About Us

MISSION STATEMENT

To supply industrial, commercial, and food-based enterprises throughout the Caribbean with high-quality, innovative paper and packaging solutions that enhance their value chain while adhering to the principles of sustainable development.

VISION STATEMENT

A premium paper and packaging company and a partner of choice contributing to the region’s economy in an environmentally sustainable manner.

COMPANY PROFILE & HISTORY TO DATE

The Windward Islands (Winera) Packaging Company Limited was established in 1971 as a joint venture between the four governments of the Windward Islands and Papelera Industrial S.A. of Venezuela, with the main objective of manufacturing corrugated cartons primarily for the exportation of Windward Islands’ Bananas. In 1991, the multi-national paper conglomerate, Jefferson Smurfit, through Papelera Industrial Ltd, acquired an interest in the Company.

In 1995, a fully owned subsidiary company, Winera (Dominica) Ltd, was established to acquire the physical assets of the failed ABC Container (Dominica) Ltd. This Dominican-based operation satisfied the corrugated carton requirements of Dominica. Manufacturing activities at this facility was discontinued at the beginning of 2002 as part of the company’s restructuring program dictated by trade liberalization and a sustained decline in banana exports from Dominica. Corrugated boxes for the Dominica market are produced at the St. Lucia facility. 

Winera, in close collaboration with Windward Islands Banana Development & Exporting Co Ltd (WIBDECO now WINFRESH), has been responsible for the development of a variety of top-quality cartons to meet the changing needs of the Windward Islands Banana Industry. In the 1980’s, banana cartons accounted for more than 80% of the Company’s products. The production of cartons for non-traditional agricultural products, garments, industrial and other manufactured goods, represented a significant part of the Company’s operations. In addition to supplying local requirements, the Company plays a major role in the Caricom manufacturing sector by exporting its corrugated cartons to several major companies in the region.

With the decline in the demand for banana boxes from the Windward Islands, Winera is increasingly dependent on commercial cartons.

The production of cartons for non-traditional agricultural products, garments, industrial and other manufactured goods represent a significant part of the company’s operations. In addition to supplying local requirements, the company plays a major role in the Caricom manufacturing sector by exporting its corrugated cartons to several major companies throughout the region.

Winera is renowned for its sound technical advice, innovative design, high quality production, timely delivery, and competitive prices.  The Company’s state-of-the-art equipment is operated by a well-trained and highly-motivated workforce that functions in an environment of Industrial harmony, where Management, Union and Workers collaborate in addressing the various issues.

In 1994, Winera became the first St. Lucian entity to obtain ISO 9002 Certification and in May 2003 attained certification under the new ISO 9001:2000 Standards. In 2019, we achieved certification in ISO 9001:2015.

OUR TRINIDAD SUBSIDIARY

Trinidad & Tobago, with its oil-based economy, is the largest user of commercial cartons in the Caricom region. Accordingly, Trinidad was targeted for market expansion and a subsidiary company, Winera (Trinidad) Limited was established in 2000. The company currently operates as the local sales office for the St. Lucia plant and operates a warehouse facility.