Manufacturing-Journal vol. 4/5-2010 by Z-MEDIA

Manufacturing Volume 4/5 - 2010

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The World of Business

Journal

magazine

Drive for Success page 71

We radiate good energy and heat

page 78

A company with tradition

page 52

A professional from Tychy

page 20

News KsiÄ&#x2122;ga1.indb 1

Trade Shows

Country profiles

Companies profiles

www.manufacturing-journal.net 2010-10-22 12:06:31

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2010-10-22 12:06:35

EL UD E PR

Dear Readers!

e are pleased to present the next issue of the Manufacturing Journal magazine. In the current edition you may find many interesting articles that describe different aspects of the European industry. In particular, we would like to focus your attention to article about the company, Aliplast Sp. z o. o (LLC) from Lublin has recently become a success story in the Polish aluminium systems industry. They’ve risen to the top thanks to timely investment, made just after Poland’s accession to the EU, right on the brink of the building boom in Poland. International capital has also played a part: Aliplast belongs to Corialis Group, an international holding present on three continents. Mr Jan Kidaj, Aliplast President, speaks to “Manufacturing Journal” about the company’s achievements and its ambitious investment plan. Also in this publication, Elektrociepłownia Będzin S.A. is a Poland-based company engaged in the energy sector. The Company is multi-utility provider, specializing in the generation and distribution of heat (water steam and hot water) and electricity for the individual and industrial use. Above we recommend article about, Bonduelle Polska SA is a dynamically developing branch of the Bonduelle Group, the world’s leader in processed vegetables.

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.

More info: www.manufacturing-journal.net

Prelude Księga1.indb 3

Manufacturing-Journal | 1 | 2010-10-22 12:06:36

CONTENTS

Contents: Editor Patryk T. Zborowski Profile Writers Aleksandra Strojek Anna Chudzik Anna Tomaszewska Bartosz Sowiński Berenika Wilczyńska Jacek Głowacki Katarzyna Olszowska Kateryna Ferdyn Łukasz Światowiec

1 2 4 10 12

Prelude Contents News Trade Shows Country profile

13 16 20 24 27 30 34

Logistics and investment near Poznań Top priority: Customer satisfaction A professional from Tychy Passion for Fruit Polish vegs and French style Cult of vegetables Quality in nutrition on the market of legumes Brest Distillery Company BELALCO Dynamic Russian wheat grain processing company Freshly squeezed olive juice The world of oil A great taste for business A company with tradition

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

37 40 43 46 49 52

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Contents 2010-10-22 12:06:37

NT EN TS CO

Roads for people The company with prospects for the future Window of Opportunity Capital of Trust Clear business rules Drive for Success

Index:

55 58 61 64 68 71

Articles: Aceites Abril Alimentos Naturales, S.A. Aliplast Sp. z o.o. Atlanta Poland S.A. BARTER S.A. BONDUELLE POLSKA S.A. Brest Distillery Company BELALCO Carnicas Serrano d’aucy Polska Sp. z o.o. Elektrociepłownia „Będzin” Spółka Akcyjna Elsta Sp. z o. o. Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. JSC Grodno meat-packing plant KICO Polska Sp. z o.o. LLENTABHALLEN Sp. z o.o. Monini S.p.A MOSTOSTAL PUŁAWY S.A. OAO PAVA POLDIM S.A. SKALSKI SONAROL Sp.j. Najda STS & CLIP Group

Barter S.A. - a responsible importer 75 We radiate good energy and heat 78 In search of groundbreaking electrical 82 solutions

46 34 71 24 75 30 37 49 27 78 82 20 52 16 68 43 58 40 55 64 61 13

Advertising: ”ZUREC ” Sp. z o.o. „J.A.M. Inox Produkt” Sp. z o.o. Constructie Bruynooghe nv EM&CA S.A. FIBRE SYSTEM Galwanizer Sp. z o.o. Ollari e Conti International s.r.l. Outokumpu PRUNESCO Schürholz Polska Sp. z o.o. SECIL POLSKA Sp. z o.o. Talmex Sp. zo.o.

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80 33 33 80 65 17 54 21 26 17 73 80

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NE W S

Clariant focuses on further Growth in China

Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant continues to strengthen its presence in Greater China with the official opening of its new Greater China headquarters in Shanghai, October 20, 2010. The new facility also includes a new technical application center for pigments. Clariant further announced the start-up of its new Quinacridon pigment joint venture in Hangzhou. Additionally, in September 2009, Clariant had launched its new multi-purpose-plant (MPP) in Zhenjiang. A new ethoxylation facility in Dayabay, the industrial hub in Southern China is currently under construction. Its opening is scheduled for mid 2011. By this date Clariant will have invested approximately 150 million Swiss francs (CHF) over the last two and a half years. In 2010 Greater China will gain a share of around eight per cent of the worldwide Clariant business. Today Clariant employs up to 1.300 people in Greater China and is represented in 13 cities with a total of 21 locations. “Setting up the new Greater China headquarters and the new production site in Hangzhou reflects Clariant`s confidence in the stability and growth of the Chinese economy. And, with a sales increase of about 30 per cent in 2010, China is one of the fastest growing markets for Clariant”, comments Dr. Hariolf Kottmann, Clariant`s Chief Executive Officer.

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Schneider Electric delivers universal charging spots for electric vehicles to Total Belgium service stations Schneider Electric delivered 6 universal charging spots for electrics vehicles (EV) to the service stations experimental network Plug to Drive by Total Belgium. In providing a universal and complete EV charging spot, Schneider Electric answered to Total Belgium requirements with the opportunity to choose between a normal recharge and a fast recharge. These options meet specifications of every EV type : Schneider Electric’s charging spot offers an electric charge of the vehicle by AC current (16 A, 32 A, 63 A) as well as DC current (up to 125 A). “By implementing its solution to Total Belgium’s infrastructures and exploitation system, Schneider Electric demonstrates today its ability to make EV charge easy to use and concrete”, said Jean-Paul Brees, Country President, Schneider Electric Belgium. “The comprehensive offer delivered to Total Belgium’ Plug to Drive network will help to collect important data on charging spots usages for electric vehicles in service stations.” More info: schneider-electric.com

ThyssenKrupp, Abu Dhabi MAR and the Greek government secure future for Hellenic Shipyards

The Hellenic Minister of National Defense, Prof. Dr. Evangelos Venizelos and the Hellenic Minister of Finance Giorgos Papakonstantinou together with Dr. Hans Christoph Atzpodien, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG and Iskandar Safa, Chairman and CEO of Abu Dhabi MAR LLC, signed the contracts to implement the Framework Agreement in Athens on September 30, 2010. Dr. Olaf Berlien, member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG: “The signing of the contracts is a great success with benefits for all three participating parties. After long negotiations we have succeeded in securing the future of the shipyard and Greek expertise in submarine construction will be preserved. ” Talks on an overall solution for Hellenic Shipyards and a mutually agreed ending of the ongoing arbitration proceedings had been taking place between representatives of the Greek government on the one side and Abu Dhabi MAR and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems on the other since December 2009. On March 18, 2010 this package solution gave rise to a Framework Agreement which had been signed by all three parties. The agreement provides for the transfer of 75.1% of the shares in the Greek shipyard to Abu Dhabi MAR, the acceptance of the submarines built to date and the purchase of two further Class 214 submarines as part of the existing Neptune II program (instead of two Class 209 modernizations). The Implementation Agreement will become effective upon

News 2010-10-22 12:06:40

Helping Switzerland become the most rail-friendly country in the world

closing which is expected to take place in October 2010. Since acquiring HSY in 2005 ThyssenKrupp has expanded the shipyard into a state-of-the-art submarine manufacturing site in the Mediterranean region.

BAE faces ‘modest’ hit from UK defence cuts BAE Systems has said that the impact on its business of the UK government’s defence cuts will only be “modest”. While the defence group has been hit by some cuts - such as the retirement of the Harrier jet - a number of its manufacturing contracts will continue. These include the two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, of which BAE is a lead member of the consortium that is building them. Outside of the UK, BAE said it was enjoying strong business in the US. BAE said it anticipated “only relatively modest adjustments to its overall financial outlook” as a result of the reduction in government defence spending. The firm has also been affected by the Ministry of Defence’s decision not to take the latest version of the Nimrod reconnaissance plane into service - the Nimrod MRA4. Some 1,000 people have been working to build nine Nimrod MRA4’s at BAE’s factory in Stockport - 500 directly employed by the company, and 500 contractors. There are concerns that some of these jobs will now be lost, but BAE has yet to comment. However, the factory was already scheduled to close in 2012 following the completion of the Nimrod work.

2010-10-19 - ABB is helping the Swiss rail network – which has the highest frequency of train services in the world – expand its high-speed operations and perform at the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and safety, including the 57 kilometer Gotthard rail tunnel, the longest tunnel on the planet. Studies repeatedly show that the Swiss travel more by train than any other nation. On average, each of the country’s 7.8 million residents travels 40 times a year on Swiss rail services, with 900,000 people on the national railroad system every single day. Switzerland is also the most important transit country for freight crossing the Alps by rail. Around 60 percent of goods passing through Switzerland – some 25 million tons – is transported by rail annually. This is set to double to 50 million tons by 2017 when the two new high-speed rail links that connect Switzerland to the high-speed rail networks of Germany, France and Italy via the new Lötschberg and Gotthard base tunnels are completed. With the Lötschberg, the Gotthard base tunnel is a focal point of the new high-speed transalpine rail links between northern and southern Europe. The Lötschberg and Gotthard base tunnels are the focal points of a Swiss federal project to cut rail times through the Swiss Alps by constructing base tunnels several hundred meters below the existing tunnels. Construction crews cut through the last 180 cm of rock to reach the Gotthard base tunnel far below the

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peaks of the Alps on Oct. 15, to much fanfare. The 34.6 km Lötschberg base tunnel is already in operation, having opened in December 2007. The tunnel supports the western transit link between Basel on the German border and Milan in northern Italy. Some 40 passenger trains and 110 freight trains pass through the tunnel every day. ABB supplied the 50 Hz power distribution system for the entire tunnel infrastructure - lighting, signaling, communications, ventilation and air conditioning – as well as the 16.7 Hz traction power supply system that is designed to power up to six locomotives and freight trains of up to 1.5 km in length simultaneously. For the 57 km Gotthard base tunnel, which is scheduled to open in 2017 and will be the longest rail tunnel in the world, ABB is supplying a power distribution solution that will provide exceptional levels of reliability, availability and safety in the demanding operating conditions of the tunnel system. The tunnel system will consist of two 57 km tunnel tubes, one for each direction, linked every 325 meters by 40 m crossways that serve as escape routes. The ABB power equipment is located in these crossways. It has to withstand large variations in pressure caused by trains speeding past at 250 km/h, and unusually harsh operating conditions – salt deposits, brake dust, soot, and abraded material. More info: abb.com

Manufacturing-Journal | 5 | 2010-10-22 12:06:41

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WACKER Starts up New Chinese Production Plant for Silicone Polymers and Fluids WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, officially inaugurated its new silicone-polymer plant at Zhangjiagang (China) today. The plant manufactures not only intermediates, but also downstream silicone products, including fluids. Completing WACKER’s supply chain in China, the plant is an integral part of Zhangjiagang’s silicone production system and represents an investment of some €30 million. “Our new siliconepolymer facility at Zhangjiagang is another milestone toward optimally satisfying soaring customer demand on China’s growth markets,” explained Carlos Weise, president of the WACKER SILICONES division. “Our Chinese business is

generating double-digit growth, clearly outperforming the world market,” he emphasized. “At the same time, the new plant will help us provide top-quality products and solutions that are made locally. As a result, our customers will be able to meet their own customers’ needs even more effectively. Through our efforts, we are supporting growth in many of China’s key industries.” WACKER has produced silicones in China since 2004 for use in many challenging applications, including in the automotive, construction and electronics sectors. At WACKER’s Nanjing site, production of dispersions and dispersible polymer powders began last November. Primarily supplied to the construction sector, these products are found, for example, in insulation systems, tile adhesives and ready-mix mortars. In total, WACKER’s Chinese operations comprise four production sites, two technical competence centers and seven sales offices spanning the country’s key economic centers. In 2009, WACKER posted sales of over €730 million in China, including Taiwan. The Munich-based chemical company has been present in China with own sales offices since 1995.

