Argapura thrives as a one-stop shop for automotive chemical and tea and coffee packaging
For Argapura’s 63rd anniversary, the home-grown Indonesian company is strengthening its commitment to providing the expertise and efficiency of a one-stop shop to clients of its expanding automotive chemical and tea and coffee packaging businesses.
“We are a 100 per cent local company with the capability to meet 100 per cent international standards,” says Anne Maria Halim, managing director and third-generation owner whose grandfather, the late Jahja Halim, founded the diversified company in 1954. “Clients stay with us because we provide added value to their operations by delivering fully integrated and customised solutions while ensuring product quality at a competitive price.”
From its beginnings as a roll-yourself cigarette paper producer under the management of Albert Halim, Anne’s father, Argapura has branched out and is now among the leading manufacturers of automotive chemicals and tea and coffee packaging machinery and materials.
Supporting car manufacturers as they respond to increasingly sophisticated market demands, Argapura supplies a wide selection of high-quality products that are used from body shop and paint shop through assembly. Valued for its kanban, or just-in-time manufacturing system, complemented by excellent after-sales services, Argapura has built long-standing supply relationships with major Japanese automakers. One of Argapura’s key partners is Toyota Motors, which has named the Indonesian company a Gold participant to its Quality Control Circle – a highly coveted distinction in the industry – and the best contribution supplier for non-components for five consecutive years.
“We aim to expand our overseas business, and with select strategic partners, to just go with the growth of Asia”
For its tea and coffee packaging business, Argapura holds about 80 per cent of the domestic market. The company supplies food-grade filter paper, printed tea tags, envelopes for tea bags and machineries. Argapura also has a growing export base through its supply partnership with Unilever.
“Being a local company, we know the market better and we understand the changing needs of our customers,” Anne Halim says. “This has led us to our recent foray into the hospitality business.”
Seeing the demand for more business hotels in the industrial areas of Cikarang and Karawang, Argapura ventured into the hospitality business last year. Under the Celecton brand, Argapura operates Celecton Cikarang Jababeka to primarily cater to expatriates. The hotel offers guests the experience of genuine Japanese hospitality combined with world-renowned Indonesian warmth.
“Inspired by my father, we have always approached the market with a forward vision,” Anne Halim says. “Now we aim to expand our overseas business, and with select strategic partners, to just go with the growth of Asia.”
