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The Integrated Engineering Group (IEGCO), specializing in the manufacture of variable data printing machines for consumer goods, began its journey in 2010 with a small workshop and a modest capital of just EGP 5,000. Over the next 15 years, the company transformed into a full-scale industrial manufacturer producing machines that print barcodes, prices, logos, and production and expiry dates, establishing a growing presence in domestic and African markets.

This transformation followed IEGCO’s success in producing printing machines for three global companies within Egypt, alongside the launch of exports to select international markets, as part of a strategy aimed at localizing an industry traditionally reliant on imports.

The Idea and Founding Challenges
The idea for IEGCO originated with two friends who studied engineering and envisioned a project that would address a real market need. After graduating in 2006, they spent about four years researching a feasible concept, observing that the Egyptian market was heavily dependent on imported barcode and product labeling machines. In 2010, they started a small workshop in El Basateen, Cairo, with limited resources and borrowed capital to produce machines essential to manufacturing operations, particularly variable data printing machines for goods.

Local Manufacturing and Building Trust
Khaled Ibrahim, CEO and co-founder of IEGCO, explained that the company initially relied on direct marketing efforts, personally reaching out to factories to convince them to adopt locally manufactured machines in a market that preferred imported products.

In some cases, the company priced its products relatively low to demonstrate quality and build trust rather than earn quick profits, which later facilitated expansion and an increased client base. He noted that Egypt imports around $500 million annually in variable data printing machines, plus about $2 billion in inks, consumables, and spare parts, presenting a significant opportunity to localize the industry.

IEGCO now serves leading factories in cement, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, textiles, and cleaning products, providing laser and ink printing machines.

Expansion in Products and Markets
In 2015, the company launched its first large machines for printing barcodes and expiry dates on cement and flour sacks, marking the start of a product expansion strategy.

Hamdy Abdel Fattah, General Manager and co-founder, stated that IEGCO now supplies about 90% of the variable data printing machines for cement factories within ten years of entering this market. The company also exports to Morocco, Nigeria, and other African countries, with plans to enter new markets.

Local Manufacturing with Global Partnerships
IEGCO manufactures products for three global companies within Egypt. In 2019, it obtained a license to manufacture HP products locally, becoming the first company in Africa and the Middle East to produce HP printing machines in Egypt under the “Made in Egypt” label. Later, IEGCO obtained licenses to manufacture for two additional international companies, one British and one Japanese, building a strong track record of trust with global partners.

Export and Growth During Crises
IEGCO began exporting in 2018, and during 2020, amidst global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for local products surged. In 2022, the company continued its expansion domestically and regionally by increasing the number of distributors and strengthening its international presence, aiming for further growth in the coming years.