Borealis introduces the next generation strippable semiconductive insulation shield compound for the wire and cable industry Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions and market leader for the wire and cable industry, has launched the newly developed LE0520. This new strippable semiconductive insulation shield compound demonstrates a consistent low strip force over a very wide temperature range which is unique to the wire and cable industry. Thorough testing under all extreme weather conditions shows that the product always easily strips while

Cherkizovo Group acquires large poultry site Cherkizovo Group has agreed to acquire a 100% controlling interest in the Zarechnaya poultry facility, for a total consideration of US$5.2 million. Located in the Penza region of Russia, the acquired poultry site assets comprise 41 bird houses, with a combined capacity of 1.55 million broiler hens. The site will be integrated into the existing Penza project, created in late 2009, thereby further increasing capacity at the cluster. The Group will additionally invest approximately US$18 million in upgrading the Zarechnaya poultry facility. The

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News 2010-10-22 12:06:42

leaving a very clean insulation surface without pick-off. LE0520 sets more new standards in the wire and cable industry. Not only does the product exceed all different industry standards like thermal aging, its new, revolutionary product design also allows a very smooth surface of the semiconductive shield, giving further advantages to the cable’s electrical performance. Cable producers additionally report ease of processing and a reduction of by-product residues in the Continuous Vulcanization (CV) tube as clear advantages of LE0520. “With this product innovation, Borealis is leading the way in further diversifying wire and cable applications by delivering a step change in improved productivity, reliability and environmental performance the industry requires,“ says Marc Hubert, Vice President Business Unit Wire and Cable. “The next-generation strippable semiconductive insulation shield compound for use in medium voltage power cables is part of our active commitment of investing in our customers’ continued success.” Borealis’ commitment to the market is confirmed by its over EUR 400 million investment in a new 350 kt/year high pressure low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant and associated facilities at Stenungsund, Sweden which was inaugurated in June 2010. This follows the site is expected to be operational from the fourth quarter of 2011. Once operational, its annual production capacity will be 22,500 live-weight tonnes, thus enhancing the poultry rearing capacities in the Penza cluster, and meeting the slaughter facility’s hourly capacity of 14,000 heads. The Penza region capacity increase project includes: •

•

the construction of a state-ofthe-art slaughtering facility with an hourly capacity of up to 8,000 heads, in addition to the existing facility with an hourly capacity of 6,000 heads; an incubation facility for 105 million

expansion of our XLPE capacity in Stenungsund in the second half of 2007. Borealis brings more than 40 years experience in providing consistently highquality polyolefin compounds to the wire and cable industry and is the world leader in this market segment. Together with our customers, Borealis is bringing energy all around. More info: borealisgroup.com

Uralmashplant builds up two drilling rigs designed for Eriell Group oilproduction service company Two drilling derricks of Uralmash 5000/ 320 ЭК-БМЧ drilling rigs, which are presently manufactured for Eriell Group, have been erected at test-assembly sight. The plant shall dispatch the rigs to the Customer in November 2010. Earlier this year Uralmashplant and Eriell Group signed a contract for the manufacture of two drilling rigs for Eriell Group. In addition to the contract on July 15 of 2010, the companies have signed an agreement for ten Uralmash 5000/320 ЭК-БМЧ drilling rigs to be delivered to Eriell Group in 2010-2012. At present, Uralmash specialists elaborate design documentation on the said rigs.

• •

eggs per year; a fodder factory with an annual capacity of over 300,000 tonnes; and bird houses at both the existing and new sites of the Vasilievskaya factory.

Sergey Mikhailov, CEO of Cherkizovo Group, said: “The acquisition of the Zarechnaya poultry facility is fully in line with our strategy to develop our vertically integrated production facilities. Our investment in this project will improve the capacity and efficiency of our operations as we seek to meet the growing demands of the domestic market for high-quality Russian-produced meat products. Russia remains a significant importer of meat and Cherkizovo

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Uralmash 5000/320 ЭК-БМЧ drilling rigs represent new generation of cluster drilling rigs, which are designed for oil and gas drilling at the Extreme North. The rig structure and set of equipment delivered provide for high mountability. Packaged drilling rigs meet all the requirements of modern technologies of oil and gas well drilling thanks to modular configuration, optimum drilling technique option, AC variable-frequency drive of the mechanisms, modern drilling monitoring and control systems and environmentally friendly mud system. Parallel “two-echelon” configuration of the drilling rig has halved its length as against its previous size. The rig features maximum drilling depth of 5000 meters, and its load capacity is 320 tons. More info: uralmash.ru

fully supports the government’s objective for the country to be self-sufficient in poultry meat production by 2014. Cherkizovo’s business development and investment over the next 3-5 years will make a significant contribution to the import substitution programme. We have proven our commitment by continuing our investment to build capacity, even in a difficult economic environment, and we are continuing our efforts to accelerate the implementation of these projects”. More info: www.cherkizovo-group.com

Manufacturing-Journal | 7 | 2010-10-22 12:06:43

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Tate & Lyle to establish new Commercial and Food Innovation Centre in Chicago, Illinois Tate & Lyle PLC (“Tate & Lyle”) announces today that it is to establish a new Commercial and Food Innovation Centre in Chicago, Illinois. In May 2010, Tate & Lyle announced the implementation of a new global organisational structure as part of its clear intention to focus, fix and grow its business. The establishment of this new Centre, bringing Tate & Lyle’s innovation group and speciality food ingredients business in North America together in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Chicago, with enhanced access to customers, represents the next logical step in the development of this new structure. The new Centre will be the global headquarters of Tate & Lyle’s Innovation and Commercial Development group and the regional headquarters for the Speciality Food Ingredients business in North America. The Centre will also act as the base for those US employees with global responsibilities and, accordingly, the President of the Bulk Ingredients global business unit, and his support staff, will be located there. These groups are all currently located in Decatur, Illinois, and, therefore, employees from these groups in due course will be relocating to Chicago. In total, approximately 160 positions will be located in the new Centre. The 110,000 square-foot, threestorey building, to be leased by Tate & Lyle and situated in the Hoffman Estates area of Chicago, will feature laboratories,

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a demonstration kitchen, and sensory testing, analytical and pilot plant facilities. The new Centre will be specifically designed to meet customers’ functional, formulation and nutritional needs and to accelerate the process of bringing new products to market. The new Centre is expected to be operational by the end of 2011. Tate & Lyle expects to recognise exceptional costs of up to US$32 million in connection with relocation and restructuring associated with this initiative, and capital expenditure of US$26 million in relation to the fit-out of the new Centre, both to be incurred largely in the year ending 31 March 2012. Javed Ahmed, Chief Executive of Tate & Lyle said: “Meeting our customers’ product development and innovation needs is at the very heart of our business. The new Commercial and Food Innovation Centre in Chicago will enable our scientists, marketing, sales and technical experts to collaborate more closely with our customers, and to respond rapidly to their needs for innovative food ingredients and solutions. “Tate & Lyle’s clear priority is to grow its Speciality Food Ingredients business, supported by cash generated from Bulk Ingredients. This investment represents another important step in positioning Tate & Lyle to deliver on its strategic objectives as we focus, fix and grow our business.”

Valeo-Ichikoh Alliance equips the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle with LED low beam headlamps

Valeo and its partner in Japan, Ichikoh, have developed a new generation of LED front lighting systems, unveiled as a world premier on the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle. The Alliance’s engineers have designed a cost-effective LEDbased headlamp, combining enhanced illumination close to daylight and distinctive style. While the Nissan Leaf LED headlamp is cost and energy efficient, it delivers a high level of performance, with brighter light color on the road and a longer life span. The optical system provides multiple innovative front lighting solutions: the collector and reflector are combined as a single thermoplastic part with no lens, giving it a distinctive look a conventional headlamp. With a flux on the road of more than 500 lumens, the wide beam offers a good range and high homogeneity. Thanks to its color temperature of 5500K, it has been ranked at the level of HID lamps during night test comparisons with different mass production headlamps. This low beam module is the first on the market with efficient power consumption as low as 50W per vehicle using only 2 LED per headlamp. The 2 LED-based design saves 30% more energy than the best 3 LED-based headlamps currently on the market (70W). Compared with other light sources, it saves up to 49% with Xenon systems (90W) and 62% with Halogen (130W). The benefit is also very high for conventional internal combus-

News 2010-10-22 12:06:44

tion engine vehicles with an average CO2 saving of 1g per km. Valeo and its partner Ichikoh are positioned as a major player on the booming LED front lighting market with the headlamps for the Nissan Leaf, the first mass market 100% Electric Vehicle. Valeo and Ichikoh are preparing for the future, working together on further innovative LED front lighting solutions.

Skanska launches green office project in Poland – invests EUR 36 M, about SEK 330 M, construction contract amounts to EUR 23 M, about SEK 210 M Skanska is to develop and construct a new office property with a strong environmental profile in Warsaw, Poland. Skanska’s investment amounts to approximately EUR 36 M, about SEK 330 M, for the first phase, which comprises 14,000 square meters of leasable space Skanska will serve as the construction manager for the project, which is valued at EUR 23 M, about SEK 210 M, and will be included in fourth-quarter order bookings. The property, which has been named Green Corner, is designed to comply with requirements for LEED Platinum certification; the highest level in the international LEED environmental rating system. The office property is located on Chlodna Street in central Warsaw. On full completion, the Green

Corner will include two seven-story buildings with a total of 27,500 square meters of floor space. “We have noted increased activity in the Polish office market and can thus immediately commence work on the project before we have signed any rental contracts. Tenants and investors are primarily looking for flexible and environmentally sound offices with a good working environment,” says Nicklas Lindberg, Managing Director of Skanska Property Poland. Construction work will commence in the autumn and the first phase is scheduled for completion in mid-2012. Skanska Commercial Development Europe initiates and develops property projects in office, logistics and commercial buildings. The company’s operations are concentrated in metropolitan areas in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland and are conducted in three local units: Skanska Property Czech Republic, Skanska Property

ZF Inaugurates Truck Transmission Plant in Pune, India

More info: www.skanska.com

• •

Huhtamaki inaugurates world class foodservice packaging manufacturing unit in Poland Huhtamaki has relocated its foodservice packaging manufacturing in Poland to Czeladź. The move supports the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment’s ambition to grow in Central and Eastern Europe, providing room for additional production capacity. The official inauguration of the plant was held October 14, 2010. “The Czeladź factory is our most modern, state-of-the-art paper cup plant”, says Eric Le Lay, Executive Vice President, Foodservice EuropeAsia-Oceania. “With its optimized work flow, highest hygiene and safety standards and excellent working environment it is designed for the future.” The investment decision was made in mid 2009 and the facility was completed on schedule with commercial production

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starting in July 2010. “Special focus was given to designing occupational safety best practices into the building layout and structure,” says plant manager Marcin Gruszcynski. “This focus also was evident during construction as we were able to complete the project without a single accident.” The new manufacturing unit is located in the south of Poland, approximately 15 km away from the old Siemianowice site. The Siemianowice plant is part of the Rigid Consumer Goods Plastics business.

