Manufacturing-Journal vol. 1/6-2011

Manufacturing Volume 1/6 - 2011

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â‚Ź5

Journal

magazine

The World of Business

Leader of Russian power engineering page 71

Beautiful business

page 33

Leader through quality

page 52

Huge scale professionalism

page 60

News okladka_przod.indd 1

Trade Shows

Country profiles

Companies profiles

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2011-02-01 08:46:00

EL UD E PR

Dear Readers!

I

n this Issue we pay particular attention to OJSC Power Machines the largest manufacturer of power equipment in Russia. The company specializes in the delivery of complex solutions for the power industry including engineering, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and modernization of equipment for thermal, nuclear, hydro and gas turbine power plants. 60% of all installed equipment at power plants in Russia and CIS countries had been manufactured by the Power Machines company. The company is ranked in the list of hundred largest enterprises in Russia.

Effective management of the organization is like a chess game. Victory belongs to those who mastered a priceless ability to predicts movements of the opponent within at least several next turns. This knowledge, combined with the ability to prepare a coherent plan to dominate the game and to response correctly to the moves, which we were not able to predict, allows us to enjoy triumph every single time. One could count on the fingers of one hand those companies which, through their managers are characterized by all the above – mentioned features. One of such companies is NORMA Group – a global leader in the automotive industry. And one of the most important part of the Group is NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. - an organization that, thanks to the creativity and integrity of its Employees has changed over the last few years from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, setting standards of quality and efficiency within the whole group.

Also in this issue of Manufacturing Journal, we are excited to announce the launch of the new Hempel’s manufacturing facility near Buk, Poland. This company is rooted in the work, creativity and commitment of each and every one of their workers. These last, in particular, have been crucial in their development. Bonded to a job effort where human ingenuity, briskness and inventiveness are poured everyday, many people have contributed to make today’s Hempel. This experience helps them face the futures’ challenges convincing us that by keeping the promise they made ninety five years ago they establish direction to their effort: manufacturing products of the highest quality and offering the best service to their Customers.

Enjoy the magazine!

Editor:

We invite you to a digital free magazine subscription.

Filling out a short form you will regularly receive to your e-mail box our latest magazine.

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Prelude Księga1.indb 1

Manufacturing-Journal | 1 | 2011-02-01 11:09:04

CONTENTS

Contents: Editor Patryk T. Zborowski

1 2 4 8 10

Profile Writers Bartosz Sowiński Elena Rozhko Jacek Głowacki Katarzyna Olszowska Kateryna Ferdyn Łukasz Światowiec

Prelude Contents News Trade Shows Country profile

Ho

Art Director Wojciech Kosmowski Project Managers Katarzyna Marciniec Katarzyna Olszowska Marta Kaciupska

12 16 20 23 26 30 33 37 40 43

A land flowing with chocolate Sweet quality everyday Fresh life provider A factory of liquid gold Young, dynamic, determined They take care of natural beauty Beautiful business Best perfumes and cosmetic products Serious taking care of your health Providing safety and giving access to the best healthcare products 46 A great history... and a great future

Administration Wioletta Adamczyk

Długa Street 48/38 31-146 Cracow Poland e-mail: info@manufacturing-journal.net advertising: pz@manufacturing-journal.net phone number: 0048 12 4337117 fax number: 0048 12 4337116 web: www.manufacturing-journal.net

© Manufacturing Journal 2011 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form for any purpose, other than short sections for the purpose of review, without prior consent of the publisher.

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Contents 2011-02-01 11:09:06

NT EN TS CO

How to survive the crisis and be successful Leader through quality Sparking global markets Huge scale professionalism Tradition and modernity

49 52 56 60 64

Energy of the future Leader of Russian power engineering does not rest on its laurels A pro in every inch Best men’s suits Brand That Speaks for Itself

68 71

Index: Articles: Atomstroyexport Belita Vitex Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov Bumech Canoliva Comintern Ergon Poland Eurocast Excellent Usługi Exide Technologies Faes Farma Harper Hygienics Hempel Manufacturing Poland Kommunarka Merck Natra Norma Polska Orhei-Vit Power Machines Seco/Warwick Viorica-Cosmetic

Advertising:

76 79 82

AmphoChem BJSS Cartonajes Levante Chemical Centre Cognis Iskra Litostroj Steel M.C. Automations Norzinco Octagon Logistic Orzeł Biały Poppe Profarb Silbitz Guss Siropol Termo Automatyka Transline Exim U.S. Zinc Vacmax

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68 33 40 76 23 79 49 26 82 64 43 30 52 16 46 12 60 20 71 56 37

35 73 14 35 29 61 74 18 53 61 65 61 55 74 61 61 22 53 57

Manufacturing-Journal | 3 | 2011-02-01 11:09:07

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AkzoNobel invests €90m in growth strategy to supply world’s largest pulp mill Bosch back on clear course for growth Sales expected to surpass 50 billion euros in 2011 •

Annual sales up 24 percent to 47.3 billion euros • Pre-tax result within target corridor of between 7 and 8 percent of sales • Boom in emerging markets secures jobs in Germany • Associates worldwide to receive anniversary bonus.

• Global upswing expected to continue The Bosch Group has returned to its growth course, and has already regained the level of sales seen in 2007, before the crisis. In fiscal 2010, according to preliminary figures, this global supplier of technology and services generated sales of 47.3 billion euros, 24 percent more than in the previous year (2009: 38.2 billion euros). “This is the highest level of annual sales in the 125 years of our company’s history,” said Franz Fehrenbach, the chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. The earnings situation of the Bosch Group also improved significantly. Indeed, for pretax result, the company returned to its target corridor of between 7 and 8 percent of sales in 2010, following a loss of 1.2 billion euros in the previous year. The final figures will be announced at the annual press conference on April 14, 2011.

More info: www.bosch.com

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AkzoNobel has signaled its strategic intent to accelerate growth by investing close to €90 million in a new facility being built in Brazil. The plant, operated by the company’s Pulp and Paper Chemicals business, Eka Chemicals, will supply the world’s largest pulp mill. The agreement – with Eldorado Celulose e Papel – emphasizes the importance of high growth markets to AkzoNobel and will help drive the medium-term strategy of doubling revenue in Brazil to €1.5 billion. It also underlines the value the company attaches to securing longterms partnerships with customers. The investment – AkzoNobel’s biggest ever in Latin America – is centered on further expanding Eka Chemicals’ sustainability focused Chemical Island concept. It will involve supplying, storing and handling all chemicals for the 1.5 million tons per year green field mill, which is being constructed in the northern part of Três Lagoas City. The mill is expected to come on stream in September 2012.

“This 15-year agreement confirms our intention to accelerate growth and expand our activities in the world’s high growth regions,” said Rob Frohn, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. “We are about to make one of the biggest investments in our history, which emphasizes both the importance of Latin America to our growth ambitions and our commitment to the pulp and paper industry.” Added Pulp and Paper Chemicals General Manager Jan Svärd: “Future demand for pulp and paper chemicals in Latin America is projected to increase substantially over the next 15 years. This agreement therefore represents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our operations in the region and further underlines the value our customers attach to our Chemical Island concept.” He went on to explain that Eka Chemicals will be building a world scale sodium chlorate production

unit to supply the projected demands of the Eldorado mill, which has been designed to accommodate three pulp lines. The new Eka Chemicals facility will also supply other key customers in Brazil. Work on the new pulp mill site started in June last year. Commenting on the agreement, Eldorado President Rogerio D’Alcantara Peres, said: “Building the world’s largest pulp mill requires working with reliable partners who can provide the best technology. AkzoNobel’s proven Chemical Island concept, together with the company’s world class expertise and strong commitment to sustainability, meant that they were a natural choice for this major project.”

The new facility will expand Eka Chemicals’ well established pulp and paper activities in Brazil, where the business already operates its Chemical Island concept at several mills, as well as running production units in Jacareí, Eunapolis, Três Lagoas, Rio de Janeiro and Jundiaí.

More info: www.akzonobel.com

Increased profitability in 2010 for Rieber & Søn Rieber & Søn increased the profitability by 29 million Norwegian kroner in 2010.

‘I am very satisfied by the fact that we are reaching the targets we have set’, comments CEO Patrik Andersson.

The operating profit ended on 453 million Norwegian kroner, up from NOK 424m last year. Patrik Andersson highlights earnings per share as an important measure for the progress: ‘Our target for

News 2011-02-01 11:09:09

Ericsson supports China Unicom’s first large-scale GPON deployment • 2010 was an EPS of NOK 3.65 after ending up on 3.32 the year before. Today we can present a result of 3.91, a growth of 18% in 2010. That is a result we can be proud of’. Sales in 2010 fell by 8.5% from just over NOK 4.9 billion to just over NOK 4.5 billion.

Patrik Andersson explains: ‘The main reason for the decrease in sales is that we sold several operations in 2010.

Amongst others, the demerger of King Oscar had a negative effect on sales. Although I would have liked higher sales in 2010, the key point is that we increase profitability.’ Patrik Andersson wishes for higher speed in the market in 2011, and remains optimistic as two of the business units with a lapse in sales last year, Rieber & Søn Food Service and Rieber & Søn Czech, both report of a strong fourth quarter: ‘On the other hand we experience incoming price growth as prices on raw materials continue to increase. As a result, we have to increase our prices into the market.’ The divestments have given a strong balance sheet, high cash flow and low debts in Rieber & Søn. As a result, the Board of Directors will ask the General Assembly to approve an extraordinary dividend of NOK 5 on top of an ordinary dividend of NOK 2.

• •

China Unicom is deploying GPON in volumes across China for the first time Breakthrough order for Ericsson to supply to more than 10 provinces across China Enables high-speed broadband access for millions of Chinese subscribers

A new deal between China Unicom and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) will meet the needs of millions of Chinese people requiring an enhanced experience when accessing internet and streaming real-time multimedia applications. Under the contract, Ericsson will supply its gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) solution in more than 10 provinces across China. With Ericsson’s high capacity EDA 1500 GPON system, China Unicom will offer the highest speed and capacity broadband access on the market. The contract marks China Unicom’s first large-scale deployment of GPON technology. The GPON infrastructure and smart management system will enable China Unicom to roll out fiberto-the-home and fiber-to-the-building across the country faster and at a lower cost. This will also allow the company to better meet the growing demand of data traffic and triple play services among Chinese consumers. Ericsson will be supplying its high capacity EDA 1500 platform in more than 10 major provinces in 2011. Deployment has already be-

gun. Mats H Olsson, Head of Ericsson Region China & North East Asia, says: “This is a milestone in the globalization of GPON - the new path China Unicom has taken reaffirms the potential of GPON in China and around the world. Ericsson is one of the few qualified GPON vendors in China, and we are proud to be powering China Unicom in its mission to stay ahead of the competitive broadband market with our industry leading solution.” Benefiting from its global GPON footprint, Ericsson has now become a mainstream broadband supplier in China, providing GPON to all three of the country’s telecom operators as well as some leading cable TV operators. Today, the majority of the provinces and regions in China are using Ericsson’s GPON solution. Ericsson Deep Fiber Access is a complete end-to-end solution of passive fiber, outside plant components and active equipment along with a comprehensive service offering. The EDA broadband access equipment portfolio provides simple, smart and scalable solutions for high-speed, multimedia rich, next generation IP-based networks. The world’s leading operators have selected Ericsson’s innovative Deep Fiber Access deploying the EDA GPON, EDA P2P, EDA WDM PON and EDA DSL solutions in more than 145 FTTX and 110 copperbased networks around the globe.

More info: www.ericsson.com

More info: www.rieberson.no

News Księga1.indb 5

Manufacturing-Journal | 5 | 2011-02-01 11:09:10

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DSM invests in wind propulsion company SkySails DSM Venturing, the corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM N.V., announces today that it has made an investment in Germany-based SkySails GmbH & Co. KG (SkySails), the market and technology leader for automated towing kite systems for ships. The investment is fully in line with DSM’s strategic commitment to sustainability, innovation and partnerships, as outlined in the corporate

strategy DSM in motion: driving focused growth. Financial details of the investment by DSM Venturing in SkySails will not be disclosed. The investment is part of the current SkySails round of financing, which was with a total volume of € 15 million the highest CleanTech venturing investment in Germany in 2010.

This financing round has now been successfully completed. SkySails develops, produces and sells wind propulsion systems for the marine industry which are based upon large automated towing kites. Depending on the prevailing wind conditions, a ship’s average annual fuel costs and emissions can be reduced by 10 to 35% by using the SkySails-System.

Under optimal wind conditions, fuel consumption can temporarily be cut by up to 50%. The reduced fuel consumption leads to significantly reduced costs and lower emissions to safeguard the environment. The venturing participation is a next step in the cooperation between the two companies. To date DSM Dyneema, SkySails and rope manufacturer Gleistein have been combining their expertise in a unique three party technology partnership which focuses on the development of a special high performance rope, which delivers the unique requirements for high strength, light weight and excellent durability for

wind propulsion systems. DSM’s Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, is a key component in the SkySails Kite System. Gerard de Reuver, President DSM Dyneema said: “We are very pleased to extend our involvement with SkySails.

With the development of its advanced kite based system, the company succeeded in establishing itself as a leader in the commercialization of wind propulsion solutions. I’m confident that the increased cooperation between our companies will lead to the development of a range of sustainable innovations around SkySails’ core technology for various markets.” Stephan Wrage, Managing Director of SkySails added: “DSM Venturing’s investment is another proof point of its belief in our activities. Both DSM and SkySails are highly committed to sustainability. Their support will help us to make the most of the potential of our technology for our customers.”

The investment in SkySails brings DSM Venturing’s portfolio of current, direct investments to a total of 18.

More info: www.dsm.com

Russia approved two Fortum Joint Implementation projects CThe Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has approved two Kyoto Joint Implementation projects initiated

by Fortum: a new unit at the Tyumen combined heat and power (CHP) plant, and the reconstruction of TGC-1’s Newsky hydropower plant.

These Joint Implementation projects as defined in Kyoto protocol will reduce emissions in Russia, and Fortum will be able to use the related emission reduction units (ERUs) to cover own emissions in the EU’s emission trading scheme or

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News 2011-02-01 11:09:11

Borealis in-mass metallic PP for Peugeot’s 206+ front grill achieves new high-quality metallic effect

An innovative polypropylene-based compound from Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, has enabled French car maker PSA to breathe new life into its bestselling hatchback, the 206. Launched in 2009, the Peugeot 206+ is the restyled outcome of its famous ‘206’ model. In addition to several modifications to the interior and exterior applications, PSA Design modified in a unique and innovative way the front grill. While seeking to achieve a high quality metallic effect, PSA opted for a plastic in-mass solution which could deliver the same high-quality result as painting the grill. PSA sesell them on the market. Approval from the Finnish authorities is still required if Fortum is to transfer the ERUs from Russia.

“The Kyoto mechanisms are an important tool in our efforts to combat climate change,” says Fortum’s President and CEO Tapio Kuula. “We have already been working persistently with joint implementation projects in Russia for many years, and I am delighted that these projects have been approved. We hope that in the longer term such market-based mechanisms will continue to be utilised to reduce emissions both in Europe and more widely.”

The new CHP unit built by Fortum in Tyumen is the only heat production project

lected Borealis’ Daplen™ EH104AE-0515, a grade developed specifically for automobile exteriors. Daplen EH104AE-0515 contains a special pigment which provides the same effect the car maker was looking for without the painting process. “The use of an in-mass metallic colour for aesthetical parts requires a highflow material in order to reduce the weld lines to a minimum,” explains Thomas Rothmayer, Senior Application Development Engineer of Borealis’ Mobility Business Unit. “Daplen EH104AE-0515 is the perfect solution. Its excellent flowability reduces the number of injection points while maintaining a low pressure level.”

Daplen EH104AE-0515 is a 10% mineral filled compound with a melt flow rate (MFR, 2.16 kg) of 40 g/10 min. This enables filling of challenging parts, even at relatively low injection pressures. Inclusion of UV stabilisers makes it highly suitable for outdoor unpainted applications. In the future, this grade colour will be used as a reference by Peugeot. “The main challenge for injection moulded grills is hiding the weld lines, a common problem of in-mass colour solutions,” underlines Claude Nicot, Project Manager at PSA. “In this instance, the flowability of material is a real advantage. The reaction time and assistance of Borealis was invaluable as it enabled us

to complete this project in short order and we are very satisfied with the result.”

“Painting adds considerable cost to the overall production process,” says Harald Hammer, Borealis Vice President for the Mobility Business Unit. “In addition, producing parts with the final surface effect already built in is more environmentally friendly than painting, despite all the advances in low-solvent paint systems. This project with PSA is just another example of our capability to develop innovative solutions in close collaboration with the Tier 1 supplier, in this case Plastic Omnium, and PSA as the OEM. I believe the effect achieved with the new compound is superb and specifically fulfils the customer needs.”

approved in the Russian ministry’s project selection process. The unit, which was inaugurated in December 2010, and is undergoing performance test runs, has a production capacity of 230 MW of electricity and 270 MW of heat. Fortum’s Tyumen project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total of about a million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the period 2010-2012. This new unit is part of Fortum’s extensive programme of investments in Russia which will increase the company’s total electricity generating capacity by more than 2,300 MW by the end of the programme in 2014.

change. Fortum is currently involved in five further projects in Russia which together with these newly approved projects are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total of some 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the years 2009–2012. The company has additionally invested a total of 10 million euros in two international carbon funds.

The Russian-based OAO Fortum is a subsidiary of Fortum. In OAO TGC-1 Fortum has a 25% shareholding.

More info: www.fortum.com

The use of Kyoto mechanisms such as Joint Implementation projects is part of Fortum’s efforts to mitigate climate

News Księga1.indb 7

More info: www.borealisgroup.com

Manufacturing-Journal | 7 | 2011-02-01 11:09:12

W S NE

TRADE SHOWS

Nestlé invests CHF 160m and creates 500 new jobs in Egypt

March 01 - 03, 2011

TEX-STYLE 2011

Nestlé will invest CHF 160 million in its existing factories and distribution centres in Egypt, creating 500 new jobs in addition to its 3,000-strong workforce. The three-year investment, announced today at a press conference in Cairo, follows investments totalling CHF 170 million in Egypt over the last ten years. More info: www.nestle.com

Fair of Clothing and Fabrics Venue: Poznan International Fair ul. Glogowska 14 60-734 Poznan Poland www.tex-style.mtp.pl/en

Tikkurila completes the divestment of its powder coatings business

March 01 - 03, 2011

Tikkurila has completed the selling of its powder coatings business. All shares in OOO Tikkurila Powder Coatings, a Russian industrial coatings company, were transferred to Teknos Group Oy on January 26, 2011. The sales and purchase agreement was signed in December 2010, and an approval for the transaction has been received from the competition authorities. Tikkurila divested its industrial powder coatings business, because it is not a part of Tikkurila’s core business. After the transaction, Tikkurila has no powder coatings related operations. The revenue of the sold company was EUR 2.4 million in 2010, and it employs some 50 people. The transaction does not have a significant impact on the financial result or balance sheet of the Tikkurila Group. Tikkurila is the leading decorative paints company in Russia, where it operates four paint factories after the transaction. The products are sold under the brands of Tikkurila, Teks, Finncolor and Gamma in over 5,000 retail outlets. Tikkurila has some 1,500 employees in Russia. More info: www.tikkurila.com

QUALIMEN 2011 International Food Market Fair Venue: Feria de Zaragoza Carretera Nacional II, km 311 50012 Zaragoza Spain www.feriazaragoza.com March 01 - 04, 2011

CLIMATIZACIÓN 2011 Air-conditioning, Heating, Ventilation and Refrigeration Exhibition Venue: Ifema - Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I Feria de Madrid 28042 Madrid, Spain www.ifema.es March 01 - 05, 2011

CEBIT 2011 World Business Fair for Office Automation, Information Technology, Telecommunications Venue: Deutsche Messe Hannover Messegelände D-30521 Hannover, Germany www.globalfairs.fr/-CeBIT-.html

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News 2011-02-01 11:09:12

Bayer opens emissions-neutral office building in India

Bayer has opened its first emissionsneutral office building in Asia as part of its Group-wide sustainability program.

Bayer MaterialScience’s new building in Greater Noida, near New Delhi, India, which draws 100 percent of its electricity from a photovoltaic plant, needs

some 50 percent less power than comparable buildings in the region. It is a further reference project for Bayer’s EcoCommercial Building (ECB) program, a specialist global network for sustainable construction.

“Our new office building represents the link between innovation and sustainability,” said Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, who is the member of the Bayer AG Board of Management responsible for Innovation, Technology and Environment and for the Asia-Pacific region. “We want to use our skills and products in the field of high-quality materials to boost energy efficiency in buildings, as this approach offers enormous potential for cutting CO2 emissions.” Energy consumption in buildings is responsible for around 30 percent of CO2 emissions. “That is why we will continue to expand the EcoCommercial Building program as part of our sustainability strategy – both in Asia and worldwide.”

