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Plastic Ideas wins family business of the year: Turning vision into reality with integrity

| Ivana | Partner Content

On October 19, 2024, Plastic Ideas was honoured with the prestigious Family Business of the Year award at the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (SAPCC).

Absa Business Excellence Awards, an event celebrating outstanding achievements within the Luso-South African business community. The awards ceremony, held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, showcased the remarkable contributions of various companies and individuals, highlighting their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Plastic Ideas, a family-owned business founded by the Do Rego family, has established itself as a leader in the manufacturing of high-quality plastic crates, primarily serving the agricultural sector. The company operates throughout South Africa and exports its products to countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Angola. Gilda do Rego, who heads up National Sales, shared her pride in the company’s accomplishments, noting, “Our customers are our priority, and they are number one. My husband Miguel do Rego and my brother-in-law Marco do Rego are tool makers who have a passion for design and making things. We enjoy what we do, and we have a passion for where we are at the moment.”

The award reflects the hard work and dedication of the Do Rego family, who have created innovative packaging solutions while maintaining strong family values. Gilda highlighted the importance of integrity in their business operations, stating, “Business integrity means everything to us. Knowing your target market and having a strong team behind you are essential for success. If you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Plastic Ideas has built a strong reputation within the agricultural sector, which forms the core of its business. The company recognizes the vital role that agriculture plays in the South African economy. “We understand that agriculture is the cornerstone of the economy. We love working with our farmers and are committed to supporting them,” Gilda remarked. This deep connection with the farming community has enabled Plastic Ideas to grow and adapt its product offerings to meet the specific needs of the agricultural industry.

The SAPCC Absa Business Excellence Awards, now in its 10th year, aim to honour companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industries and communities. This year’s gala attracted notable figures from the business world, including past award winners and key stakeholders who have played a vital role in the Chamber’s development. The event not only celebrates achievements but also provides valuable networking opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community among Luso-South African entrepreneurs.

Stonie Steenkamp, Managing Executive for Commercial and Premium at Absa Business Banking, highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence within the business community. “At Absa, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs and celebrating excellence. Congratulations to all the winners – your impactful contributions to the business landscape and our economy inspire us all to continue striving for excellence,” Steenkamp stated.

The award Plastic Ideas received underscores the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As a proudly South African manufacturer, the company is committed to promoting its products as "proudly South African," while also taking pride in its Portuguese heritage. “As much as we are South Africans born and bred here, we are still proudly Portuguese. We market all of our products as proudly South African, as we are a South African manufacturer of plastic crates,” Gilda shared.

Looking to the future, Plastic Ideas aims to expand its reach and continue innovating in the packaging industry. The company’s vision is to become the preferred manufacturer and supplier of plastic crates across all sectors in South Africa while capturing new markets. “Our goal is to keep growing and to continue providing excellent products and service to our customers,” Gilda noted.

With a foundation of strong family values, a commitment to quality, and a passion for their work, Plastic Ideas is well-positioned for continued growth and success. The recognition they received at the SAPCC Absa Business Excellence Awards serves as both an honour and a source of motivation for the Do Rego family and their team as they continue to make a positive impact within the agricultural sector and beyond.

For more information about Plastic Ideas and its innovative packaging solutions, visit www.plasticideas.co.za.

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