•

New ZF plant in Pune, India, produces heavy truck transmissions Automotive supplier active in India for nearly 30 years already ZF CEO Hans-Georg Härter: “The location in Pune is an important basis for supplying the growth market of India”

Pune/India. ZF increases its commitment in the growth market of India. The supplier group has now opened up an assembly plant in the industrial center of Pune, planning to produce an annual 25,000 heavy truck transmissions in the medium term. More info: www.zf.com

Manufacturing-Journal | 9 | 2010-10-22 12:06:45

NE W S

TRADE SHOWS 10.11 - 12.11 2010

Seagate enters solid-state drive market Seagate is making a belated but potentially market-changing entry into the solid-state drive market. Solid-state drives are generally faster than hard-disk drives, particularly at retrieving data, and have won limited acceptance in the laptop market. Seagate, however, is targeting the more lucrative and potentially larger server market and will compete with likes of Intel, Micron Technology, Samsung, and STEC. Seagate’s first salvo in the market is the new Pulsar drive, which is designed for blade computers and general server applications and offers up to 200 gigabytes of capacity based on the industrystandard Serial ATA interface. Though pricier than hard-disk drives, the key dollar metric for solid-state drives in the server market is IOPS, or input/output operations per second. The more IOPS a large bank, for example, gets from a server equipped with solid-state drives, the more cost-effective the technology can be compared with hard-disk drives. “SSDs provide superior dollars per IOP as compared to traditional hard drives,” said Rich Vignes, a senior product line manager at Seagate. Pulsar drives achieve a peak performance of up to 30,000 read IOPS and 25,000 write IOPS, Seagate says, many times the performance of even the fastest hard disk drives. Seagate began shipping Pulsar units to select customers in September. “With the entry of the world’s largest [hard-disk drive] manufacturer, this further validates the viability of SSDs in the computing environment,” said Gregory Wong, president of Forward Insights, which tracks the solid-state drive market. Gartner estimates that unit growth in the server solidstate drive market will double and sales are forecast to reach $1 billion for 2010, according to data provided by Seagate. Seagate did not divulge pricing information. Companies that use its solid-state drives will provide pricing for end products.

WORLD OF GLASS & TABLEWARE International exhibition of tableware market operators Venue: KievExpoPlaza Exhibition Center Salyutna str., 2B Kiev, 04111 Ukraine rest-hotel.kiev.uaen 10.11 - 13.11 2010

INTERFOOD & DRINK BULGARIA International Food & Drink Exhibition Venue: Inter Expo Center 147 Tsarigradsko Shaussee 1784, Sofia Bulgaria www.bulgarreklama.com 10.11 - 13.11 2010

INTERINDÚSTRIA International Exhibition of Products and Services for the Industry Venue: Exponor 4450-617 Leça da Palmeira Portugal www.emaf.exponor.pt

More info: www.seagate.com

10.11 - 13.11 2010

GLASS&STONE Glass Industry Fair. Stone Industry Fair Venue: Poznan International Fair ul. Glogowska 14 60-734 Poznan Poland www.glasstone.pl/en

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News 2010-10-22 12:06:45

TRADE SHOWS

What’s inside the first Windows Phone 7 devices?

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon silicon made a sweep of all of the Windows Phone 7 smartphones announced today, rendering the hardware from various manufacturers relatively homogeneous inside. Against a backdrop of phone announcements from companies such as Samsung, HTC, and Dell, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer posted a video today discussing the relationship between the two companies. “Qualcomm and Microsoft have a long history of working together to optimize the mobile operating system for Qualcomm chips and platforms... We’re excited to bring a new generation of Windows phones exclusively featuring Snapdragon mobile processors,” Ballmer said. “This really shows...what can happen when people bring together great software and great hardware,” said Jacobs in the video. But this collaboration also brings Windows PC-like hardware uniformity. Just as the PC world has the Windows operating system and Intel processors, this first crop of Windows Phone 7 smartphones feature a Microsoft OS and Qualcomm silicon. “If all of them feature the same hardware (inter-

15.11 - 16.11 2010

16.11 - 17.11 2010

ENERGY FORUM 2010

ECOMOBIL 2010

Energy Industry Forum - Energy Buildings Forum Energy Public Forum

Sustainable Transport & Mobility Congress Venue: Messe Offenburg Schutterwälder Strasse 3 D-77656 Offenburg Germany

Venue: Brussells Exhibition Centre Place de Belgique B-1020 Bruxelles Belgium www.energy-forum.be/default.aspx

www.messe-offenburg.de/de/startseite

15.11 - 17.11 2010

16.11 - 18.11 2010

BIO-EUROPE 2010

IT-EXPO 2010

Forum to promote Business Development between Pharmaceutical, Financial and Biotechnology Companies

International Exhibition of Computer Technologies, Projection and Digital Video, Consumables Venue: Kiev International Exhibition Center 15, Brovarsky Ave Kyiv Ukraine www.ictexpo.info

Venue: Munich Germany www.ebdgroup.com/bioeurope/index.php

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nal) and same operating system, what happens to the differentiation?” asked Ashok Kumar, managing director and analyst at Rodman & Renshaw. Other smartphone processor suppliers include Texas Instruments, Marvell Technology, and Samsung, who provide chips for Android and BlackBerry phones, among others. And it remains to be seen if Windows Phone 7 devices can find a place in a very crowded market. “I think one of the biggest questions is what are the prospects of Windows Phone 7,” said Kumar. “Most of the resources are targeted toward Apple and Android and then you have RIM and the QNX (operating system). There are many questions here, not least of which is what will the receptivity of the consumer be?” Kumar said. Windows Phone 7 smartphones include the Dell Venue, HTC 7 Mozart, HTC 7 Trophy, HTC HD7, HTC Surround, HTC 7 Pro, LG Quantum, LG Optimus 7, Samsung Focus, and Samsung Omnia 7. Inside these products is Qualcomm’s 1GHz application processor, a 3D graphics function, support for high-megapixel cameras, and the requisite 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other functions..

Manufacturing-Journal | 11 | 2010-10-22 12:06:46

C PR OU O NT FI RY LE

San Marino

Full name: Republic of San Marino Population: 31,400 (UN, 2009) Capital: San Marino Area: 61.2 sq km (23.6 sq miles) Major language: Italian Major religion: Christianity Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 84 years (women) Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents Main exports: Wine, ceramics, furniture, craft goods GNI per capita: $50, 670 (World Bank 2008) Internet domain: .sm International dialling code: +378

Landlocked San Marino is one of the world’s smallest countries. Surrounded by Italy, it is an echo from an era when city-states proliferated across Europe. Mount Titano, part of the Appennine range, dominates San Marino’s landscape. Three defensive fortresses perch on Titano’s slopes, looking out to the Adriatic coast.

Overview

San Marino is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic. Tradition has it that the country was founded in the fourth century AD by a devout Christian stonemason called Marinus, who took refuge there and set up a small community. Its rugged isolation helped the enclave to develop and keep its independence. An 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has

since been revised and expanded, reinforced San Marino’s independence. Tourism dominates the economy of the 61 square kilometre (23.6 square miles) republic, which plays host to more than three million visitors every year. Postage stamps and coins - keenly sought by collectors - are important sources of revenue. As one of Europe’s tax havens, San Marino has traditionally attracted a large inflow of cash from non-residents, but in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-9 this status has come increasingly under threat, and the republic has pledged to make its banking system more transparent.

Leaders

San Marino’s constitution provides for a parliamentary style of government.

The 60-member Great and General Council is elected every five years. It is headed by two captains-regent, who are elected by the council every six months and act as heads of state for that period. The 10-member Congress of State is elected by the Great and General Council and exercises executive power.

Media The press • •

La Tribuna Sammarinese - daily San Marino Oggi - daily

TV, radio •

San Marino RTV - state run radio and TV

Panorama view of San Marino

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Country Profile 2010-10-22 12:06:48

S TI CL E AR

Logistics and investment near Poznań

ocated in Swarzędz, near Poznań, the CLIP Group is the owner, manager, developer and operator of logistics and industrial sites covering the area of 250 000 m². The Group comprises such companies as STS Car Distribution Centre, which is a top car distribution centre in Poland, and CLIP (Centre for Logistics and Investment Poznań) – the most advanced logistics centre in the country. CLIP offers investment services and can meet all requirements concerning construction projects for manufacturing and logistical sites, irrespective of the type of the client’s investment. In short, the enterprises belonging to the CLIP Group provide a wide range of services connected with warehousing, logistics, transport, infrastructure management and the Real estate branch. Owing to prompt completion, flexibility and reliability, the CLIP Group enjoys an excellent reputation regardless of the service provided and attracts a growing number of customers.

Stages of development

CLIP (pol. Centrum Logistyczno Inwestycyjne Poznań) is one of the largest private investments in the Wielkopolska region with only Polish capital. It was established in 1998, but its history dates back to the early 90s and the STS (pol. STS Centrum Dystrybucji Samochodów), which was the first company set up by Mr Wojciech Staniszewski. At present, STS, which occupies 300 000 m² and employs app. 400 people, is a shipping, logistics and distribution giant. The company has always been characterized by constant and dynamic development, firstly only in the Automotive industry, and later in time in other areas connected with logistics and development. The 20-year activity has resulted in carrying out almost twenty major business projects. In 1998, as the only carrier in Poland, STS concluded a contract with Peugeot Polska and Citroen Polska concerning the transportation services, which can be deemed as the first major success of the company. It also managed to commence cooperation with Skoda Auto Polska S.A. and Kulczyk Tradex Sp. z o.o., which is a general importer of VW, AUDI and PORSCHE. Another milestone in the history of STS was building the biggest logistic facility in Central and Eastern Europe, which provides international transport of passenger cars and trucks, stores the vehicles and delivers them to dealerships in Poland. It operates all the essential preparation facilities (including a three-track railway siding), which are necessary for storage purposes, customs clearance, delivery and distribution. Furthermore, STS installs additional equipment in passenger cars and delivery vans. The site, covering the area

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of 30 ha, is able to accommodate up to 15 000 cars at a time and complies with all storage norms required by European concerns. STS is constantly expanding its range of activities, thus not limiting itself to car logistics, transport and storage. Apart from increasing the number of the Mercedes-Benz car transporters, in 2005 the company decided to create its own authorized dealer outlets, which provide sale and service of MercedesBenz Trucks and Delivery Vans and Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks. In 2000 STS signed a contract for providing exclusive service to the VW factory in Poznań, which

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: STS & CLIP Group PRESIDENT: Wojciech Staniszewski OPERATIONS: Logistics, real estate ESTABLISHED: 1990 EMPLOYEES: 750 TURNOVER: 80 mln EUR

www.clip-group.com www.stslogistic.pl www.sts.mercedes-benz.pl Manufacturing-Journal | 13 | 2010-10-22 12:06:52

CLIP warehouses

consisted in picking up Caddy and T5 cars from the assembly line and transporting them to the Distribution Centre in Swarzędz, and, finally, delivering them to outlets all over the world. However, the turning point in the history of the CLIP Group, was the decision to construct the factory for Volkswagen Poznań in Swarzędz. The factory of 130 000 m² includes a Logistics Centre with a Welding Shop, a Special Cars Plant and a Supplier Park for component manufacturers. The ultimate major stage in the company’s growth was the construction of Centre for Logistics and Investment Poznań (CLIP) in Swarzędz which occupies 80 000 m² of floor area located on 80 ha within the Kostrzyn-Slubice Special Economic Zone and provides a comprehensive logistical, customs and administrative service. Among key clients renting the storage area are Imperial Tobacco, Kompania Piwowarska and BSC Packaging Group. CLIP focuses on providing clients with central and regional warehouses, and cooperates with leading logistic operators, i.e. ND for road transport and DB Schenker Rail for rail transport.

