Project Background & Existing Challenges

As part of Mount Meru Group’s expansion in Africa, the newly established ECOPLAST entered the plastic packaging market and needed to build a production line from the ground up. The project presented several challenges:

• The team had no previous experience in plastic sheet extrusion or thermoforming. Sourcing equipment from multiple suppliers could create compatibility issues and complicate after-sales coordination.
• Local support for plastic processing machinery in Zambia was limited, with few technical service providers available for equipment commissioning and maintenance. The customer therefore required comprehensive support from a single supplier.
• The project aimed to establish local end-to-end production, reduce reliance on imported plastic sheet and finished products, and further develop the group’s manufacturing presence in Africa.

Project Timeline

• 2023: Mount Meru Group began evaluating the new plastic packaging project. During project planning, Amtop and the customer held multiple rounds of discussions covering products, materials, production capacity, and equipment configuration.
• 2025: The customer traveled to China for an industry exhibition and visited several equipment suppliers for further evaluation. After factory visits, solution comparisons, and sample validation, the customer selected Amtop to supply the sheet extrusion and thermoforming equipment. After equipment delivery, Amtop engineers traveled to Zambia to complete installation, commissioning, process validation, and training in machine operation and maintenance.

Customized Solution — One-Stop Production Line

• Integrated Equipment Configuration: The sheet extrusion, plastic cup forming, and thermoforming equipment are configured as a coordinated production solution with matched process parameters. Sourcing the complete system from one supplier reduces the coordination risks associated with multiple vendors and helps shorten the overall plant setup timeline.
• Capacity Matched to Initial Production Needs: Equipment configuration and production capacity are selected based on the customer’s current product specifications, expected order volume, and project budget, while allowing room for future capacity expansion.
• Flexible Multi-Product Production: The complete system includes different forming equipment for producing both fruit clamshell containers and disposable plastic cups, enabling the customer to expand its product range.
• Full-Process Technical Support: Amtop provides support from solution development and equipment delivery through on-site installation, commissioning, and personnel training, helping the customer’s new team build the practical skills needed for production and equipment maintenance.