The next few weeks will be festive at Ralik Packaging. The Blainville-based company, which specializes in the sale and distribution of more than 7,000 products, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
They’ve come a long way from brothers Ali, Hamdi and Shoukri Mustafa since they started their business in 1997. The eldest, Ali, was still a university student when he and his brothers, all in their twenties, decided to go into business to distribute cleaning products.
Their adventure began in their parents’ basement.
“We didn’t have a very detailed business plan, all we wanted was to create our own job rather than looking for part-time work,” says Ali Mustafa, CEO of Ralik .
“We prepared orders and made deliveries with our own vehicles,” he adds. Quickly, we canvassed some good clients, and we had to move into a small 600 square foot room, to the delight of my mother who found that there were too many comings and goings at our place. »
Constant growth
This first move was followed by several others over the various phases of expansion. Today, Ralik Packaging operates a 53,000 square foot distribution center. It takes space to manage such an inventory.
In addition to cleaning products, which represent 60% of the company’s sales, are added food packaging, shipping and handling products, not to mention the health and safety products that it delivers to a diversified clientele.
Ralik serves food services, maintenance service companies, educational and health establishments located in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces.
“Our list of products, like the number of our customers, has continued to increase,” explains Ali Mustafa. In 25 years, even though some years have been more difficult than others, we have never recorded a decrease in our sales. »
From the start of the pandemic, however, demand exploded like never before. During this period, it was important for the Mustafa brothers to secure stocks in order to offer their services to new customers without neglecting those who have been loyal to Ralik for years.
“We are very proud to be able to count on the loyalty of our customers, which is part of our business success,” says Ali Mustafa.
Ambitious goals
The Mustafa brothers have adopted a strategy of controlled growth based on the development of their sales force, their customer service and acquisitions.
“We are still in the acquisition market, it’s in our DNA. Our ambition is to double the turnover and triple the profits within five years”, specifies the CEO who is already preparing another project to expand his facilities.
“In our industry, profit margins are tight. We therefore exercise a competitive pricing policy and very tight inventory management. This is why we obtain some of the highest ratios in our sector. »
Ralik, which employs about 40 people, also relies on technology to serve its customers well. The distribution company was one of the first to acquire an online platform that allows its customers to order online, regardless of the day or time.
Say thank you and give back
Between now and the end of the year, several activities are planned to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary, including two family days.
“We want to do this big. It is important for us to show our gratitude to our employees as well as our customers and suppliers,” explains Ali Mustafa.
As part of these festivities, the Blainville company also decided to donate $100,000 to four philanthropic organizations, a way of giving back to the community that is deeply rooted among the Mustafa. Moisson Laurentides, the Femina Foundation, the Alzheimer Society Laurentides and the CHU Sainte-Justine will share this amount.
“There are many great causes, it was not easy to choose only four,” says Ali Mustafa.
Ralik packaging
- Founding date : 1997
- Activities : distribution of products
- Shareholders: Ali Mustafa, Hamdi Mustafa, Shoukri Mustafa
- Number of employees : 40