Sources of success

The CLIP group has enjoyed a great success, which is the outcome of various factors, the most important being the favorable location of the compound. As the company admits, development possibilities of the company grow together with the improvement of road and rail infrastructure, making up the intermodality of the location. The CLIP facilities, including the main headquarters, warehouses, the container terminal and the

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investment sites within the SEZ, are situated in Rabowicka Street in Swarzędz, on the East-West transport route, half-way between Berlin and Warsaw. Thanks to its close proximity to the Poznań international airport, the E20 Paris-Moscow railway, the A2 international motorway, the Berlin-Warsaw motorway (which is currently under construction) and the port of Szczecin, STS and CLIP can easily provide services for clients from all over Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia. Owing to the system of private railway sidings, 3 fully loaded trains bring vehicles and containers to the STS site every day. The company’s popularity may stem also from general philosophy of the company which focuses on providing services of high quality and satisfying client’s needs. The company has earned trust and good reputation of a reliable partner thanks to just-intime delivery and safety, ensured with a satellite monitoring system and constant control of the transported and stored goods. STS has at its disposal 260 cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz multi-car transporters, which, despite the crisis in 2009, delivered over 400 000 cars. Nowadays STS delivers cars to 650 dealers in the domestic market and to 40 unloading stations in the whole of Europe. Transportation of new cars by STS accounts for 40% of the market in Poland, while the most important clients in terms of car distribution and storage are: Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Porsche, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Mazda and Opel. The confirmation of the company’s leading position in the shipping, logistics and distribution branches is an ISO Quality Certificate as well as numerous awards,

Transport & Logistics IndustryCLIP Group 2010-10-22 12:06:57

including the European Carrier Award 2009 from Daimler AG. STS was ranked third and became the first Polish company to receive it in the whole 10-year history of the European Carrier Award. Last but not least, the success would not have been possible if it hadn’t been for the vast experience and passion of the President of the Group, Mr Wojciech Staniszewski, whose personal commitment to transportation matters in Poland has been awarded by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. Mr Staniszewski has been actively managing all the companies within the CLIP Group, while his attention to detail translates into high quality of the services, which bears fruit and benefits all his companies and their clients.

What does the future hold?

For the CLIP Group future means further continuous development, but it also entails widening the array of activities. Trying to gain customer satisfaction, the company reacts to market needs and follows the trends. Therefore, today’s offer includes comprehensive investment service, which covers a range of strategically located and easily accessible sites, planning and design, financing, comprehensive completion of own and entrusted investment projects and renting of sites. The plan for the future includes making use of the location along the trans-European corridor Paris-Moscow as well as expanding the network of railway sidings and connecting it to the main railway. Moreover, the CLIP Group prepares various housing projects, renewable energy projects and projects connected with ecological economy. As for the future goals, the Group hopes to urbanize the Special Economic Zone area by gathering attractive investors, clean technologies, and creating new jobs. This undertaking would be a longterm success for CLIP. All CLIP companies are perceived as stable, ever-growing, profitable, competitive and highly specialized. Recently, the company’s position has strengthened, as the global crisis determined the tendency to concentrate logistical services in one place. The benefits of this practice are becoming noticed by the growing number of customers, which puts CLIP in a strong position and helps to acquire new clients.

STS Mercedes-Benz service centre

For the common good

The CLIP Group strives to live in harmony with the environment and create a better world for the benefit of all people. As for the environmental protection, it implements procedures aiming at reducing the negative impact on the environment, e.g. by keeping European emission standards (EURO 4 and 5), segregating refuse, reducing power, using filters, special separators and settling ponds, as well as working on renewable energy. Apart from being a good neighbour, CLIP wants to be an attractive employer. Currently the Group employs over 750 highly skilled people in different branches, but thanks to Mr Staniszewski’s investments of 450 million PLN, it was possible to create around 3000 workplaces in all companies having their seats in the facilities belonging to

the Group’s companies. Attractive pay, working conditions, trainings and good atmosphere make the CLIP Group a desired workplace. Since there is no job rotation in the administration branch, the employees’ plans for the future are intertwined with the company. Having in mind those in need, Mr Staniszewski also participates in numerous charity activities and donates money to nongovernmental organizations, which has earned him silver and golden badge of the Polish Social Assistance Committee. Moreover, the President takes care of women in Swarzędz by financing free medical tests for them, which helped him to receive the title of “The Swarzędz Inhabitant of the Year” in 2005.  Written by Anna Chudzik

STS car terminal

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Manufacturing-Journal | 15 | 2010-10-22 12:07:01

S TI CL E AR

FACT BOX

Top priority: Customer satisfaction

ICO is a world-famous system supplier for first-class automotive technology. Over many decades, the company has designed and manufactured market-oriented components for passenger cars. Its current products meet the high quality requirements of global automotive industries and the list of business partners includes such companies like Audi, Bosch or Volkswagen.

Eighty years of market activity FULL NAME: KICO Polska Sp. z o.o. PLANT MANAGER: Patrick Zahn OPERATIONS: Automotive ESTABLISHED: 2005 EMPLOYEES: 200

www.kico.de

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The company started its adventure with manufacturing in 1939. At the time August Kirchhoff founded his company in Halver-Oeckinghausen, Germany. At the beginning, the production activity of the enterprise focused on household goods and metal parts for toy industry. The number of employees reached 15 people. In 1953 the company experienced some ownership changes and turned its production focus to a more promising market. A German businessman Carl Mesenhöller joined the Kirchhoff & Co. KG as a limited partner. With about 30 employees the enterprise started consequent orientation towards the flourishing automotive industry. Seven years later, in 1960, the business relocated to the industrial park Halver-Langenscheid. At the time KICO employed nearly 50 persons and achieved an excellent reputation as a direct supplier to the automotive industry, household goods and machine building industries. The specialties of the company have become precision

parts, punching and drawing parts as well as locking systems ready to install. In the subsequent years, a number of investment and expansion projects was implemented. In 1971 the company built a second manufacturing hall in HalverLangenscheid and twelve years later the third manufacturing plant was commissioned. It was to accommodate the expansion of the tool and die shop and the production of hinge systems, couplings for exhaust systems and mounting elements for tank systems. Simultaneously to dynamic growth, the company increased its personnel figures. At the time the enterprise decided to establish its third manufacturing works, it had been employing more than 120 persons. Expansion activities were continued until the beginning of 1990ies when further extension for assemblies and warehouse took place. The beginning of the new millennium was in turn marked by product range expansion. The new offer of KICO included mechatronic systems like electrical trunk lid closing aids and

Automotive IndustryKico 2010-10-22 12:07:04

Schürholz Polska Sp. z o.o.

Schürholz Polska Sp. z o.o. as a company highly specialized in sheet-metal forming, Schürholz Stanztechnik produces high-quality metal parts and components for the automotive industry, suppliers to the automotive industry, the electrical industry and the rail engineering sector.

Range of activities: Stamping/Bending Forming .schu www

Component assemblies

lsk lz-po erho a.com

Schürholz Polska Sp. z o.o. ul. Polna 17b Kormoniki 55-300 Środa Sląska Polska Tel.: +48 71 396 06 00 g.pagorski@schuerholz.pl

Machinery

Schürholz Polska Sp. z o.o. ul. Polna 17b Kormoniki 55-300 Środa Sląska, Polska

Tel.: +48 71 396 06 00 g.pagorski@schuerholz.pl schuerholz-polska.com

Quality galvanizing We offer: zinc plating zinc-nickel plating ABS chrome plating silver plating nickel plating copper plating tin plating other services

Galwanizer Sp. z o.o. Tel. 0048 74 832 48 31 Fax. 0048 74 831 17 60 biuro@galwanizer.pl www.galwanizer.pl

WE OFFER MORE FOR ALL WWW.MANUFACTURING-JOURNAL.NET

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convertible top locking systems. Last but not least, the company established its Polish division. In 2005 KICO Polska Sp. z o. o. in Świebodzin, in the western part Poland, was founded. The Polish plant of the company specializes in the production of labour intensive parts on special machines. Next to that, distribution and direct shipments of finished products are also managed from there. Geographical expansion, new custom-

ers and business contracts resulted in a significant increase in the number of employees. Nowadays, around 350 employees of KICO design and build high quality products for the automotive industry and its component suppliers.

Unique know-how and production

An essential advantage of KICO in the globally competitive marketplace is that

the company develops tools and special machines for precise and efficient production. It is the more so that current products of KICO require precise punching and molding and are manufactured on modern automatic punch presses, hydraulic- and excenter presses. Due to that – as well as owing to the use of high quality materials, refining methods and surface coatings, the enterprise guarantees long life usability of its products. At KICO assembly takes place on semi automatic assembly lines or automatic assembly machines. The most important operations are joining, riveting, screwing and inspection at the end-of-line test stations. Experienced specialists with an efficient ERP system ensure just-in-time production and delivery according to the customers’ demands. KICO’s strive for perfection can be proven by its extensive and state-of-the-art production facilities. In the area of development they include among others: Catia V4.2., Catia V5, Pro Engineer, ANSYS, Partec H - design, endurance test rigs as well as test temperature for pipe connectors. Technologies used in the stamping process are for example: stamping machines 650 - 4000 CN, mechanical and hydraulic presses 80 - 200 KN as well as yield - bending facilities. Joining is brought to perfection thanks to robotic welding center, resistance welding on welding presses and computerized screwing, whereas surface treatment is conducted in line with surface specification of certified suppliers. Assembly takes place on transfer lines with automatic part feeders and integrated riveting. Last but not least, quality management is controlled based on such facilities as: CAQ - System, 3D - Coordinate, physical examinations as well mechanical tests, end-of-line tests, acoustics laboratory, salt spray chamber and advanced product quality planning.

Product overview

The product offer of KICO includes a wide scope of manufactures which can be categorized into the following groups: •

•

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fastening systems for tanks – weight optimized mounting brackets for tank systems, delivered with corrosion- resistant coatings, couplings – weight-optimized and easy to handle exhaust systems meeting the highest demands for air tightness, torsion resistance, life,

Automotive IndustryKico 2010-10-22 12:07:09

that KICO has cooperated with includes: Audi, Skoda, BMW, Mercedes, Saab, Seat, Bentley, Volkswagen. The system suppliers that placed their orders at KICO are among others: Bosch, Magna, Faurecia, Tenneco, Karmann and many others.

Goals for now, priorities for the future

•

• • •

heat and corrosion resistance, heat shields – shielding with high precision and maximum effectiveness, available in one or multi-layer designs, precision stamping and forming parts – produced for even the most difficult mold configurations, can be supplied as individual components, assembled, or welded, hinge systems – optimally balancing the kinetic-, assembly-, weight-, and cost factors, locking systems – meeting all safety and quality requirements, mechatronic systems.

perts. In this way, the company eliminates problems from the very beginning. Modern computer technology and communication systems (e.g. CAE, CAD, CAM, CAQ as well as any others)

KICO’s product offer is adjusted to the requirements of the customers. Due to that all products inquires are taken into consideration and influence the manufacturing ventures of the enterprise.

