Local bottled water producer Ori Sdn Bhd has charted a plan to export within the next five years following receiving International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certifications last month.
The Beribi-based company held a soft launch on November 25 to coincide with their certifications, where Ori’s Managing Director Richard Wong explained their growing portfolio of plain and flavoured water which is marketed both under their own brand as well as for several clients as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Having relocated to their current factory from Bunut this year, Ori is now capable of producing eight to 10 thousand cartons of water monthly with the reverse osmosis method utilising harvested rainwater – when available – supplemented by piped water.
“Next year, we are looking to rebrand our products, and the year after that we are looking to do more research and development, before exporting regionally to Sabah and Sarawak. Hopefully by the fifth year, we will be exporting our products internationally,” said Wong.
“The certifications will help us reach our export targets by giving suppliers confidence that our products are produced under high standards.”
Ori’s local presence received a boost in 2019 when Ghanim International Corporation – owner of the bruneihalalfoods brand – engaged them to produce their flavoured water line.
Ori was set up in 2003, but initially struggled to scale its business, with Wong buying it over in 2012. The company then embarked on a growth plan, investing in machinery and building an all-local team that now consists of 16 employees overseeing almost 60 products.
Wong is also focused on making operations and their products more sustainable, and will shortly begin using solar panels to help power the factory.
“We believe strongly in the future, that’s why we are looking for young people who are passionate about the environment as well. We have 16 local staff and we are grooming them for the future,” said Wong.
He added that their environmental focus also makes economic sense for them; with significant savings expected from utilising rainwater and solar energy.
Ori is part of DARe’s Elevate, a consultancy programme to help high potential local companies progress beyond their initial growth stages, especially into overseas markets.
