SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.detmoldgroup.com

In 1948, Colin Detmold secured the distribution rights for some paper agency products and established C P Detmold Pty Ltd within the city of Adelaide. By 1952, Colin decided to begin manufacturing some lines of his own – wrapping papers and toilet rolls.

He soon outgrew the city premises and so he built a new factory at Brompton in 1956. Not everything went smoothly. Iill health prevented Colin from continuing, so he had to cease work in 1959.

Colin’s son, Rodney, was only 16 at this time, but he was ambitious for the business. He took over the running of the business and proposed that it go national. Colin said “No”, so Rodney waited until Colin went on a holiday cruise. By the time he returned, Rodney had been to Melbourne, secured the first interstate orders and had them on the press. The second generation had made his mark.

Through the 60s, 70s and 80s, the business growth was remarkable as a result of Rodney’s ability to embrace change, identify new needs and innovate to meet those needs. In the 60s it was the superior quality wrappings and paper bags for brand stores; in the 70s, the waxed burger wrap developed for McDonalds, and Thermo Formed Plastic containers for margarine. Rodney opened factories in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

In the 1980s, Rodney went ‘tropo’ in Asia setting up offices and plants in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. By 1995 he was operating in China servicing new fast food outlets. This was followed by the Philippines, South Africa and Korea. Rodney’s inventive mind created ‘Ripple wrap’ cups for the coffee industry. Finally, he made it to the colder climates of the UK, Scandinavia and Canada.

The family success has been more than the creation of innovative products and specialist companies like Detpak and Paper-Pak to distribute them. Rodney and his wife, Sully, also created the third Detmold generation – three daughters, all working in the business.

Sascha focuses on marketing and manufacturing. Pippa is in financebut also covers customer service, supply chain and IT. And Zoe is responsible for business development, new markets and sales management. And they carry the work ethic and passion of their father.

Detmold Packaging was inducted into the FBA(SA) Hall of Fame in 2009.