The plans of KICO for the nearest future are many. First and foremost, the company looks forward to the future challenges of the global competition and the development of new products as well as associated production processes. Undoubtedly, what will help the enterprise to achieve its goals are its two most important virtues – high flexibility and well-founded know-how. The characteristics enable KICO to deliver customized, innovative and effective solutions, developed and produced with state-ofthe-art tools and manufacturing equipment. What is more, highly trained and qualified employees ensure the delivery of top, world-standard quality. The personnel of KICO is supported from the very concept to the very last production step. Effective project- and quality management systems ensure that all the teams work for KICO’s success . Next to that, sophisticated information technology accelerates the communication process, both internally as well as externally. However, what KICO has always strived for and what simultaneously is the top priority for the future, is customer satisfaction. This specific goal is to be achieved in close cooperation and fair partnership with business partners, suppliers and employees.  Written by Aleksandra Strojek

Quality focus

What helped KICO to achieve the position of nowadays has been its commitment to deliver the customers reliable products of best quality. The company has also managed to adapt to the rules on which current business relations are built – incessantly rising requirements, reduced development times, increased quality demand and high economic pressure. Major market players of the automotive industry can only cope with partners who know those rules. KICO is one of them. KICO’s technical development and project management teams are target-oriented and closely linked with its material and production ex-

combined with experience in a large number of products, constitute the basis for short development cycles and economic solutions that meet customers’ needs. What is more, a certified, efficient quality management system according to DIN EN ISO/TS 16949:2002 assures the continual improvement of all processes. Thanks to that, the company addresses and resolves all problematic issues and manages to achieve its goal of “zero defects”. The best proof of the value of KICO’s products are references that it received from a number of automotive giants. The list of companies

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Manufacturing-Journal | 19 | 2010-10-22 12:07:16

S TI CL E AR

A professional from Tychy

n the industries producing the most technologically complex systems on the market, the devil lies in details. If the globally recognizable brands want to boast the highest quality of offered products, they must ensure a reliable in every way supply of components. A trustful supplier, with whom cooperation over the years really works out, is invaluable in these industries. Every car parts manufacturer in the world knows that, including Magnetti Marelli Exhaust Systems in Poland and in Europe, which works with one of the best suppliers in Europe – Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. The company has already built a strong market position, and the analysis of the firm’s activity indicates that, with time, this position should be stronger.

The presentation of the company

Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. was founded in 1999, with first headquarters belonging to Fiat Auto Poland in Tychy. The beginnings were modest: less then twenty Employees and full dependence on the Italian owner – a reputable company Flexider SpA based in Turin. Vast experience of the “mother” from the Appennine Peninsula in all aspects of functioning as a modern organisation, wisely implemented in Poland, quickly resulted in better performance dealing with major car manufacturers located in our country. A milestone in the development of the company was the year 2006, when the “mother” became the “sister” - Flexider Srl, which, in the next year, stopped its production activity, transferring it to Tychy and the new plant in South Africa, and focused primarily on conceptual work, R&D, and obligations related to the strategic management of the Group. Larger then before scale of production became an excellent springboard to accelerate the growth of the Polish partnership, an opportunity, which, thanks to great managerial competencies, has not been missed. Currently Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. is a respected and recognizable manufacturer of high quality flexible elements for automotive exhaust systems. Among the company’s customers are such renowned brands as Magnetti Marelli, Faurecia, Volkswagen, Audi and others. It is enough to mention that around 90 % of Fiat’s cars from Tychy are equipped with Flexider’s converters in their exhaust systems, as well as around 20 % of Volkswagen Group cars.

The pillars of success

For the success of every organization is responsible its staff. Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. employs 93, well – trained for their tasks and carefully selected Employees. The majority of them is part of with the organization since the beginning of its activity. In addition to ensuring the financial security of its Employees, also in the form of attractive bonuses, the company pursues a policy of social responsibility, inter alia, through the organization of various events and financial support for the Employees’ own initiatives, like

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD PLANT MANAGER: Wojciech Liana OPERATIONS: Automotive ESTABLISHED: 1999 EMPLOYEES: 93 TURNOVER: 60,9 mln PLN

www.flexider.com | 20 | Manufacturing-Journal Księga1.indb 22

Automotive IndustryFlexider 2010-10-22 12:07:20

KsiÄ&#x2122;ga1.indb 23

2010-10-22 12:07:24

fiscal year - quantities/number of customers

quantities in mln number of customers fiscal year - quantities/country/export

quantities in mln country in mln export in mln

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an amatuer football team etc. Competent staff must have adequate technological support and know - how to be able to effectively perform their duties. The basis of the production chain is a good project. Those made by Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. are prepared by Italian engineers in Turin and meet the most specific Customer’s requirements. Highest quality of the company’s products is guaranteed, therefore, already at a conceptual stage, and of course the product has to pass the most stringent tests for reliability using the most modern test equipment, including a Multiaxial Test Bench for testing flexible elements in six free axles including simulation of the actual loads. Flexider Poland Sp. z.o.o. attaches great importance to the selection of raw materials, from which the company manufactures its products. Therefore, the firm establishes relationship only with trustworthy suppliers of nickel steel, pipes and stainless steel wire, such as Arinox, Outokumpu, Theis and KOS. All these activities result in the company’s extremely effective, efficient production. The plant in Tychy manufactures 6,500 units of flexible elements per day. The main goal of every company is to achieve full Customer satisfaction. In such a demanding industry, as automotive, one can not afford the slightest mistake. That is why Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. has obtained prestigious certificates guarding the highest quality of the firm’s products, including the Quality Management System compliant with ISO / TS 16949:2002 for the design, manufacture, installation and servicing in the automotive industry. Moreover, Flexider pays great attention to every Customer’s individual requirements concerning the final product. An important aspect influencing the excellent results of the company, is also, implemented since the very beginning of Flexider’s activity in Poland, the firm’s inventory management strategy, “Just – in – time”. Rich experience in its implementation allows Flexider to eliminate the risk factors associated with

Automotive IndustryFlexider 2010-10-22 12:07:26

build an excellent reputation of every organization, and from this year, also Flexider’s.

Summary

this strategy and to draw extensively on its merits. A correct calculation of the minimum inventory ensures no disruption to the smoothnes of supplies and ensures their timeliness and flexibility in relation to the needs of each Customer. Modern manufacturing company can not plan their activities without taking into account requirements for environmental protection. FLEXIDER Poland Sp. z.o.o. is an organization characterized by a high degree of green awareness, as evidenced by currently certified by the company Environmental Management System compliant with ISO 14000, for, inter alia, proper management of the organization’s activities on the environment. All of the company’s operations mentioned above are therefore proofs that Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. develops in the appropriate manner and guarantees the highest quality of its products,

as well as of the solutions, implemented by the company in all aspects of its activity.

Awards

The eleven years of business activity of the company from Tychy has been properly noticed and appreciated. Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. was awarded this year’s “Gazele Biznesu”, granted by the prestigious magazine “Puls Biznesu” to the most dynamically developing companies in our country. Flexider is also a part of an elite “Diamenty Forbesa 2009” club, a title awarded by the leading provider of business information in Poland – Dun&Bradstreet to the companies that in the years 2006 – 2008 have mostly increased their value, while maintaining full financial transparency of its activities. Such prestigious awards actually

Automotive IndustryFlexider Księga1.indb 25

Reliability, flexibility, professionalism: three features, which best characterize the philosophy of Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o., are also the keys to success of the company in a difficult automotive industry. The consistency in the implementation of comprehensive policy of the firm’s action ensures the further development of the organization based on the highest standards of quality of its products, relationships with Employees and Customers, and respect for the environment. We should pay particular attention to a very high degree of the company’s business awareness in relation to the actions associated with CSR and those oriented around activity connected with the firm’s green policy. Let us hope that Flexider Poland Sp. z o.o. is indeed a swallow, which will bring a taste of spring to the Polish market, which is still held tightly by the claws of business winter.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Manufacturing-Journal | 23 | 2010-10-22 12:07:27

S TI CL E AR

Passion for Fruit

or nearly 20 years now, Atlanta Poland S.A. (Joint-Stock Company), Gdańsk, Poland, has been taking due care to provide Polish Customers with top quality delicacies such as raisins, nuts, almonds and figs. Over these years, the business has managed to build up a good rapport with suppliers all over the globe, launch its own production lines, go public and implement all the necessary quality assurance systems. As a result, it can now provide jobs for more than 200 people in Gdańsk and Dąbrowa Górnicza.

Proven Track Record

The initial stages of Atlanta’s activity, just like the beginnings of Polish private enterprise, go back to the political transformation of the late 80s and early 90s. To be more precise, it was in 1991 that the company came into being; a warehouse at first, it has developed ever since to become the leader of the dried fruit and nuts industry. Built over the years by the management, its status is reflected well in the statistics. The company’s rapid growth, for instance, can be demonstrated by the fact that its sales figures have multiplied more than 10 times since the early 90s. As far as the crucial items on the market are concerned, Atlanta Poland’s share in it reaches nearly 30 percent. Every year, the company does a roaring trade selling around 28,000 tons of goods and receiving about 1,400 ship containers of fresh produce, which arrive in Gdańsk from all over the globe. So much for the figures. Now for the facts. The first steps which proved pivotal for Atlanta Poland’s future position on the market were taken in 1997, when the managers decided to diversify the company’s activity. Hitherto imported and sold raw, hazel nuts, peanuts and almonds were to be processed, too. This allowed the company to avoid dealing with distributors and, consequently, cut down on the expenses incurred by purchasing already processed products. Nothing can win the Customer’s trust better than good value for money and that decision was taken exclusively with a view to their satisfaction. Initially, the production involved only nuts being diced, but the series of investments in cutting edge technology, including brand new blanching and roasting machines, soon made it possible to launch the state-of-the-art production lines. Hence the foundations for the modern

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machine park were being provided, where nowadays nuts and almonds are being comprehensively processed. This involves the following stages: roasting, blanching, sorting, dicing and milling, which finally yield marzipan and arachipan dough. These facilities were also extended with a vacuum packaging line. Atlanta Poland’s management made another key decision in 2005, when they set out to transform the business into a joint-stock company. Going public induced some risk of course as the enterprise has ever since become exposed to the fluctuating mood of the stockexchange. However, it also secured additional funding and offered scope for

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Atlanta Poland S.A. PRESIDENT: Dariusz Mazur OPERATIONS: Food Industry ESTABLISHED: 1991 EMPLOYEES: 197 TURNOVER: 148 mln PLN

www.atlantapoland.com.pl

Food & Beverage IndustryAtlanta Poland 2010-10-22 12:07:31

further growth. The years that followed revealed that the risk once taken would sooner or later pay off. For the business being successful largely depends on the entrepreneur, just as the stockexchange demand does. It is enough if you work hard and know how to invest properly. From then on, the company’s sales figures soared by between 10 and 20 percent every year just to reach their climax in 2008. This boosted the company’s sprit and it soon embarked upon the largest strategic investment up till now. In August 2009, Atlanta Poland S.A. took over Bakal Center Sp. z o. o (LLC), Dąbrowa Górnicza. It should be also added that Atlanta Poland’s branches in Gdańsk and Dąbrowa Górnicza provide jobs for 140 and 57 people respectively.

