Concept expands internationally to support supply of Natural Fiber

11 Sep '08

3 min read

Shawn Eshragh, President of Concept Industries, announced the establishment of a supplier development office in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This office will serve the natural fiber suppliers of the region to assure a stable, high-quality supply of raw material to support Concept Industries and their customers.

Concept Industries has been making products with natural fiber since 2001. The 2006 launch of Nature Core developed in partnership with the HON company marked a significant increase in the demand for a stable supply of raw materials.

"We realized early on that one key to our competitive advantage was to gain access to the best raw material," says Eshragh.

During extended visits to Bangladesh during 2006 Mr. Eshragh began discussions with suppliers and Bangladeshi locals about the value of having a local contact.

"I came home convinced that Concept Industries needed 'boots on the ground' in Bangladesh in order to secure the raw materials we needed for our growth."

Working with international contacts, Eshragh found Mr. Masoomul Hoda, a Bangladesh native experienced in the import and export business.

After meeting in person in Bangladesh and in Grand Rapids, Concept knew they had found the right man. "It's important that the personalities work well together," says Dave Foote, Concept's CFO.

"We live and work half a world apart, so it is critical that we share a common vision. Mr. Hoda is a perfect fit with the Concept team."

In addition to communicating quality expectations to the supply base in Bangladesh and helping bring the tools they need to be successful, Mr. Hoda helps coordinate social outreach activities for Concept.

"We believe that we are called to work for the betterment of mankind," says Eshragh. "We want to make sure that we are giving back to the people of Bangladesh and helping to build economic stability through our actions."

Concept is supporting several activities in the region, including a nursing school and a computer lab for employees of one of the suppliers.

"We are looking to build long-term partnerships with our suppliers," says Foote. "We know that a strong supply base in Bangladesh enhances our ability to bring innovative products to our customers."

The use of natural fibers is environmentally friendly and will continue to be integral to Concept Industries' commitment to developing products that reduce carbon footprint and dependence on materials that are petroleum-based.

Concept Industries is now in position to offer other newly developed natural fiber composites to the automotive industry, residential housing, and commercial construction industry.

Concept Industries is a full-service provider of innovative products for automotive, office furniture and other industries.

Concept's core business includes Returnable Packaging Systems, Vacuum Formed Plastics and Non-Woven Fiber Products. Concept is committed to developing lightweight, environmentally sound alternatives to traditional materials.

Concept Industries

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