Beating the odds in a highly competitive sector

Reckoned as a pioneer in plastic cards manufacturing, Cupola Plastic Cards Limited (CPCL) has come a long way since its inception in 1999. Part of the Cupola Group and associated with Abraaj Capital, one of the premier private equity funds in the Middle East, Cupola Plastic Cards Limited carries an undisputed reputation. Today, it has successfully established itself as a brand name through premium quality, service provision and exceptional turnaround times. Mr. Asif Saghir, Director for Production at Cupola Plastic Cards Limited discussed with International Plastics News - Middle East (IRNE) the company's progress and its products. IRNE: Cupola Plastic Cards Limited (CPCL) is a leading plastic cards manufacturer, what kind of cards does the company produce? Saghir: Cupola Plastic Cards Limited manufactures supreme quality printed and laminated plastic cards such as credit cards, ATM cards, membership/loyalty cards, identification cards and access control cards with the recent addition of chip-embedded cards and personalisation of smart cards. Our supplementary services include pre-paid scratch off cards on plastic and paper with commercial printing on paper. We are also involved in direct marketing and loyalty program provision in collaboration with our sister company, Cupola Teleservices CTS. "This year poses some challenges as well as opportunities for us to explore. We foresee a lot of prospects for growth and innovation by adding value-added services to create more credibility for our products. " - Mr. Asif Saghir, Director for Production, Cupola Plastic Cards Limited. CPCL deploys state-of-the-art technology, qualified personnel and fully automated, customised equipment to supply its clients with chip personalisation, graphic personalisation, fulfillment and distribution services, at one single manufacturing facility. IRNE: What industries are you targeting locally and abroad? How extensive is the company's networking, in terms of suppliers and customers? Saghir: We offer services to a diverse customer base spread across various industry verticals. Our clients include banks, hotels, information technology (IT) companies, advertising agencies, retail businesses, telecommunications, government organisations, educational institutions, insurance companies and financial institutions. Our network of suppliers is spread across the world since we believe in procuring superior quality materials from established veterans. PVC sheets, which constitute our main raw material, is imported from Italy, ink is brought in from UK, smart card chips are procured from Korea and Switzerland, and equipment are from Germany. Our network of clientele is spread across GCC countries, Europe, Asia and North East Africa. CPCL is one of the few plastic card manufacturers offering full production, personalisation, and other services from one facility. IRNE: What machinery and technology has the company deployed for its production? Saghir: CPCL deploys the most advanced art technology and equipment - from plate preparation state to printing, punching and personalisation. Specialised Macintosh computers and Heidelberg image setters and scanners are used for artwork. Lithographic presses with UV dryers and screen printing presses have been procured from industry's well-known suppliers, such as Heidelberg, Louda, Oasys Technologies, Data Card, etc. Our machines support financial and commercial card production, and personalisation processes such as lamination, milling and implanting system, module punching, smart card personalisation system, screen printing, security features printing, holograms application, signature panels' application, scratch-off panel application, hot stamping, indent printing, embossing, encoding and thermal processes. INIKE AIR HUARACHE