We are a manufacturing company based in Malawi, manufacturing a range over 160 different plastic houseware products ranging from Basins, Buckets, Containers, Plates, etc. to large drums, stools and Plastic Chairs. Our prices are very competitive and our products are of international quality and standard.Â
Analysis of the demand for plastic house ware in Malawi and neighbouring countries combined with research into plastic injection moulding technology led to the creation of Arkay Plastics Industry in Malawi.
We were incorporated in 1997, and began production with only four injection moulding machines and a staff of 30. We began by processing a ton of material per day.
Our first range of products – a container set, shopping basket and two large basins were an innovation and took the market by storm.
- Aggressive marketing and continuous investment into machinery led to our growth in Malawi. Our policy of maintaining high quality standards and dynamism in operations has led to increased demand of our products in neighbouring countries.
- By the new millennium, we had several machines and a wide variety of products catering to a diverse range of consumers.
- Investment was also made into a new factory and with this our foray into much larger machinery and plant to manufacture chairs and large drums.
- Demand for our brand has led to the establishment of factories in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
- Today we employ more than 1,000 people directly in 4 countries, and process more than 10,000 tons of material per annum.
Our company was incorporated in 1997 with an objective to produce good quality Plastic House wares, at affordable prices for the people of Malawi and its neighboring countries. Extensive research was undertaken prior to the implementation of our first production facility, and we have always used the latest technology in injection molding machinery and moulds to make the best quality in plastic-ware in this part of Africa.Â
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Due to the extensive demand for plastic ware, we have always strived to fulfill the needs of the market by improving our range as the market demanded, and by maintaining the quality of our products. This, along with a hard-working and dynamic management has led to the growth of Arkay Plastics from a manufacturer of only eight items to over 160 different products today.
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Our aim is to continue to use high-quality raw materials and efficient production techniques to manufacture a high-quality product at a low price. We will continue to pursue a strategy of progress and innovation to produce good quality, value for money plastic products for each and every household in this part of Africa.
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Pioneering Products
Plastics is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world and is making spectacular progress in developing countries. Plastics have been replacing many traditional materials and newer applications are being found every day. Due to its light-weight, variety of properties, easy printability and faster processing, plastics is rapidly replacing metals, glass, wood, and other conventional materials in different application areas such as packaging, household items, industrial components etc.Â
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Plastic products in particular, have strong markets in rural areas. Plastic items can be produced by a variety of processes like injection molding, Blow Molding, Extrusion and so on.
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At Arkay we have endeavored to provide our customers with the best and most modern products in plastics, and we have been the first in Malawi to manufacture the following products:
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Kumsika 2
Kumsika 2 Â is a flexible plastic shopping basket, and has been one of our best selling products from the beginning. Previously unavailable, it has made shopping a pleasure anywhere in Malawi. Kumsika 2 is a more rigid type cycle basket. Previously available imports were selling at twice our price or more. This product provides a convenient and affordable way to carry many things.
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The Plastic Chair and Stool
It was our dream, to make the finest chair in Africa, for Africa, and whilst many doubted that such a product, that would shine in its quality and design could ever be made in Malawi, we are proud to say that this dream has finally become a reality. After exhaustive research into the latest injection molding techniques and mould designs we decided to invest in a chair manufacturing plant with a 1000-ton injection molding machine and it's accessories. The product implementation took close to 15 months from idea to fruition.
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In the year 2000 to install the new plant we acquired a second building for manufacturing premises and the whole project was officially launched by His Excellency, then President of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi. This occasion was historic for the company; and was a great encouragement for the management and staff of ARKAY. in August 2005 we had a visit at our new premises by His Excellency the State President Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika. This is another milestone for us and has encouraged us to continue our pursuit of excellence in the field of plastic house ware.
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Our chairs are made from the best possible raw material to ensure lasting quality. They are excellent value for money and are of an attractive design with arm-rests to be both comfortable and stackable. Now in Malawi and in the SADC and PTA regions, thousands of people will be able to afford a chair for their home, office, farm, restaurant and so on. Today we are offering several designs of chairs, give a choice to the consumer on style and value.
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The Plastic Drums
To enable safe and clean storage of water and foodstuffs such as rice and maize flour, and to enhance healthy living for rural as well as urban populations, we designed the range of 30,40,50 and 60 Ltr. drums. Made from virgin materials, the drums are strong and conveniently sized. Like all ARKAY products, they are great value for money!
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Crates Manufacturing
Our company conducted extensive research into the technical know-how and the machine capacity to manufacture crates, Paint /chemical storage buckets, Bottle caps and other similar items for use in packaging.
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We started by manufacturing general purpose crates and Bread Crates. Since 2005, we have been supplying plastic crates to Southern Bottlers Malawi, for storing and distribution of Carlsberg bottles. We have invested in the technical expertise to manufacture industrial items such as crates for Bottles, by sending our engineer to the Far East for training. In 2007 we also qualified to supply Coca-Cola Crates.
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At present we have the capacity to manufacture between 4m000 to 4m500 crates per day in Blantyre, and between 1m800 to 2m200 crates per day in Maputo.Â
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We also have the logistical capacity to deliver these crates to any destination in the region.
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DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
Malawi
We already have an extensive distribution system in place in Malawi, and we can deliver anywhere in Malawi using our own trucks. We have a chain of factory shops throughout the country, stocking our full range of products.Â
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ExportsÂ
We are registered exporters in Malawi, and therefore qualify under the Free Trade Area of COMESA established on 1st November 2000. We are also members of the PTA region and SADC in Africa. Our goods can therefore go duty-free to any country within COMESA, and at preferential rates of duty to any country within the SADC or PTA region.
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We are also able to send our products duty-free to the following countries, due to the special trade agreements between our countries:
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South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and UK
We are already exporting regularly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana, and are well geared to export efficiently and effectively to any other country.
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We are able to offer delivered prices to any country, as we have well established relations with all major freight forwarders and transport companies. Should you require CFR prices to your country, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Depending on the type of goods ordered, one 40ft container of a range of our products would be worth about US$15,000 to US$18,000 FOB , however this can vary slightly depending on the product mix ordered.
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Should you have some idea on what you would like to order, please feel free to e-mail us and we will gladly provide suggestions and let you know how much volume is involved. We will also help to formulate an order to maximize the space, therefore saving you money on freight costs. We can also make any colour(s) that u need.