TRADE SHOWS

More info: www.bayer.com

March 22 - 24, 2011

March 23 - 25, 2011

EPLA 2011

ELTEFA

International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing

Trade Fair for Electrical Engineering and Electronics

Venue: Poznan International Fair ul. Glogowska 14 60-734 Poznan Poland www.epla.pl/en

Venue: New Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH Messepiazza 1 70629 Stuttgart Germany www.messe-stuttgart.de/eltefa/

March 22 - 26, 2011

March 28 - 30, 2011

INTERBUDEXPO 2011

RUSSIA POWER 2011

International Building & Architecture Festival

Russian Power Industry Exhibition & Conference

Venue: KievExpoPlaza Exhibition Center Salyutna str., 2B Kiev, 04111 Ukraine www.buildexpo.kiev.ua

Venue: Expocentr’ Krasnaya Presnya Fairgrounds 14, Krasnopresnenskaya naberezhnaya Moscow 123100 Russia www.russia-power.org/index.html

News Księga1.indb 9

Manufacturing-Journal | 9 | 2011-02-01 11:09:13

C PR OU O NT FI RY LE

Turkey

Full name: Republic of Turkey Population: 75.8 million (UN, 2010) Capital: Ankara Area: 779,452 sq km (300,948 sq miles) Major language: Turkish Major religion: Islam Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: Turkish lira Main exports: Clothing and textiles, fruit and vegetables, iron and steel, motor vehicles and machinery, fuels and oils GNI per capita: US $8,730 (World Bank, 2009) Internet domain: .tr International dialling code: +90

Once the centre of the Ottoman Empire, the modern secular republic was established in the 1920s by nationalist leader Kemal Ataturk. Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey’s strategically important location has given it major influence in the region - and control over the entrance to the Black Sea.

Overview

Turkey’s progress towards democracy and a market economy was halting in the decades following the death of President Ataturk in 1938. The army saw itself as the guarantor of the constitution, and ousted governments on a number of occasions when it thought they were challenging secular values. Efforts to reduce state control over the economy also faced many obstacles. After years of

mounting difficulties which brought the country close to economic collapse, a tough recovery programme was agreed with the IMF in 2002. Since then, Turkey has seen strong economic growth and a dramatic fall in inflation. However, huge foreign debt and unemployment remain major burdens. Concerns over the potential for conflict between a secular establishment backed by the military and a traditional society deeply rooted in Islam resurfaced with the landslide election victory of the Islamist-based Justice and Development Party (AK) in 2002. The secularist opposition has on several occasions since then challenged the constitutional right of the AK to be the party of government. In March 2008 the Constitutional Court narrowly rejected a petition by the chief

prosecutor to ban the AK and 71 of its officials, including President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for allegedly seeking to establish an Islamic state. In recent years there have been several allegations that members of the military - which has long seen itself as the guardian of the secular system - have been involved in plots to overthrow the government.

EU candidacy

Turkey became an EU candidate country in 1999 and, in line with EU requirements, went on to introduce substantial human rights and economic reforms.

The death penalty was abolished, tougher measures were brought in against torture and the penal code was overhauled. Reforms were introduced in

Maslak financial district in Istanbul

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Country Profile 2011-02-01 11:09:15

The Kurdish issue

Turkey is home to a sizeable Kurdish minority, which by some estimates constitutes up to a fifth of the population.

The Kurds have long complained that the Turkish government was trying to destroy their identity and that they suffer from economic disadvantage and human rights violations. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the best known and most radical of the Kurdish movements, launched a guerrilla campaign in 1984 for an ethnic homeland in the

COUNTRY PROFILE

the areas of women’s rights and Kurdish culture, language, education and broadcasting. Women’s rights activists have said the reforms do not go far enough and have accused the government of lacking full commitment to equality and of acting only under EU pressure. After intense bargaining, EU membership talks were launched in October 2005.

Accession negotiations are expected to take about 10 years. So far, the going has not been easy. Turkey has long been at odds with its close neighbour, Greece, over the divided island of Cyprus and territorial disputes in the Aegean. The breakthrough in its EU membership talks came just weeks after Turkey agreed to recognise Cyprus as an EU member - though it qualified this conciliatory step by declaring that it was not tantamount to full diplomatic recognition.

One of the main entrance gates of the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul

Kurdish heartland in the southeast. Thousands died and hundreds of thousands became refugees in the ensuing conflict with the PKK, which Turkey, the US and the European Union deem a terrorist organisation. Kurdish guerrilla attacks briefly subsided after the 1999 capture of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, but soon began to increase again. Partly in a bid to improve its chances of EU membership, the government began to ease restrictions on the use of the Kurdish language form 2003 onwards. As part of a new „Kurdish initiative” launched

in 2009, it pledged to extend linguistic and cultural rights and to reduce the military presence in the mainly Kurdish southeast of the country. Nonetheless fighting has continued. A PKK offer in July 2010 to consider a truce if the government were to extend Kurdish civil rights was met with an official refusal to respond to „terrorist” statements.

Leaders President: Abdullah Gul

Prime minister: Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul

Country Profile Księga1.indb 11

Manufacturing-Journal | 11 | 2011-02-01 11:09:17

S TI CL E AR

A land flowing with chocolate

S

panish royalty drank it hot, flavored with sugar and honey. It could be pure, with cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. It could be dark, white or it may have a milky taste. What is it? Of course chocolate. Spanish invaders learned about cocoa from the Aztecs in the 1500s and brought it to Europe. Thus, Spain was a cradle of European chocolate tradition. By production and sale of chocolate and cocoa products, Natra S.A., Spain-based multinational holding company, has been continuing this tradition. The company is principally engaged in the production, distribution and sale of cocoa derivatives and chocolate products, such as cocoa mass, butter and powder and chocolate coating; industrial and organic range of chocolates; chocolate bars, tablets and spreads and seasonal products. The company’s name may not be familiar to those not involved in the food industry, mainly because Natra is one of the leading suppliers of chocolate products to the private label brand across Europe, being their clients around 25 of the 30 largest European retailers. Its products are also present in 60 countries worldwide.

From cocoa bean to chocolate pleasure

Natra S.A. covers the complete value chain for the cocoa and chocolate industry. Natra’s origins date back to the 1940s, when three chemists from Valencia (Spain) started extracting theobromine (alkaloid with vasodilating properties) from the cocoa bean. As the business prospered, the company’s founders decided to start using the raw material utilized in the extraction process to produce cocoa derivatives (coca mass, powder and butter and chocolate coating). However, the most significant milestone in the history of Natra was probably the decision to transform a company focused on a B2B activity ( cocoa derivatives for the food industry), into a final product company and, even more, focus on the private label brand distribution in the whole Europe.

For this, in 2004 Natra began a process of internationalization through the acquisition of several companies in Europe, specialising in chocolate products such as, chocolate bars, chocolate tablets, Belgian specialities and chocolate creams , which has enabled it to consolidate today as one of the leading suppliers to the private label brand in the European market. Chocolate specialist Natra, which is headquartered in Spain, and has production facilities in Spain (2), Belgium (2) and France (1), not only has 95% of its production going towards private label, but is also boosted by the fact that chocolate consumption is constantly increasing. Natra’s force is a diversified portfolio of products and technological capabilities to provide their customers with innovative products. Natra is the joint leader in Europe for private brand

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chocolate bar sales, and has reached this position thanks to its extensive range of products, formats and flavors. Within the chocolate bar range, the miniature bars are particularly successful: they are small format bars presented in boxes or flow wrapped. Natra’s comprehensive control process guarantees quality in every area from the supply and processing of raw material to the production and commercialization of the final product.

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: NATRA, S.A. PRESIDENT: Mr. Manuel Moreno OPERATIONS: Production, distribution and sale of cocoa derivatives and chocolate consumer products.

ESTABLISHED: 1940 EMPLOYEES: 1,500 TURNOVER: € 421 million – consolidated sales

www.natra.es

Food & Beverage IndustryNatra 2011-02-01 11:09:22

The geographical expansion

Having produced hundred tons of chocolate per year, the company constantly maintains its focus on new opportunities to grow even despite the ongoing recession. The company’s main middleterm objective is to maintain a stable position in the European market while taking advantage of the leading retaliers move to new markets as the USA, Canada or China, where the company already has its own sales offices. In their industry, customers look for a product that meets their needs in different geographic markets. For this reason, components such as continuous innovation, reliability of service, appropriate cost and commercial credibility help Natra to respond to requirements of their customers. They strongly believe that those features have allowed them to get a good position, both with large retailers and industrial clients around the world.

In most cases, they have been building strong relationships over the years.

New horizons

The process of globalization takes different forms and proceeds unevenly along many fronts. The chocolate industry as a part of the food industry has undergone profound changes in recent years. While creating business plans, many companies have to adapt to the new reality, and take into account that they should prepare their products to the needs of different markets. What is more the ability to further geographical expansion of business to areas of high commercial interest will be a key in the coming years. Natra is ready for it and already has targeted the early

stages of this process. Their desire is to be a leading and continuously growing international food company. Through efficient growth and a process of international expansion, Natra aspire to establish themselves in strategic geographical points to enable the development of their target markets. They want to stand out as an innovative provider of excellent products to their clients, profitability to their shareholders and professional development opportunities to their staff. A customer orientated company- Natra in permanent searching for innovation in business processes based on an efficient and highly skilled human capital are certainly elements of support for this, where the company continues to work towards its excellence. There is around 1,500 professionals who are currently working for Natra Group, 1340 of them are directly related to the business of cocoa and chocolate. Additionally, Natra has also expanded their multinational project through their 46% stake in Natraceutical, a company also quoted in the Spanish Stock Exchange, with an international view in the nutritional supplements industry and the natural and functional ingredients for the food and pharma sectors. Natraceutical is a reference in the research and development of natural functional ingredients, active elements and nutritional supplements for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. The company directs its industrial activity through Laboratoires Forté Pharma, which specializes in nutritional supplements in the fields of health, beauty and weight control and which it sells exclusively in pharmacies and drugstores in Europe, as well as through its shareholding in the quoted French company Naturex.

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Partida de L’Alter s/n 46210 Picanya Valencia (SPAIN) Tel +34 96 158 85 10 Fax +34 96 157 19 56 www.cartonajeslevante.com

The

Shelf Ready Packaging

specialists

www.cartonajeslevante.com

Subscribe for free Digital version of Manufacturing Journal | 14 | Manufacturing-Journal Księga1.indb 14

Food & Beverage IndustryNatra 2011-02-01 11:09:30

A wide range of products

Natra’s five production centers work permanently to offer retailers one of the widest portfolios of cocoa and chocolate products available in Europe aimed to cover their needs in private label products. In addition consumers are increasingly looking to boost their health in different ways and Natra’s wish to offer immediate response to consumption demands has even led the company, to develop its first range of functional chocolate bars for the private label.

Quality and Customer Service - their potential Admittedly, product quality and customer service are priorities for Natraall their business is based on that. The quality policy is strictly governed by the quality manual of each of their business units and, of course, responds to the ever- increasing international requirements in that area. But the quality policy in the broadest sense goes far beyond and arguably covers all the behaviors of the company. Natra Customers perceive a style and way of working which is a result of this policy of quality, so they have communicated on several occasions.

Even in the many aspects of human relationships that are difficult to objectify, the result is there. It is noteworthy that the certification of fair trade and organic produce is available to Natra today.

What is really important several months ago Natra has joined the international organization UTZ that aim is to promote responsible production and sale with society and the environment.  Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

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S TI CL E AR

Sweet quality everyday

S

uccess is achieved only by those who put into their work not only strength and intellect but also the energy of their heart. This belief had been followed by OJSC Kommunarka every single day in their work. That is how confectionary specialists from Belarus conquer the hearts of customers day by day.

From 1905 till now Kommunarka is a company with a long tradition. It all started in 1905 at a small bakery which had been producing confectionary. In those days it was a rather modest business; it was known as “Rachkovsky’s Coffee House and Bakery”.

In 1910 it became a “Pastry shop” and in 1914 it grew to be “Confectionary Factory George” which employed 20 people.

After the civil war on the basis of that former factory “First Belarusian Confectionary Factory” was founded. In 1929 the name of the factory was changed to “Kommunarka”. The official opening took place in 1931 when the first chocolate workshop and caramel workshop started operating. It was not long after that the first dragée workshop began working as well. in the 50’s and 60’s a lot of attention was devoted to creation of new recipes for confectionary products.

During those years the finest Kommunarka sweets were created, many of them became classics with which the company is associated nowadays. Such sweets are “Griliaz”, “Loved Alionka”, “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Capital”. In 2008 the company was reorganized into OJSC Kommunarka and it functions under that name at present.

creation and introduction of new products. On one hand this ensures constant interest of customers and on the other hand new products guarantee that company keeps up with constantly changing market trends. The major brands so appreciated by customers are “Truffle” chocolates which are classic chocolate sweets with light almond aroma; “Soufflé” chocolates which are light soufflés with a gentle vanilla taste covered with a light layer of chocolate; “Capital” chocolates are the ones with the liquor filling; “Little Red Riding Hood” chocolates have waffles with praline filling coated with chocolate; “Loved Alionka” chocolates contain praline filling which is cover in chocolate. “Griliaz” chocolates are made of candied roasted nuts coat-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: OJSC Kommunarka

Products: from classics to novelties

OJSC Kommunarka confectionary factory is the largest confectionary manufacturer in Belarus. Annually more than 25 thousand tons of various delicious products are manufactured there. Kommunarka offers a selection of more than 250 various products - chocolates, sweets, chocolate gift boxes, dragées and many more. At the moment there are five major workshops operating at the company. There are three sweets production workshops, a caramel production workshop and a chocolate production workshop. A lot of attention is devoted to

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PRESIDENT: Кот Natalya Konstantinovna OPERATIONS: chocolates, sweets, chocolate gift boxes, dragées and many more ESTABLISHED: 11 january 1905

www.kommunarka.by

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ed with chocolate. And those are only the most famous classics. Confectionary specialists at the company do their best to develop new brands. For instance Kommunarka produces sugar free chocolate “Waistline” for those who keep fit and watch their diet. Even those with diabetes can find something for themselves among Kommunarkas products.

“Diabetic Griliaz” was created especially for those customers who suffer from this malady. Kommunarka offers a great selection of chocolate which includes classic chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with different fillings. There are also chocolate sets to choose from. There is a variety of boxes of chocolates with different fillings. Kommunarka offers a large assortment of hard candy mixes with different tastes and fillings. But that is not all. One can get handmade chocolate masterpieces from Kommunarka.

“Monte” product line was developed to satisfy most demanding customer.

These products have an unforgettable taste and form. “Chocolate fantasy” line was created to meet the most extravagant needs. Kommunarka’s goal is joy of its customers. And with such a variety of products that is easy to achieve.

Drink of gods for everyone

Few words should be said about Kommunarka’s Chocolate Bar where one can have a tasty cup of hot chocolate. As a matter of fact this bar is unique for Belarus because of the exceptional way in which the hot chocolate is made. The basis of the product is grated cocoa. It is the only cocoa based drink in the country free of artificial ingredients. Such hot chocolate is a real drink of gods. What is more hot chocolate has many positive effects on the wellbeing as it contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the good condition of the human body. So instead of taking pills one can visit the chocolate bar and enjoy a delicious healthy cup of hot chocolate.

Best quality guaranteed

These days the companies that are striving to be successful center their attention on quality. Of course to achieve the highest quality is also Kommunarka’s goal. In production of all the confectionary only the best high-quality natural materials are used. The processing of cocoa beans is done at the factory, which guarantees thorough control of quality of all products. Certified quality

management system is implemented at the enterprise, it complies with STB ISO 9001-2001 standards and НАССР system. Kommunarka also has implemented a certified eco-management system which complies with international standards STB ISO 9001-2009, DIN EN ISO 9001-2000, STB 1470-2004. The system allows complete compliance with the ecological policy, compliance with eco-regulations, as well as lowering the negative impact on the environment.

In 2009 the company received labeling certification. Kommunarka’s confectionary is loved and valued not only in Belarus. About 30 per cent of the manufactured goods are exported to many countries, among others USA, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Estonia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Israel. The company is eager to establish working relationships with new partners at home and abroad.

Something to be proud of

The quality of the goods are estimated (appreciate, value) not only by Belarus and the foreign countries. The company received numerous domestic and international certificates of conformance.

The fact that Kommunarka’s products received many awards at various trade shows around the globe once again confirms the high quality of the goods.

Also participation in the trade shows enables the company to find new partners and expand export. The company’s specialists take part in specialized confectionary expositions in Moscow, Riga, Chicago, Koln and other locations.

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2011-02-01 11:09:46

New technologies for better results

To achieve even better results Kommunarka introduces new technological solutions. Since the beginning of 2004 a new chocolate production line was launched. It is used in production of “Sweet dance” confectionary. The distinctive feature of the production line is “One Shot” filling technology. Its implementation had a positive influence on quality of the sweets and it also lowered the costs of production. Kommunarka is implementing new pre-packing and packaging technologies. Thanks to that Kommunarka develops innovative packages from modern materials. The company acquired a new “Monro” packaging machine. It is used to package sweets, caramels and dragées. Flow-pack technology is also used for packaging of candy. Kommumarka’s specialists constantly work on design of the packaging; they

create very original packaging which is both useful and attractive for the customers. In the upcoming years the company will continue its innovation policy.

There are plans to implement new technological solutions, widen product assortment, and expand export.  Written by Elena Rozhko

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S TI CL E AR

Fresh life provider

T

he name of this Moldavian company encompasses the major aspects of its activity. Or-heiVit is the leading producer of juices, baby food and other food products in the region with sales over 25 countries. The company started its life 65 years ago in Orhei, a very beautiful agricultural place in Moldova, which formed the first part in the name of the company. The other part of the name is from a Latin word “vita”, which means “life”. And that part of the name stands for all the minerals and vitamins that are preserved and delivered to the consumers of Orhei-Vit goods. The company has a long history behind and obviously great future ahead relying on package technology innovation, careful consumer demand analysis and professional staff. soviet-type plant into a successful and leading busi-ness. The success of the company is determined by meeting desires of consumers in over 25 countries.

Since the major clients are the consumers of the finished products, the key success factor is to offer natural high quality products at the appropriate prices. All of the above has helped the company earn trust of the customers.

The success principles

Orhei-Vit is one of the leading companies in its field, and it didn’t happen overnight. The company has been developing its products since 1945. Persistent innovation and invest-ments into the newest technologies and widening the range and quality of products have helped the company to turn it from a

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A little bit of history

The company was founded back in 1945, and since then it has been growing and adjust-ing to the current market demands. Existing company infrastructure started to form in the early 80’s, when its first European food processing line was put into operation and the aseptic de-

partment for juice storage was created.

In 1994 the company became privately owned enterprise. Today Orhei-Vit is the largest Moldavian producer of juices and baby food. The company head office is allocated in the capital of Moldova which operates two regional factories, one in Orhei and another one in Causeni.

Orhei-Vit’s products

Orhei-Vit production is focused on two major businesses: the market of the products for final consumers and the market of 100% natural concentrated fruit juices, puree and paste. The total list of branded products includes over 120 positions. Among the finished products there are fruit and vegetable juices in Tetra-Pak cartons and glass bottles; baby food, canned vegetables, jam, tomato paste. Juices are packed from 0,2L to 2L packages. In 2010 the company launched a set of nectars in TetraPak 0,2 L and Baby Food juices and puree in 0,1L bottle. There are also new flavors introduced such as Indian mango and pomegranate. All products are certified according to the European and other international standards, including ISO-

Food & Beverage IndustryOrhei-Vit 2011-02-01 11:09:57

9001 and НАССР. The variety of Orhei-Vit products are targeted both at the middle (Naturalis juices) and high (Vita, Gustos juices) price segments. Naturalis was introduced in 2005 and acquired wide customers’ acknowledgement immediately due to its combination of highly tasty nectars and excellent prices. Two years later, in 2007, Orhei-Vit created another premium-class brand – Gustos exclusively offering directly squeezed fresh fruit juices. The quality of the products was verified by the awards that

Orhei-Vit received (5 golden and 5 silver medals) at the international Russian and Kazakhstan exhibitions as well as at the highly acknowledged foods and drinks forums in Barcelona and Paris. The company is producing Baby Food products since 2002. This is a strategic product for Orhei-Vit which is made of only ecologically pure fruits and vegetables cultivated at Orhei-Vit own fields and orchards located far from industrial zones. Not many producers qualify for producing juices and purees for the babies as no

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pesticides or harmful substances can be used in cultivation process of vegetable and fruits for them. Moreover, VITA BABY products are made by the most state-of-the-art machine equipment which is a guarantee that all vitamins and nutritional substances as well as stability of taste are preserved. By offering natural baby food Orhei-Vit takes care over health of future generations.

Natural semi-finished products such as apple concentrate, purees, plum and tomato pastes are highly demanded on the international market. These products are further processed by European producers in Germany and Austria for local consumers. Orhei-Vit is doing its best to combine two major ingredients in its business: ecologically clean raw materials and the latest technologies of the world’s best producers. These two are very important for the production of food rich in vitamins and minerals, which are very important for the human body. The company’s production includes processing of fruit and vegetables, producing of semi-finished products and finished products in different kinds of pack-aging.