Market with Potential

Foreign trade being a main branch of Atlanta Poland’s activity, its location perfectly serves this purpose. The company’s headquarters, which include warehouses and office buildings (their overall space and volume taking up 12,000 square metres and 45,000 cubic metres respectively), are situated in Gdańsk, Pomerania. Being just off the coast of the Baltic Sea guarantees prompt access to seaports in Gdańsk and Gdynia, which remain all the more important as the business relies heavily on seaborne supplies. This is how raw produce from all over the world is shipped to Poland, including the company’s specialities such as: both raw and roasted peanut and hazelnut kernels,

desiccated coconut, almonds, sultanas and Greek raisins, sesame seeds, dried prunes, pistachios and sunflower kernels. The President of the business, Mr. Dariusz Mazur, told us why Atlanta Poland is dealing in organic food. He also elaborated on the potential of the organic food market: “There is a market for dried fruit and nuts, just as there is for organic food. Dried fruit and nuts help us create a balanced diet and they are a rich source of essential minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium. These enhance metabolism and have many other advantages, too. Dried fruit are becoming an important item on our menu because Polish consumers, just like other Europeans, are getting more and more aware of what they eat. However, the consumption of dried fruit is still relatively low in Poland. Hence this market shows great potential. We do our best to exploit it.”

On the Agenda

To take full advantage of the situation on the market, Atlanta Poland S.A has devised a careful strategy. Its agenda includes four basic points. First and foremost, quality. “There is no better way if you want to win consumer trust, be it large-scale business partners or individual clientele. Our top priority is to meet their requirements properly. For this reason, we have implemented ISO 9001 and HACCP quality assurance systems,” highlights Mr. Mazur. Secondly, affordable price. It is possible to maintain competitive pricing because the deli-

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cacies on Atlanta’s offer are purchased directly from their producers. Thirdly, thoughtful management. Young yet experienced, managers at Atlanta Poland had a number of chances already to prove that they know what they are doing. This is well reflected in the company’s accounts which show that, even in the face of current economic crisis, Atlanta Poland is still making profit. Last but not least, technology. “We keep on improving our machine park to increase efficiency and diversify the offer. Before we launch new products, we consult our ideas with the Clients. We know that a decent survey of their preferences will help us meet market demand. Hence Customer feedback is at the top of our agenda,” adds Mr. Mazur. This is how Atlanta people create new items on offer, including three brand new Bakal Fit blends: Tropical, Natural and Premium. These products have been created for young active people who nevertheless have a sweet tooth and count calories, too. Thus, a group of designers have come up with the composition of nuts, fruit and seeds which goes nicely with any yoghurt, dessert, salad or muesli. Tasty and aromatic, it will turn an ordinary breakfast into a journey to remote and exotic islands.

Quality Assurance

Finally, a few words on the quality policy. High processing standards being their top priority, the management created a special team dedicated exclusively to this task. They were to develop a foolproof system which would give the guarantee that Atlanta products are being excellent and secure. For this reason, the business launched a series of staff training courses and soon after that proceeded to implement ISO and HACCP. The whole process proved successful and smooth. In February 2001, Atlanta Poland S.A was awarded an ISO 9001 certificate and, in May 2003, received an HACCP certificate, the latter in compliance with Codex Alimentarius 1997. In 2008, this collection was further extended by a BRC certificate. Is the company complacent about it? Nothing of the sort, these certificates make the business work all the more harder to enhance the system and improve products and services. After all, these certified quality systems are subject to internal audits. These are held on the company’s premises and involve inspections run either by the trading partners or by Lloyd’s

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Register Quality Assurance representatives. What is being checked? Firstly, the two separate nut roasting lines. Located in the factory floor of more than 500 square metres, they boast a collective hourly output of over 2000 kg per hour. To meet the growing demand, they have to operate on shift system. Secondly, the machines for manufacturing marzipan, arachipan, nut paste and nut pulp. This production line is in turn located in the factory floor of over 200 square metres. It is thanks to this equipment that Atlanta Poland is able to turn out top quality products. These have proven to be a key factor in gaining recognition of the international retail corporations controlling the Polish market.

Prospective Targets

To conclude, a brief presentation of the targets the business is going to meet in the near future. As Mr. Mazur summarises: “Our main objective is to maintain the sales figures we reached in 2008. This will help us secure necessary cash flow. As we increase sales of processed products, we also strive to build up our position in B2B. We do not assume that the sales will go up by between 10 and 20 percent, but our plan remains ambitious all the same. We have to bear in mind that the crisis has not come to an end yet.”  Written by Bartosz Sowiński

www.prunesco.com pmonti@prunesco.com

Food & Beverage IndustryAtlanta Poland 2010-10-22 12:07:42

S TI CL E AR

FULL NAME: d’aucy Polska Sp. z o.o. MANAGING DIRECTOR: Kazimierz Kozera OPERATIONS: Production and sales of frozen vegetables and fruits & sales of canned vegetables ESTABLISHED: 1992

POLISH VEGS AND FRENCH STYLE

FACT BOX

EMPLOYEES: ca 300

www.daucy.pl

’aucy Polska Sp. z o. o. (LLC) combines Globus Polska’s vast experience in convenience foods processing with the secret recipes protected by the CECAB French corporate group. If you can’t spare the time for cooking and still want to enjoy a healthy diet, consider buying a ready supply of d’aucy fruits and vegs grown in spotless and fertile areas all over Europe. Out of a frying pan or a steam cooker and straight onto your table, in this way you will get a meal which is delicious, rich in vitamins and pleasing to the eye. Written by Bartosz Sowiński

Rise to the Top

The inception of what is now known as d’aucy Polska dates back to 1992. Since the very beginning this newly set up business has been bound to draw attention of the frozen foods industry leaders. This interest was not aroused in a flash, however. The company had to work hard for it. Between 1995 and 2008, they offered their products under the Felco brand name. The crowning achievement of that period was a close alliance with Globus Konzervipari Zrt. cemented in 2003. In those years, the enterprise rose up to the challenges of global competition and soon achieved the status of a reliable and trustworthy business partner, especially in B2B relations with intermediaries, suppliers and retailers. The turning point in their history came in 2008, when the company decided to launch d’aucy brand on the Polish market. However, the transition process for the company got underway in 2006 already, when Globus Polska mingled with CECAB Group. At the beginning of 2009 Felco started rebranding into d’aucy and hence the business became d’aucy Polska Sp. z o.o. Soon afterwards at the turn of February and March they introduced

a new category of products under d’aucy brand – canned vegetables. The company carried it off smoothly; the existing clients recognised the new brand, the new clients immediately followed in their footsteps.

International Network

This rough outline of the company’s history is enough already to prove that d’aucy Polska Sp. z o.o. shows potential not to be sneezed at. The business boasts 4 state-of-the-art frozen fruits and vegs processing plants in Lipno, Dąbrowa Chełmińska, Ełk and Adamów. The foods produced there are bound to be of topmost quality further attested by ISO 9001:2000, HACCP and BRC certificates. d’aucy Polska Sp. z o. o. (LLC) combines Globus Polska’s vast experience in convenience foods processing with the secret recipes protected by the d’aucy mother company, the CECAB French corporate group, which has developed from a farming cooperative and governed the French market of canned vegs for nearly 50 years now. Their rapid growth has made it possible to launch new production lines all over Europe

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and to establish the d’aucy brand in 17 countries. This creates favourable conditions for synergy effect as the structure of such a range facilitates the process of sharing knowledge and experience in terms of production, distribution and marketing. A part of international network, the Polish d’aucy branch can draw upon vast resources, including fruits and vegs from the locations where vegetative reproduction is more abundant than in Poland. These resources are examined accordingly, which guarantees prospective crops large in volume and high in quality. It should be also mentioned that the Polish branch may also count on the capital of the CECAB mother company. Such assets prove particularly crucial when prosperity comes to an end and you have to fight hard to keep your head above water. The recent economic downturn has taken many businesses to task and they had to struggle not to go under. CECAB Group has emerged relatively unscathed from the crisis, however.

Tasty, Healthy and Convenient

How have they managed to steer away from the economic trouble that so many enterprises were not able to avoid? Simple as that: people have not given up buying d’aucy vegs and fruits as they can be sure that these products are not only natural, healthy and delicious, but also easy to prepare. The guys from CECAB Group know that if you want to build a vibrant, innovative and consumer-friendly business, you do not have to spend vast amount of money on advertising. It will do if you work properly instead. For this reason, the d’aucy logo has earned recognition as a provider of wholesome, nutritious and natural food. The Polish branch specialises in commercializing frozen fruits and vegs and canned vegs. These two fields of activity remain equally important, but each of these requires different approach. Why is that? Well, each of these two markets has its own specific features and the company itself has reached different stages of development on each of them. As the sales of canned vegs started a year ago, the Polish branch now focuses on strengthening its bonds with new business partners. The channels of distribution thus launched will soon make it easier to reach individual consumers who obviously make a final target for the company. This plan is further supported by various marketing campaigns

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at retail and wholesale outlets alike. Hence customers have an opportunity to taste products from 4 separate ranges: classic (e.g. canned peas, corn), exquisite taste (e.g. salads: Macedonian or Mexican), French flavours (various compositions of the extra fine string beans) and KIDS. Nonetheless, the d’aucy logo has gained in popularity on the strength of their comprehensive offer of frozen fruits and vegs. This offer falls into several categories. First of all, let us examine the buyers’ favourite choice. No wonder that we will start with a standard range of goods which comprises mono vegetables, mono fruits, salad, soup and stir-fry vegetables. Secondly, innovative solutions; these have rendered it possible for d’aucy to beat their competitors to the punch. They include two types of products: fit mix and heat&eat. The fit mix vegs are the first on the market to have met the demand for steam cooking vegetable compositions. They make a perfect choice for people determined to lead a healthy lifestyle and who take pains to prepare meals rich in vitamins and micronutrients. Last but not least, the brand new product and all the rage already, that is the heat&eat vegetables. Cooked before frozen, their preparation requires neither time nor effort. These vegs taste perfectly regardless whether served cold or warm. You can also use them as basic ingredients for salads and as appetisers dished out with main courses.

The daucyculture

d’aucy has already become a top brand on the French market of convenience foods. The Polish branch in turn has set an objective for themselves to catch up with their mother company one day. At the present time they implement “daucyculture”, which means they take great care over the superiority of their products. How do they put this into practice? Market research conducted over the recent years clearly indicates that, when buying food, Polish consumers expect it will be: excellent in taste and quality, wholesome and nutritious, easy to prepare and have convenient packaging. Thus, the d’aucy offer has been developed with the aim of fulfilling all these conditions and requirements. All the ingredients in the compositions mentioned in the previous section, be it standard (salad, soup and stir-fry vegs) or innovative (fit mix and hit&eat), have been matched so as to satisfy the most

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choosy gourmets. These recipes have been also prepared with a view to the clients who strive to create a balanced, nourishing and healthy diet. Individual customers can recognise d’aucy products by their colourful, eye-catching packages, which are also convenient to handle. You can easily identify each product range thanks to their relevant and comprehensible graphic design. Nevertheless, the company’s planners came up with yet another customer-oriented feature. You can open each package easily as it is perforated on the side. Once you open it you get a guarantee that its content is truly exceptional. At d’aucy no decisions are taken at random and the way they select vegs and fruits proves the case in point here. The vast majority of the vegetables processed by their plants grows in the fields which either belong to CECAB Group or is under control of their quality inspectors.

