From resilience to robustness : the Reunion specialist in compact cardboard packaging has been able to transform its past challenges into strengths to gain agility and performance. Its economic model is now structured around complementary activities – packaging, labels, POS, textile marking and signage —, while the complete renewal of its machine fleet opens up new outlets.
It is in these terms – “New beginning” – that Benoît Fransoret, president of Pack OI, describes the situation of his company in the second half of 2026 . “As we approach our 25th anniversary, we are giving ourselves a new lease of life with a completely refurbished fleet of machines. Between packaging, POS, sacs, labels, personalized signage and textiles, all made locally, we are a versatile company, flexible and efficient, able to respond to all requests, down to the smallest orders », he declares. The leader, who bought and relaunched the company 13 years ago when it was on the brink of collapse, don’t forget to highlight another major asset : “Our united team. She carried the company through good times and bad.. Nothing would have been possible without her. And we continue to move forward together. »
A company that remains dynamic
Created in 2003 and installed in ZI n°2 of Saint-Pierre, Pack OI currently has 11 employees. Specializing in custom POS design, the manufacture of compact cardboard packaging and more recently labels, Its clients include the big names in Reunion industry. : Cilam, Danone Reunion, Castel Réunion, SPHB, Bourbon Breweries, Sorebra or Bourbon cured meats. It's her, For example, which manufactures the cardboard outer packaging for yogurt packs or the packs bearing the new visual identity of Dodo*. In 2011, Pack OI has expanded its cardboard activity with the creation of Concept PLV, dedicated to the design and production of point-of-sale advertising (totems, displays, box, pallet and shelf covers, etc.).
A journey strewn with pitfalls
The renewal of its industrial equipment allows Pack OI to produce in optimal conditions, with even improved printing and cutting quality. This increased flexibility and performance mark the beginning of new perspectives for the leader in cardboard packaging., with over 25 years of experience. To understand, a look back at a few key dates is necessary. Fin 2001, the sitar (Reunion Tobacco and Food Industrial Company) separates from Cartonnerie Réunionnaise, its packaging activity. The corrugated cardboard activity is taken over to become the Cartonnerie de La Réunion. That of compact cardboard, bought by Malagasy printers, takes the name of Pack OI (Packaging Océan If). The new company then prospered on the Reunion market and expanded into exports thanks to shrimp farming and fishing., an exported Malagasy production for which it supplies the packaging. During this period, the design office is operating at full capacity under the responsibility of Bertrand Simon, now retired. Anticipating his departure two years in advance, Pack OI will choose to organize a progressive transmission of knowledge and expertise, relying on an internal collaborator called upon to ensure the continuity of the design office.
From one test to another
The first challenge came in 2012 when a disease struck Malagasy shrimp, making them unsuitable for export. Volumes collapsed and Pack OI filed for bankruptcy the following year. It is in this moment of truth that the strength of the team makes the difference, inciting Benoît Fransoret, then operating director, to propose a recovery plan retaining all personnel and liabilities. “This plan was fully executed, it was sold in 2024 », he explains before emphasizing the refounding nature of these years. “We have continued to develop, the activity has become profitable again, and we continued to invest and diversify. » In 2018, the company thus launches into the printing of paper bags and Benoît Fransoret continues its logic of diversification by purchasing a historic textile marking company from the South : Brand Image. The same year, the company is approached by a printer needing to renew an aging machine. While Pack OI is equipped with a second cutting machine, the printer optimizes its investment in a new offset press by benefiting from all the packaging printing entrusted to it by Pack OI. Everything seemed to be going well, but the printer gradually shows more and more signs of weakness until it is no longer able to honor its contract.
The rebound towards the future
Benoît Fransoret explains : “The only solution was to reinvest in printing equipment. Encouraged by our customers and all of our partners, we then decided to completely refurbish our industrial equipment. We have acquired an even more efficient offset press to optimize formats. It entered production at the beginning of July, installed in a dedicated room, air-conditioned, offering optimal working and operating conditions. A new auto-cutting plate entirely designed to facilitate the work of operators, will be installed in October. This major equipment is supplemented by all the materials necessary to support the company's new ambitions.. » “We are ready for the next 10 to 15 years ! », concludes the president of Pack OI.
Two other trump cards in the same game
Added to packaging activity, the design and manufacture of POS, as well as textile personalization and signage, compose a whole guarantee of balance, structured and coherent.
These three specialties, sources de synergies, present complementarities on the technical and commercial levels. Prioritizing cardboard, ConceptPLV also works for the biggest brands in the local market. Cramped in its first premises in Étang-Salé, the activity joined Pack OI in Saint-Pierre in 2014. Its equipment has also been renewed with a large format printer and a latest generation digital milling machine.. » Image de Marque is one of the main local players in the personalization of clothing by screen printing and embroidery. The company has a signage department offering all types of signs. (lettering and relief, caisson, LED lighting…), as well as vehicle marking. It employs 11 employees.