Technologies and raw materials

The company is very proud to be very innovative in equipment. At the moment company owns equipment from European companies such as TETRA-PAK, BUCHER, UNIPECTIN, FBR-ELPO. This highly productive equipment allows the company to produce 30 mn cartons and 15 mn bottles of various juices and nectars per year. Some of the fruits and vegetables are grown on 690 hectares of owned land to provide the factory with the high quality raw materials. There is a farmer service center to provide private companies with the services in growing fruit and vegetables in Orhei region. VITA juices are made from raw material of extra quality and are a source of vitamins necessary for the human body, micro cells and other useful substances. The exotic series of VITA juices deliver energy to a body, strengthen immune and nervous systems. They are made from the high-quality raw material received after processing exotic fruits which grow in the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean region. Therefore, the exotic series of VITA juices preserves 100 % taste of natural fruit. The daily use of VITA juices guarantees health and vivacity for long years. Now you can see how Orhei-Vit

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is able to reach the high quality of its products focusing on the two major areas: the best raw materials and the best equipment and technologies. The strategic potential of the company is made up of two categories of factors. The inner ones that include some innovative exclusive technologies, licenses, unique projects, use of low-cost, but high-quality technologies, transportation networks, skilled personnel (scientists and engineers), effective trainings for personnel, motivation programs, and other resources. The outer factors cover such things as image, brands recognition, the company share on the national market as well as on the foreign ones, big and developed distribution network, contacts with goods and services suppliers, and other outer factors that make the work more efficient. One of the most important inner factors is the management professionalism.

in distant countries such as the United States of America and Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Israel, Baltic countries, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Taiwan. The company is very ambitious and is focused on discovering new markets and countries. In 2010 there are first deliveries to Japan, Ghana and Iraq. The long history behind the company helps the Orhei-Vit management realize and work towards the major goals set ahead of them. These include introduction of new packaging equipment to ensure higher nutrition value, new tastes for juices and baby food, larger customer base and ecologically clean production growth. Orhei-Vit is a great example of the company that knows its past, makes use of its expe-rience and has a vision for its future.  Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

www.transline.md

e-mail: cfm@transline.md

Development dynamics

Though the company controls over 30% of sales of juices and 60% of baby food in Moldova, local sales are much lower than Export sales. With the main production facilities based in Moldova the company sells its products to customers Rail freight transport in the CIS and Europe Brokerage services Warehousing services

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tel.: (+373 22) 576651 (52, 53, 57) tel./fax: (+373 22) 576656 (58) tel.: (+373 22) 636345 tel./fax: (+373 22) 520508 tel.: (+373 22) 833601

Food & Beverage IndustryOrhei-Vit 2011-02-01 11:10:03

S TI CL E AR

A factory of liquid gold

T

here are few things more associated with Spain than its olive oil. This is understandable, as Spain is the world’s number one olive cultivator. Regardless of the quantity of said olives – the variety and standard are utterly superb and that’s what makes the Spanish extra virgin olive oil a definite leader among its competition. Canoliva, Antonio Cano e Hijos, S.A., one of the Spanish most resilient olive producers, invited us to take a closer look at the land of olives and olive oil.

Brief history of the company

The company was founded in 1968 in the area of Luque – a small Spanish town halfway between Cordoba and Granada, in the famous Spanish country of Andalucia. The company beginnings are quite interesting; Mr. Antonio Cano started to produce olive oil from his and his neighbors’ olives during hard times for Spanish agriculture at the end of the sixties. His target was to obtain only the best quality of the products by patiently choosing the best olives and carefully processing them with closest attention to detail. The same guidelines were followed for 42 years of the company history. The current position as one of the major players in the Spanish olive market and high volumes of export sales prove that the firm has chosen the right direction. In 1988 Canoliva changed it’s structure a bit, so that the family of the founder were incorporated in the management process. Thus the company became Antonio Cano e Hijos, S.A. and it remains a family business up till today.

Different grades of olive oil

But one can easily be fooled by olive oil producers as there are many different grades of the liquid and each one offers different levels of oleic acid. An intergovernmental organization has been brought to life to prevent olive oil adulteration. The International Olive Oil Council consists of 23 member states and is based in Madrid. It’s the organization responsible for creating a classification and grading system, which currently is used in all of its member countries.

The lowest grade a bottle of oil can get is refined olive oil, made from virgin olive oils with a high acidity level. Then, there are olive oil and pure olive oil, which in general are a blend of virgin oil and

FACT BOX

The liquid gold

It was ancient Greek Homer, who first described olive oil as “the liquid gold”. Indeed, it seems that there are only advantages coming from involving it in your daily diet. Olive oil is the recommended fat for almost everyone. This is due to the high levels of monounsaturated fats present in the olive oil, which reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. That is however not the only reason why olive oil is gaining more and more popularity each and every year. One can also benefit from replacing traditional saturated fats with olive oil as it’s been proven that it’s also a very good cholesterol regulator. Plus, it’s tastes great.

FULL NAME: ANTONIO CANO E HIJOS SA PRESIDENT: D. Jose Cano Vico OPERATIONS: Production of extra virgin olive oil ESTABLISHED: 1968 EMPLOYEES: 50 - 150 TURNOVER: 200 mln Euro

www.canoliva.com Food & Beverage IndustryCanoliva Księga1.indb 23

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the 20th of November. Its acidity is estimated at less than 0,3%. Then there is El Molino, an olive oil of a slightly fruity taste and acidity less than 0,6%. Biocano on the other hand is made from organic farming and consists also subtle tones of green almonds and apple. Its acidity does not exceed 0,3%. The latest addition to the impressive portfolio of the company is LA Organic, another organic line developed with some regional associates, as well as with Philippe Starck, a worldwide known designer and Michell Roland, a famous wine expert. This sophisticated, top-quality line is designed for the choosiest gourmet cuisine lovers.

How does one make an olive oil?

refined one, and usually lacks a great taste. Next, there is virgin oil with acidity less than 2%. Finally, the very best of olive oils is the extra-virgin olive oil, with the acidity less than 0,8% and an exceptional taste. Canoliva is proud to be producing only the finest extra-virgin olive oils. Note that these regulations only apply for 23 countires – members of the International Olive Oil Council. Some important markets are being flooded with olive oil labeled as extra-virgin with no basis for that grade whatsoever.

For instance, United States of America, number four olive oil consumer worldwide is a victim of such fraud.

Canoliva – among the richest tastes

Olive Oil produced by Canoliva is always of the best quality but is also adjusted to match the Customer’s needs. Thus, the company distinguished three various brands of olive oil, just for domestic purposes. The first one is Canoliva, named after the company was the first brand to hit the markets. It’s one of the first olives processed every season as it’s made between the 20th of October and

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To fully understand total devotion to quality presented at Canoliva’s factory one must comprehend the production process of olive oil. First, the producer has to obtain the olives. In Spain, the harvesting period usually takes plase around November. Traditionally the harvesting is done by hitting the olive tree with long sticks. The olives fall down onto nets spread on the ground beneath the tree. Nowadays it’s more common to do that process by mechanical vibrations. The olives are transported to a factory as fast as possible. There the leaves are removed, the fruits are washed and ground into a paste. The paste is later being separated from the liquid, which consists of olive oil and juice. This process was traditionally done with a mechanical press, but now it’s more popular to use a centrifuge. It takes approximately an hour for the oil and the juice to separate, but some processing plants use additional, vertical centrifuge to speed up the process.

The production process at the facility

Antonio Cano has a large number of olive suppliers in the area of Sierra Subbetica, mountain national park near Cor-

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doba. These lands have been famous for years for its olive plantations. People at Canoliva are known to be very choosy when it comes to choosing its suppliers, picking only the best harvesters of such subspecies as picuda, hojiblanca, picual or lechin. These best olives available come from five different places in Andalucia and are transported to a strategically placed processing facility near Luque. There, the olive oil is being made with a state of the art equipment and top notch personnel. The capacity of the production process equals 650 tones of olives per diem, which produces 120 tones of olive oil. On average, the company produces 6 thousands tones of extra virgin olive oil annualy.

Certifications and awards

Canoliva is also famous for its ecological approach to production. Its processing facility is 100% environmental friendly, while a significant percentage of produced olive oil is labeled as ecological.

This resulted in receiving an ISO:14001 certification for environmental friendly approach to business. This is however not the only certification that the company can be proud of. Granted by the prestigious Bureau Veritas, an ISO:9001 has been received as an acknowledgement for the firm’s total devotion to quality. Canoliva has also obtained the BRC / IFS Certification, which guarantees the production procedure of its Ectra Virgin Olive Oils. Among numerous awards that can be found in the enterprise’s col-

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lection one may find interesting those awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture; Canoliva was named the Best Alimentary Company of Spain in 2002 and Best Organic Producer of Spain in 2005. Not to mention numerous olive oil festivals awards.

Reasons of success

This enormous success couldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the company’s total attention to Customers’ needs. According to Canoliva’s philosophy – the Customer is always closest to the market.

As a matter of fact, he creates the market, hence the firm’s offer must always be adjusted to what he demands. This model has been pursued for years and may very well be one of the reasons why in such difficult times as these Canoliva is constantly increasing its sales volume. These days new challenges rise for every company – for Antonio Cano and his sons it is to find their place on new, emerging markets such as China or South America. But the core of their business is to convince the people that olive oil is indeed the liquid gold, both healthy and rich in taste.  Written by Łukasz Światowiec

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S TI CL E AR

Young, dynamic, determined

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he financial crisis has turned upside down the relations between enterprises, representing both manufacturing and service industries and their environment, particularly in relation to the Consumer purchasing decisions. Time of great prosperity, an endless spiral of consumption has passed forever, and Customers began to pay closer attention on the products they were choosing. Once again, even among the citizens of developed countries, the main incentive to purchase the product was the relation between its price and quality. This has forced many companies to change strategies. Some of them did not cope in the new reality, others have changed their area of business activity or extended into new sectors. But there are those companies that survived the financial crisis peacefully, because they enjoyed the trust of Consumers, offered the highest quality at a competitive price, knew how to receive market signals correctly and draw appropriate conclusions from them. Even despite the high level of competitiveness in the industry, were able not only to preserve their strong position, but even strenghtened. One of such companies is Eurocast Sp. z o.o. - a company that knows how to achieve success.

The History of the Company

Eurocast Sp. z o.o. was founded in 2002, as a twin – company of Europlastik Sp. z o.o. - an organization established by Italian owners, which area of activity was the process of metallization and distribution of films and paper. After the merger of two firms in 2007, the new company retained the name Eurocast, while Europlastik disappeared from the map of Polish enterpreneurs. Ten years of experience of the company has, however, remained, particularly in regard to the network of sales representatives, which has been built by Europlastik during a decade of its activity on the Polish market.

In combination with years of experience in imlementing the latest technologies in production and modern procedures of business management the capital of the Italian investor, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. has grown rapidly in a very short time, which resulted in the largest investment in the company’s history, in 2008: a new production hall has been built, modern machinery for the production of blown PE film and another production line for the extrusion of CPP film were bought, which has greatly increased the range of the company’s products, thanks to which Eurocast Sp. z o.o. became one of Europe’s biggest experts in the field of manufacturing and metallization of materials for the production of packagings.

Nowadays, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. consistenly implements the strategic plan of development, reaching up to 2015, its products reach the markets of all EU members, and even North Africa. Strzebielino near Wejherowo in the region of Pomerania becomes European capital city of packaging industry, let us therefore

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analyze in detail the most important elements of the company’s policy, through it has achieved success on the difficult and demanding packaging market.

First of all: the people.

Technology just after.

Every modern organization is aware of the fact that its value in the first place depends on the level of Customers’ trust. To gain the trust of Recipients, par-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: EUROCAST Sp. z o.o.

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Marek Zieliński OPERATIONS: Production of metalizing plastic films for goods contact ESTABLISHED: 1997 EMPLOYEES: 165 TURNOVER: about 100 mln PLN

www.eurocast.com.pl

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ticurarly at such a difficult market as the market of packagings, is Eurocast’s key objective and teh reason for the greatest satisfaction. Eurocast Sp. z o.o. is able convince Consumers to itself, thanks to the highest quality of offered products, which is the result of the effective work of the company’s Employees. Eurocast’s managers believe that a high level of effectiveness depends largely on the positive atmosphere in the company. Therefore, 165 Employees – the company’s greatest potential – can count on the full safety of working conditions, including non – financial dimension: the firm regularly organizes integratoin events for its Employees, implements an extensive training program, through which Employees can develop their competence, both in terms of hard and soft skills.

The company also supports various initiativies of the Employees, in all areas of business activity. Eurocast Sp. z o.o. understands that the happiness of Employees depends not only on wages paid timely, and therefore implements solutions that are designed to achieve a very high overall level of job satisfaction. Perfectly prepared for their tasks Employees, in return work effectively, thanks to which Eurocast’s products may conquer new markets. Employees, though most important, would not be able to do much, even under the best possible HR management policy, if the had no support in modern technology. And in this aspect of activity, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. is really something to be proud of. Already in 2002, the organization, as the first in Poland, has purchased a production line for the extrusion of CPP film, which, just after four years of exploatation, has

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been replaced with the more advanced one. With the high performance of specialized equipment, implementation of the most advanced technology and the introduction of full computerization of production processes, Eurocast Sp. o.o. offers the most extensive product range in the industry. The company sets the trends in the packaging market in Poland and Europe, as evidenced by ongoing investment in the production of APET and PE/EVOH/PE films – the most technologically advanced products of the company, which are the future of the industry, while in Poland still gaining in popularity. At the moment, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. has four modern production lines, manufacturing different types of film with the method of extrusion, and its own research laboratory, controlling the quality of products and production processes 24 hours a day. Thanks to such a technological backup, the organization has great great perspectives for the future, especially because it does not stops developing, but implements a plan of investment and production for the next five years: the company wants to double the production capacity of APET film, greatly reduce manufacturing costs and implement solutions designed to reduce the cost of raw materials. The quality and reliability of the company products is the most important argument, encouraging Consumers to choose Eurocast’s films, however, the are much more factors, affecting the choice of a particualr product by the Consumer. One of them is the company’s image. Eurocast Sp. z o.o. is characterized with a high level of business acumen and therefore makes every effort to ensure that the

Manufacturing-Journal | 27 | 2011-02-01 11:10:25

organization’s development policy was a green policy as well. The company has introduced very strict procedures for the recycling of wastes. One should also pay attention to the importance of the issue of keeping in touch with Customer. Eurocast Sp. z o.o depends the direction of the company’s development on the information received from its Custumers, adjusts each order to their individual needs, constantly broadens the range of products and is characterized with professional procedures in the field of Customer service. Of course, maintaining the highest quality of offereed products and services is guarded by prestigious certificates, obtained by the company, including BRC Global Standard for Food – a certificate established to ensure suppliers’ compliance with the requirements and the ability of traders to quarantee the quality and safety of the food

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products they sale. The company has also implemented a HACCP system components, and since the 5th of April 2007, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. holds the “Food Safety Management System”, in accordance with the ISO 22000:2005 standard, certified by DNV Certification B.V. Thanks to the factors mentioned above, the company’s Customers can be sure that not only Eurocast’s products maintain the highest quality, but they have also a strong basis to locate their trust in the organization, knowing that Eurocast Sp. z o.o. is a rapidly growing company with creative ideas for the development, taking care of the Consumers’ well – being.

velopment plan based on maintaining very good relations with business customers, is the best possible policy than one could think of. The new investments allow to strenghten the company’s competitive position in the packaging market, constantly extended range of products and services guarantees expansion in the new markets and, soon perhaps, Eurocast Sp. z o.o. will be present worldwide. The high level of business acumen in the context of efforts to build the responsible and reliable image, seems to augur well for the future, especially because of the company’s environmental policy. The mixture of Italian experience in the implementation of procedures for production management and “know – how”, with Polish enterpreneurship, talent and determination, gives excellent results. Analyzing the activity of Eurocast Sp. z o.o., we can say with full responsibility that, although relatively young, the company may be put at as a model for other organizations in Poland, operating not only in the packaging industry.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Summary

Eurocast Sp. z o.o. has undoubtedly excellent prospects for development.

Consistently implemented business de-

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Supplier profile Księga1.indb 29

Manufacturing-Journal | 29 | 2011-02-01 11:10:28

S TI CL E AR

They take care of natural beauty

S

ometimes we wish we could stop time, but the harsh reality is we can’t. But whether you are 20, 40 or 60 years old, you can still make the best of what nature gave to you and nourish it. What can help you? Of course products manufactured specifically for women needs and focused on woman’s health.

Harper Hygienics S.A., a Poland- based company, is principally engaged in creating solutions to improve woman’s lives now and in the future. Their values shape their strategy, product development, Customer service. Harper Hygienics offers convenient solutions for the modern, busy women. Their products have introduced radical change to feminine hygiene and woman’s health. Why? Because Cleanic, understands you like a woman.

Cleanic starts in the world of cotton

Since 1991, Harper Hygienics S.A. has grown into the Polish leading manufacturer of wet wipes, facial cleansing cosmetic pads and cotton buds.

In 2005, they were based in a modern factory and warehouse, covering 2.5 hectares, in Mińsk Mazowiecki (about 50 km east of Warsaw). Clean factory workspaces, modern machinery and high quality equipment underpin the exacting standards of their operation.

Harper Hygienics offers a wide range of products for women, babies and our home but we should remember that the history of their most important brand – Cleanic starts in the world of cotton.

Certainly we use cotton pads every day for our skin care and cosmetic beauty.

That is why those products should be

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soft, pure and versatile. Harper Hygienics manufactures products shaped and transformed into a reliable source of personal care. They procure the best cotton available on the world’s market in order to produce the most delicate and user-friendly cosmetic pads and buds. In the year 2002, Harper Hygienics joined the International Gdynia Cotton Association and since then their products have been certified and labeled as 100% pure cotton. They also produce cosmetics and beauty wipes, but they do more than simply manufacture and distribute product. The goal of each Customer relationship is to build brands trusted for both quality and value. Harper Higienics has led the explosive growth of the wet wipe industry by consistently improving the efficiency with which they manufacture them. Customers know that they can count on them for continuing category leadership. Driven by commitment to their Customers, their suppliers and their employees, Harper Hygienics continues to produce innovation in product line and incremental improvement of their manufacturing processes.

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Harper Hygienics S.A. PRESIDENT: Robert Neymann OPERATIONS: Manufacturer of cosmetics and hygienic products ESTABLISHED: 1991 EMPLOYEES: about 500 INCOME: about 174 mln PLN (2009)

www.cleanic.pl

Cosmetic IndustryHarper Hygienics 2011-02-01 11:10:34

They strive to supply quality products at price-points that drive usage in today’s market. As they continue to lead the way in the competitive and expanding wet wipes business, they look forward to building on their long record of success.

assured. They are as careful in the production of our products as you are in the care of your child’s sensitive and delicate skin. Consequently, the Company has received the approval of ‘The Children’s Memorial Health Institute’, which rigorously tests all children’s products. Additionally, all their products are tested and approved by The National Institute of Hygiene (Państwowy Zakład Higieny).

They care about you and your home

Today a broad range of over 40 products are offered under the Cleanic brand, including specifically products for facial cleansing, child skin care and nourishment and intimate hygiene. The Company is also involved in the production of private label brands for retail chains.

Whole products are designed to meet the demanding requirements of today’s value conscious Consumer. Nowadays, lifestyles are changing rapidly, so companies are trying to predict their customers’ needs, offering them safe, modern and invaluable products at reasonable prices. Modern women live faster and more actively, at the same time searching for comfortable solutions which assure comfort and safe skin maintenance.

The beauty product offerings at Harper Hygienics range from make-up remover and cleansing wipes to cotton buds.

•

Whether skin is normal, dry, oily, or sensitive, every Consumer can find that Harper’s diverse product line addresses their specific beauty care needs. In addition to catering to all skin types, Harper Hygienics beauty wipes solve some of the most difficult problems in any daily skin care regimen. Both deep-cleansing and moisturizing, their wipes provide the utmost comfort, convenience, quality, and value to the savvy beauty care Consumer. Harper Hygienics beauty products are as versatile in their packaging as they are in the range of product offerings. Many of their facial products include a moisture lock lid which keeps the wipes moist and ready to use. This Company has also contributed to dynamic development of the most modern segment of ladies intimate wet wipes, in which they are currently taking position of an unquestionable leader.

•

Cleanic Kindii Dzidziuś is a special line developed for babies. These products, both safe and reliable, help to keep the little ones clean and healthy, and Mum and Dad re-

•

Their products provide the optimal cleaning solution in a wide range of applications. For instance Harper Hygienics household wipes „Presto” are quick, convenient way to clean and sanitize home. They manufacture products to fill almost every household surface need and continue to deliver the highest quality at the best possible value. Extensive packaging options offer convenient dispensing and both economic and environmental advantages.

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Their quality your safety

Harper Hygienics, a manufacturer of popular cosmetics and hygiene products, is attracting more and more clients abroad. Their products and brands are well-known not only in Poland, but in other countries, such as Russia, Rumania, and the Ukraine, amongst others, where they have successfully sold their products for many years. Harper Hygienics expands its activity on foreign markets and plans further development both in respect of geographical coverage and the portfolio of products. The high recognition of the Cleanic brand provides it with potential to launch new products (in the completely new segments of the cosmetic-hygienic market as well) and to build the position of the expert in skin care.

This position has been achieved thanks to their Customers, who trust their products and appreciate their endeavour to satisfy their changing and growing requirements. In 2004, Enterprise Investors (an investment fund) became the majority shareholder in Harper Hygienics, instigating further investment in state-of-the-art equipment and extension of production lines. Their unique products, market position and product awards (won in competition against well-

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known international companies) are due to our 500 members of staff, all them highly qualified and fully committed to their work and the success of Harper Hygienics. Over the course of company’s history, Harper Hygienics has always prided themselves on being a good corporate citizen. As a Company, they have an open-door communication policy that emphasizes transparency. Their aim is to build the Company ethically, to recognize the need to protect the environment, to follow health and safety regulations, and to guarantee the high quality of whole products. That is why the most important thing for them is to maintain the highest standards during every stage of the production process.

In the near future, they will be receiving the ISO 9000-2001, confirming the high quality of their products.  Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

Cosmetic IndustryHarper Hygienics 2011-02-01 11:10:49

S TI CL E AR

Beautiful business

B

ELITA and VITEX are two Belarussian partner companies that work for a common goal. This biggest Belarussian cosmetics producer is an example of a successful business operating for over 20 years at Belarussian and global market. The company covers the whole production cycle of cosmetics – from developing the unique recipes to producing the packaging and distributing through its own well-developed network in Belarus and abroad.

