Ishida took a significant step in the expansion of its product portfolio and connection with the African market through the acquisition of National Packaging Systems (NPS) in 2024. This move was motivated by the addition of complementary skills, expertise, and equipment, with a shared commitment to the delivery of service that’s good for customers, business, and wider society. It has provided the opportunity for access to advanced technology and support for Afircan manufacturers. Read on as we explore the value of the strategic partnership.
Local Access to Advanced Global Technology
Having been founded in 1983, the South Africa-based NPS has established a reputation for the design and production of high-performance vertical form, fill, and seal machines for stick packs, pillow packs, and sachets. Complementing Ishida’s expertise in weighing, packing, and quality control, the newly acquired range also includes volumetric fillers and feed systems. Also focusing on the development of bespoke systems, NPS’s integration has presented the opportunity for connection with a diverse customer base, including users of food and non-food items.
The newly forged partnership has also allowed for the introduction of transformative Ishida technologies to the African market. Such opportunities were showcased at Propack Africa 2025, with Ishida presenting the QX-500 tray sealer and Sentinel 5.0 remote production monitoring system for the first time in Johannesburg. Other highlights included systems from Ishida’s multihead weighing and X-ray inspection range, along with 4 popular models developed by NPS.
“Through this acquisition, African food and non-food businesses have now even better access to both NPS’s product range as well as Ishida’s world-class weighing, packing, and quality control solutions,” Melika Seiderer, Ishida’s GM for Africa, commented.
Enabling Competitive Manufacturing in a Growing Market
There’s good reason for excitement in the African manufacturing market, with the partnership opening up new opportunities for automation, with high-quality, cost-effective packaging systems. Systems such as Ishida’s CCW-AS multihead weigher and QX-500 tray sealer can be integrated for improved precision, speed, and hygiene. Manufacturers stand to benefit from the better satisfaction of customer demands and market standards. The enhanced capabilities will contribute to the competitiveness and growth of Africa’s expanding manufacturing landscape.
As Melika Seiderer said, “the breadth and variety of our combined portfolio allows us to help businesses of every size to automate their packing lines, helping our customers to achieve increased throughput and efficiencies, enhanced quality, better reliability, excellent ROI, as well as stronger service and support.”
On-the-Ground Training and Technical Support
Besides expanding the availability of production line technologies, the partnership between Ishida and the NPS has also increased the availability of fast-response servicing and support. African producers can rely on more comprehensive on-site training and the availability of parts for optimal machine performance. The Ishida and NPS engineers will continue working in collaboration, ensuring rapid and reliable installation, commissioning, and maintenance to limit machine downtime.
As Russell Gwynn, NPS’s Managing Director, said, “The synergies between the two businesses will enable us to offer an even more comprehensive package to our customers in terms of both equipment and after sales support, providing them with the ability to further grow and expand their business and maximise opportunities in both the home and export markets.”
Partnership-Led Innovation and Service Delivery
It’s expected that the partnership will boost innovation through the combination of Ishida’s global R&D expertise with NPS’s local market knowledge. This should allow for the development of technologies that can overcome local challenges and help Africa’s manufacturers to better compete with international competition.
The shared commitment to continuous improvement and the delivery of customer-centric services is bound to benefit producers and the wider community. While Ishida and NPS will continue to operate as separate entities, there’s every hope that the partnership will make for mutual growth and success.
With both companies focused on production line excellence, collaboration should have a transformational impact on packaging standards across Africa. It’s the ideal mix of customer-focused innovation on a local and international level, driving growth and competitiveness.
Get in touch if you’re keen to explore the range of tailored manufacturing solutions and realise your ambitions in the African market.