Product Pictures
Freedom Stationery
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Freedom Stationery supplies a full range of stationery to the local market as well as surrounding African countries.Freedom Stationery [Pty] Ltd was established as a manufacturer of scholastic stationery in 1987 In Isithebe, Kwa Zulu Natal by the current Shareholders and Directors.The company supplied mainly to the government education departments , which at that time constituted 85 % of its customer base. Since 1997 the education department in its redevelopment programme, severely reduced its budgets and this cut in budgets impacted negatively on turnover .This was obviously an opportunity for the company to reposition itself in the market , more especially with government’s new policy and the emergence of SMME’s . This led the company to develop new markets especially in the retail chain store divisions reopening new doors to Blue Chip retailers such as Pick ‘n Pay, Massmart Group, Makro, Spar, Metro, Checkers, Clicks, Boxer Cash & Carry and Independents.In addition the company developed its export market and currently the company exports to countries such as UAE , North Africa , Malawi , Mozambique and neighbouring states. Having successfully repositioned itself , the company has taken advantage of the new trade opportunities and consolidated its role in the business and is now selling its goods in the global markets. All scholastic stationery is manufactured according to SABS specifications.In 2000 the company invested and established an Extrusion, Injection Moulding and Conversion Plastics Plant in its Cape Town, In July 2003 this division was moved to Isithebe , leaving the Cape Town plant as a distribution warehouse . The plastic division specialises in Filing sleeves , Display books , Presentation files , Secretarial folders,Space cases [patented stationery ‘boxes’], rulers etc. The tremendous growth in this field had led to the company expanding this division to meet the new demands and in June 2005 , new machinery was purchased and the plastic division was moved into Oyster Plastics (Pty)Ltd in Isithebe.In July 2003 , the company acquired a distribution warehouse in Midrand , Gauteng. This was a huge success as not only were we in close proximity to our existing customers , we increased our market share as well with many new customers .Also , due to Gauteng being the gateway to Africa , we also were able to expand our business in Africa .In July 2003 , we acquired a company that sold stationery accessories to the market. These accessories are branded under the name ‘’MARLIN’’, having our existing customer base , it was advantageous as this made us a one stop stationery supplier to our customers .In August 2003 , we acquired machinery for the manufacture of Lever arch files and Ring binder files as well as a printing machine for design covers . The demand for these new products was phenomenal . In July 2004 , we acquired a company in Kempton Park that manufactures lever arch files and ring binder files . We moved the machinery from Isithebe to Kempton Park .The file plant trades under the name ‘’South African File Manufacturers (Pty ) Ltd’’.In 2005, Freedom Stationery bought licences for the use of International Brands such as ‘’MARVEL HEROES, ICE-AGE II, BART SIMPSON, and SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS – this is in line with International trends of Innovation to tap into different market requirements, responding effectively to customer needs and an internal focus on product excellence and business efficacy.The company has built a reputation for quality products and timely supply. This is evidently displayed by the company’s phenomenal growth in turnover . The company is poised to increase its turnover. This indeed is ample proof of the Company’s vision and successful decision to diversify its customer base and products. The management has embarked on a program to have Freedom Stationery ISO 9001:2000 certified within the next eighteen months – in line with our passion for excellence.The company is proud to record that it is the biggest scholastic stationery manufacturers in Southern Africa. This has only been possible because of the depth and skills of the company’s management .The company has built successful relationships with its labour component over the years and this has led to stable and productive manufacturing conditions. In addition , management has been proactive by constantly sourcing and applying new technologies to the manufacturing process in order to achieve maximum efficiencies. Management has also built favourable relationships with the black empowerment companies within the sector and these have enhanced our standing in the marketThe company has achieved a ‘’GOOD’’ score in the Broad Based Black Empowerment Rating and we are endeavouring to improve this rating to excellent.Freedom Stationery is committed to Equity and Empowerment, it has embarked on a major training program focusing on the previously disadvantaged groups. The company in its Social Investment Plan, has been a participant in the NATIONAL AIDS WEEK PROGRAM and initiated its own AIDS COMMITTEE, focusing on AIDS AWARENESS.The company’s major suppliers are Sappi & Mondi and management have established excellent relationships with both these internationally re-known suppliers. The company is a customer of good standing with both these companies as well as the numerous other companies that we have built relations with over the past 18 years .What sets Freedom Stationery apart is that its policies of ‘’Looking after its Employees and Customers’’ are driven by Management who have maintained a ‘’Family Business Ethic’’ while offering the best in service and product excellence.ProductsHardcover, and soft cover exercise books, and an extensive range of Marlin and Marlin Kids stationery accessories