This capped a 20-year journey from a humble factory back in Larkin, Johor in 1987 to the present 10-acre site in Tebrau industrial estate, Johor. The manufacturing plant has made many achievements during the period of 20 years. In 1999, Southern Lion became the first detergent manufacturer to be ISO 9001 certified for quality.
In 2003, the company became certified with ISO 14001 standard for environmental-friendliness. Also in 2003, in line with the philosophy of producing products of the highest quality, Southern Lion received the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for Personal Care products. Guided with the GMP, Southern Lion products are carefully tested before introduction into the market. For example, there was a recent public concern in the news that certain toothpastes contain the ingredient Diethylene Glycol, a toxic element commonly used in antifreeze.
Southern Lion would like to assure the trade and consumers that all LION toothpastes, whether made in Thailand or Indonesia under the brand names: Fresh & White, Zact, Systema & Kodomo DO NOT contain this alleged ingredient Diethylene Glycol, and are safe for use. Being a forward-thinking company which is sensitive to the needs of our Muslim customers, Southern Lion production plant was certified halal by JAKIM in Nov 2006.
In this span of 20 years, Southern Lion’s brands have grown to become familiar household names, brands like Bio Zip, TOP, Shokubutsu, Fresh & White, Kodomo and Zact are well accepted by consumers. More and more Malaysian households are using Lion products. More than 7 out of every 10 households are Southern lion’s customers. Bio Zip is the No. 1 detergent brand, and Shokubutsu is the No. 1 shower foam in Malaysia (Taylor Nelson Sofres, World Panel, March ‘06 to March ‘07). Household penetration by Southern Lion products continues to grow year by year, attesting to the quality of Lion products and giving credence to its consumer acceptibility.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Southern Lion also takes part in social contribution programmes. The Lion Dental health Centre was established in 1998 to increase awareness of oral-care hygiene among the Malaysian public, especially to school children across Malaysia. So far, the Centre has reached out to more than 200,000 school children.
In Southern Lion, it is the company’s vision to build brands that are synonymous with high quality and care for the environment. It is a corporate mission to bring improved hygiene, health and quality of life to the individuals and community that they served. Southern Lion would continue in doing so. With good manufactuing proficiency and a culture of product innovation, the company is further poised for accelerating growth ahead.
Hence, the theme for this 20th anniversary celebration “Time to take the lead” is very appropriate and apt as it is truly the time for the company to take the lead as a front-runner in the industry. |
