Label manufacturer Kimoha Entrepreneurs purchased Saudi Graphco in 2019 to expand into the Saudi Arabia market. The company caters to a range of sectors including food & beverages, aviation, retail, cosmetics, energy, lubricant and electronics, serving clients across 40 countries. The head office and manufacturing base is in Jebel Ali (UAE), and now they have their own manufacturing set up in Riyadh.  

 

In an interview with Gulf Print & Pack (Saudi Arabia), General Manager Operations, Shani Kizhakkayll explained: “Though as Kimoha, we specialize in both flexo and digital printing for labels, we can proudly say that we are pioneers in bringing digital technology for labels into the Saudi market. There is increasing demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround, so digital technology is perfect for such requirements. Also, brand owners are changing designs frequently like different or enhanced look for events like Eid or Ramadan or New Year’s. It is in such situations that digital printing works well and is cost effective.” 

 

Saudi Graphco has recently expanded its product line to produce self-adhesive printed labels and sleeves with several types of embellishments including foil, screen, spot/flood coating and metallic inks. They are also engaged in the production of various kinds of paper rolls and sheets converted from jumbo rolls, including thermal paper, coated/ uncoated paper, tracing paper and inkjet media. These are used by a range of businesses from architects to banks, supermarkets, retail shops and hotels, and in the AIDC sector. 

 

Forecasting vertical growth in the Saudi market, Shani emphasized: “We have increased our inventory and have purchased flexographic and digital machinery from Durst, Xeikon, Gallus and Prati among others. Our turnover is increasing year on year. Alone Riyadh is five times the size of UAE and the size of the entire population of Saudi Arabia will ensure exponential growth in the packaging industry over the next five years. Demand from areas like Jeddah and Damman, along with Riyadh is remarkably high. Also, the Saudi government is encouraging manufacturing within the country itself and manufacturers are increasing their investments and inventory in the region.”

 

Shani continued, “Many big brands are relocating their headquarters or manufacturing facilities to Riyadh. Earlier, as Kimoha we were manufacturing in UAE, but now we have our own manufacturing at Saudi Graphco for the local market. So, overall, we are optimistic about our future growth and prospects. Additionally, the government has announced their Vision 2030 plan, Neom City powered by 100% renewable energy and the Football World Cup - all major projects that will hugely impact the printing and packaging markets in a positive way.”