The Milestones

The idea of developing a cosmetics business in Belarus on the basis of a small Belbytkomplekt enterprise came for the very first time in 1988.

General director The idea seemed Viktor Tereshenko great, but the resources to make it a reality were really limited (no experience in leading joint venture company, no legislative basis, no similar enterprises). Nevertheless, the inspired enthusiasts helped to make the first steps. This idea even attracted a foreign partner from Italy, and in 1989 Soviet-Italian BELITA company was registered in the USSR Ministry of Finances with Belbytkomplekt (Belarus) and GVF (Italian cosmetics company) as founders. Thus, in 1989 JSC BELITA became the third company with foreign investment in Belarus, and in 1990 the first products were made. The second step was to start the production, and it wasn’t an easy step either. The premises available were not suitable for the production of cosmetics and needed lots of reconstruction. The Belarussian and Italian designers had a lot of work to do. In the meanwhile, laboratory staff was recruited and trained in Italy. In six months the production building was finished and the production started with just six products, most of which were shampoos with different kinds of herbs (nettle, balm, calamus, sage) and Revivor hair balm, which is still produced and very popular). Another important step in the company history was establishing of its own retail chain. The first brand store - The World Of BELITA-VITEX Cosmetics - was opened in Vitebsk in 1993.

This was the start of the retail chain all

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over Belarus. Then, in 1995, the production of VITEX brand cosmetics started, and in 1997 over 1 million of packages were produced under the VITEX and BELITA brands monthly. 1998 marks the point when the cosmetics was first sold on the US market. All the work and efforts brought the company to the point, when in 2002 the company’s own trade network was perfectly tuned, and the dealer network was established with the neighbouring countries (Moldova, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Baltic region). Regional offices had been opened in Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Troitsk, Vilnius, Daugavpils, and Tallinn. It was also a time for reconstruction. The improved technical capacity enabled the company to

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Belita Vitex PRESIDENT: Viktor Tereshenko OPERATIONS: Cosmetics industry ESTABLISHED: 1989 EMPLOYEES: 1000

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produce by 20-30 per cent more and to widen the product range by 1/3. Special workshops were carried out in regional offices with the participation of the executives and leading specialists of the BELITA-VITEX scientific center. Today the partner companies, VITEX CJSC and BELITA joint venture, are on the same level with other industrial giants of the Republic of Belarus and are a real competition to foreign brands.

brand retail stores and sections in malls.

Creating a far-reaching trade network was crucial for the company to sell their cosmetics. Well-organized trade network allows to ship the products right to the customers. That’s why the company created a trade network not only in Belarus, but in all regions of Russia and Ukraine, Baltic countries, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Turkmenistan. The products are shipped to the USA, Germany,

Ingredients of Success

Producing beauty products, it is important to know the right ingredients to make sure they will bring beauty. The same goes for running business - knowing the right ingredients for your field makes success happen more easily. One of such ingredients for BELITA-VITEX is the group of specialists who create and improve its cosmetics. It is their work that provides the quality, which is highly approved by the buyers. The scientific coordination center created through merging of BELITA Joint Venture chemical-biological laboratory and VITEX CJSC testing laboratory took the company up to a new level. High potential of staff including PhD’s allowed to create innovative beauty products of the highest quality. The center cooperates with similar centers in Europe and with all global producers of ingredients for cosmetics.

Another key factor of success is that the company covers the whole production and distribution cycle, which starts from working out a unique recipe for the cosmetics and then goes to designing the package, producing the cosmetics, and distributing them via its own network of

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Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. All of that wouldn’t be possible without the most up-to-date production equipment that you won’t find on many similar specialized factories in other countries.

Special attention is paid to creating modern and convenient packaging new designs and positioning methods are being searched for. The products quality stands up to the highest global standards due to use of the best and the most expensive ingredients of the highest quality. All of the things mentioned above are the ones that not every cosmetics producer can afford.

Quality is Guaranteed

The fact that BELITA-VITEX cosmetics is natural and ecologically clean is guar-

Cosmetics IndustryBelita-Vitex 2011-02-01 11:11:01

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We use only suppliers and producers who meet our high environmental and quality assurance standards. Close cooperation with these puts us in a excellent position to respond swiftly to changes in the market: Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry - surfactants, polymers, disinfections; Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals - chelates; Appeartex - Disinfectants; APF Aromes & Parfums - perfumes; Axcentive - Disinfectants; Basildon Chemicals - silicones; Giovanni Bozzetto - Textile auxiliaries, Sequestering agents; Hansa Chemie - surfactants; PQ Europe - silicates; Stepan Europe - surfactants; Kalichem Italia - surfactants based on olive oil; Industrial Quimica Lasem - Emollients, emulsifiers; Roquette Freres - sorbitol, pharmaceutical products; LEUNA-TENSIDE - fatty alcohols; SIP - white and minerals oils

companies profiles available to read on our website

AmphoChem offers a local service and has a local warehouse.

AmphoChem has its headquarters in Hisings Backa (Gothenburg), Sweden JLLC «AmphoChem» | Belarus, 220004 Minsk | Pobeditelej av. 5, off.307,302,407а Теl: + 375 17 306 46 05; + 375 17 211 05 39; + 375 17 203 98 67; Теl./Fax: + 375 17 306 04 70 e-mail: belarus@amphochem.com www.amphochem.com

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Cosmetics IndustryBelita-Vitex Księga1.indb 35

info@z-media.pl 0048 12 4337117 0048 12 4337116

Manufacturing-Journal | 35 | 2011-02-01 11:11:03

anteed and certified. The agricultural branch of the company cultivates plants and produces over a hundred of essences. These organic materials are used in the production process. The companies carry out scientific researches all the time, use new materials on the market of perfume-cosmetics ingredients, improve the quality and the look of the products. The company takes the products quality very seriously. Quality management system, environmental management system, and safety management system, all of which correspond to ISO international standards (9001, ISO 14001 и OHSAS 18001), function at the plants and factories. All of the products are medically tested in laboratories, hygienically rated, and certified, being completely safe for usage. Before the products can be offered to the customers they have to go through over 20 tests to make sure that all of the formulas do what they were intended for and meet the highest international requirements. The major fields of the tests cover the following issues: the cleanness of the original ingredients, safety and microbiological cleanness, expire date and effect length, clinical and dermatological testing. No wonder so many people have chosen BELITA-VITEX products, as the power is provided by nature itself filling hair and skin with the energy and beauty attacked by stresses of our time.

Moreover, BELITA-VITEX is also an environmentally-friendly company. Examples of that is the circulation water supply system and modern disposal system installed on the plants. Every year the company schedules measures on system improvement and technical means of environment protection.

Products of Today and Tomorrow

BELITA-VITEX portfolio comprises over 100 brands, 110 lines and 600 names of cosmetics produced from various natural components. It can be said without a doubt, that these two companies laid the foundation of the Belarussian cosmetics industry. The products range is so big that it covers a great number of needs and groups of people. They include professional cosmetics for salons and studios, hair, body, face, hands and feet care series, cosmetics lines for men, anti-age series, baby and children series, special lines for teens, make-up lines, household cleaning products, teeth and mouth lines. The product range is devel-

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oped all the time: it is widened by 1520% every year due to the new trends in modern life, which require more effective cosmetics. Production and gaining the share on professional cosmetics market is one of the goals for the future. The company’s hair products are known for their quality because those were the first lines produced. Today this branch of products has everything that may be needed for everyday or professional use. As to the plans, a complete SPA-program based on the ocean weeds for body care products is going to be produced. As to the face products, new lines of cosmetics will be designed using di- and tripeptids, red caviar, royal jelly, hyaluronic acid. These lines will include the concentrates and serosities for face in the form of ampuls which are required today for the prolonged effect. New anti-aging systems are being developed.

In addition, strikingly new ingredients against acne, pigments, cuperose, dark circles under eyes, and for hair and head skin treatment are searched for. One of the nearest tasks before the company is to enlarge the range and alternate the cosmetics offered to men, as young men tend to take care about their look more than ever. All of the activity of the company is focused on meeting all of the requirements and expectations of its customers, raising competitiveness through high quality, attractive packaging and reasonable prices. Flexible structure, wide product range, attractive terms of shipment and reliable quality made the company highly recognizable in Belarus. The company is a national pride of Belarussian economy. Every Belarussian citizen for sure uses Belita-Vitex products - and this proves high populatiry of Belita-Vitex products. All efforts are targeted at improving customers’ life in many countries of the world and making people look beautiful.  Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

Cosmetics IndustryBelita-Vitex 2011-02-01 11:11:08

S TI CL E AR

Best perfumes and cosmetic products

J

SC Viorica-Cosmetic is a cosmetic company based in Moldavia. The company has been on the market for over 20 years and in this short time it managed to win the hearts of consumers and received numerous awards for overall achievement and quality.

The beginnings

JSC VioricaCosmetic was founded in 1989 as one of the last companies established in the former USSR. The company was modeled General Manager on French Dior.

Ludmila Negruta From the very start, the company has been producing a wide variety of cosmetic products and perfumes. Inspired by mother nature and her generous gifts, the products of JSC Viorica-Cosmetic are unique and attractive.

Strategic advantages

The main asset of the company are the employees and their creative potential.

Each and every cosmetic product sees the world thanks to the hard work of every person employed at JSC VioricaCosmetic. Awareness and understanding of the company’s strategy by each member of staff, their involvement in the innovation process as well as their ability to adapt to changes allow continuous growth. In order to achieve the finest results it is fundamental not to stop developing new products and perfecting the existing ones. Having well qualified and enthusiastic staff allows to achieve both of those goals. The company uses raw materials and components produced by the most famous manufacturers of Great Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and other countries in the production of its cosmetic products. That is why the products of JSC Viorica-Cosmetic meet the needs of the most sophisticated consumers. It is important to mention that the company produces perfumes and cosmetics of the highest quality thanks to the use

of natural components. The motto of the company is “To ensure the optimal price-quality ratio.” Therefore, the company guarantees competitive prices on all products. Initially, the fragrances for Viorica-Cosmetic were developed in a perfume laboratory in Moscow. Many renowned perfumers contributed to the creation of the first fragrances. Later on, the specialists at JSCViorica-Cosmetic, relying on their own research and experience, have begun to develop more and more of new types of perfume and cosmetic products. The product range has been constantly growing. Today it includes over 240 items. The perfumers and cosmetic specialists draw on the market research in order to meet the consumer demand. The company does not neglect its traditions, therefore

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: JSC Viorica-Cosmetic GENERAL MANAGER: Ludmila Negruta OPERATIONS: Cosmetics Industry ESTABLISHED: 1989 EMPLOYEES: 140 people

www.viorica-cosmetic.com

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many products, first produces in the Soviet era, are still produced by JSC VioricaCosmetic. However, the products are not entirely the same. Thanks to technological advancements the composition of products has been improved and they are manufactured with the use of modern equipment and in accordance with the requirements of modern market.

Product portfolio

At present, the product range consists of male and female perfumes and eau de toilettes, creams, gels, shampoos, soaps, etc.The company’s intention is to bring its products to the new level.

In 2008 the company has launched two completely new lines of cosmetic products – VioCelle and Cosmeplant. These new products pleasantly surprised the consumers by combination of valuable and healthy natural ingredients, attractive design and reasonable prices. At the same time the Flovio Spa line had been updated. It includes hair, face, body and hands care products. All products from this line are made with the use of grape-seed oil, which contains the most powerful antioxidant known to science. But high-class Flovio Spa line is not only a revitalizing elixir for the skin, it is yet another proof that JSC Viorica-Cosmetic has entered into the next stage of its development. And this new stage is characterized by

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new ambitious projects and innovative vision of management and quality. The Cosmeplant line includes hair and body care products. The unique formulas of Cosmeplant products contain natural herbal extracts and providing excellent care for even the most sensitive hair and skin. The most outstanding among the new perfume lines is VioCelle line. It has been developed in collaboration with the British company CPL Aromas. The issue of product quality are taken very seriously by the company. In the laboratory of Viorica-Cosmetic, the cleanness of raw materials entering the facility, as well as the quality of the finished product are monitored closely. The laboratory is accredited to conduct analyses and control quality of cosmetics produced in the country and of imported cosmetic products. All products of VioricaCosmetic had been clinically tested and approved by the Ministries of Health of Moldova, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.

The consumer can be sure to receive exclusive, high-quality and safe products.

Business goals and achievements

The main business goal of the company is to achieve utmost consumer satisfaction by providing high quality perfume and cosmetic products with natural ingredients. JSC VIorica-Cosmetic also strives to guarantee optimal working conditions for employees, to ensure use of modern equipment and to improve the overall performance of the company. It is assumed that the best perfumes and cosmetics are produced in France, which has been developing its cosmetic industry for over 300 years. Keeping this

Cosmetics IndustryViorica-Cosmetic 2011-02-01 11:11:15

in mind, JSC Viorica-Cosmetic intends to prove that perfection can be attained at a shorter period of time. In the following years, the company is planning to delight its customers with innovative skin and body care products, produced from unique ingredients and according to the latest developments in the cosmetic industry. The production strategy is based on the results of numerous consumer surveys and marketing research. The motto of the company is “Produce what sells!” Constant and ever-increasing control over product quality, especially due to the introduction of quality management system ISO 9001:2000, as well as continuous modernization of product range, improvement of formulas and designs will ensure the strong position of the company on the domestic and external markets. At the moment, major foreign partners of JSC Viorica-Cosmetic are Germany, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. Over 30% of products are exported to those countries.

The company plans to establish new business connections in Europe and in the CIS. The company is one of the major players of cosmetic industry on the domestic market. JSC Viorica-Cosmetic has established a network of chain stores across the country, it also cooperates with authorized distributors. In order to ensure dynamic and stable development, the company has to reinveste its profits. That is why the profit made in the last years has been invested in modernization of equipment and technology, as well as in reconstruction of production facilities and laboratories. JSC VioricaCosmetic received various awards from

local authorities and at prestigious international exhibitions. For achievements in the field of production management, quality improvement and introduction of new technologies, as well as for high professionalism, JSC Viorica-Cosmetic was awarded the prestigious Euromarket Award by the European Marketing Research Center in Brussels. For dynamic development and implementation of new projects, the company was awarded the Golden Medal and certificate from the French Society for Promotion of Local Manufacturers. JSC VioricaCosmetic was awarded the main prize, Golden Mercury, and two gold medals in the national contest Brand of the Year. The company received the highest award - the State Prize of the first degree - for achievement in the field of quality.

In 2008, JSC Viorica-Cosmetic was recognized the leader of the domestic production of perfumes and cosmetics, and won second place for the best cosmetics manufacturer according to consumer vote. That same year, the company ensured 30th place in the ranking of Top 50 brands of Moldova, and 2nd place in the ranking of Top 10 brands of cosmetic industry. The company has gained leading position among the national cosmetic brands.  Written by Elena Rozhko

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S TI CL E AR

Serious taking care of your health

T

here are various ways to success. Some get right there in a short period of time, while others carefully take step by step reaching the goal. JSC “Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov” was founded quite a while ago, and looking back at its history will help see the steps it took to reach its current position on the market. It is a modern Belarus-based dynamically developing pharmaceutical factory with new technology and high quality production. It is the biggest pharmaceutical enterprise in the Republic of Belarus.

The core business of enterprise includes production of injection preparations in ampoules and sterile powder antibiotic vials; tablet producGeneral director tion; production Alexander Fando of liquid phytochemical preparations and soft medical preparations; production of drugs in hard gelatinous capsules; production of original preparations based on oxidized cellulose.

Brief overview

The company was founded in Borisov, Belarus in 1965 and gradually became the leader on the healthcare products market of Belarus. Originally the company employed 250 people who were engaged in producing infusions, unctures, oils, and pills. But today the numbers are totally different from what they were.

We are talking about 10 hectares of production area, over 300 technologies, and over 2300 skilled workers and specialists. The plant offers about 200 healthcare products names of 11 pharmacological groups on a regular basis. Yet, the number keeps growing to reach further heights. Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov produces healthcare products of all forms and kinds in demand nowadays. One of the major activity fields of the plant is the production of not less than 10 import substitution products (generics) per year. Working on the generics production is a laborand time-consuming process that takes up to 2,5 years of work. But it has been proven by time and experience that

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these products are the most popular and demanded on the healthcare market - this makes perfect sense since the quality is the same as that of the imported products, but the prices are attractive for the consumers with different financial abilities. The unique combined products with hemostatic and vulnerary properties have a special place in the plant’s products portfolio. They include FERANTSEL tissues, OKSITSELANIM tissues, PROTSELAN tissues, LINKOTSEL uncture, PROTSELAN and others.

Improvement is an on-going process

The production is being constantly improved with the usage of progressive

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: “Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov” JSC GENERAL DIRECTOR: Alexander Fando OPERATIONS: Production and sale of medical drugs ESTABLISHED: 1965 EMPLOYEES: 2340 people TURNOVER: 65 mln USD

www.borimed.com

Pharmaceutical industryBorimed 2011-02-01 11:11:25

technologies. Reconstruction and technical rehabilitation of all production areas are being carried out all the time.

The plant has started a full-scale program of rehabilitation and modernization in the 80-s. A new pill section was put into operation in 1985. This section was expanded in 2000 to increase the production capacity by 40%. Today the section produces 210 mn packages per year. Ampoule production was put into operation in 1991, producing 360 mn ampoules. The production of injection antibiotics in extremely clean conditions was launched in 1995 producing 20 mn of bottles per year. And in 1997 the plant produced 1 mn of capsule medicines packages per year. 2003 was the year of reconstruction of the section for the production of unctures in tubes. 2008 and 2009 were the years of implementing a number of technical renovations: coating machine with perforated basket СМ-150 that allowed to increase the range and the volume of the production of pills with enteric coating; laboratory coating machine CM-10 allows to optimize the technological processes of pills covering as well as to produce small series of new products; vacuum station provided the section with vacuum impressively decreasing the power consumption (electricity, water); offset printer Heidelberger allowed to increase the range of printed materials for the main production; compression machine Sejong MRC-45 allowed to increase the range and the volume of the production of pills; sticky label applying machine allowed to improve the

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outward appearance of the bottles with infusions and to increase the competitive ability of the products; the NORDEN line of packing unctures into tubes and packaging tubes into boxes increases the range and the volume of the manufactured products; Dividela line of packaging the ampoules and bottles into a cardboard packing increases not only the range and the volume of the manufactured products, but also the competitive ability of the products on home and foreign markets. These are just few examples of the new equipment being implemented in the production process.

Moreover, there is a quality unit working on the plant providing the control over the quality of the products according to the requirements of the corresponding GMP production practice and ISO standards. This unit consists of two departments. One of them is responsible for providing the quality of the products, and the other one is responsible for the quality control. Quality control department includes analytical and microbiological laboratories where specialists provide control over all stages of production. The laboratories are accredited as technically competitive according to the international standards as well as they are equipped with the newest analytical equipment of the leading world’s brands. The control is being carried out with the help of modern testing methods, such as spectral analysis, highly effective liquid and gas chromatography, finding bacterial endotoxins. Testing equipment is being constantly renewed.

These aspects show that the plant ad-

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ministration is interested in offering the products of high quality in every way.

The plant’s striving for the best results were also objectively noticed by the society. For example, Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov was a winner at the Best Exporter 2008 contest in oil-refining, chemical, and petrochemical industry category. Other countries opened their markets for Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov products, thus proving the high quality of produced medicines. Big amounts of the plant’s products are being shipped to all countries of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and Baltic countries and the United States of America. Going even further to other foreign markets is one of the plant’s major policies. The target markets are Western and Eastern European countries. The plant has serious chances to succeed in that task since over a third of the products are produced according to the GMP standards. Things like great reputation on the home market, modern technologies usage, and environment-friendly production contribute to the development of cooperation with foreign companies.

The only in the CIS kidney machines and blood transfusion systems producing

company was founded by Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov together with German concern Fresenius AG in 1992. Another useful cooperation for the plant is with the group of companies Aktavis. The cooperation resulted in the production and promotion on the home market of Fesam, which is a highly effective medicine that stimu-

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lates blood circulation in brains. New immune stimulating coneflower-based product ESTIPHAN was developed together with the research institute. And cooperation with Vitebsk State Medical University resulted in the production of bandaging products like KOMBIKSIN and DIOCEPT in the form of tissues saturated with medical substances of dioksidin and trypsin. The clinical tests proved that the bandaging products of the plant are highly effective and speed up the healing process by 2-3 times. The plants products is presented on different kinds of specialized republican and international exhibitions every year.

Numbers don’t lie

A little bit of statistics will help to see a bigger picture, which in its turn will help have a truer view of the company. For example, the volume of output in actual prices was 65 mn USD. 2010 is expected to have that figure raised to 73 mn USD. As to the export of the plant’s products, 35, 6 mn USD would be the number to describe the amount of the products exported in 2009. The company is in the process of starting the investment project with approximate total cost of 40 mn USD. The construction of the new tablet plant is expected to begin in years 2010-2013 starting the production in 2013 and reaching the project production capacity by 2014. Currently “Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov” JSC is looking for an interested investor to implement this project.

Among the certificates of Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov the following can be mentioned: ecological certificate of the correspondence to the requirements of the standards STB ISO 14001-2005, the certificate of the correspondence of the safety, development, production and storage management to the requirements of STB 18001-2005 (OHSAS 18001:1999). Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov is an example of a confident walk to success reaching new goals, becoming better along the way and finding new peaks to reach.  Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

Pharmaceutical industryBorimed 2011-02-01 11:11:36

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Providing safety and giving access to the best healthcare products

P

harmaceutics is the profession that links our desire of being health with the field of chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs.

