Empresas familiares- Harry Mendez y Sergio Andrés Fandiño

Polipac's Journey: From Sales Points to Industrial Leader

Early Beginnings and Growth

• Menardo Méndez discusses the origins of Polipac, starting as a sales point on Avenida Caracas, which expanded due to successful marketing and sales.

• The company transitioned from retail to manufacturing with the establishment of a small factory equipped with two extruders, leading to an increase in production capacity.

• Over time, Polipac shifted focus from retail points to industrial production, emphasizing the supply of bags and packaging for various industries.

Challenges Faced

• The company faced significant challenges during economic downturns in Colombia, including a 20% deviation affecting many businesses.

• Despite these challenges, Polipac managed to survive while many competitors failed due to government policies that restricted imports of raw materials and machinery.

Current Status and Achievements

• Today, Polipac is financially solid, importing its own raw materials without intermediaries and maintaining a strong market presence with monthly sales averaging 60-70 tons.

• Post-pandemic recovery has seen increased sales surpassing pre-pandemic levels despite ongoing uncertainties in the Colombian economy.

Family Business Dynamics

• The company has been family-owned for over 65 years, with current leadership involving multiple generations working together towards common goals.

• Key family members include Medardo Méndez and his children Harry and Teresa Méndez who continue the legacy of collaboration within the business.

Leonardo Méndez: Role in Polipac's Operations

Professional Background

• Leonardo Méndez introduces himself as an industrial engineer from Javeriana University and serves as the sub-manager at Polipac.

Responsibilities Overview

• His role encompasses human resources management including hiring, training, payroll processing, and addressing employee issues.

Production Management

• Leonardo oversees production scheduling ensuring timely delivery of orders while maintaining quality standards for clients.

Importation Processes

• He collaborates on sourcing raw materials primarily from the U.S. but also from Asia based on cost-effectiveness; manages import processes through local banking systems.

Company Structure and Personal Journey in the Business

Overview of Company Leadership

• The speaker introduces their father, Mr. Medardo Méndez, as the general manager who oversees financial and operational decisions within the company.

• The company is divided into two main areas: production and dispatch (led by the speaker) and accounting (managed by Teresa Cruz de MZ).

Personal Background and Growth

• The speaker shares that they were born around the time their parents founded the company, indicating a lifelong connection to the business.

• After completing university in 1988, they managed a related business in Cúcuta for two and a half years, focusing on importing raw materials from Venezuela.

Transition to New Ventures

• Upon returning to Bogotá, the speaker founded "Alta Pac," initially producing popular plastic bags before transitioning to high-density products.

• They expanded into polypropylene production, becoming one of Bogotá's largest manufacturers until market changes led them to sell machinery.

Merger and Current Role

• A merger occurred between their company and their father's firm, leading to a new role focused on modernizing production processes at Polipac.

• The speaker has been with Polipac for nearly 20 years, emphasizing ongoing contributions to organizational improvements.

Future Expectations for the Company

Adapting to Regulatory Changes

• The company is currently adapting to strict environmental regulations that impact operations; they argue that public misunderstanding about plastic contributes to these challenges.

Commitment to Sustainability

• Efforts are underway to comply with laws aimed at reducing environmental impact by using more recycled materials while exploring alternatives that do not harm nature.

Strategic Goals Moving Forward