Moez Goueder is the manager of Ets. Hafsa Ghrib, a plastics manufacturer in Gafsa. Specialized in plastic-injection and compression molding, Ets. Hafsa Ghrib produces high-grade bottles, bottle caps, and bottle handles.
Mr. Goueder opened the business in 2014 after noticing an opening in the market – there was no manufacturer in southern Tunisia producing high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a type of plastic known for its flexibility and strength, and companies often imported bottles and accessories made of this material.
Soon after launching, Ets. Hafsa Ghrib became the principal plastic-bottle supplier for many regional food-processing/packaging companies, oil-production firms, and blow-molding suppliers. As the company grew, it began offering its products in different sizes to meet client demand, and established itself as a major industry player on the national level.
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, however, the company struggled to import raw material it needed due to international supply chain disruptions, causing sales to drop 20% over three months.
In addition, the company needed new equipment to respond to evolving market demand. For example, Ets. Hafsa Ghrib received a large order for larger-sized bottle caps and handles from Société Tunisienne de Conditionement (STC), a manufacturer in Medenine governorate. To work on this order, Ets. Hafsa Ghrib needed a new injection-molding machine, as well as streamlined production processes for a new production line.
To help Ets. Hafsa Ghrib efficiently integrate its new line and recover from the impact of COVID-19, JOBS worked with it to implement a lean-manufacturing program, and awarded it a grant that funded an injection-molding machine, plastic wrist mold, and other equipment.
As a result, Ets Hafsa Ghrib sustained nine jobs and created two new positions in Gafsa.
“I have already hired two operators to work on the new production line and am planning to create even more positions as soon as we secure new orders.”
Moez Goueder
Manager – Hafsa Ghrib