The word pharmaceutics derives from the Greek ph-ar-maki which means: who provides a safety. Providing safety and giving access to the best healthcare products to everyone, Spanish pharmaceuticals company, Faes Farma meets their commitments dealing mainly with the manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products (prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and skin-care treatments) and raw-materials for pharmaceutical use.

The research oriented Company

Faes Farma, founded in 1933, is a publicly traded Spanish pharmaceutical company, listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange (FAE), with market operations in Spain and Portugal and with presence in more than 60 countries. Faes Farma is a research oriented company that develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs, OTC products and raw material Over three-fourths of century, Faes Farma, in a cogent, strategic expansion process, has added its current subsidiaries: Iquinosa Farma and Laboratorios Lazlo Internacional, both located in Madrid, Laboratorios Vitoria in Lisbon, and Ingaso, a facility oriented to the animal health, based in Rioja, all create an operational, sound pharmaceuticals group. With near 800 people working in the Iberian Peninsula, the Faes Group has its three Manufacturing Plants, where various business opportunities are analyzed. Faes Farma has been doing a great effort to strengthen its product portfolio and commercial activity through a strategy of acquisitions, licensing and distribution agreements.

For the last 20 years, Faes Farma has had a long track record of commercial agreements with corporations such as SanofiAventis, GSK, Lilly, Merck KgaA, Tillotts, Italfármaco, Roche, MSD, etc. At present, Faes Farma is seeking collaborative opportunities in the fields of Bone and Metabolism, GI, Respiratory CNS, CVS and Gynaecology .

The Company snapshot

There are three manufacturing facilities (Bilbao 11452 square meters, Rioja 4000 square meters, Lisbon 8572 square meters) working under Good Manufac-

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turing Practice standards, producing a total of 30,5 m units, whereof 8,5 m are for third parties. The company manufactures tablets, capsules, creams, suppositories, ampoules, drops and syrups. 98 people are engaged in R&D. Faes Farma has great experience in the discovery of new chemical entities and developing them as new drugs. Scientists and researchers at different universities, collaborate in developing part of the projects and studies related to new molecules. In this sense, tight collaboration has been established since a long time with the Pharmacology and Analytical

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: FAES FARMA SA PRESIDENT: D. Eduardo Fernández de Valderrama and Murillo OPERATIONS: Manufacture of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and animal health ESTABLISHED: 1933 EMPLOYEES: 749 TURNOVER: 195.3 million euros

www.faes.es Manufacturing-Journal | 43 | 2011-02-01 11:11:39

Chemistry Departments at the University of the Basque Country. To support its research and development activity, Faes Farma has established collaboration agreements with several universities, technological centers as well as public and private institutions. Main research fields are focused on Allergy, CNS (Alzheimer and depression), Cancer and immunomodulation. The R&D and innovation strategy at FAES FARMA mainly focuses on its active participation in collaborative projects with other pharmaceutical companies and academic research groups which allows FAES FARMA to have a broader field of knowledge and research capabilities to maintain its current qualification of “Excellent” within the PROFARMA framework, together with the most prestigious and competitive Pharma companies .

A significant step…

The main Business Development and Licensing department mission is to look for products to improve their portfolio,

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commercialization agreements to maximize sales force, project collaborations, acquisitions (products, business units) and any other business opportunity to make the company grow. Bone and Metabolism, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Gastrointestinal are key drug categories for this Spanish Company.

They are actively working in spreading out Faes Farma name all over the world, establishing relationships with other companies involved in drug developing (R&D) and product commercialization (prescription, OTC, hospitals and generics). The partner collaborations usually come in the form of licenses (in-licensing), commercialization agreements (comarketing, copromotion, distribution), licenses from our own molecules (out-licensing), codeveloping R&D projects (codevelopment) or acquisitions (products, business units, companies). The company is taking part in Customatized Eye Care (CeyeC) the most ambitious project in Ophthalmology undertaken yet in Spain. CeyeC will undertake R&D on personalised and

minimally invase Ophthalmology, aiming at offering solutions and treatments for a series of pathologies and sight disporders that make up 99% of the eye diseases in Spain and world- wide. Faes Farma joined the consortium to transfer its knowledge in other areas of biomedicine to Opthalmology and vision care applying anti-allergy drugs that have been approved for systemic use to ocular formulations. Faes Farma welcomes approaches from potential collaborators offering products or opportunities which match Faes’s strategic focus areas.

Faes Farma shows a flexible and fastmoving capability to business deriving simplicity to execute agreements. Everything they do at Faes Farma’s laboratories it is because of constant improving the quality of Customer’s life standard.

Taking this fact into consideration, every investment should contribute to the operational success of Faes Farma. For that particular reason the Company has not only the new equipment but also a new technology that ideally combines quality and efficiency. The consistent sound of development brought an Uhlmann Blister Expres Center 500 which has been in operation in Bilbao since 2008. It was a significant and important step toward maximum flexibility and machine availability. The Company has implemented significant changes. They are not only looking for new equipment, but they like to purchase a new technology. Quality and efficiency are the most important arguments for them. The new technology (for example the production lines) can play a key role and would bring them a great opportunity in the packaging enterprise.

The team spirit

At Faes Farma, they encourage highly

Pharmaceutical IndustryFaes Farma 2011-02-01 11:11:42

qualified staff and what is more they hire people for their skills, talents, and potential. Employees are a team members who are gently push to refine theirs skills and broaden theirs horizons. As Faes Farma’s capabilities grow, new challenges will evolve and the possibilities are unlimited. They know very well that ultimately, employees want to enjoy what they do, make meaningful contributions, receive fair compensation and have the opportunity to grow, for that reason they are working hard to make that happen.

Faes Farmas’s success is grounded in the core values they have stressed since theirs beginnings: an ethic of honesty and service, quality work for Customer satisfaction and what is one of the most important pillars for them: caring about people’s health. They never want to stop growing, learning and improving. Their aspiration is to be the leading Company in Spain and at the same time offering opportunities to advance. Faes Farma´s people are enjoying what they do, they are passionate about making meaningful proyects and invatigations. It’s a lofty goal and one that the Company strive to achieve every day. The loyalty and dedication of its employees can be attributed to the way the Company regards its human capital. A component of their mission statement is:encouraging all crew to learn , develop and to provide the opportunity to reach personal career objectives, in an environment that inspires team spirit, high achievement and continuous improvement. Faes Farma´s employees are encouraged and supported in pursuing their education.

They foster an open and friendly environment where we recognize that each member of the team is an integral part of this beautiful mosaic.  Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

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Manufacturing-Journal | 45 | 2011-02-01 11:11:49

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A great history... and a great future

Y

ou probably have heard the name before. It’s been around for a long time. You maybe even have a clue what does the firm produce. You’ve seen the logo, you’ve watched the commercials. It’s hard to ignore, as Merck is one of the most active pharmaceutical companies worldwide. You’ve been a customer and perhaps you didn’t even know it. The variety of goods produced at Merck’s is truly impressive. Little do you know that there are two companies called Merck...

Pharmacy ages ago It all began way back in the seventeenth century. In 1668, Friedrich Jacob Merck, a German pharmacist from Darmstadt deSenior Plant Director cided to take a J.F. Boyer risk and acquire a company called Angel Pharmacy. Thus began the history of the oldest pharmaceutical enterprise still operating on any market. The 18th century was a time of development for the enterprise, however it’s in 1816, when Emanuel Merck took over the company, when a vast progress began. His scientific background combined with technology available only at Merck’s factory at that time allowed him to concentrate on his studies, which resulted in the ability to isolate alkaloids.

In just a couple of decades Merck’s business shifted its focus almost entirely to production of alkaloids. A chemicalpharmaceutical factory was consequently built. Medications produced

by Merck (including cocaine, back then produced for medical purposes only) truly changed the face of the health care of the time. Subsidiaries were shortly founded in London, Russia and, naturally, the United States. The American subsidiary was said to be the best business investment to date. If only anyone could predict the outbreak of the World War I. As a consequence of the war, Merck lost control of its subsidiaries overseas, including the American one. Its shares had been sold in the United States and even though a part of them were bought back by George Merck, a member of the Merck dynasty, the company changed its name to Merck & Co. and to this day remains an independent company.

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Merck during and after the World War II

The World War I didn’t seem like much of a setback for the enterprise. In the 20s and 30s it continued its expansion by founding another subsidiaries in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. It launched its another famous product – Cebion – the first vitamin C to be commercialized. Its activated charcoal tablets were of common use. Unfortunately, during the times of the Third Reich, the company was brought into submission of the party and as such, was destroyed by a targeted air raid of the allies. 60 lives were lost and most of the buildings were destroyed – it sure did not seem like the firm was going to be able to compete in the international markets. However,

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Merck S.L. CEO IN SPAIN: Laura González-Molero OPERATIONS: Chemical and pharmaceuticals ESTABLISHED: 1924 (in Spain) EMPLOYEES: 871 TURNOVER: 368.5 million euros (in 2009)

www.merck.es

Pharmaceutical IndustryMerck 2011-02-01 11:11:56

some of the subsidiaries overseas were quickly brought back under Merck’s wing. The factory in Germany was rapidly rebuilt. The power of the progress was unstoppable. A series of successful innovations were introduced, which allowed the company to continue its development.

Merck worldwide and in Spain

Currently Merck is present in more than 60 countries and employs almost 33 thousands people. With 54 production centers in 24 countries is one of the most globally active companies worldwide.

Recently, the acquisition of a company called Serono, one of the world leaders in biotechnology, only strengthen the position of the enterprise. One of the most important branches of Merck is the Spanish branch, with three headquarters – located near Barcelona, Madrid and Tres Cantos – is one of the five most efficient subsidiaries. Founded in 1924, the Spanish branch has come a long way during the 20th century and has almost a thousand employees on the payroll at the moment. Nowadays, the firm’s activity is based on two important sectors – pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

The pharmaceutical part of the business focuses on over the counter medicines (cough & cold remedies, diet supplements, women and children care products) and – due to the aforementioned acquisition of Serono – innovative prescription drugs. The latter consists of drugs attempting to cure diseases with unmet medical needs such as cancer, infertility or cardiovascular diseases. The chemical branch however concentrates

Pharmaceutical IndustryMerck Księga1.indb 47

on several business activities. It provides liquid crystal materials for the display industry. It supplies effect pigments in the coatings and painting for several industries – for example the automotive industry benefits from Merck’s activity.

But the chemical production at Merck’s also provides solution for manufacturing of cosmetics, drugs and even food.

Production plant near Barcelona

Spanish subsidiary of Merck is exceptionally proud of its production plant located in Mollet de Valles, near Barcelona, in Catalonia. The pharmaceutical plant was founded in 1974 and started as a factory packed with state of the art technology and extremely qualified staff to ensure the highest quality of the products. The factory has been put through various innovations during the years, but the constant characteristic of its production process is the attention to detail. The plant is capable of producing 3 billions drug doses annually on total area of 130 thousands square meters. The capability of production in Mollet de Valles is truly impressive. The factory is able to produce up to 10 thousand blister per hour on eight production lines. 3 additional production lines are dedicated to production of sachets with the ability to manufacture up to 60 thousands units per hour. 30 thousands tablets in strips can leave the factory every hour, while 3500 tubes of effervescent tablets is being made on another production line. These numbers have been recognized by many customers.

Thanks to its exceptional technological flexibility, the plant is being used by

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more than 40 companies for production purposes. Said flexibility is the key to the factory success as it’s able to adapt to customer’s need – there’s no project too big, nor project too small to be realized at Mollet de Valles. All kind of medicine can be manufactured by Merck’s plant – tablets, capsules, extemporaneous suspensions, effervescent tablets and liquids in sachets and bottles. Moreover, Mollet de Valles is one of the very few production plants manufacturing a certain group of antibiotics - cephalosporins specifically – in Europe. Given that the production from the factory is being supplied to several countries on various continents, the plants is obliged to have all the necessary permissions and certificates. Indeed, the production process has been approved by Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy, but also by European authorities (EMEA) and parallel institutions in specific countries in South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Every single of 240 people hired at the factory in Mollet de Valles performs ones job with maximum focus on Customer’s needs. The company puts every effort to maximize the main asset of its production plants – the technological flexibility. It’s what differentiate the company from the other and allows it to keep the prices competitive. The enterprise also implements a dedicated program of continuous improvement called Operational Excellence. The program works on five axes: production, supply, innovation, technology and human resources.

It’s a program designed not only to improve the processes, but above all to encourage the employees to develop their skills. With such business model, Merck Spain does not have to fear the crisis. It seems that during these hard times Merck overtakes the competition just by putting maximum effort to what the company does best. The reputation build over the years is incomparable with any of Merck’s competition. During almost 350 years worldwide, and over 85 years in Spain, Merck has become a

A recipe for success

synonym for reliability, flexibility, transparency, competitive prices and – above all – highest quality possible. 

The business philosophy of Merck Spain is quite simple indeed. Total mastery of complicated technological processes combined with great flexibility and immaculate reputation bring new clients to the company every year. Merck has been one of the most innovative companies in its sectors literally since centuries. Constant training of the staff and investments in the infrastructure keeps the company at the forefront of the technological race with its competition.

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Written by Łukasz Światowiec

Pharmaceutical IndustryMerck 2011-02-01 11:12:05

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How to survive the crisis and be successful

E

veryone was talking about the biggest (since “Wall Street Crash”) financial crisis, which badly hit the global economy a few years ago. Media reported of billions of dollars pumped in collapsing industries, governments were creating pacely huge packages of investments to stimulate the economy, millions of people lost their jobs, countries bankrupted. Inflated without restraint speculative bubble in the U.S. real estates market, the irresponsible actions of the Federal Reserve, poorly designed financial management procedures in banks, and finally, to quote professor Adamus of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, “greed and fear”, led to the most serious collapse of the global economy since 1929. For the errors of the selfish, the innocent must now pay. One of the industries most affected by the crisis, is the construction industry. Many organizations representing this branch of economy have decided, in the face of sharply falling economic indicators, to implement the policy of radical savings, targeted especially in their own Employees. Some, however, despite difficult market conditions, were able to secure their competitive position, maintain the highest standards of manufactured goods, while ensuring investments aimed at developing human resources. One of the model companies to follow in the construction industry torn by crisis, is ERGON POLAND Sp. z.o.o. - an organization rich with experience.

The History of the Company

ERGON was founded in 1963, in the Flemish town of Lier, between Antwerp and Brussels. Since its inception the organization continues to strengthen its position, widen the area of products and services, implement new projects throughout Europe. The result of the company’s dynamic development was the decision to start building a new manufacturing plant in Mszczonów near Warsaw, in 2000. After only few years of very good performance of the factory, ERGON was able to successfully continue the policy of expansion, which resulted in the opening of a new production plant in Romanian town of Ploiesti in 2006. Two years earlier ERGON Group in Europe was bought by the world’s leading manufacturer of building materials – the Irish company CRH, thanks to which, already amazing technological facilities and extensive “know – how” of the company have been greatly enriched. At the moment, ERGON POLAND Sp. z.o.o. is a leading European manufacturer of prefabricated building components of the ecological, compressed concrete, used in applications as both structural and architectural interest, such as double T– floors, beams for bridges, ceilings, wall panels and hollow core floor slabs, platforms etc. The company is not limited to production activities, but also conducts extensive service activities, containing design, transport and assembly. By constantly widened product range and a fully individual approach to each order, ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o., even in the post – crisis circumstances, can pursue further projects, requiring even the

Construction IndustryErgon Księga1.indb 49

highest standards of performance.

When the industry slows down / dismisses...

Construction industry, as well as automotive industry and banking sector were, without doubt, the biggest victims of loss of demand, investment withdrawal and general economic collapse. At a time when many companies were forced to cease operations, ERGON

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Ergon Poland Sp. z o.o.

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Maciej Marciniak OPERATIONS: Construction ESTABLISHED: 2000 EMPLOYEES: about 150 TURNOVER: about 100mln PLN

www.ergon-international.com Manufacturing-Journal | 49 | 2011-02-01 11:12:07

POLAND Sp. z.o.o.has continued to grow and further implements solutions to achieve the company’s most important goal: complete customer satisfaction.

The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Maciej Marciniak, explains the reasons for this state of affairs. He emphasises the particular importance of the proper approach to the touchy topic of savings in the industry, which faces serious financial problems. While most companies make budget cuts mainly by reducing employment, ERGON POLAND Sp. z.o.o. adopted a different perspective: in the classification of the priorities of the company, the first place is occupied by the development of the most valuable potential of the organization, which undoubtedly are Employees. “The ERGON crew is very young, not only because of rather short activity of the company in Poland, but also because of age. Consequently, the staff is zeal for work and willing to fight.”, says Director Marciniak, stressing at the same time that the high level of work efficiency would not be possible to maintain, without properly implemented human resources management policy in the organization. The company employs about 150 people, including nearly 20 engineers, responsi-

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ble, inter alia, for the design and logistics. Therefore, a matter of great importance is to provide the Employees with full safety of the working conditions, as well as satisfaction, also in the non – financial dimension. With the adoption of appropriate corporate governance philosophy, ERGON’s Employees can focus on carrying out their responsibilities and develop their skills. Director Marciniak reveals, in force in the organization, the concept of approach to Employees: “The key is honesty: openness in the discussions even on difficult subjects, keeping the word – it can be determined by respect to a human being in general. We have to economize, cut costs, but human recources are the last area, in which this happens.” This brings us to the heart of the matter. ERGON POLAND Sp. z.o.o. is a company that can flourish in even the most critical circumstances, because it is characterized by an extremely high degree of business acumen, which in practice means other than the classical concept of the company’s value, going far beyond the balance of gains and losses.

ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o., as a modern and aware company, perfectly understands the issue of constructing an appropriate image, just as a substantial part of building the value of the company, as it is understood today. In the twentieth century, the construction of the image was understood primarily as the relevant to the company’s competitive position marketing and advertising activities. Today, far more important is the activity undertaken to protect the environment and the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility. ERGON POLAND Sp. z.o.o. is something to

Construction IndustryErgon 2011-02-01 11:12:16

be proud in these areas: the company boasts an extremely restrictive, internal quality policy, consistent with the theory of Lean Management, implements and continously improves solutions to reduce waste and strictly approaches the issue of the environmental regulations. Moreover, the mere use of compressed concrete is an evidence of the company’s serious treatment of the matter of the ecological aspect of activity of the organization – proper research demonstrated that products made of compressed concrete can be used by more than 100 years. As for the CSR, the company cooperates with Mszczonów,

“to promote sports and charity activity”, says Diretor Marciniak. Of course, an important element, allowing to achieve success of the company representing the construction industry are accurate investment in technological facilities and “know – how”. The support of experienced designers from Belgium and Irish managers makes that ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o. boasts on of the most modern production lines in Europe, greatly increasing the company’s manufacturing potential. Annual production capacity is 120 000 cubic meters of concrete, the factory in Mszczonów is able to produce girders up to 60 meters long and the heaviest element produced so far had a mass of 160 tons ! These few examples perfectly illustrate the great potential of the company, which is able to fulfill every order. The main goal of every organization is to ensure full Customer sat-

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isfaction. ERGON is no exception. Maintaining the highest international quality standards, wide assortment, which has a broad selection of modification options, special options for designing and implementing activities, aimed at, for example, a significant increase in the pace of work, professional Customer service procedures and post – sale activities: all these factors combined with an extensive network of dealerships represented by, perfectly prepared to perform their duties, traders, ensure that each contract executed by the company will satisfy even the most stringent requirements of every Customer. The best recommendation of ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o., are already completed projects. Among the company’s Customers are renowned companies, such as Whirlpool, Michelin, Gilette and IKEA. ERGON’s activity has been adequately appreciated by industry experts, as exemplified by numerous awards granted to the company. The company’s Employees are particularly proud of the “Reliable Employer in Mazovia 2008” title, for the excellent rates of the reliability of employment, including, inter alia, working conditions and timely payment. Director Marciniak boasts also “The Building of the Year 2008” award, in the “Industrial buildings and warehouse facilities” category and the award of the Ministry of Infrastructure in 2009, for prestressed beams for bridges. With such credentials, ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o. certainly does not have to be worried about its survival, even in the circumstances of the industry’s painful collapse.

Summary

ERGON POLAND Sp. z o.o. proves by its business activity that, despite the unfavorable economic climate, a company can be successful. If only the organization will consistently pursue its development plan and will remain faithful to the philosophy of HR management, we can certainly expect it to strenghten its competitive position in the demanding European market.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Manufacturing-Journal | 51 | 2011-02-01 11:12:18

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Leader through quality

T

he quality of the products and service they offer to their Customers reflects their commitment. Their strength is quality. Their potency is service.

Their name is Hempel. This company is rooted in the work, creativity and commitment of each and every one of their workers. These last, in particular, have been crucial in their development. Bonded to a job effort where human ingenuity, briskness and inventiveness are poured everyday, many people have contributed to make today’s Hempel. This experience helps them face the futures’ challenges convincing us that by keeping the promise they made ninety five years ago they establish direction to their effort: manufacturing products of the highest quality and offering the best service to their Customers.

Hempel’s ideas. Your personal success

The Hempel Group was established in 1915 by Mr. J C Hempel whose motto was: “Quality and Service”, which is still the hallmark of the Hempel’s Group.

Over the years both content and understanding have been adjusted to meet changing market demands. Hempel operates within several strategic segments. These include marine paints, protective coatings, container coatings, decorative paints and yacht paints.

At the heart of Hempel’s research and development success are many fields of expertise. They range from coating systems for containers, rail cars, wind turbines, pipelines, ships, oil and gas terminals, refineries, and bridges, through to shopprimers for newly prepared steel.

