At first, the veteran architect thought it was a “mad or stupid” idea.
But Severin McKenzie still went on to embark on this idea which has now earned him a page in Dominica’s history: the country’s first local toilet paper manufacturing company, Nature Island Paper Product Inc .(NIPP Inc.), which was officially launched on Tuesday in Canefield.
Mckenzie said he often doubted the viability of the project.
“I usually think of it and say whether I mad or I stupid…” he joked during his delivery of the project overview at the product launch in Canefield Tuesday.
Within the next two weeks, McKenzie’s company will give Dominicans the opportunity to purchase and consume two separate brands of luxury bathroom tissue, Falls Soft and Emerald Touch.
McKenzie, who is an architect for over 23 years, began his works on the initiative in 2002 after visiting a similar plant in a sister island.
“When I saw the operations I said no, we in Dominica not serious! How can we take pride in going to supermarkets to purchase imported products of so many consumer items when all we need is to invest in machinery and our manufacturing industry can improve,” he stated.
It was no easy road when he began the journey of building his company as he considers financing for the project to be a “bitter-sweet” experience. He had to get several loans to pay off VAT and excise tax for the clearance of raw materials to commence production.
However, the Invest Dominica Authority’s prompt approval of the project and timely grant of financial support which came within days of his application at Dominica’s Scotia Bank branch in December 2009, gave him some relief.
Housed in Canefield Industrial site shed #5, with a total of 10 employees, the first batch of his product has already been produced and packaged. Raw materials come from regional and international suppliers, according to officials.
McKenzie is convinced that the government of Dominica is one of the main beneficiaries of the initiative as it will save the country a significant amount of cash, which would have gone into importing finished products of that nature.
“In the midst of all what is taking place in Dominica today, we come as a spectre of light at the end of the tunnel, that there is a way out of economic dependency where Dominica still has the human capacity to develop itself and determine our own destiny. That like our forefathers who took this rock to where it is today, that our generation can deliver our country to economic independence,” the Grand Fond resident blurted.
The proprietor attributed his success to the help of family friends and associates, and promised to produce a quality product which will first be available only on the local market.
In an era, where there are constant calls for increased local manufacturing as import bills soar daily, the toilet paper initiative has been well received by many, including Director of Trade Eisenhower Douglas who said he is pleased to witness McKenzie’s “major undertaking”.
“When many of us think back as to when this whole Caribbean community (CARICOM) began, it had at its fundamental base the promotion of industry… and that is something that we have been drifting away from and I am very pleased to see somebody like Mr. McKenzie embracing the manufacturing sector,” Douglas said at the company’s launching ceremony.
The director of trade took the opportunity to urge others who are considering taking up industrial initiatives not to shy away from these ventures as it will only bring the CARICOM closer to its goals.
What about coffee growing and export in Dominica the price of coffee has gone way up farmers should be able to make a lot of money growing coffee for export.
continue the good work you’re doing with God’s help all thingd are possible.
congrats mr mckenzie on making history in Dominica i hope that the people support and go local. am from he island of Trinidad and Tobago we were penpals many many years ago.
This is wonderfull news.
Too often I ask myself why is it that when Dominican citizens, particularly the decision makers, businessmen and the like go overseas, and they observe how things are done in other countries that some of tghose ideas are not introduced in Dominica.
As nation we need to be self-suifficient in all areas. Of course we need candle factories, toilet paper manufactures, soap makers and rum distilleries.
It’s time we wake up and see the wide horizen that is the big wide world around and become participants in the ever flowing tide of progressive minds everywhere.
Kudos to Mr McKenzie
Albert and Tempie Williams
All the best man. It’s about time someone did it and as you will undoubtedly be running a monopoly on the industry for some time in the country, good health and good fortune to you. This project only helps the country and I see no reason why this company will not grow and flourish.
Thank you for being the first now if only someone would start a matches company then we’d be just a little more independent
All the best to u. More Dominicans should follow your footsteps and invest in business. You think u mad or stupid, but risk is a very big factor in business success.
Keep the prices low and put the consumers first. Be more customer oriented and not profit oriented and u r on your way to sucess.
good luck and all the best
What are the raw materials that you are using to make the paper?
Paper manufacturing is generally a toxic process.
What means are you going to use to produce the TP?
Are you going to be using toxic chemicals and how will you be disposing of them if you do to prevent contamination of waterways, etc?
Wow! I don’t think it was a mad or stupid idea at all. Ingenious, is what it is. Never even thought about producing TP locally. Well done!
Lots of persons may want to stick to their brands, but I’m sure after a while, they will purchase our very own.
@FanFan: If its produced locally, there might be a reduction in TP prices I guess…lol
wELL done mac. I wish you every success ho[ping to see you supply the world as I know your quality WILL be good.
Ron.
I know there`s going to be different types, sizes but i will only be buying the white cause i will colour it my self. Lets see who get the joke. A price will be given for the correct answer.
Yes Sev even if you criticise but congrats – you have taken the initiative and done something to boost the economy of the country. People take a leaf from Mr Mackenzie. Not lip service like a llot of you are doing… but what can I do to help to develp my country – Dominica. It is ours to build.
@Fanfan: Thisis not what the Government is only there for to give everything free now even toilet paper??? Stop making negative comments and please make some meaningful contributions.
@Fanfan: Whey papa… Did they not buy tp before.. Alas.. get serious people. This is a local company and people let us support local.
wow!!!! I’m so proud. Sure will support you sir
WIll the government be sharing samples for the poor who can’t even buy these to wipe their a……?
That is a kewl idea and i’m happy about the entire thing, can’t wait to purchase. God bless you Kenzi and your family
Sir,
I am in total support of you and be assured that I will be buying your paper because I am one who likes eating different dishes, thus, this makes me a prime target for using such a product.
Well done Mr. Mac.
Excellent move and venture. With good management, efficient and friendly staff you will succeed after all it is the “nature isle” all encompassing right? Go Mckenzie.
@sot: Ur name says it all lol lol its NIPP INC Nature Island Paper Products Incorporated ok so before you put this silllllllllllllly comment investigate.
Thanks for investing in Dominica.
I would add “Limited Enterprise” to the name to make it be called “NIPPLE” LOLOLOLOL
Sorry, I could not help myself.
At least we have some people that thinking in this country.Continue the good work
With effecient management,In time to come there will be an increase in demand for the product,increasing profits and thus the company will expand and create employment in the country.
We need more manufacturing company in Dominica.It is by doing theses that we move the country to the next level!By creating employment,not by fixing roads.
If you fix all the roads in DA and no employment for the young people,where is the country going?It is the people in it that moves it,not roads
At least someone out there in D.A making an effort to manufacture products….ill def support his initiative and buy the local tp instead of the foreign one…. I REALLY hope it succeeds..
I stand solid in support of this great venture by our very own businessman and wish you success. Thanks for your foresight and profound desire of a continue legacy of sustainable development in such a timely manner.
Indeed, we ought to progress if we are to compete and survive in this new era. I perceived this developement as a giant step to encourage us to invest in our country by so doing we’ll foster a true sense of our ability to be an independent country.
I would like to urge all Dominicans from all walks of life to support our very own products.
Congratulation Mr. McKenzie, and well done.
Congrats! I’ll buy!
I’m so proud, I hope it succeeds, and support it.
initiative…. we all should adobt these styles of perseverance in this country and try to make the best in these desperate times
Good job Sir. I wish you the best, and hope that we buy your products before the others.
Although a fierce critic of the economy….he is trying…good job and we’ll leave that to water under the bridge that is flowing.