Flexipak Inc., a CAMSC-certified minority supplier, is a leading edge manufacturer specializing in the production of polybags, and value-added packaging products; with a strong focus on innovation and environmental sustainability. Based in Montreal, Flexipak became a CAMSC certified supplier to take advantage of the platform CAMSC corporate member Pepsico offered, to include aboriginal and minority companies in their supply chain. According to Charles Boustany, CEO of Flexipak:
“CAMSC allowed us to present ourselves to huge corporations, putting us on the same playing-field.”
Flexipak boasts a 30,000 square feet production facility, equipped with the state of the art gearless printing presses, and solventless-laminators used in manufacturing high quality products (including: polyethylene roll stock which produces automated packaging, ziplock bags; 100% recyclable & biodegradable stand up pouches) and laminated film products (slider zipper pouches).
The introduction between Flexipak and Fritolay first took place during Charles Boustany’s attendance at the CAMSC Business Achievement Awards Gala. Charles then rose to the challenge that followed, and enthusiastically pursued his goal – to work with Fritolay. His persistence over the course of two years proved fruitful, but required many emails, several site visits, pre-audits and collaboration between both parties.
“CAMSC broke the ice, and arranged informal meetings at events where both parties could meet under a stress-free, neutral environment,” says Boustany. “We were considered like any other capable supplier. CAMSC gave us a foot-in-the-door.”
Finally, in the spring of 2009, Flexipak was deemed as properly equipped and structured to take on Frito-Lay’s newly acquired project, Spitz Sunflower Seeds; a product initially launched in Western Canada. Flexipak was awarded the contract to produce the packaging that would introduce the brand across Canada and US. “Our objective,” says Boustany, “was creating a consistent packaging product to support the brand under specific quality guidelines. Frito-Lay will be taking Flexipak to an even higher standard of quality for packaging products, through enhanced measurability and consistency.”
About Pepsico – FritoLay
“Diversity isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the right thing to do for our business. We’ve made it our commitment to make diversity and inclusion a way of life at PepsiCo”
As a strong supporter of supplier diversity, Pepsico – Fritolay focuses on developing partnerships with aboriginal, minority and women-owned suppliers, in an effort to develop, and purchase from, a supplier base that is representative of its key stakeholders: employees, consumers, retailers and communities. As a result, it helps build community infrastructure by providing employment, training, role models, and supporting community organizations. Qualified minority and women suppliers can register at Pepsico’s supplier diversity portal to help them connect with potential buyers. For more information, visit app.suppliergateway.com/pepsico/Login.aspx