Hempel’s strength in paint technology includes protection against corrosion during the period of storage, fabrication and construction. For this specific purpose Hempel has developed a competitive high performance range of both solvent and water-borne shopprimer products. For container coatings Hempel has developed coatings with lower VOC (Volatile Organic Content), carbon tetrachloride-free chlorinated rubber paints and water-borne systems. Each of those examples prove how formulations are able to withstand extreme weather, while offering superior performance properties such as adhesion to various substrates, durability and fade resistance.

One Hempel- everywhere

HEMPEL Poland has been a key component of the HEMPEL worldwide organization. The Hempel’s brand had been already known in the interwar period (from 1987) but only three months ago was announced the opening of a new

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manufacturing facility near Buk, Poland.

Now the Polish plant helps meet increasing coatings demand across Europe. The opening of the new plant in Poznań area took place at the ceremony presided over by Hempel CEO Pierre-Yves Jullien and was attended by such guests as the Danish ambassador in Poland Hans Michael Kofoed- Hansen, members of the Hempel board, and other Hempel representatives. The 25-million-euro project was completed in nine months. The plant is capable of producing Hempel’s full range of coatings, has a total capacity of manufacturing 40 million liters a year, and can be expanded to supply 60 million liters a year if needed. The facil-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Hempel Manufacturing (Poland) Sp. z o. o.

HEMPEL CEO: Pierre-Yves Jullien PROJECT DIRECTOR: Michał Mejer OPERATIONS: Chemicals ESTABLISHED: Hempel - 1915, Production in Poland - 2010 EMPLOYEES: Polish factory will reach 100 employees in December 2010

www.hempel.com

Chemical IndustryHempel 2011-02-01 11:12:26

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ity was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Innovative Economy Operational Program. As part of the deal, Hempel created at least 100 workplaces. In Jacob Gulmann’s opinion, the Hempel’s group vice president for Europe, Buk makes an ideal location for the plant, offering infrastructure and a location facilitating delivery of coatings quickly to customers throughout Europe, “we received excellent local support for the project, and we’re very pleased with the speed that it was completed,” Gulmann said. “The factory means we’re in an even better position to provide our protective, marine, decorative, and yacht customers in Europe with high-quality coatings.” The company said the site complies fully with all EU legislation on health, safety, and the environment. Systems designed to keep the working environment healthy

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for employees include ventilation that ensures the building is supplied with fresh air and an automatic materialshandling system that eliminates most of the strenuous manual work normally seen in the coatings industry. The factory is also reported to feature a design that decreases the impact on the environment. Today HEMPEL Poland has grown to meet the demands of its Customers.

Their network of stock points, technical advisers, and sales professionals are strategically placed to ensure that they are always able to satisfy their customers with Quality and Service.

“Leader through quality”

No matter how ambitious their goals are, they continue to serve Customers individually, just as they always have.

The products and services are a bench-

Chemical IndustryHempel 2011-02-01 11:12:34

mark for excellence and quality, offered through their regional branch offices, all leaders in their own markets. Superior performance, expert advice and the most convenient service characterized by technical inspections and professional logistics management distinguish Hempel’s brands wherever they are sold.

Their technical systems and resources continue to support commitment to ensure optimal product performance. The ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 certificates, ongoing investments in modern technologies have kept them at the forefront of new product development.

It means that Hempel’s quality management system complies with the requirements of international and national laws and regulations. Continuous research and development enable them to offer coatings engineered to exceed the most stringent specifications. Each of Hempel’s products are able to withstand extreme weather, while offering superior performance properties such as adhesion to various substrates, durability and fade resistance. Their motto- “Leader through quality” means that managers and employees treat the quality as the absolute priority.

Hempel’s people. Your confidence

What builds Hempel’s brand’s power is their crew. Passionate about working closely with Customers, sharing knowledge, and providing thorough, responsive service, they embody their philosophy while guiding their daily operations with skill and quality. Hempel works to maintain the highest standard of quality employees. To achieve this, Hempel invests heavily in the training of all employees. The creativity, innovation, talent and commitment are among the attributes Hempel’s people apply to their work, and thus to the quality of products. Their passion and conscientiousness evident in all fields of the company, across their product brand, but most of all in the thousands of loyal Customers they serve every day. Over those years the Hempel’s company has established solid relationship with Customers in

each of the market segments that they serve. They continue to respond to these specialized and demanding Customers by developing specific marketing strategies and products that they can rely on for the best possible results. The passion for superior performance encompasses the role they fulfill as a model corporate citizen. Throughout the history they’ve actively contributed to the communities in which they operate, protecting natural resources and supporting the variety of social programs. Treating every Customer as a partner to find out exactly what each market’s segment is looking for in their products, Hempel has given a new meaning to the word responsiveness. The company apply knowledge of these needs, along with cutting-edge technology, to create paint and coating formulations that satisfy Customer perfection, durability and beauty requirements. This ensures that their products reflect their commitment to innovation and technological leadership.

Hempel’s responsibility. Your safety

The main function of Hempel’s Health, Safety and Environment Department is to compile data on any health risks pertaining to paint raw materials. Using advanced computer systems, information on coatings is gathered and warning labels, transport classifications and safety data sheets are produced, in compliance with Danish, EU and World-wide regulation and legislation. The Health, Safety and Environment Department keeps in close contact with legislative authorities throughout the world and participates in a number of working groups within the Danish and EU Paintmakers Association. This co-operation makes it possible to support customers in areas such as handling of wet paint, application of paint and protective precautions.  Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

Chemical IndustryHempel Księga1.indb 55

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S TI CL E AR

A

Sparking global markets

nalyzing the stories of companies that, regardless of the industry and times, in which they acted, achieved spectacular success, we can pacely conclude that the organizations, which have succeeded on the demanding, global market, have a lot in common. After such a conclusion, we can easily propose a thesis that, in principle, it is enough to meet several conditions, thanks to which this success could be duplicated.

First of all, one should have an innovative business idea, correctly locate a niche in the market, develop an effective strategy for development of the company and its products, and invest a sufficiently high capital. It seems fair to say that the responsibilities associated with the planned development of the organization, need to be delegated to carefully selected Employees. The company’s owners should also take care of the development of optimal procedures for all aspects of the organization’s activity, and then, in more or less dynamic way, concentrate on building the company’s strong reputation, probably through the formation of a partner-

ship with reputable customers. Lets add a pinch of luck, few flashes of a creative genius and the priceless ability to draw correct conclusions, as well as the ability to prompt and effective response to emergencies and we have a ready recipe for a fast – growing, recognizable brand, marking highest quality products, well recognized and respected by millions of loyal Customers. Business practice, however, has usually little in common with the theory, and it very often turns out that the term „success”, simply refers to many years of hard work and skillful rising from the failures, of which no organization in the world is free. However, if we combine all these elements and add that they are just the result of titanic work, constantly oriented around better recognition of the changing needs of the Customer, then we will be able to understand the path to success not from a fairy tale for young managers, but from pure life. Ladies and Gentlemen, before You SECO/WARWICK S.A.

The history of the company In 1989 a certain era in Poland has ended. An era of one – party government and state enterprizes.

What has began, Chairman of the board was the period Mr. Leszek Przybysz of great political and economical change, which was expressed by, inter alia, a wave of privatization, which took organizations acting in all industries an regions of Poland. With the opening of our country to the influx of foreign capital also benefited owners of Trans – Vac, who in 1991 decided to start a joint – venture company with respected and recognizable for over one hundred years, American corporation SECO/WARWICK. That is how SECO/ WARWICK S.A. was founded – an organization, which through a combination of invaluable know – how and the highest Western standards of quality, with many years of Polish experience in working in heavy industry, is moving towards a very dynamic development, and does not appear that, after nearly twenty years of its activity, the company was to lose its path. Such a conclusion is strongly supported by several key moments in the history of the company. This story is

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Steel IndustrySECO/WARWICK 2011-02-01 11:12:41

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full of multi – million dollar investment, covering both the acquisition of a number of globally operating companies, in order to broaden the intellectual potential of the company and the continuous modernization of its existing technology, machine park, the purchase of patents and expansions into new markets.

On the 5th December 2007, the organization has its Warsaw Stock Exchange debut. Its new, wisely used capital, became a tool for further development.

Thanks to another acquisition – this time by the Indian company Allied – Seco/ Warwick expanded into dynamically growing Indian market. SECO/WARWICK Group today consists of nine company on three continents, managed by SECO/ WARWICK S.A. in Świebodzin. Nowadays the Group is a world leader in the production of heat treatment furnaces for metals, and one of the most technologically advanced companies in the industry on a global scale.

ing engineers from Politechnika in Łódź.

In addition, the company owns a treatment research facility, together with a metallography laboratory. Advanced laboratories in conjunction with, carried on constantly, research and development activity, gauarntee the possibility to implement modern, very often world – scale innovative, solutions. Another pillar of success of SECO/WARWICK S.A. is its, constantly broadened, assortment. The Group’s activities are oriented around the production of up to five different product groups: vacuum fur-

The potential

“The highest quality products and services offered to achieve the full satisfaction of the Customer.” It can only be a slogan. But it may also be a reflection of the facts. In the case of SECO/WARWICK we are definitely dealing with the latter situation. This is illustrated by several solutions used in the company. The company attaches grat importance to the case of a competitive advantage in the area of latest technologies. The intelectual potential of the company’s R&D Department consists of not only the skills of Employees directly employed in it, but also cooperation with scientists, includ-

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naces, aluminum heat exchanger brazing systems, aluminum heat treatment systems, atmospheric furnaces, heat vacuum metallurgy furnaces, and many other specialist devices. Sold in forty five countries, they are trusted and respect-

Steel IndustrySECO/WARWICK 2011-02-01 11:12:51

ed by the Customers, also because of comprehensive service and help, which They can expect from the company, starting from the stage of placing an order, which is fully tailored to individual needs and requirements of the Recipient, ending with the full package of after – sales service, which includes technical support, customer service, warranties etc. SECO/WARWICK’s equipment is used in various industries, including automotive industry, aviation, and the machine, equipment and aluminum metallurgy sectors. The Group carries out a business cooperation with organization, which do not need to be furtherly presented.

Among the Customers of the company, we can find such brands as Bosch, Siemens, Valeo, General Electric, Honeywell, Ford, Volkswagen, or Rolls Royce.

Iti is also worth adding that the series of Certificates guard the best standards of the company’s quality management system. The company has implemented in 1999 a Quality Management System based on a PN ISO 9001:1996 standard, and in 2005, this document has been expanded on the principles of the Internal Control System. At present, this system is responsible for maintaining highest quality standards in the area of design, production, installation and sale of industrial furnaces. Successfully recertified every year, extremely harsh system, ensures that every Customer can be confident when it comes to the quality of all the most important processes occurring in the production company, which manufactures equipment for the most demanding. The equipment, which can not fail.

Summary

Globalization favors the development and expansion of the best. Further barriers slowing the development of multinational corporations fall, increasing the list of potential suppliers, discovering new markets, offering new opportunities for investment. If only the organization will maintain the highest standards of production and customer service, will gradually expand its product range and gain more confidence of other powerful institutional Customers, SECO/WARWICK S.A. probably will find its story in the textbooks. But not for young managers. These textbooks will deal with the real business practice.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: SECO/WARWICK S.A. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Leszek Przybysz OPERATIONS: Manufacturer of heat treatment equipment ESTABLISHED: 1991 EMPLOYEES: 285 TURNOVER: 74, 517mln PLN (2009)

www.secowarwick.com.pl Steel IndustrySECO/WARWICK Księga1.indb 59

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S TI CL E AR

Huge scale professionalism

E

ffective management of the organization is like a chess game. Victory belongs to those who mastered a priceless ability to predicts movements of the opponent within at least several next turns. This knowledge, combined with the ability to prepare a coherent plan to dominate the game and to response correctly to the moves, which we were not able to predict, allows us to enjoy triumph every single time. One could count on the fingers of one hand those companies which, through their managers are characterized by all the above – mentioned features. One of such companies is NORMA Group – a global leader in the automotive industry. And one of the most important part of the Group is NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. - an organization that, thanks to the creativity and integrity of its Employees has changed over the last few years from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, setting standards of quality and efficiency within the whole group.

The history of the

company

The history of NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o., though brief, is also very dynamic and interesting.

The birth of the company unManaging Director der its present Leon Podmokły name dates back to December 29, 2006, when NORMA Germany – part of the NORMA Group bought 25% of shares of a dynamically developing firm NORMA VARIANT. The natural consequence of this decision was a change of the company’s Board, the reorganization of the organizational structure, adoption of the name NORMA Poland Sp. z o. o. and the inclusion of the new company into structures of NORMA Group. At the moment, NORMA Group is one of the world’s most important creators of engineering solutions and applications for efficient use of energy sources in areas such as Cooling Systems, Air Intake and Induction, Emission Control, Ancillary Systems and Infrastructure.

The company owns its production facilities on four continents, from India to Mexico and from Thailand to Sweden.

NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. is one of the most important elements of the Group.

The company, based in Sławniów, in the region of Upper Silesia, is responsible for assembly of plastic components and systems for flow and and extrusion of corrugated tubes for other companies within the Group. Majors, which have received the NORMA Group’s products

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include: BMW, Volkswagen, Scania, Peugeot, Renault. It is worth to mention that already in 2007 NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. started direct sales to the customers of the Group.

The pillars of success

Any organization, to effectively and dynamically develop its business, has to meet several basic requirements, irrespectively of the area, in which it oper-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: NORMA POLSKA Spółka z o.o.

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Leon Podmokły OPERATIONS: Automotive ESTABLISHED: 2006 EMPLOYEES: 620 TURNOVER: 40 mln €

www.normagroup.com

Automotive IndustryNorma Polska 2011-02-01 11:13:05

• • • • •

31-062 Kraków, ul.Krakowska 20 tel. (+48 12) 428-31-61, 428-31-62 fax. (+48 12) 431-12-81 email: biuro@octagon.com.pl

Elevators and conveyors Metal processing, metal products, non-ferrous metals Industrial machinery and equipment Special bearings Industrial Automation

The basic profile of the company’s activity is transport and international shipping. We provide these services throughout Western Europe. During the years of our activity, we have developed a stable market position and gained the trust of many renowned companies throughout Europe.

We are members of the transport exchange TimoCom. We provide prompt timely and professional execution of the adopted transport orders.We work on the basis of the CMR convention.

ISKRA Zakład Maszyn i Łożysk Specjalnych Sp. z o.o.

25-709 Kielce, ul. Mielczarskiego 43, Poland tel. +48 41/ 367 03 00, fax +48 41/ 366 32 74 info@iskra-zmils.com.pl www.iskra-zmils.com.pl

Siropol Sp. z o.o. has been founded in July 1996 as part of SIRO-PLAST GmbH. We offer: • Plastic parts for automotive, gas and texile industry • Manufacturing and constructing injection molds • Laser printing on metal and plastics parts • Laser welding of plastics and metal Modern technological background, new, efficient production processes and commited Employees guarantee the highest quality of our products and meet our Customers’ requirements.

We have our own transport fleet that meets European environmental standards. We specialize in the express shipping, we also realize orders for groupage transport.Competent and reliable Employees guarantee the highest quality of offered services. We can prepare an individual offer for the most demanding Customers, because our objective is to meet the highest standards of Customer service.

Transport of ADR dangerous goods Just in Time Delivery 24t car transport Specialist car transport Courier Deliveries Express Delivery Import and export containers Customs clearance Organizing maritime and air transport Working 24 hour a day/ 7 days a week

Siropol Sp. z o.o. | ul. Wyzwolenia 111 | 85-790 Bydgoszcz tel. (052) 376 68 50 | fax (052) 376 68 60

Certified by ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001

www.octagon.com.pl

www.termo-automatyka.pl

TubeLineWire - Protection Systems Poppe’s rubber protectors have been developped for industrial and automotive environments where they shield lines, tubes and wires with maximum efficiency. A wide range of dimensions and materials is available for many different applications.

Full range of services from a technological design to a complete realization in: We offer more than a standard supply - NORMA Group has already chosen our experience and knowledge in industrial installations!

Steam boilers and installations Water treatment plants Chillers and cool water systems Industrial installations Electrical installations Industrial automation

Our TLW-Protection Systems are suitable for all common types of lines, wires and tubes: steelflex lines, aluminium tubes, rubber lines / tubes, wires / cables, corrugated tubes.

For more detailed information, please contact us at info@poppe.de

www.poppe.de

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ates. First and foremost, the company’s competitive position should be very strong. This position is dependent on the willingness of Customers to purchase products or services that the company offers. If this rate is supposed to grow continously, the producer has to offer a very high quality product, coupled with competitive price and well – functioning Customer Service procedures.

With regard to NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o., meeting these requirements is particularly difficult due to the nature of production processes taking place in the company’s factories. The life cycle of products manufactured by the E m p l o ye e s is very short and specific requirements for the final batch of goods causes that their installation process has to be mostly manual. This means that the Employees become the most important component of the potential of the organization, because it is up to the work of their hands to achieve the final quality of the product and, consequently, the level of satisfaction of Recipients. Such a situation determines the approach to the issue of staff selection, training and evaluation of Employees’ work. Despite extremely difficult circumstances, NOR-

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MA Polska Sp. z o.o. achieved great success in the field of its activity, although many augured its defeat. The company meanwhile developed a very complex and yet coherent plan of introducing Employees to the specific manufacturing process, thanks to which anyone within over 620 Employees, currently working for the company, is nowadays a tastely morsel for the competition. However, the beginnings were not easy. Very high rate of unemployment in the county of Zawiercie, in which the company has its headquarters, the initial reluctance of a young, talented generation of managers to work in the region, lack of proper infrastructure – all these factors caused that only few years ago, it was very hard to even imagine the success of the plant in Sławniów. Focus on recruitment among the local staff, rich motivational programs for the executives, modern base of the company, ensuring the comfort of employment of hundreds of people and the ability to effectively negotiate with the local authorities – all those decisions caused that ultimately NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. has grown into one of the major employers in the area, the quality of products offered by the company is on the highest, world – class level, and the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Leon Podmokły, can be proud of how important place his company occupies within the Group. It is enough to mention that NORMA Poland Sp. z o.o. generates as much as about 10% of global turnover of the Group, and its budget highly evaluated by the Group’s Management. Employees themselves, although absolutely most important, would have no chance to effectively

Automotive IndustryNorma Polska 2011-02-01 11:13:11

perform their duties without appropriate technological support and know – how, as well as ability to anticipate the future in regard to technical solutions used in production processes. NORMA Poland Sp. z o.o. not only has nothing to be ashamed of in this field, but even has the right to speak of itself as of an organization that sets the trends both in terms of product range, which it offers and intends to launch in the coming years, as well as solutions for production management. The company acts in accordance with the philosophy of World Class Continous Improvement Process, which involves continous improvement of work efficiency and better value of the machine utilization index. Currently the company implements the standards

of production, which are to increase the above – mentioned value to 90% in the next few years. The aim is to reduce equipment downtime and to eliminate the so called “empty runs”, when the machine works, but does not manufacture. Optimal configuration of machines’ working time and, consequently, perfect use of that time in the production process, has the cardinal meaning not only for improving, already excellent, financial situation of the company (NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. assumes a 25% rise in sales after the implementation of procedures to increase efficiency), but also for the image of company that has a very serious approach to the issue of environmental protection. The rise in efficiency of the utilization of machines in

the production process means, after all, better utilization of energy as well. This fact becomes significantly important, if we realise that NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. manufactures 2 to 3 million units of its products per month. With this scale of production, the trust of Consumers can be gained only thanks to the highest quality products and maximum limitation of the amount of faulty units. To achieve the latter objective, NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. acts in accordance with the assumptions of the Lean Management theory, through which all the resources are fully utilized. The third important issue that allows the organization to effectively develop and plan its growth, is to create excellent Customer Service procedures. Ford has distinguished the company with the Q1 Quality Mark – the highest that Ford’s supplier can get, for all NORMA’s products. Similar distinctions from other world’s leading car manufacturers – NORMA’s Recipients, mean that NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. is today one of the best suppliers of fluid systems and quick connectors in the automotive industry in Western Europe.

Internal, implemented by the company Quality and Environmental Management System based on TS 16949 and ISO 14001 standards, enriched with, imposed by the company itself, very strict requirements on product quality and environmental standards, provides further evidence that NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. is a company that can be bestowed with full trust.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

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S TI CL E AR

Tradition and modernity

EXIDE Technologies S.A. - former Centra S.A. based in Poznań, celebrates this year its centenary of existence. There are very few companies in Poland, which can boast such a worthy jubilee, what’s more, celebrate it as a company with strong market position and in good financial condition. Therefore, the company has made every effort to appropriately commemorate this special anniversary. Specially created mark of the century, the film presenting the history of the company since its inception, promotional publications, albums, concerts, events for employees and business partners: these are only some elements of the celebration of the centenary of the company, praised throughout the jubilee year. The culmination of the celebration was the gala, which took place on the 24th of September 2010, at the Auditorium of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. The anniversary gala was attended by over 200 guests from Poland and abroad, including managers and directors of the company from the U.S. and Western Europe, representatives of the city of Poznań, Poznań District, and the Parliament of the region of Wielkopolska. There was also a wide range of cooperating companies and business partners. The special evening gala was a very interesting trip in the past, but also a starting point into an exciting future.

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And how looked the beginnings of the company’s history?

Although the history of the company was tough, which was a subject of various transformations, had to adapt to, changing as in kaleidoscope, geopolitical circumstances, it still survived two world wars, financial crises, the rise and fall of Communism in Poland, as well as times of privatization and commercialization. Practically since its inception, the company occupies a leading position on the batteries market, not only in Poland, but also in the Central – Eastern Europe.

