For many Bangkokians, Samut Sakhon is little more than a drive-by province on the way to Hua Hin or Cha-am. But beyond its quiet canals and seafood markets, it's a powerhouse of industry,home to over 6,000 factories producing everything from food and beverages to engine parts and packaging. Among the key players in this industrial landscape is Vachira Khanijou, better known as Chanji, a respected member of the Thai-Indian community and the driving force behind JK Cartons Group Co., LTD.
Originally from Phitsanulok, Vachira had ambitions of opening a gas burner factory but, with insight from his father-in-law, pivoted to packaging. That decision led to the birth of JK Cartons Group, established in 9 November 1989, which has grown into a leading manufacturer of high-quality corrugated paper and packaging solutions. The company's extensive product range includes corrugated 3-ply and 5-ply sheet boards, as well as carton boxes such as pizza boxes, fruit boxes, and shipping boxes. With major clientele like Nike,Soho Pizza, and Tao Kae Noi, their factory now produces a monthly output of over 4,000 metric tonnes. On 9 November 2024, the company marked 35 years in business, and with a new generation suite of automated machines and an expansion into 2-ply production under Asia Thai Paper, there’s no sign of slowing down.
Masala sat down with Khun Vachira to discuss his journey, the evolution of the packaging industry, and what the future holds for his packaging business.
Could you tell us how you first got involved in the packaging industry?
My father-in-law, Tarlochan Singh Narula, once shared an idea about the packaging industry with my father. My father then asked me to develop it into a business plan. After studying the market and assessing its viability, I saw strong potential in this industry. I relocated from Phitsanulok to Bangkok and began the business on my own, taking small steps and learning along the way. With the support of my father, Jaswant Singh Khanijou, I officially incorporated JK Cartons Limited on 9 November 1989. Five years later, my brother, Narangkar Singh Khanijou, joined me in my journey, and together we continued to build and grow the company.
Building a business like this takes dedication. What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Building a business in this evolving market has taught me the importance of continuous adaptation. I’ve had to adjust myself, my approach, my staff, and my resources to keep up with the changing dynamics of the paper industry, especially with the rapid advancement of technology. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that investing in personal knowledge is crucial, but equally important is trusting the expertise and skills of others.
How has your family helped the business?
What started as a modest venture gradually became a family effort when my brother joined. After 30 years, my daughter, Jyotika Khanijou, joined the business and helped take it to the next level, adapting to the needs of today’s customers and workforce. With Jyotika and my son-in-law, Neel Dadlani, we’ve embraced technological advancements and expanded our network. My younger daughter, Rashmika Khanijou, still working in the corporate world, supports new business development through her connections. Additionally, my wife, Harmit Khanijou, after 37 years in the education industry, chose to leave and join me, providing invaluable support, especially in overseeing new developments.
Where do you source your materials from? How do you factor in quality, cost, and reliability when sourcing?
We have a wide network of suppliers, and quality is always our top priority. Our clients span various industries, from consumer goods to food and beverages to electrical appliances, each with unique packaging needs and standards. It is our responsibility to ensure the highest quality across all sectors while balancing cost and reliability to meet each client’s requirements.
Can you walk us through the design process for a typical client, from the initial concept to the final product?
The design process varies depending on whether the client requires corrugated sheet boards or corrugated boxes. We handle everything in-house and tailor our approach to each customer’s specifications. For boxes, we offer full customisation, including shape, size, and unique designs, to meet the specific needs of each client.
JK Cartons has been around for over three decades. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry since then?
JK Cartons has been around since 1989, and we rebranded to JK Cartons Group in 2002. Over the past 35 years, the market has evolved significantly. I’ve experienced major industry shifts, from the Tom Yum Goong crisis to the recent COVID pandemic. The machines that were once manually operated and labour-intensive are now automated, incorporating artificial intelligence. Automation is rapidly becoming a key trend in our industry, as it is across many others.
What were some of the key milestones that allowed for the scaling up of the operation?
Key milestones in our growth include investing in new machinery, which has greatly improved our production capacity. Expanding our reach beyond familiar local communities to newer regions around the country has also been crucial. Additionally, relocating our factory to accommodate the increasing demand for space was a pivotal decision that enabled further growth.
Being in Samut Sakhon, a hub for manufacturing, has that been beneficial for your factory?
While being in Samut Sakhon, a manufacturing hub, offers advantages, it’s not just about the location. The key to our growth lies in providing excellent customer service. Our clients come from various provinces across the country, and our ability to meet their needs is what truly drives our progress.
I understand you recently renovated your factory. What prompted the renovation, and what are some of the key improvements you’ve made?
The renovation was prompted by the need to accommodate new technology and machinery, which required additional space. One of the key improvements was integrating automation to minimise manual labour and enhance efficiency.
It is clear that you’re incredibly dedicated to the business. What do you do to unwind and recharge outside of work?
I’ve always been passionate about badminton, having even competed and won at the state levels - I was the Northern Champion in 1984 and 1985. Exercise remains a daily part of my routine, and I enjoy jogging at the RBSC Polo Club after work to unwind and recharge.
What aspect of JK Cartons’ work are you most proud of?
I’m proud of our overall journey—growing from humble beginnings in three shophouses to a purpose-built facility on a 17-rai (1 rai ≈ 0.4 acres) lot. This growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of my family and the entire JK team, who have been the backbone of our progress.