“A Factory’s Transformation: Samir’s Journey to Success with Japan and UNIDO”

With nine mouths to feed, Samir bore the weight of his family’s well-being on his shoulders. His small yogurt-making factory, Badinan, was the primary lifeline for the household. Every day, he would wake before dawn, tending to the needs of his factory, hoping that today might be better than yesterday.

For years, Badinan churned out 2,000 kg of yogurt daily. It was no small feat, but the factory was still fragile. Despite the decent production, Samir found himself constantly on the edge of financial ruin. His voice took on a reflective tone as he recalled those times, saying, “Even though we produced a lot of yogurts, I struggled to manage my family’s expenses. By the end of each year, I was left with barely any profit. The business was keeping us afloat, but just barely. Every day was a tightrope walk between survival and failure.”

Samir acknowledged the latent potential of his factory, but it was stagnant. The equipment was outdated, the techniques were out of date, and the room for growth was next to none. Samir understood the limitations of his business, and it frustrated him. “My factory was stable,” he admitted, “but it couldn’t grow. With production stuck at 2,000 kg per day, I could hardly cover the costs of living and running the business. And investing in better equipment? That was a dream, a luxury I couldn’t afford.”

As the years dragged on, Samir found himself trapped in a cycle of hard work with little reward. Each day felt like he was stuck in a time loop, repeating the same efforts but never getting closer to real progress. And yet, he  kept believing that one day, an opportunity might arise to improve his situation.

That opportunity came in the form of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project funded by the government of Japan. UNIDO had been active in the region, and one day, their representatives visited Samir’s factory. They toured the facility, watching how the yogurt was made and taking note of the hygiene, the processes, and the people involved. Samir didn’t know it at the time, but this visit was the beginning of a transformation that would change the course of his business and his family’s future.

After their review, UNIDO selected Samir to participate in a training programme designed to enhance his skills and expand his factory’s capacity. They saw the potential in Badinan, and more importantly, they saw the potential in Samir. His determination and hard work were evident, and with the right support, they believed he could take his factory to the next level.

The training provided by UNIDO was comprehensive, covering sessions on food safety and hygiene, which taught Samir how to classify foods properly and prevent contamination. He learned about microorganisms, food spoilage, and how to keep his production area spotless. Personal hygiene and safe food handling were emphasized, and soon, these practices became second nature to him and his workers.

Beyond hygiene, the training delved into the technical aspects of running a yogurt factory. Samir learned about how to improve his factory’s layout and design, how to streamline his production process, and how to improve quality control. The training also offered sessions on entrepreneurship, business promotion, and financial management, all tailored to the specific needs of his factory. For Samir, it was like someone had handed him the keys to unlocking the full potential of his business.

“The hygiene training was a game-changer for us,” Samir said with his face lighting up as he spoke. “We started implementing new practices that improved the cleanliness and safety of our products. It wasn’t just about meeting standards — it was about ensuring that every yogurt cup we produced was the best it could be.”

Beyond the training, UNIDO also provided Samir with new essential equipment to overhaul his production. The list of new tools was impressive: a milk analyzer, a pasteurizer, filters, a motor, a filling gun, hoses, and tables. Each item had a specific purpose and was designed to solve a particular problem in his production line. The milk analyzer ensured that only high-quality milk made it into the yogurt, while the pasteurizer allowed Samir to process the milk more efficiently and safely.

When the new equipment arrived at Badinan, the changes were immediate. Production, which had been capped at 2,000 kg per day, suddenly surged. Samir marvelled at the transformation. “The milk analyzer and the pasteurizer made a huge difference,” he explained. “We now know exactly which milk is of good quality, and the pasteurizer allows us to process it much faster and more safely. Our production has increased by 700-800 kg daily because of these improvements.”

As production increased, so did sales. The filters ensured that the milk was cleaner than ever before, which in turn boosted customer satisfaction. Samir’s products had always been good, but now they are exceptional, and people know. Sales shot up by 20%, and for the first time in a long while, Samir’s financial situation began to stabilize. “Thanks to the new tools and training, our sales have gone up, and my family’s financial situation is more stable,” he said. “For the first time, we’re able to think about things we could never afford before, like buying my son a car.”

The increased income was a blessing, but much of it was reinvested back into the factory, reflecting Samir's foresight and long-term vision. With inflation rising and the costs of running a business constantly on the move, Samir knows that saving for the future will remain a challenge. However, unlike before, he can see the path forward now, which appears clearer and less daunting than it was in the past.

Looking toward the future, Samir is filled with optimism. The support from Japan and UNIDO infused new life into his efforts. He has the skills, the knowledge, and the equipment to continue growing his business. Samir has big plans. He wants to purchase a freezer for storing milk during the winter and a mixer for processing different types of milk. These tools will allow him to further expand his product line, and with time, perhaps even expand and access new markets.

Accessing loans from local banks is still a challenge for Samir, but he isn't deterred. He has friends, family, and a community that believe in him. “With the support from Japan and UNIDO, I feel confident about the future,” he said with a smile. “I expect even more growth in production and profits, which will help me expand the business further.”

Samir’s journey isn’t over — it has only just begun. What started as a small yogurt factory, struggling to survive, is now a thriving business with the potential to grow even more. With Japan and UNIDO’s help, Samir has not only secured his family’s future but also created a legacy that will endure for generations to come.