[DA] Congratulations to our very own Mother RAJA”

Today, 12 May 2024, we celebrate MOTHER’S DAY and in this connection we would like to pay tribute to “Mother RAJA” – who started it all with us and who is the reason why we can celebrate our 70th anniversary here in 2024. We also pay tribute to the new mum who took over from her mother and who still sits on the “throne”.

1954 – the creation of Cartons RAJA
On 10 July 1954, Rachel Marcovici, together with Janine Rocher, set up a company selling recycled cardboard boxes. The combination of the first syllables of their first name forms the name RAJA.

The company’s customers are small Parisian businesses looking for cheap cardboard boxes and in small quantities. Janine leaves the company the following year. The young company is located at 9 rue de Monte-Cristo in Paris, in a 250 m2 space on 2 levels. “Madame Marco” is looking for batches of used cardboard boxes in good condition from retailers who no longer need them and from recyclers of already used cardboard boxes. “My mother was a modern and daring woman, creating her own business at that time was a true utopia! She knew that earning a living was the key to a woman’s independence.” Danièle Kapel-Marcovici.

1692 – Danièle Kapel-Marcovicistarts at Cartons RAJA
Danièle, Rachel’s daughter, is just 16 when she starts at Cartons RAJA. In her contact with customers, she is learning the basics of commerce: trust, listening to customers’ needs, excellent service and product quality, and good relationships.

“For almost 10 years, I visited Parisian companies to advise them and offer them the packaging that best suited their needs. It was an excellent learning experience!” Danièle Kapel-Marcovici.

1982 – Danièle Kapel-Marcovici joins Cartons RAJA as Director
The company has a turnover of 54 million francs (8 million euros) and employs 50 people. Dynamic and innovative, it is recognised for the quality of its products and fast delivery. The new CEO is launching a new commercial strategy with catalogue sales, with the aim of conquering the national market.

“I had the ambition to conquer new customers and keep the basics of the company: quality products, availability in stock and excellent service.” Danièle Kapel-Marcovici.

1990 – Cartons RAJA becomes RAJA
Since the start of the company, a lot of packaging has been added to the cardboard boxes. The catalogue now offers 1,500 products from stock. Maintenance products and hygiene as well as smaller warehouse equipment, handling and storage complete the range. The name change is accompanied by a new graphic identity that expresses that the company is modern and dynamic.

A new location – a strategic decision to prepare for the future
In 1995, Danièle Kapel-Marcovici makes the decision to acquire a new site in Paris Nord 2 Business Park, near Roissy. The office building is renovated and the warehouse is expanded by 20,000 m2 so that all teams from the Paris office and the Gonesse distribution centre can gather there. The new 43,000 m2 distribution centre makes it possible to deliver throughout France, expanding the product range and doubling the number of SKUs available in stock. Since then, the Paris Nord 2 location has become the headquarters of the entire RAJA Group, and remains so to this day.