There were many important moments in the long history of the company, but all began in 1910, thanks to Andrzej Kaczmarek, Polish entrepreneur, of whose initiative a small battery factory was established in Berlin. In 1919, after the end of World War I and regaining its independence by Poland, the factory was moved to Poznań, where it remains until today. Rapidly expanding company has not stopped developing and in 1925 started selling first products, under well – known brand CENTRA. This decision, as it turned out, was a breakthrough for the fate of the company, for which CENTRA batteries are main products now, building, thanks to their quality, an excellent image of the organization. In 1953, the factory in Poznań, as the first in Poland, implements the production of plate batteries, supporting the emerging elec-

Electrochemical IndustryExide 2011-02-01 11:13:18

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1995 was bought itself by a powerful US company Exide Corporation. Centra S.A. has became a part of a concern being a world leader on battery market.

In 2008 the name of the company was transformed into Exide Technologies S.A. - being still the producer of Centra and Exide batteries - the well recognised brands in Central - Eastern Europe.

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Exide Technologies S.A. PRESIDENT: Janusz Mieloszyk OPERATIONS: Electrochemical Industry

tronic and radio industry in our country, and therefore achieving a strong competitive position in 1970, thanks to a merger with Poznańskie Zakłady Elektroniczne ALCO under the banner of the Zjednoczone Zakłady Elektrochemiczne CENTRA. In the 1970’s the company begins the production of starter batteries and the effects of this decision are truly fruitful - thanks to it, the famous Fiat joins the group of company’s business partners. After the fall of Communism, CENTRA in 1993 converted into one – man company of the Treasury – Centra S.A. in Poznań, and a year later is completely privatized: 75% of the shares was obtained by the French CEAC, which in

ESTABLISHED: 1910 EMPLOYEES: 394 TURNOVER: 518 mln PLN

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“Veni, vidi, vici”

One could write many volumes, considering the reasons for the success of the company that builds its reputation for a hundred years. How to correctly identify the key decisions, solutions, implemented by the company’s managers in such a long period of time? Age of the organization almost exactly coincides with the development of the theory of management, and even creation of the term “management” itself! I personally believe that, analyzing the history of EXIDE Technologies S.A., we can speak of “effective evolution” and to subordinate to that term all of the actions of the company, which promote its development. No organization in the world is free from errors, and the true measure of the company’s value is the way it raises after a defeat. During a hundred years of existence, the company’s authorities changed many times, yet the organization is growing continuously. There must be at least dozens of factors that make up this state of affairs, still, let’s try to

Electrochemical IndustryExide 2011-02-01 11:13:28

find those most directly responsible for the construction of a strong position of EXIDE Technologies S.A. Each company is as strong as its weakest link. This link won’t be definitely EXIDE’s employees, which is proven by the developed policy of human potential management, implemented by the company. Investment in employees, their competencies and capabilities are the most important element in the functioning of the company. Training plans, individual analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each employee, responsible hiring strategy, various motivation systems, the implementation of CSR in the form of support of different initiatives of the company’s employees: all these factors result in a very high level of work efficiency in the organization and employees themselves are provided with full safety and comfort of working conditions, also in the non – financial dimension. The weakest link of the company’s activity is definitely not the quality of offered products. Centra and Exide batteries are ones of the most popular devices of its type in the Central – Eastern Europe, product range is very extensive (includes batteries designed for different types of vehicles). Maintaining the highest quality of products is guaranteed by the prestigious certificates considering the Quality Management System and, approved by the company, Environmental Policy in the area of all activities related to the ecological aspect of the organization’s activity. These systems, in accordance with, inter alia, ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2005 norms, are tangible evidences that EXIDE Technologies S.A. strives to meet all needs of, the most valuable for the company, customers, which results in the beginning of cooperation with another, excellent business partners: just a few months ago the company began deliveries to Volkswagen Poznań. The support of Exide in terms of maintaining highest standards of production management, customer support, implementing latest technologies, the development of international sales network, is another invaluable capital of the company, which effective utility helps the company to dynamically develop. Over one hundred years of experience of the American concern results in the ability

to draw appropriate conclusions and correct response to all signals from the market – an extremely valuable capability, especially in times of financial crisis and strong competition in the industry. Relevant investment, well – defined lines of developments, consistently implemented company’s expansion plan: these and other factors directly related to the issue of contemporary business management, cause EXIDE Technologies S.A. to be on the rising curve. The elements mentioned above are but just a drop in the sea. One could write a lot about the shape of the structure of the organization, marketing activity, technological basis and many other, strongly influencing optimal functioning of the company. It is worth to realize though, that in such a powerful company as EXIDE, the overall commercial success corresponds to a set of mutually complementary solutions, covering all aspects of activity of a modern enterprise, and effective maintaining of the state of synergy between various departments within the organization, recognizing of customer needs and continuously improving the quality of both products and processes: all these elements build

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the company’s strength, through which EXIDE Technologies S.A. has the opportunity to retain the position of industry leader for the next hundred years.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Manufacturing-Journal | 67 | 2011-02-01 11:13:31

S TI CL E AR

Energy of the future

J

oint Stock Company Atomstroyexport beyond doubt proposes its customers unique services.

The company offers construction management of modern nuclear power plants adhering to international standards as well as reconstruction and modernization of the older plants.

Company profile

JSC «Atomstroyexport» (JSC ASE) was established in 1998 on the basis of the Decision of the Ministry of Atomic Power. The aim of the new JSC ASE was to stimulate export activity of production establishments. Two large enterprises with almost 50 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, specifically JSC «Atomenergoproekt» and VPO «Zarubezhatomenergostroy», formed the foundation of the company. Today JSC ASE, a chief engineering company of state-owned corporation Rosatom, specializes in construction of nuclear facilities in the foreign countries. Presently, JSC «Atomstroyexport» (JSC ASE) is a leading Russian company subordinated to State Atomic Energy Corporation «Rosatom» implementing intergovernmental and commercial agreements on construction of nuclear power plants abroad.

At present day JSC «Atomstroyexport» is the company implementing in parallel contracts on construction of five NPP power units with VVER-1000 reactors.

In India «Kudankulam» NPP (two power units), in Iran – «Bushehr» NPP (one power unit) are under construction.

In Bulgaria the work on the project of «Belene» NPP construction (two power units) is in progress. In September, 2009 in China the warranty period of Tianwan NPP operation (two power units) had been completed, that has given a cogent advantage – reference - to the company as compared to its competitors. Among the strengths of JSC ASE its experience as the leader of nuclear industry, up to date management system and modern technologies can be listed.

These factors allow to execute immense and exceptional projects: those gained through intergovernmental agreements and those won as open international tenders. JSC «Atomstroyexport» builds nuclear power plants of new generation with enhanced level of safety, the company also constantly works on im-

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provement of its projects and draws on unique Russian technologies. JSC ASE collaborates with about three hundred domestic companies, which are engaged in the realization of each project executed by Atomstroyexport. Among the company’s partners there are Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute, JSC OKB Gidropress, Moscow and St.Petersburg Institutes Atomenergoproekt (AEP), Concern Power Machines, JSC «Izhora Plants» and many others – all organizations are internationally recognized leaders in their specific field.

Basing on their unmatched scientific and engineering experience those companies provide assistance necessary in the process of implementation of NPP construction projects, ensuring compliance with the international standards.

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Atomstroyexport JSC (ASE JSC) PRESIDENT: Dan Belenkiy PROJECTS: Tianwan NPP (China), Fast neuron reactors (China), Bushehr NPP (Iran), Belene NPP (Bulgaria), Akkuyu NPP (Turkey) ESTABLISHED: 1998 EMPLOYEES: 1600

www.atomstroyexport.ru

Energy IndustryAtomstroyexport 2011-02-01 11:13:34

In the process of realization of contracts JSC ASE closely cooperates with designers and industrial organizations based in the consumer countries relaying on them in terms of supplies, equipment, materials, and work force. Atomstroyexport has good business relations with such global manufacturers and developers as Siemens, AREVA NP, NUKEM GmbH. All projects comply with the state program «Clean Energy» and conform to Russian ecological standards, international requirements and IAEA recommendations. All company practices are carried out in accordance with the international standards ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:2007. JSC ASE promotess safe, ecologically friendly and economically viable nuclear power facilities. Atomstroyexport uses the light water reactor installations of VVER type for construction of nuclear power plants.

VVER type reactors are considered to be one of the most dependable and secure.

VVER reactors were designed to include the most highly developed approaches to safety provision based on the principle of defense in depth and assuming several sequentially responding safety levels. JSC ASE utilizes modern funding systems in the process of construction.

Nowadays the construction of nuclear power plants and corresponding infrastructure is becoming more indispensable. The number of countries interested in nuclear energy is growing, but few of them have funds necessary for investment on such scale and for such periods of time. That is why different financing options are required including those of public and private financial sources.

Construction of a nuclear power plant is a lengthy process requiring large capital investments, in such situations public funds are often insufficient. Therefore,

nuclear energy project financing draws on such schemes as BOOT (build - own - operate - transfer), BOT (build - own transfer) and BOO (build - own - operate). The first project realized in this new for the nuclear industry format will be the construction of four-unit plant at Akkuyu site in Antalya Turkey.

Projects

Among the completed projects the most noteworthy construction of Tainawan Nuclear Power Plant in China. In 2007 the first power and second units were taken over by the customer. The two-year period of the guarantee operation for both units ended in 2009. During this time a reliable and safe operation of the station was confirmed. The plant has been constructed to the AES-91/99 design. Power plants consists of the reactor plant with reactor VVER-1000/B-428. The unit is in compliance with the international policies on nuclear safety and radiation emission. The reactor building is protected by double containment. The internal hermetic containment is responsible for elimination of radiation emission to the environment. The external containment function is to protect the reactor from detrimental external impact. There is a trap installed under the reactor shell which is responsible for maintenance and cooling of the melted core. In case of any accident the melted core is supposed to be sealed by the trap in order to prevent the destruction of foundation under the shell and reactor building. The trap utilized at Tianwan NPP is based on a unique technology unmatched in the world’s practice of NPP construction. The company is working on construction of a power unit at Bushehr NPP in Iran. In fact, JSC ASE continues construction on base of Bushehr NPP which was started

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Manufacturing-Journal | 69 | 2011-02-01 11:13:38

by Germans in 1974. Atomstroyexport was able to utilize a large amount of German equipment. The reactor room had to be redesigned in order to fit new VVER-1000 reactor. The changes in the layout of the plant were successfully implemented making Bushehr NPP the example of the vast possibilities of JSC «Atomstroyexport». JSC ASE is engaged in the construction of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in India. The design of the plant corresponds to the model AES92. The main advantages of the model are use of the highly developed equipment and implementation of the supplementary passive protection systems together with the usual active systems.

Such design improves reliability of the nuclear power plant which incorporates two VVER-1000/B-412 power units. The reactor unit is covered by the dual containment vessel which prevents the release of radiation into the environment and guards the reactor against various external impacts. Such safety system ensures protection against such natural disasters as earthquakes of magnitude up to 7 points on the Richter scale, tornados, and hurricanes, the system also guards against the impact of blast wave with front pressure up to 30 kPa, aircraft crash and the like. In 2006 the National Electric Company of the Republic of Bulgaria formally granted Atomstroyexport the tender for construction of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant. The design of the plant is based on model AES-92 comprised of two VVER-1000/B-466 power units. This design guarantees superior technical and economic possibilities as a result of reduced idle time and amplified

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life-span of the chief equipment up to 60 years. Moreover, the design of Belene NPP corresponds to all IAEA recommendations and the international safety requirements, making Belene NPP the embodiment a successful combination of Russian and European nuclear engineering technologies. At present JSC ASE is also engaged in the domestic power projects such as construction and modernization of thermal power facilities.

In 2009 the company was granted the tender for construction of Yuzhnouralsk GRES-2. The first unit of Yuzhnouralsk GRES-2 is scheduled to be transferred to the customer in the last quarter of 2012.

As for the future projects the company already signed a few memorandums to be realized in the following years.

In November 2009 Atomstroyexport signed a memorandum of Understanding with Czech and Slovak companies engaged in the field of construction of nuclear power plants about the possibility of cooperation in the process of construction nuclear power plants with VVER type reactors on the territories of Czech Republic, Russia and third countries. Czech-Russian Consortium Scoda JS a.s., JSC «Atomstroyexport» and JSC ОКB GIDROPRESS have handed over the qualification documents for the project of Temelin NPP completion, power units 3, 4 to the Czech Power Company (CEZ). In April 2009 a memorandum of cooperation in building nuclear power plants in China was signed. The newly constructed plant will be supplied with fast neutron reactors of BN-800 type.

Atomstroyexport was appointed the coordinator of the BN-800 project in the Peoples Republic of China from the Russian side At the moment the amount of work and funding necessary for the project is being estimated. In October 2008, Rosatom and the Chinese corporation JNPC signed a memorandum of cooperation on the construction of third and fourth power units of Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant and of a fast neutron reactor commercial purposes. In May 2010 in Ankara an Agreement was signed between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Cooperation in Relation to the Construction and Operation of the Nuclear Power Plant at Akkuyu Site on the Territory of the Republic of Turkey. Atomstroyexport was chosen the chief contractor for the construction of nuclear power plant.  Written by Elena Rozhko

Energy IndustryAtomstroyexport 2011-02-01 11:13:42

S TI CL E AR

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: OJSC Power Machines PRESIDENT: Igor Kostin OPERATIONS: Energy Industry ESTABLISHED: 2000 EMPLOYEES: about 12000

www.power-m.ru

Leader of Russian power engineering does not rest on its laurels

O

JSC Power Machines is the leading Russian manufacturer and supplier of complex equipment solutions for thermal, nuclear, hydraulic and gas-turbine power plants. The company is ranked in the list of hundred largest enterprises in Russia.

Power Machines company was established in the year 2000. Today it is a joint venture combining technological, industrial and intellectual resources of six world-famous Russian enterprises: Leningradsky Metallichesky zavod (established in 1857), Electrosila (1898), Turbine Blades’ Plant (1964), Kaluga Turbine Works (1946), Reostat Plant (1960) and Energomachexport (1966).

At present, OJSC Power Machines is the largest manufacturer of power equipment in Russia. The company specializes in the delivery of complex solutions for the power industry including engineering, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and modernization of equipment for thermal, nuclear, hydro and gas turbine power plants. 60% of all installed equipment at power plants in Russia and CIS countries had been manufactured by the Power Machines company.

In addition, the company is active on the

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markets of India, Vietnam, China, Latin America, Africa and other countries. In order to illustrate the scale of the company’s performance it is crucial to mention that during the existence of Power Machines and its member enterprises equipment of a total capacity of 300,000 MW has been manufactured. It is over 2700 steam turbines, 2550 turbo generators, 700 hydraulic turbines, 600 hydro generators. All these machines operate successfully on four continents in 57 countries worldwide.

Commercial activity

At the beginning of 2010 the total of orders received by Power Machines company amounted to 3,653 billion dollars, that is 13% more than in January 2009, considering that the company was working in the conditions of global financial crises. The volume of con-

Manufacturing-Journal | 71 | 2011-02-01 11:13:45

tracts concluded during the last year amounted to 1,595 billion U.S. dollars, 26% of the total amount is attributed to service contracts. The domestic market has always been the main priority for OJSC Power Machines. In recent years, large supply contracts have been concluded with Novovoronezh NPP-2 and Leningrad NPP-2, which are being constructed as a part of Russian program “NPP-2006”. Contracts have been signed to assemble and supply power equipment for Adlerskaya TPP, Urengoi, Cherepovets and Kharanorskaya TPPs, Right Bank and South thermal power plants in St. Petersburg. The company pays special attention to the production of hydro-generating equipment for Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, that is recovering from a disaster. Power Machines company cooperates with OJSC RusHydro, which incorporates the majority of Russian hydroelectric power plants. The contracts for construction of Boguchanskaya HPP and Zagorsk PSPP2 and modernization of Zhigulevskaya and Saratov hydroelectric power stations are being carried out. Service contracts have been signed with Rostov nuclear power plant and OJSC Mosenergo. Contracts for the modernization of installed equipment have been concluded with Krasnoyarsk, Lesogorskaya

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and Svetogorskaya HPPs and Kirishskaya thermal power plant. OJSC Power Machines exports power equipment as well. Having successfully completed the production of equipment for units with capacity of 1000 MW at Tianwan NPP in China and Kudankulam in India, Power Machines company has begun to fulfill the order for the Belene NPP in Bulgaria. The company manufactures and delivers equipment for the construction of new units and upgrade of existing units at Sipat and Barh TPPs (India), Bitola TPP in Macedonia, Ramin TPP in Iraq, Pljevlja TPP in Montenegro, Djerdap-1 HPP in Serbia and many others.

Production activity

In 2009 production output of OJSC Power Machines increased by 40% in comparison with the previous year’s figures and amounted to 30,272 billion rubles. The company manufactured turbine equipment of total capacity of 5,5 GW and generating equipment of capacity 7,2 of GW. Increase of production output can be attributed to the growing demand for equipment for steam-gas plants, production of powerful hydraulic equipment, execution of orders for manufacturing of equipment for thermal power plants, and the growing number of the service agreements.

Power Machines company is not going to stopping at that. The production program for the current year stipulates further increase of output. It is planned to manufacture turbine equipment of capacity up to 7,3 GW.

Energy IndustryPower Machines 2011-02-01 11:13:50

BeiJing SunShine Broad Electric Power Technology Co.,Ltd Tel: +86 10 8478 2505 | Fax: +86 10 8478 2509 | e-mail: office@cnbjss.com

www.cnbjss.com

FIELDS OF ACTIVITY: • • • • • • •

Production and representation of various power equipment and import and export of complete sets of equipment; Joint participation in tenders, and a joint contract for the project inside and outside the country of the complete power equipment.

Manufacturing and Service-mining equipment of metallurgical equipment, chemical and Mechanical equipment Supply of large-scale castings and forgings Introduction of technologies, technical advice and service Consultation Information regarding the market for energy equipment and advertising services Supply of large-scale castings and forgings

The company occupies an area of 180 thousand square meters. (Manufacturing departments of the factory: 120 thousand m2), there are more than 600 employees (of which more than 100 engineers and technicians) The main focus of our company is an international energy services complex supply and delivery of energy equipment direction of our company is the manufacture and maintenance (steel equipment, chemical, industrial equipment, mining equipment, etc.)

Księga1.indb 73

Liao Ning Company, Zhe Jiang Company, Jiang Su Company have strong ability to design, project management, quality control, production, casting and forging, metal processing etc.

BJSS seen a steady growth of international business for many years, and has formed a trading network that covered by a number of countries and regions, supply of equipment for more than 130 power plants, and over 50 for the mining sector and metallurgical projects in China and abroad.

2011-02-01 11:13:52

Manufacturing

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Silbitz Guss GmbH | Dr.-Maruschky-Str.2 | D-07613 Silbitz

500+

companies profiles available to read on our website

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Energy IndustryPower Machines 2011-02-01 11:13:55

Financial data

Excellent production figures are supported by financial ones. The revenue of the company in 2009 increased by 41% compared to the results from 2008 and amounted to 1.852 billion US dollars. Gross profit reached 473.857 million US dollars, which is 1.8 times higher than gross profit of 2008. The company made a net profit of 193.281 million US dollars, which 2,4 times higher than net profit of 2008 than it was 79.626 million US dollars. The growth in financial performance was significantly influenced by the diversification of order portfolio, increase of capacity exploitation and volume of shipments of manufactured equipment, as well as the realization of complex measures aimed at improving productivity and reducing costs.

Innovation

Modern research facilities and advanced technologies allow the company to offer its customers technically reliable and cost-effective solutions. Power Machines is the leader in the production of high-speed turbines for nuclear power plants (with rotor speed of 3000 rpm).

However, analysis of the market and world trends have shown that in the near future the demand for low-speed high power machines will increase (over 1000 MW and a rotor speed 1500 rpm).

Therefore the company has developed a project of modern low-speed turbine generator, which includes a turbine and a generator, with capacity of 1200 MW. According to the plans already in December 2013 Power Machines company will be able to offer its potential customers new high quality modern

equipment for power plants both with low-speed or high-speed performance.

The company intends to implement a sample of a newly developed gas turbine GTE-65 at Mosenergo TPP-9. It is planned to implement measures that will ensure operation of gas turbines GTE-160 at temperatures below minus 40 degrees, increasing their power at

the same time up to 190 MW. These turbines are produced by Power Machines under the license of Siemens. In the field of hydro-turbine construction Power Machines is developing three promising projects: the creation of hydraulic turbine equipment for heavy-duty hydroelectric power plants in Siberia and other regions of the world; the development of equipment for PSPPs; and the construction of effective water turbine of Kaplan type, which would be harmless for river ecology. The first project is unique. A schematic design has already been completed for the Evenki HPP as a part of realization of the first project.

Development of a new generation of equipment for the PSPPs will ensure a maximal increase in operating speed of pump-turbines. This will significantly reduce the size of PSPP blocks, and therefore costs of the construction of such

stations. OJSC Power Machines also plans to construct modern and efficient turbo and hydro generators, excitation systems, and electric machines for various industries.

Corporate strategy

The main strategic goals of Power Machines are the preservation and strengthening of the status of national industry leader in power engineering and the strengthening of position on the global market, especially in the priority regions of South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East. In order to achieve these goals the shareholders of Power Machines have decided to increase the production capacity of the company through modernization of existing production areas, and by building a new factory in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. This new plant, based on the most modern technologies will allow to produce new types of equipment for the power industry, to ensure high product quality, to increase technological capabilities and productivity, to optimize exploitation of production and auxiliary areas, and to reduce the operating costs of production. Total investment in construction of the first unit is over 6 billion rubles. Low-speed turbine for nuclear power plants, which is a new product for Russian power engineering, will be manufactured at the new plant.

