PRINTS OF PROGRESS: Shri Krishna Overseas Limited’s 15-Year Legacy in Packaging Innovation

Behind the over 150 employees, impressive financial numbers, and a portfolio of top-tier clients is the story of resilience and passion that best describes Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd (SKL), a printing and packaging company.

In its 15 year journey, the company has scored many firsts, including introducing world-class technologies never seen in Kenya under the leadership of Dr. Sonvir Singh its founder and Nirmal Chaudhary his wife, a co-founder and Finance Director.

Together, they have chaperoned the business through the philosophy of commitment, hard work and honesty. Dr. Sonvir Singh’s journey to Kenya began in 2006 when he was headhunted by a local company to lead their factory operations. His expertise in printing and packaging, particularly in self-adhesive labels, marked the beginning of a transformative era for Kenya’s FMCG sector. Prior to his arrival, top brands were importing labels from South Africa.

Singh’s innovative approach, which included introducing high-quality UV ink, not only revolutionized local production but also set new standards in the industry. Sonvir’s professional success was matched by personal milestones; in July 2007, he married Nirmal Chaudhary, who later became a co-founder and Finance Director of Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd (SKL).

Despite the promising start, Sonvir’s path was not without obstacles. After leaving his job in the self-adhesive label sector, Sonvir faced a challenging period. With a young family to support and no job for six months, he endured severe financial strain.

“We had to rely on the temple for meals and went months without paying rent,” Sonvir recalls. “It was a tough time, and we even considered returning to India. But luck was on our side when a friend organized our work permits, allowing us to stay and continue our journey.” A New Beginning and Setbacks In 2009, Sonvir and his wife ventured into the import-export business, focusing on spices and rice.

Initially buoyed by family support and their accumulated knowledge, they soon faced fierce competition from well established players like Pakistan. The competition was compounded by global currency fluctuations, which strained their business operations.

Their fortunes took another turn when they decided to close the import business and open a restaurant and supermarket. Sonvir would join his wife on weekends and holidays to help run these ventures. Despite their best efforts, the restaurant and supermarket eventually proved unsustainable.

A Turning Point

A pivotal moment came when Sonvir’s career path intersected with agro-input company Elgon Kenya, where he worked under the guidance of Director Bimal Kantaria. Kantaria’s belief in Sonvir was unwavering, offering him a role as the head of the cartons department despite Sonvir’s limited experience in that area.

Sonvir’s impact was swift and significant. Within six months, he reduced production waste from 23 per cent to 6 per cent and increased annual carton production from 350 to 500 tonnes. His proactive approach and eagerness to learn on the job were instrumental in these improvements. “Elgon Kenya provided me with a crucial footing in the business world,” he says. “Bimal Kantaria’s support was instrumental. He not only offered me a role but also his unflagging belief in my abilities.”

 In 2012, Elgon Kenya shifted focus to agriculture, leading to the sale of their carton business to Dodhia Packaging. Kantaria advised Sonvir to explore other opportunities. Feeling it was the right moment to start his own venture, Singh, with his wife, decided to delve into the carton business. “Bimal gave me his blessings but told me that the doors to Elgon Kenya would always be open to me at any department of my choice, a word he has maintained to date.”

Building Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd (SKL)

Starting from scratch, Sonvir and Nirmal rented a godown and began screen printing. Their perseverance paid off, and within six months, the success of their new business encouraged them to sell the restaurant and supermarket to concentrate fully on SKL. Today, SKL is a behemoth in carton manufacturing, with 48 state-of-the-art machines and a workforce that has grown from four to over 150 employees.

The company’s annual turnover is around 400 million, projected to reach 500 million this year. Sonvir credits the company’s success to a culture of loyalty, commitment, and humility. “In our business, we value honesty and hard work above all.

Our growth is a collective achievement, and we believe in nurturing our employees,” Sonvir emphasizes. Sonvir sees the company as a learning hub for his employees. He says most of those who started there as machine operators have moved on to other companies and assumed bigger roles such as supervisors and managers.

At SKL, staff are given to learn about various machines and operations with that freedom allowing them to work at any department they want. “We want them to enjoy working here, to own the company and while at it, to grow. It is what makes us at SKL unique. Our reasoning is that if we give our employees freedom to work where they feel they fit best, then we are allowing them to work at their optimum. That is what drives us,” Sonvir added.

 One of the longest-serving employees, Muema, who has been with SKL since its inception, embodies these values. Now 70, Muema is considered family by the Singhs for his loyalty and dedication. “In him we see the values of loyalty, commitment, hardwork and humility. Important attributes that define our business. He is an inspiration and a role model to the staff here and we are very honoured to have him,” Nirmal noted.

Giving back to the community

Beyond business, the Singhs are deeply committed to CSR. Nirmal Chaudhary serves as a youth Director at the Hindu Council of Kenya, and Sonvir is the national vice chairman of the Hindu council of Kenya. Their initiatives include providing water tanks in Laikipia County to improve access to safe drinking water and supporting school feeding programs.

Despite their success, Sonvir acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. High taxation, bureaucratic red tape, and the cost of essential services like work permits and customs are hurdles that need addressing to create a more conducive environment for businesses. “Investors must see benefits to invest in the country,” Sonvir advises. “Reduced taxes and streamlined processes can attract more investors and facilitate business growth.”

SKL is also preparing to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, becoming the first printing and packaging company in East Africa to go public. This move marks a significant milestone in their journey. The company has equally trained its eyes on a cost-effective packaging technology to ensure that horticultural products meant for export reach their destination safely and in good condition.

“We want to disrupt the Kenyan and East African market by ensuring that we are producing world-class products cost-effectively. It is our little contribution to the growth of the Kenyan economy. We have the right tools, strategy, a great labor force, the dream and passion to do it, so we will do it,” Sonvir says.

For Sonvir, the driving force behind his success is a commitment to doing his best for others. “What I can do for myself is okay, but what I can do for others is even more important,” he reflects. “Whatever you do, give it your very best.” Nimal agrees: “Our company is not a one-man show. Behind this achievement is a list of people who have given it their all to get the company where it is. Selfless individuals who have the best interest of the company at heart.”

Future focus

The future looks bright for SKL, with plans to construct the SKL Industrial Park on a 5-acre site in Kisaju Kitengela. The park will feature high-tech machines from China, capable of producing 2,000 tonnes of cartons monthly—up from the current 300 tonnes.

SKL is also preparing to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, becoming the first printing and packaging company in East Africa to go public. This move marks a significant milestone in their journey.

The company has equally trained its eyes on a cost-effective packaging technology to ensure that horticultural products meant for export reach their destination safely and in good condition.

 “We want to disrupt the Kenyan and East African market by ensuring that we are producing world-class products cost effectively. It is our little contribution to the growth of the Kenyan economy. We have the right tools, strategy, a great labour force, the dream and passion to do it, so we will do it,” Sonvir says.