Passion for Excellence

The company’s passion for excellence has resulted in relevant credentials. Since 2003 all the Polish d’aucy plants have received ISO 9001:2000 certificates and since 2009 their new release ISO 9001:2008, both issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation. These documents testify to the quality being reproducible there. This means that the clients who place their trust in the brand have a guarantee that whenever they reach for the company’s products they will get exactly the same item as the one they took a liking to in the past. This concerns not only the d’aucy brand but also their b2b partners who appreciate the quality of d’aucy products and choose d’aucy Polska as a reliable supplier. Since 2003 all the Polish d’aucy plants have obtained the HACCP certificate (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) which provides firm proof that potential dangers such as pesticides, foreign bodies or microbiological threats are being regularly analysed, eliminated or reduced to minimum. D’aucy plants in Poland have been also granted the BRC certificate (British Retail Consortium Global Standard-Food) which confirms that the foods turned out there fulfil the exacting safety requirements of supermarket chains.

part of the international CECAB network, the company operates in liaison with many foreign consignees, especially in the Baltic countries and in Belarus. The company enjoys a strong brand image. A reliable and trustworthy business partner, they not only fulfil the contracts they sign but also seek for win-win solutions which are to the mutual benefit of the parties entering the agreement. The d’aucy brand holds to the worker-oriented employment policy. In other words, the d’aucy staff is treated as yet another partner. The Polish personnel make a figure of around 300 people at the present time. The backbone of it comprises people with necessary expertise. Nevertheless, innovative and skilful jobseekers are always welcome to join this team. Such blend of experience and initiative proves indispensable for the process of continual improvement. All the money invested heavily in the company would be squandered if it was not for the people who have the know-how to use new technologies to the fullest. As the market is at the stage of fierce competition these days, such a partner proves a real asset. 

Partners Home and Abroad

Last but not least, a few words on the partners of d’aucy Polska Sp. z o.o. A

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S TI CL E AR

Cult of vegetables

onduelle Polska SA is a dynamically developing branch of the Bonduelle Group, the world’s leader in processed vegetables. The company carries out its activity in 40 production facilities situated all over the world and its brand- Bonduelle is present in 80 countries nowadays. Focusing on three vegetable technologies (canned, frozen and fresh ones), Bonduelle keeps on widening the range of its products and introducing innovative solutions, which is possible thanks to extensive know-how in vegetables processing.

Bonduelle in Poland

The roots of Bonduelle go back to the 19th century, when Louis Bonduelle commenced business activity in the farm and food industry in France. The company started developing rapidly and soon specialized in canned vegetables. The scope of production was later widened to include frozen vegetables, and finally, in the 90s, fresh processed vegetables. Currently, Bonduelle is an expert on vegetables in all forms, regardless of the technology used. Owing to the expansion to foreign markets, which commenced in the 60s, the brand is present in over 80 countries nowadays. In July 1992, The Bonuelle settled down in Poland. The breakthrough moment was 1994, when the production plant in Gniewkowo near Toruń was purchased and modernized. Owing to the Polish raw material used in the production and the cooperation with Polish farmers, the facility can produce 40.000 tons of frozen and canned vegetables a year. Bonduelle Polska has achieved a great success in Poland; within just a few years’ presence in the market it has become an indisputable leader in the canned vegetables sector with 40% market share, as well as the leader in processed vegetables in the HORECA market. Another significant milestone in the development of Bonduelle Polska was its entrance to the stock exchange in France. Recently, the Bonduelle Group has made the purchase of the French company France Champignion, which used to have 6 production sites in Europe. For Bonduelle Polska, it entails a takeover of the Polish branch of that company – Interchamps, together with its plant in Ruchocice.

„Smashing hit” vegetables

The Bonduelle vegetables are available both in retail and the HORECA sectors, which helps to build brand awareness among customers. In Poland the brand’s popularity results from the presence in the media. The consumers can still remember the first TV commercial, aired in 1996, entitled “Przebojowe warzywa Bonduelle” (“Smashing hit Bonduelle vegetables”), where the popular “Singin’ in the Rain” song was used. As for the vegetables produced in Poland, the Gniewkowo plant takes particular pride in both canned and frozen peas, broccoli and courgette, as well as beans. Among

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: BONDUELLE POLSKA S.A. OPERATIONS: FMCG ESTABLISHED: 1992 - WARSAW, 1994 - GNIEWKOWO EMPLOYEES: 250

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the flagship products of Bonduelle there are also canned corn, garden peas and mixed vegetables. One of the greatest achievements of Bonduelle in Poland was introduction and popularization of broccoli. The concern presented the Polish agronomists with the technology for growing this vegetable, which quickly gained ground in Poland. Currently, broccoli is the number one best-selling product of Bonduelle. It is available both in the frozen form as “Różyczki Brokuła” (“Broccoli”), and also as the ingredient of „Mieszanka Królewska” (“Royal Mix”). It is also noteworthy, that the Bonduelle broccoli are grown in Poland. What determines the popularity of the Bonduelle products is the high quality of food as well as the company’s ability to follow the consumer trends. In the frozen food sector one can easily notice the growth of interest in stir-fry dishes, which stems from the fact that consumers appreciate the short time of their preparation. Therefore, the company anticipates those needs by introducing four new dishes, two soups and two stir-fry dishes, which are entering the market in May. The soup made of young vegetables and the broccoli soup, as well as the stir-dry dish with potatoes and the stir-fry dish with broccoli are well-tried solutions for tasty and healthy dinner which can be prepared in a dozen or so minutes. What is more, Bonduelle begins to sell the frozen cauliflower again. All frozen products are to be presented in packages with a new lavish graphic layout. 2010 is definitely the year of innovation – recently, two new canned products have appeared in shops, meaning “Kukurydza Złocista z Oliwkami” („Golden Corn with Olives”) and “Kukurydza Złocista z Suszonymi Pomidorami” (”Golden Corn with Dried Tomatoes”). Both mixes are extremely tempting due to crispy, sweet corn, with no extra sugar added, which is accompanied by tasty dried tomatoes or delicate green and black olives, all soaked in the aromatic olive oil with parsley. New mixes pose culinary challenges, making it possible for everyone to invent personalized and imaginative combinations. Bonduelle is the company focused on development, which entails experimenting and launching new products on a regular basis.

Quality control

The factor which wins customer trust is primarily high quality of the products on offer. That is why Bonduelle gives special

attention to the issue of quality control and makes sure that the processes of production, processing and packaging comply with rigorous European and local regulations. The key word in the quality control is „traçabilité” (from French tracer - track), which means that meticulous checks are made at every step in the production process, starting with seeding. As part of cooperation with farmers from the Gniewkowo area, Bonduelle experts supervise the farmlands, provide carefully selected seeds, recommend cultivation methods, control crops and set up a harvesting date. Those procedures can guarantee that all the vegetables are carefully selected and come from the reliable source. Later on, extensive bacteriological and chemical analyses are conducted in laboratories, which can ensure product safety as well as the taste, smell and nutritional values of each and every vegetable. Moreover, the Group conducts consumer tests which are supposed to verify that the products meet all expectations. All the Bonduelle plants act according to the ISO 9002 norm, which resulted in writing a supplier’s charter. It serves as a guide for partner farmers, and therefore extends the ISO 9001 certification of industrial facilities. Additionally, the company promotes innovation, thereby co-financing and making technological investments on a wide scale, which aims at reaching the product of prime quality.

Sustainable development

The strategy of Bonduelle, both in Poland and in the world, is based on such concepts as: long-term focus, growth, food safety, environmental responsibility, profitability, brand policies, innovation, agro-industrial involvement, international development, individual development. Of the key elements of the strategy is ecology. Bonduelle strives to respect the natural environment, which requires that the company pursues a strategy of sustainable development, concerning agricultural production, workforce, quality and nutrition, natural resources and transport. When it comes to agricultural production, Bonduelle promotes environmentally responsible agronomic solutions, which is to reduce the use of agrochemicals and herbicides. In order to protect vegetables from pests, the company strengthens the strategy of studying the biological characteristics of the pests caught, thereby avoiding the systematic spraying of crops. As for the

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Constructie Bruynooghe nv Bruggestraat 74 B-8840 Staden Tel. 0032 51 70 50 88 / Fax 0032 51 70 51 40 info@bruynooghe.be

www.bruynooghe.be

Constructie Bruynooghe is a well-known name in the industry of the vegetable processing machines, both for processing fresh vegetables as well as tinned vegetables and frozen vegetables.

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„J.A.M. Inox Produkt” Sp. z o.o. | 62-800 Kalisz, ul. Majkowska 19 | Tel. 62/ 764 64 24 Tel/fax 62/ 753 57 16 | e-mail: inox@jam.com.pl | www.jaminox.com.pl

Production of machines and devices for the processing of fruits and vegetables. We complete the whole technological line!

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Journal

Food & Beverage IndustryBonduelle 2010-10-22 12:08:19

personnel policy, the Bonduelle Group strives to be an attractive employer and optimize working conditions for its 8400 employees (from who 250 are employed in Poland). To meet the goal, in 2008 the company launched a major workplace conditions survey. Moreover, Bonduelle discerns the benefits of diversity at work, which gave the Group a boost to sign an agreement with the Handipol foundation, committing to having disabled employees account for at least 5% of the total workforce in France, which constitutes about 50 people. The aim of the campaign is to give a new look at the disabled and to involve all the employees in a long-term activity. Apart from paying particular attention to quality control, Bonduelle concentrates also on promoting a healthy lifestyle. One of the key elements of the company’s philosophy is the concern for a balanced diet and nutritional qualities of the products. Since the company wants to be associated with healthy, natural and non-GMO vegetables, it provides GDA labels and specific information concerning nutritional content. Furthermore, in 2004 the Foundation Louis Bonduelle was established, which promotes long-term initiatives to improve dietary habits and reduce children’s obesity. Preservation of the environment is also manifested in the company’s efforts to reduce the energy and water consumption as well as optimize containers. Bonduelle tries to minimize transportation of vegetables between plants and implements new solutions aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in transportation.

was as much as 89%, brand recall 59%, while top of mind awareness was 41%, which constitutes a great result in comparison with competitors. Bonduelle is easily recognized thanks to its presence, but not only in the media. In 2010 Bonduelle supported the 17th Final of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity in Gdańsk, when the company’s employees were cooking the 6.5-litre soup made of the Bonduelle vegetables, which was distributed among the concert participants. In March 2010 the company was involved in the organization of a regional competition for catering colleges from the Mazowieckie voivodship in the training centre Dora Metal. The company funded the awards and vegetables for the competitors. Moreover, on every July 14, the French national holiday, Bonduelle sponsors vegetables during cultural events organized by the French Embassy. It is also involved in various festivities and, together with The Foundation for Health Promotion, it has organized outdoor cooking events in Warsaw for a few times. Owing to its presence among people Bonduelle can make people aware that good nutrition is a necessary condition for healthy and enjoyable life.  Written by Anna Chudzik

Among people

Bonduelle has earned a reputation as a strong brand in Poland, which fills the management with pride and joy. According to March 2010 PBS DGA survey, which measured brand awareness among consumers, brand recognition

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S TI CL E AR

QUALITY IN NUTRITION ON THE MARKET OF LEGUMES

FACT BOX FULL NAME: Alimentos Naturales, S.A. PRESIDENT: Manuel Guasch Molins OPERATIONS: Food & Beverage ESTABLISHED: 1967 EMPLOYEES: 150

www.elhostal.com limentos Naturales, S.A. is a company specialized in the selection, production, packaging and marketing of Commercial Director pulses. Its offer Manuel Ganuza is dedicated to the high consumption market in the food sector. Due to its careful requirements in the selection of raw materials, production and distribution, Alimentos Naturales is the leader company in this sector in Spain. It also has some of the leading brands on the international market.