The plant will incorporate a unit for the production of turbines and turbine generators, an acceleration and balancing stand, a hardware system, and objects of engineering infrastructure. The production program of the new plant stipulates manufacturing of two low-speed and two high-speed steam turbines per year with capacity up to 1600 MW each, and of four turbo-generators of the same capacity. The construction project of Power Machines is considered strategic by St. Petersburg’s city authorities and its implementation has already started.  Written by Elena Rozhko

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Manufacturing-Journal | 75 | 2011-02-01 11:13:56

S TI CL E AR

A pro in every inch

H

eavy industry for years held a special position in, oriented exclusively on production, economies of countries in the Soviet area of influence.

After the fall of communism, we have eventually learned, how the implementation of Marx’s and Lenin’s theories influenced practical economic solutions, and how negatively they affected public finances. Nonviable economically, technologically backwarded enterprises – mines, foundries, and other factories had to be restructured, privatized, and some of them even closed. This process, although it was the cause of many disappointments of certain occupational groups, was an essential starting point for the construction of the new economy, built this time on healthy principles, and also became an opportunity for companies, which had the skills to locate the appropriate market niches in the undeveloped areas of heavy industry. One of the organizations, which has used such an opportunity very well, became Bumech S.A. with headquarters in Chorzów – a specialist in the field of machine repairs.

Presentation of

the company

JJoint Stock Company Bumech was established in 2009, making its debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange President in the same year.

Zygmunt Kosmała It was an effect of transformation of Bumech Sp. z o.o., which had already enjoyed respect of Customers and experts, thanks to several years of work in the machine industry.

Bumech gradually expanded scope of lots activities, starting from 2002, when the company began activity in the field of machine repairs. In 2007 the organization was already involved in drilling underground cavities, and production of industrial facilities and specialist equipment for other industries. Nowadays Bumech S.A. is one of the major manufacturers and contractors operating on the Polish market in various fields of business activity associated with the development of modern heavy industry. Currently, the company’s area of interest is very broad and includes, inter alia, providing comprehensive services for the maintenance, renovating mining machines and equipment, but also manufacturing of industrial facilities and spare parts. Sustainable development of the company also entails broadening the range of activities, which in turn results in the expansion into new markets.

In 2007 the share of foreign contracts in the overall structure of sales was 7%, and growing. We may then conclude that the company develops properly, so let’s

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analyse specific solutions implemented by the company to find out the reasons for the success of the organization from Chorzów, which, during several years of its activity, managed to increase the employment nearly twentyfold.

Pillars of success

Good or bad situation of every organization depends on the efficiency of people employed in it. Therefore Bumech S.A. makes every effort to ensure that the company’s Employees are provided

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Bumech S.A. PRESIDENT: Zygmunt Kosmała OPERATIONS: Mining Industry ESTABLISHED: 1994 EMPLOYEES: 189

www.bumech.pl

Mining IndustryBumech 2011-02-01 11:14:08

with the best working conditions both in relation to the standards of financial security and social welfare. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Bumech S.A. employs over two hundred Employees, with more then half performing hard and very demanding duties in mines, which means that the safety procedures must be many times more severe then in other, not so extreme environments.

The smallest human or equipment error can cause damage to health and even life. Hence, a special approach to the management of personnel, which has to be carefully selected, well trained and perfectly equipped to perform its duties.

Managers in the organization also thor-

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oughly plan professional path of each Employee, so he can be satisfied with his work, and pass invaluable experience to younger workers. A blend of youthful energy and creativity with years of experience and practical knowledge creates a great team of Employees, functioning at every level of the organizational structure of the company. In the specific and very demanding machine industry, the priority in the activity of any company working in on of the industry’s sector, is to maintain the highest quality of specialized equipment. Bumech S.A. boasts a technologically advanced fleet of machines, which state is a matter of concern of professional technical

Manufacturing-Journal | 77 | 2011-02-01 11:14:11

– engineering staff in the organization.

Bumech is both service provider and manufacturer of mining machinery and equipment, developing cooperation with other branches of heavy industry, such as sugar industry, ore mining etc. In this situation, the equipment used by the company, including that manufactured

by Bumech itself, such as roadheaders, must meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. In the highly competitive sector, this factor is a “must be”, and since achieving full Customer satisfaction is a key objective of any enterprise, concern for the perfect state of machines and equipment is Bumech’s absolute priority. The highest quality of specialized equipment and well trained staff is not all that the company can be proud of. Bumech S.A. also implemented specific approach procedures for each contract. Distinctive features of the company in the area of keeping in touch with the Customers are primarily efficiency, professionalism, flexibility and individual adjustment of the conditions of implementation of each contract, depending on individual preferences. Taking into account also a wide and diverse range of the company’s activity, we may draw a conclusion that the solutions in this area are characterized by the highest quality for the most demanding standards and requirements submitted by the organization’s institutional Customers. Bumech S.A. is one of those, not so many yet, Polish companies, which have reached highest level of business acumen. This level is characterised by three essential features that can be applied to Bumech’s state. Firstly, such a company is well aware of the decreasing importance of the balance of profit and loss as a determinant of market viability of the company and adopts a broader criterion, which is the value of the company alone, to determine the company’s competitive position, taking into account not only the financial aspect of activity, but also social, ethical and other issues. Secondly, an aware organization realizes and appreciates the increasing role of activity associated with the CSR and green policy, necessary to meet the requirements of a modern Customer, whose awareness over time also enriches in the area of imagining himself the standards that have to be met by any product or service, which is to bring a feeling of consumer satisfaction. Thirdly, the issue of quality management in an aware organization grows to the rank of

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one of the most important elements of the functioning of a modern enterprise, regardless of the industry, in which it operates. Expression of this awareness for the detailed solutions in the company from Chorzów is, among others, implementation of the Quality Management System, including successfully recertified in 2009 document complying with the latest PN-EN ISO 9001:2009 standard for virtually all actions performed by the company in the area of production and service, as well as the preparatory work

to implement the Environmental Management System and its subsequent integration with already functioning Quality Management System. These activities are the best example, showing the company’s hierarchy of strategic objectives.

Prizes and awards

Bumech S.A. has been honored with many prizes, among which the company’s Employees especially appreciate this year’s “Diamenty Forbesa”, granted to the companies, which between the years 2006 – 2008 most rapidly increased their value. Furthermore, Bumech S.A. is also a winner of “Gazele Biznesu” - the title awarded by the prestigious magazine “Puls Biznesu” to the most dynamically developing companies operating in our country.

Summary

Visible consistency in the activities of Bumech S.A., a comprehensive plan of development of the company and clearly defined objectives, particularly in relation to the company’s growing expansion on foreign markets and in the improvement of already existing procedures related to CSR and environmental protection: all of these factors allow to predict very good situation of the company in the future. Poles have always been proud of their resourcefulness. The

situation of Polish companies in the past several years, particularly in relation to the increasing role of the Warsaw Stock Exchange in the region, has improved, also thanks to companies like Bumech, which is an organization that is seen as one of the swallows that brings the spring to the Polish business.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Mining IndustryBumech 2011-02-01 11:14:11

S TI CL E AR

J

Best men’s suits

SC Comintern is the leading manufacturer of men’s clothing in Belarus. The main aim of the company is to build and maintain excellent relationships with customers, based on trust and mutual gains. In order to guarantee customer satisfaction the company invests in modernization of equipment and development of the personnel, as these factures ensure production of first rate goods.

Ninety years of

experience

JSC Comintern is located in the city of Gomel in the Eastern part of the country.

The company’s history dates General Director back to 1919, Peter Afonchenko when a military uniform factory was opened in Gomel. In 1922 the factory was reorganized to manufacture civilian clothing. And in 1928 the company started functioning as an independent enterprise. In the 1990s the company started reorganization and refurbishment. New sewing equipment was purchased from leading world’s providers

FACT BOX

such as Pfaff, Strobel, Singer (Germany), AMF REECE (Czech Republic), Juki and Bruzer (Japan) Rimoldi and Macpi (Italy), Eastman (USA). Modern technologies were implemented in order to achieve higher quality standards. As a result, the enterprise became the leading manufacturer of men’s classic clothing in Belarus.

In 1993 the enterprise was transformed into JSC Comintern. Today, the company is widely known in the Republic of Belarus and abroad.

Mission of the company

The mission of the company is simple – to ensure high quality of products that would meet all expectations of the consumers. JSC Comintern strives to create favorable conditions for manufacturing of first rate modern garments and to increase efficiency of production. The management invests in the modernization of equipments in order to improve the quality of goods, their cost effectiveness and competitive ability. The main

marketing activities include creation of new brands and their promotion as well as analyses of customer needs. The company aims at outrunning the competition by designing and developing new types of products and production technologies, improving quality and consumer properties of products, maintaining the compliance with international standards. The assortment policy of the enterprise is based on one simple but effective principle - make those products that are in demand and are quickly sold. The company’s professionals are working on the development of an efficient distri-

FULL NAME: JSC COMINTERN PRESIDENT: Peter Afonchenko OPERATIONS: Consumer goods ESTABLISHED: 1919 EMPLOYEES: 1,559 people TURNOVER: 12 046 762 USD

www.oao-comintern.com Consumer Goods IndustryComintern Księga1.indb 79

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bution network. The company achieved its success due to many factors. First of all, JSC Comintern acquired its positive image thanks to honest treatment of customers, employees, business partners and to the company strict compliance with governmental standards and regulations. The enterprise is valued for its high production capacity and quali-

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fied staff. The personnel is experienced in conducting commercial transactions with any form of payment, as well as in the organization and supply chain management. The company’s managing director pays a lot of attention to the development of creative potential of the personnel. The employees have access to all resources that are necessary for professional growth. Currently the company employs 1,559 people. The company has numerous partners at home and abroad. JSC Comintern developed business partnerships with such foreign companies as: Vero, Poland; BMB, United Kingdom; Van de Maud, France; Verse, Germany; Grosso Moda, Netherlands; Staiber Star L.L.C, USA; ODEVNI PODNIK, a.s., Czech Republic; and many others.

However, the company does not stop on that and is constantly searching for new markets. Products of JSC Comintern are well known and highly esteemed in Russian Federation, Ukraine, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Estonia, France, Czech Republic, and Germany. Export volume for the first 9 months of 2010 amounted to 9,736,043 USD or 87,8% of total production to 63.9% in 2009. JSC Comintern is always open for new, mutually beneficial business relationships. The com-

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combination of wool, silk, cotton and lycra. The Comintern collection includes classic business class suits, jackets, and trousers. This brand is designed for business men, for whom a classic suit is a component of business success. The attractive price-quality ratio is another advantage of Man Way collection. The Man Way brand also includes classical business suits. The characteristic feature of this brand is its unique design that discreetly highlights the advantages of the bodies of Slavic men. Those who value comfort will be pleased by the suits of this brand. And last but not least is the City Life brand. The collection includes casual suits, created according to the latest trends of youth fashion. The suits are practical and comfortable, made of corduroy, cotton blends, wool blend and synthetic fabrics. The City Life collection is perfect for those who live and work in big cities. JSC Comintern produces uniforms for boys. The Junior Classic collection is designed for the future businessmen. Junior Classic costumes are made for boys in four age groups: preschool, junior school, high school and teenagers. pany’s operations have been stable over the past few years, despite the financial crisis in 2009. In these difficult years JSC Comintern managed to make profit and did not have to let go any members of staff. In order to confirm the stability of production and product quality, the company has developed and implemented a quality management system that meets the requirements of STB ISO 9001-2009. On top of that, the company received a certificate of compliance with the National System of Conformity of the Republic of Belarus. Environmental awareness of the management is very high, therefore environmental policy is an important aspect in the operation of JSC Comintern. The production program is realized according to the requirements of the occupational health and safety legislation. The company executes occupational health and safety management system that meets the requirements of international standard OHSAS 18001:2007, and environmental management system conforming to the international standard ISO 14001:2004.

Hard work and good intention of JSC Comintern have been recognized both at home and abroad. The enterprise has been awarded numerous certificates for quality. JSC Comintern was twice award-

ed the prize for quality from the government of Belarus. It was a prize-holder of such contests as “Best 100 products of Belarus” and “Best 100 Belarusian products on the Russian market”. The company was several times recognized Best Enterprise of the Clothing Industry.

Product collections

JSC Comintern manufactures its products only from environmentally friendly materials with high hygienic qualities and excellent consumer properties.

The main suppliers of fabrics are Turkish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Ukrainian manufacturers. The company closely cooperates with European suppliers of primary products and materials as Forbitex (The Netherlands), AMANN, Freudenberg, KUFNER INTERNATIONAL, KM Textilhandelsgesellshaft (Germany).

Four different brands of menswear are manufactured by JSC Comintern. Each brand has its distinct style and characteristic features. The product range is varied in order to meet the requirements of different age groups. The collection of premium menswear Valerosso includes suits, trousers and jackets. The garments are produced only from natural materials. Valerosso collection is made of a

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Bright future

JSC Comintern is a company with clearly defined goals, a company which is not afraid of challenges. The management and staff are qualified and enthusiastic, with clear vision of the company’s future.

In the upcoming years the management plans to continue implementing modern technologies and encourage professional development of its employees, as these two factors are crucial for the company’s success. “Use of modern equipment guarantees high quality, and high quality ensures customer satisfaction. At Comintern, we value our customers the most and put their needs above all. The best reward for us is the trust of our customers, when they are sure that buying Comintern’s menswear they are buying the best there is,”- says the general director of JSC Comintern Mr. Afonchenko.

With such an attitude the success is guaranteed.  Written by Elena Rozhko

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S TI CL E AR

Brand That Speaks for Itself

E

xcellent Usługi Sp. z o. o. (LLC), Kraków, Poland, has been present on the market of building carpentry for 13 years now. “The name of the brand speaks for itself,” stresses Mr Edward Ziębicki, the company’s President. That is why the business never shrinks from daunting tasks, which include restoration of antique carpentry among others. Its management is keen to stay on top of quality and style: they spare no expense to obtain finest materials and manufacture windows exclusively from timber.

Step by Step

To give a close-up look on the brand and its inception, we have to go back to year 1997, when Excellent Group, a services supplier for the building industry and a specialist in interior furnishings and glass manufacturing, spotted quite a niche in the market of building carpentry too. Prompt action soon followed: to address that new field of activity, a new company was established.

Market recognition came immediately afterwards. “Since then we have evolved to become a brand highly regarded by the construction industry,” recalls Mr Ziębicki, “We have been consistent in acquiring expertise; we have also gathered first-rate specialists and improved on processing technology.” This success has come about largely due to the company clearly defining its mission. The mission aiming at the Customer’s ever greatest satisfaction and comfort, the means to achieve it include: top quality, advanced technology and up-to-the-minute design trends and solutions. Inspired by the idea of sustainable development, the business steers clear of unnecessary trouble and keeps steadily reinforcing its position in the industry. People at Excellent Usługi are no daredevils: instead of rash decisions, they prefer to bide their time and take each action step by step.

Tangible Results

Nowadays the business may finally reap the rewards. “Since the beginning of this year, we have been implementing our ambitious investment plan,” elaborates Mr Ziębicki. “This will certainly help us extend our offer with energy efficient products. Thanks to sash profiles that are 78 mm in width, we can finally launch manufacturing sash frames with 3 panes of glass in it. This solution allows

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us to improve our windows in terms of their energy-efficiency parameters. So far, we’ve managed to reach comparable parameters only by means of expensive technology such as passive windows, for instance.” As for other investments, a 92 mm wide sash profile should be also mentioned, thanks to which it is now possible to reach thermal insulation parameters of Uw = 0.8 W/m2K. „This year in autumn we will add a whole gamut of top quality interior doors to our offer. We manufacture these with finest and natural materials: timber, natural veneers, eco-friendly varnishes and technologically advanced fittings,” adds the company’s President.

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Excellent Usługi Sp. z o.o.

PRESIDENT: Edward Ziębicki OPERATIONS: Manufacturer of wood joinery ESTABLISHED: 1997 EMPLOYEES: 44

www.stolarka.excellent.com.pl

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Look to Your Laurels

Surely a successful brand, Excellent Usługi would never make it without satisfied Customers and, needless to say, there are no Customers where there is no thoughtful policy. “We are keen on quality and respect. We spare no expense for finest materials and solutions,” stresses Mr Ziębicki. The ultimate objective for the company is that the Client is not only satisfied with the product, but also finds it safe and reliable. The latter is safeguarded by the company’s service centre, which secures warranty and postwarranty repair of already fitted carpentry, including regulation, restoration, window panes replacement and many others. However, at Excellent Usługi they know perfectly well that a satisfied Customer has to feel something more than just security. “For that matter, we treat each and every order individually. We provide tailor-made solutions; we also manufacture carpentry elements commonly used in the building industry. We care for each form and detail. Our specialists assist the Customer with their knowledge already at the stage of design. We do all this because we want to cater for the Customer’s needs in a manner that is comprehensive and prompt,” says Mr Ziębicki.

Looking for Challenges

Excellent Usługi is based in Kraków, a cultural capital of Poland, where there are many historic sites to be encountered, many of which calling for or undergoing renovation work. This kind of work requires a lot of precision and only contractors that boast a proven track

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record can win a tender: it is up to the Municipal Conservator to decide who to strike a deal with. Excellent is to be found in this company. “With its intricate details, we find it challenging to restore antique carpentry. We are willing to take on such a challenge, though, and we do our best to restore it to its former glory.

The job being difficult at times, the compromise is likely to be required on both sides. We find the job worth taking, however. More often than not its results surpass the expectations of the Client: this means that the effort has paid off.

To our credit, we’ve completed a number of carpentry projects in Art Nouveau buildings,” says Mr Ziębicki. Many of those buildings can be found on the list of historic sites, including old mansions at Łobzowska St. and Hotel Royal in Kraków or beautiful Art Nouveau houses at Foksal St. in Warsaw.

Why Timber

Many window carpentry producers are nowadays keen on cheap PCV technology. Excellent Usługi is resolved to use timber, though. Why timber? Because it is pure nature and sheer style. Warm and pleasant to touch, timber remains highly resistant to temperature changes and hardly ever deforms. Windows made from timber, if properly cared for, prove extremely durable and, if damaged, can be easily repaired and fitted with additional safety features and accessories.

Due to their excellent thermal insulation properties, these windows make the best choice for houses that have been designed with low energy consumption in mind. Timber frames in turn can

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be painted with paints or stains of every colour. Last but not least, various window forms and shapes put no restraint on the silhouette of the building façade.

Windows signed with the Excelent logo are manufactured from three layered and glued together pine and mahogany (meranti) timber. Its grain is arranged in such a way that it prevents the window frame from warping. Manufactured in the DJ 68 system, the Excellent carpentry in available in two profiles: CLASSICAL and SOFTLINE.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient

Excellent Usługi proves that timber carpentry can be eco-friendly, too. “Materials we use to manufacture carpentry are supplied by red meranti timber plantations and do not come from the wasteful exploitation of the areas regarded as

Comprehensive and Innovative

Now for a few details concerning the offer itself. Excellent Usługi manufactures typical and period windows, windowsills, doors and outside gates, panels for the segment garage doors and internal doors. The Excellent carpentry is fitted with hardware components, locks, glass panes and mechanisms that come from the leading and trusted suppliers.

The company’s offer is also featured by many innovative solutions, the most important being the timber profile reinforced with aluminium cover. “This solution is gaining in popularity among savvy Clients who look for something efficient and unconventional. This type of carpentry combines style with the best thermal insulation properties available. Moreover, it makes possible to produce windows which are modern as well as warm and traditional, thanks

Shape of Things to Come

This year the business is going to launch a state-of-the-art line for interior doors manufacturing as well as to improve on the exterior carpentry production. These steps have been taken with a view to expanding on foreign markets, the process of which is already promising and well underway. “We strike while the iron is hot. Hence the idea to reinforce our export figures. However, it is still the domestic market which proves the most important and most challenging too. In the coming years we plan to develop a network of distribution, setting up our own as well as franchised sales branches in the largest Polish cities and smaller towns respectively,” declares Mr Ziębicki.

These steps prove absolutely vital because, as he suggests, the carpentry market is very competitive and even smaller producers of regional range can make a worthy opponent for businesses focused on massive production. The Clients also tend to change over time: they have grown savvy enough to discard any pig in a poke. Once these improvements are made, the Customers of Excellent will be safe in the knowledge that they are not buying one. The name of the brand has to speak for itself, after all.  Written by Bartosz Sowiński

the lungs of our planet,” emphasises Mr Ziębicki. The company takes advantage of eco-friendly water soluble varnishes, thus discharging no toxic substances to the atmosphere during the manufacturing process. Excellent keeps on promoting the idea of passive energy too.

President explains it in detail: “It is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient action.

With a scarcity and soaring prices of conventional energy resources such as oil, gas and coal, the idea of a passive house and the solutions implemented there is the only path to follow for the construction industry. The passive house requires less energy, thereby contributing less to the pollution of the atmosphere.

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to the respective use of aluminium and wood. Such a combination yields desired results: our windows are properly insulated against changes of temperature,” remarks Mr Ziębicki. It should be also added that all the components of the system have been tested in the Centralny Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Przemysłu Elementów Wyposażenia Budownictwa Metalplast Poznań, and carry the Technical Acceptance Certificate [Aprobata Techniczna]. The Rosenheim Institute also issued an attestation and the windows have been positively verified by the Instytut Techniki Budowlanej too.

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Cosmetic Solutions

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