Security seals would hardly come to mind when considering the many moving parts in the supply chain ecosystem. These diminutive devices play a simple but crucial role as a security measure, a physical barrier and deterrent to minimise the risk of pilferage, tampering and contamination of goods in transit. Not only that, security seals also provide a layer of control and accountability within the supply chain such that in the event of a security breach e.g. tampering or pilferage, there is enough information for corrective measures and to prevent future recurrence. Many businesses understand that failure to control such breaches would risk damage not only to the product, but to the brand and reputation of a business, which may result in severe financial loss. Mega Fortris Group supplies security seals for various applications, like the crate of premium Scotch whiskey, our Amazon.com orders, and the imported raw materials during transit.
Founded in 1996 by brothers Dato’ Nick Ng, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman and Datuk Adrian Ng, Group Managing Director cum Group Chief Executive Officer, Mega Fortris Group is headquartered in Kota Kemuning, Selangor. This is also the location of its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Quality Management Systems certified, purpose-built manufacturing plant. Mega Fortris’ security seals are utilised in various sectors over land, sea, rail and air and in a wide range of industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, ICT, F&B, hospitality and manufacturing. With its focus on product quality, competitive pricing and exemplary customer service, the group is the preferred supplier of security seals to many leading companies around the world.
What distinguishes Mega Fortris Group from other seal manufacturers is their innovative approach to design. Their commitment to design innovation keeps them leagues ahead of the competition, a principle they have maintained since launching their flagship bolt seal, the Klicker. Despite the Klicker becoming one of the most replicated bolt seals in the security seals market, Mega Fortris continued to innovate, introducing the Klicker 2K – the first bolt seal to feature a dual-colour mould. This relentless pursuit of innovation is how they ensure the continued security and integrity of their customers’ supply chains.
With more than 90% of its revenue from export markets, the inspiring group has over 700 employees in a network of production facilities and offices spanning over 20 countries across six continents to better serve its international clientele. It is currently one of the largest designers and manufacturers of security seals in the world with turnover volume of half a billion security seals and revenue exceeding RM100 million per annum.
Additionally, Mega Fortris Group is planning to go public with a listing towards the end of 2024, marking another milestone in their growth and commitment to excellence.
Yin and Yang
Mega Fortris’ impressive achievements boil down to the harmonious meeting of the minds of two brothers who, at 15 years apart (Dato’ Nick being the elder), could not be more different even down to their dress sense and working styles. “You could say we are like Yin and Yang,” remarks Datuk Adrian. “Embracing our differences and then learning to apply our individual strengths to our greatest advantage is the key.” The brothers have always been close growing up in Penang among a large family of 14 siblings. Datuk Adrian knew that his older brother Nick, who had more business experience, would be a great source of guidance and valuable insights on how to get the ball rolling. “Nick proved to be a savvy business strategist and became an important mentor to me. The hardest part was convincing him that this was a viable business in the first place!” Dato Nick was quick to agree, “I would never have imagined that selling security seals and making a mere few sen profit on each would end up being great success. It is also thanks to Adrian’s sales and customer relationship skills that we were able to bring the business to where it is today,” he adds.
A customer-centric focus
Indeed, Datuk Adrian has always been a firm believer in the power of personal touch in business. “I once drove 400km into an oil palm plantation in the middle of nowhere to meet a potential customer, and finally convinced them to place an order for 2,000 seals,” he says. “Back then, this order was huge and it turned out to be an early turning point for the company.” Thereafter, they were able to acquire new customers through references from existing customers who were pleased with the way they operated. Even today, Datuk Adrian spends a significant amount of time overseas, connecting with clients and keeping tabs on things. In doing so, he is constantly on the ball and can respond quickly to situations, find new ways to provide better value to existing customers or seize new business opportunities. Even Mega Fortris’ move into manufacturing was a response to an incident involving a large customer. “We received an order for 20,000 seals from a chemical company,” Dato’ Nick recalls.
“Obviously, it was a big deal, so we really made sure our supplier delivered the seals to the customer on time and in good condition. It then came as a rude shock when the customer informed us that the seals were defective and could not be locked!” That experience prompted the brothers to look more closely into how seals were fabricated, and it eventually dawned on them that they should develop their own. “It was a risky decision at the time, but we wanted to provide top-notch quality to our customers,” he adds. “Being bold and taking risks are how we learn the most important lessons in life,” he advises. “My brother and I told ourselves with one seal, we would conquer the world.” Since then, the company has clearly moved on from that ‘one seal’ and is now equipped to produce an array of products to suit customers’ needs. “I’ve always been a proponent of automation,” says Datuk Adrian. “In 2017, we scrutinised our production process and identified areas that were repetitive and could be easily replicated by machines.” As a result, their manufacturing plant now employs the use of precision machinery based on cutting-edge technology which enables it to increase capacity, reduce waste and most importantly, meet customer requirements consistently, efficiently and at the lowest possible cost. On the design and engineering front, the company has also invested in 3D printing technology to aid the process. This allows them to design and build prototypes which can then be analysed, tested, and reiterated very quickly.
Evolution and Innovation
Taking evolution one step further, Mega Fortris Group, who has always been committed to developing products that support a sustainable environment and contribute to a better future, leads the way in offering eco-friendly products to their customers, partnering with them to minimise plastic waste. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in the installation of solar panels for renewable energy, as well as the practice of recycling raw materials, surplus items, runners, and recycled plastics in their manufacturing processes.
By incorporating bio-additives, Mega Fortris is not just differentiating themselves from the competition; they are setting a new standard for responsible business conduct. Their journey towards sustainability is evolutionary, driven by innovation and social responsibility.
In addition, Mega Fortris has established an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) working group to develop policies and strategies that align with their business objectives. This initiative is integral to their operations moving forward, ensuring that sustainability remains central to their business practices.
To provide eco-conscious solutions for a wide array of applications, all Mega Fortris security seal product lines with plastic content will include the BioSphere bio-additive from 13 May 2024, comprehensively securing the global supply chain while reducing their footprint.
