilities, and was rewarded with success. I now find myself spending most of my time in honing the skills and abilities of my team and in developing systems within the organization. While this approach requires a lot of time, patience and faith, it’s the only way to go if you want your organization to outlast you. Making a difference in the lives of the team also gives me a sense of fulfilment at a personal level.
- What do you consider to be the biggest achievement/success of your company?
We take pride in the continuous improvement of our machines and the evolution of our technology. Many a time, such constant evolution transforms into a revolution, which is what happened with our flagship product, the ROBOSLIT® Dual Turret Roboslit slitter rewinder, which we launched as far back as in 2014, when this technology was unheard of in South East Asia. In the 11 years that have since passed, we have sold more than 75 ROBOSLIT® machines across 8 countries, as the exponentially higher efficiency of this machine over duplex slitters drove more and more flexible packaging converters to cross over to this superior technology. The use of the trade name ‘ROBOSLIT®’, as a generic term when referring to Dual Turret Slitters is an overwhelming testament to the success and popularity of this machine.
- What’s your favourite part of the job?
While my role requires me to actively contribute in sales and finance, the most fulfilling aspect of my job is sharing my perspective with the design department. I enjoy revisiting our existing designs, identifying areas for improvement, and collaborating with our design department to implement the changes. I firmly believe that “Products can be copied, Passion cannot.”
- What’s your favourite memory (together with your team) of the last 40 years?
One of my favorite memories is from our trip to Germany last year, where we had a wonderful time exploring together. I particularly remember the smaller river cruise we took; it was both enjoyable and relaxing. Those moments spent on the water, surrounded by the beautiful scenery, really stand out as a cherished part of our adventures. It’s definitely a good memory to hold onto!
