OUR STORY

From the very beginning, our business has revolved around customer satisfaction, innovation, production quality, and a commitment to continuous technological advancement.

Shave & Gibson’s story began in 1981, when brothers-in-law Alan Gibson and Neville Shave purchased a small business known as Group Print & Packaging. What started as a modest operation quickly grew into a respected name in the South African packaging industry, built on a foundation of quality, reliability, and personal service.

In 1995, the company took a bold step forward with the acquisition of Stradprint, which has since evolved into our highly specialised Security Printing Division — now one of Africa’s leading dedicated security printing operations.

The next chapter unfolded in 2005, when the group was acquired by its current chairman, Simon Downes, ushering in a new era of strategic investment, innovation, and expansion.

Today, Shave & Gibson stands as a proudly South African business with a national footprint and an industry-leading reputation for excellence. From folding cartons and corrugated displays to secure documents and labels, our product offering continues to evolve — but our values remain the same.

Join us as we celebrate over 40 years of growth, partnerships, and progress.

1981

GROUP PRINT

Brothers in-law Alan Gibson and Neville Shave purchase a small company called Group Print and Packaging.

1989

Africard

Africard is acquired,
the largest manufacture of credit and security cards in South Africa.

1994

Stradprint

The security printing business Stradprint is acquired.

2001

Africard Sold

Africard sold to Altech.

2005

Ownership

The company is acquired by its current chairman and group CEO, Simon Downes

2011

Census

Shave & Gibson Security Printing is chosen to print the 2011 Census papers for South Africa.

2019

earthpak™

Shave & Gibson Packaging launched earthpak. A sustainable packaging solution.

2019

Counterpoint

Shave & Gibson Packaging acquires a controlling interest in Counterpoint Trading, a paper bag and wrap manufacturer.

2021

S&G Bags

Shave & Gibson Packaging acquires the remaining shareholding in Counterpoint Trading.

2023

Plant Expansion

The Shave & Gibson Bags
factory moves from Hammarsdale to Mobeni.

2024

Barrows

S&G Packaging acquires Barrows corrugated display division, Khula.

Our people are the mainstay of our success.

The group is committed to employee development and growth where promotion from within is always our first priority. We continually encourage and support an entrepreneurial spirit, corporate pride and mutual respect.

Simon Downes

Group Chairman and CEO

Jason Staats

Group Financial Director

Richard Downes

Managing Director
Shave & Gibson Packaging

Grant Hubbard

General Manager:
Shave & Gibson Security Printing