The early sun breaks through the trees outside the Durban North factory, casting light across the quiet building as the day begins. Dane Forman walks the floor, not as a distant director, but as someone who once packed boxes here. Raised on the Durban surf and local slang, Dane was “bru’d” for this. He’s been at Phormpak 23 years. It’s not just a job, it’s a legacy. And Dane holds its success like a treasured heirloom entrusted to him, refining it and taking it to the next level.
It’s not about flashy titles or hollow slogans. It’s about employees staying not out of necessity but because their work gives them a place of belonging and meaning. Phormpak smells of effort, brewing coffee, of machine oil and determination. You hear laughter between shifts, the clink of tools, and the crisp tear of packaging. “People dedicate their lives to businesses,” Dane says, “and they wouldn’t do it if it was a terrible working environment.” He pauses, “That’s why we create a place where people feel accepted, safe, and like they belong.”
Phormpak is growing a tree. It sways, bends, expands. It adapts. And Dane nurtures each branch. “Trying to force a piece in the wrong place ruins the picture,” he says with a grin. “But when the fit is right, it’s clear for all to see.” The factory hums as machines craft packaging for pain relief, beauty creams, and cough syrups. These containers might seem ordinary, but Dane sees more. Phormpak creates packaging for the stories of life. “We’re integrated into people’s journeys,” he explains. “Every customer, and every customer’s customer has a story, and we fit into those stories.”
All the pieces were in Dane’s mind – culture, care, courage. So, over the last two years, with the support of his business coach, Dane took everything he carried in his head, laid it out and began implementing. Coaching helped turn quiet wisdom into actionable steps. The impact? Increased productivity and profitability. And a business where people pay attention to their work, see their worth, and feel their impact. Dane doesn’t just lead, he inspires. “Defining our values and vision was most important. It meant team members had clarity and direction, and we had the right people on the Phormpak journey.”
Creating the correct framework for effective management is crucial. Dane has implemented systems and processes to manage the team’s productivity. Scorecards track progress; visibly and tangibly. “They look at their scorecards and go, oh, I’ve done a great job,” Dane smiles. “It gives them drive and purpose.” Knowing what winning looks like and managing employee productivity is the basis of good management. People take pride in being a part of and contributing to a winning team. When people come first, growth isn’t a goal… it’s a given.