History

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The origin of the company dates back to 1988, when two enterprises – Garrido y Penedés, S.A. (San Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, 1967), and Ciriaco Rueda, S.A. (Valladolid, 1953) were merged. These spanish companies had a long experience in the packaging and marketing of pulses. In this way, two brands – “Garrido” and “Rueda”, were joined. Alimentos Naturales’ main facilities are located in the industrial area of Onzonilla (León). In 1999, Alimentos Naturales absored the company Envasadora Agrícola Leonesa S.A., - founded in 1973 as a result of the fusion of Comercial Industrial Fernández S.A. – Koifer (León, 1968), and Depósitos Generales S.A., (Barcelona,

1973). In 2001, the group bought the brand “Tachinho”, in Oliveira de Azemeis (Oporto – Portugal). 2004 witnessed the foundation of the company Alimentos Naturales Algerie SPA in Algeria (marketing the products under the brand “Garrido”), and the construction of a packing plant in Dar el Beida (Alger – Algeria). In 2008 the company Naturalim S.A. was founded in Morocco (marketing the products under the brand “Garrido”), and a packing plant was built in Casablanca.

Solutions to attract consumers

Pulses have been grown since ages, and along with tropical fruits and cereals, have been the basis of human diet. To-

2010-10-22 12:08:31

day, the consumption of pulses differs from one country to another. For example, it ranges from 3 grams in Sweden, Germany, and other countries in nothern Europe, to 71 grams in India. The consumption of pulses is inversely proportional to the consumption of animal proteins. Therefore, those countries that consume a lot of meat and animal fats (less healthy), eat less pulses. In Alimentos Naturales S.A., high quality is affordable at a low price, attracting customers of all ages. Alimentos Naturales, S.A. offers a wide range of products, like the best assorted dried and cooked pulses, and recently launched organic products and ready meal dishes. The firm adopts its produts to the demand of the customers, also improving the service to achieve the satisfaction of the clients. Its policy is based on the principle of making the products available easily to the final client. This conviction has encouraged the company to use several distribution channels, offering its products not only through big chains located in urban areas, but also through little shops situated in more distant zones. Today we cannot forget the difficult situation of the market submerged on a global crisis. In these circumstances it is important to distinguish food with good nutritional values. Pulses offered by Alimentos Naturales help to mantain the human body in good health at a good price.

Development of product lines

Without any doubt, the most successful products are pulses on its traditional form. However, customers are demanding new solutions, like ready meal dish-

es. Alimentos Naturales has developped a new line “Legumbrísimas”, launching a range of products based on the mediterranean cuisine. Beans, chickpeas and lentils are prepared according traditional recipes “Alubias a la Montañesa”, “Alubias a la Ibérica”, “Garbanzos a la Hortelana”, “Garbanzos a la Marinera”, Lentejas a la Riojana”, “Lentejas con Vegetales”. The main innovation of these dishes is that, despite of the traditional recipe, they contain only 3% of fat, which is very important for customers that look for a healthy diet without giving up well known tastes. In order to satisfy its customers, Alimentos Naturales S.A. has accepted new challenges, launching on the market a completely innovative Healthy Line. The first product of this range is lentils containing natural freeze dried extracts of Traschurus – a type of marine fish. It contains lipoproteins that reinforce the inmune system and help to get rid of the excess of blood cholesterol. The new Healthy Line guarantees all the benefits of pulses: high quality proteins, great ammount of fibre, and helps to reduce cholesterol and glucose levels. Due to these benefits, its consumption is recommended at least 2 or 3 times a week. The strategy of development for the whole group Alimentos Naturales is focused on the increase of pulses consumption, improving the quality and continuous research and development (project I+D+i – Spanish National Plan for Development, Scientific and Technological Research). The group is particulary orientated to quality, which has a great impact on human nutrition and health. The old proverb says “We are what we eat”.

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The group works on several aspects in order to increase its strategical potential: •

•

Enlarging its offer through continuous efforts in I+D+i, trying to satisfy new groups of customers, collaborating with universities as well as public and private institutions, not only to improve products for the benefit of customers, but also protecting the natural environment. Development on international markets, introducing products in countries with tradictional consumption of pulses. Control and management of raw materials from the origin – the field – looking to achieve a certain proportion of self-supply. In 2007 and 2008, Alimentos Naturales S.A. started to plant chickpeas in Andalusia (southern Spain). The company plans to extend this policy to other countries like Algeria and Morocco, and to other products, like lentils in Castilla la Mancha (Spain), and beans in Argentina.

Working staff

Currently the group employs 183 people (105 in Spain, 60 in Algeria, 15 in Morocco and 3 in Portugal). The company understands the importance of well trained and qualified employees. Only the involvement of all staff can guarantee the development of the company and the personal growth of its employees. Having in mind this principle, Alimentos Naturales always studies internal processes in order to improve them.

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Exportation as a key for

development

Alimentos Naturales is constantly addapting to follow a changing and growing market. Today, the phenomenon of concentration touches distributors and manufacturers. Alimentos Naturales is a good example. The firm also spreads its activity on a global market, entering markets like Portugal, Algeria and Morocco, with a direct presence. The European market is served from the factory in León (Spain), which also exports to other regions (USA, Angola, Saudi Arabia...etc.). Exports allow the company to reach many countries, proposing dried and cooked pulses, mainly under the brand “Garrido”.

Industrial cerfificates

and environmental protection

Alimentos Naturales is aware of the importance of stragegic factors like quality and environment protection, as the best arguments on a commercial policy. The company is committed to implement policies for the development and improvement of its products and services in order to satisfy our client’s needs. The company got its first quality certification in 1996, from the “Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación (AENOR)”. It also got from the same organism the environmental certification in 2003. These certifications guarantee the implantation of a quality and environmental management system, under the standards UNE-EN ISO 9001:2000 and UNE-EN ISO 14001/2004. Alimentos Naturales has also been awarded for being an organic food packer, being a member of the Council of Organic Agriculture of the region of Castilla y León. In 2008, the company was awarded by the magazine “Actualidad Económica” – Economy news – for promoting the Healthy Line and particulary the product Inmune Lentils was chosen as one of the best 100 ideas of the year. These important signs of recognition for Alimentos Naturales S.A. confirm the fact that efforts put into research and working on innovation are efficient. Written by Berenika Wilczyńska

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Food & Beverage IndustryAlimentos Naturales 2010-10-22 12:08:34

S TI CL E AR

Brest Distillery Company BELALCO

rest Distillery Company BELALCO was founded in 1897 - thus the company has been existing for more than 110 years on the market. Nowadays the company is one of the biggest liqueur and spirits producer in Belarus. During the 110 years each period was very important, as each year, each month, each change is a step forward to success and to the level which the company has achieved by now.

Development of the Company

The history of Belalco began on April 1, 1987, when Brest State Wines Warehouse No. 4 was founded with the annual production output of 107 thousand decaliters. Coal steam-boiler installation allowed the factory to increase alcohol output by one third and improved vodka quality and working efficiency as compared with other factories. At that time vehicle sheds and platforms were built connecting to warehouse to make operation processes smooth. Those days 60 employees, including salespeople, worked together at the factory. During World War I and severe economic crisis the warehouse was collapsed. However, in 1928 the factory was reconstructed and started its operation again. At that time the factory got its official name Brest Distillery. By year 1937 The Brest Distillery delivered its production to 25 sales points of Polessie, Belostok, Lublin, Novogrudok and Volyn provinces. It produced and bottled vodka as well as alcohol for medical purposes. The Distillery personnel consisted of 33 administration and trade workers, 3 masters and 78 workers. The period between 1946 and 1976 years was the time of unique technologies implementation based on ancient traditions of folk medicine, Belarus antique recipes using rare herbs of Belovezhskaya Pushcha (Belovezha virgin forest) and strict conformity with international standards. The years starting from 1977 till now is the time of prosperity for the Brest Distillery Company. Product quality meets severe requirements of consumers and has no equal among similar Distilleries of the former Soviet Union. Currently the annual output of the company is more than 1,5 mn decalitres, part of which are exported to more than 20 countries of the world. The factory is the only Belarussian company which has been exporting its products

Food & Beverage IndustryBelalco Księga1.indb 39

for more than 30 years by now.

What helped the company win the clients’ trust and loyalty? According to the company, each worker of the company realizes the tasks he or she has to perform. The loyal attitude towards the work and the plant of around 500 workers, with 330 of them working at the head company, for sure defines the quality of the company and makes the company trustworthy. For the most workers the Brest Distillery BELALCO was the first and the only employer for their whole life. Of course, no less important is unique water, high-quality „Lux” spirits, the most up-to-date technology and

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Brest Distillery Company BELALCO GENERAL MANAGER: Alexander Romanovsky OPERATIONS: Production of spirit and alchoholic beverages ESTABLISHED: 1897 EMPLOYEES: 550

www.brestvodka.com Manufacturing-Journal | 37 | 2010-10-22 12:08:37

special atmosphere of the plant, which help create the products, appreciated by Belarussian and foreign consumers. Therefore, the Brest Distillery beverages, tinctures, spirits, balsams and brandies won its share of the market and meet the requirements of the most demanding consumers.

Product range

The product portfolio of Belalco includes around 70 items of different products, among them are 40 types of vodka, bitter and sweet tinctures and balsams. The company bottles cognacs and is an importer of cognacs and whiskeys. The company owns 2 Distillery plants which fully meet the demand for spirit with its spirit „Lux”. The company plans include transition to continuous production and improvement of physical, chemical and

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organoleptic qualities of the spirit, and therefore of the finished products. Ongoing improvement and re-equipment of production help offer products of better quality, in new bottles. There are a lot of well-known brands produced by Belalco. For example, vodka „Belarus Sineokaya” has been popular for more than 20 years - which is quite a long period for such a product as vodka. „Berezovaya” (birch-tree vodka) won the title of „Vodka No. 1 in Belarus” for 4 times. There are other vodkas like „Klenovaya” (maple-tree), „Grushevaya” (pear-tree), „Vinogradnaya” (grapevine), „Lipovaya” (linden-tree) which contain maple syrup, birch, pear and grapevine juices as well as fragrant spirits of linden-tree flowers. „Pervach” vodka is the strongest Belarussian vodka - with 56% vol., still it has quite soft taste. One of the most popular vodkas is quite a new product to Bela-

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russian market - the series of vodkas called „Narkomovskaya Norma”. The bottom of „Narkomovskaya Norma” bottle reminds well-known to older generation table-glass. This series is only three years old, still the product is appreciated not only by Belarussians, but also abroad. Now this kind of vodka is sold to three other export markets. Liqueur „Vetah” is also extremely popular, so in response to many consumers’ requests the production of this emulsion liqueur with pear and almond taste was resumed. The company produces traditional vodkas such as “Korn”, “Platinum”, “Stalitsa Lux”, “Belorusskaya”, „Berestye” balsam, dessert cranberry beverage, a few kinds of bitter tinctures, like „Belorusskaya Pertsovaya” or „Brestskaya Zubrovka” and sweet tinctures, brandies, “Shokoladny” and “Kofeyny” liqueurs, potato starch, „Lux” spirit and a large variety of other vodkas for all kinds of taste.

cording to СТБ ISO 9001-2000. Generally Belalco received more than 300 awards. Only in 2009 Belalco participated in 14 events and won 2 Grand Prix, 19 golden, 5 silver and 2 bronze awards.

Export Sales

The products of Brest Distillery Company are known also abroad. The company has a rich export experience. Currently vodka and other alcoholic beverages of Belalco are sold to Baltic countries, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China and other countries. For the last five years the company’s sales have grown not only on domestic market, but also abroad. In 2010 Belalco products were shipped for export to Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and New Zealand. The company works out the possibility of selling its products to Russia.  Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

Certified Quality

The system of quality management was implemented at Brest Distillery Company in 1998. This system meets the requirements of ISO 9001. The certification was carried out by International Company „Bureau Veritas Quality International” and Gosstandart of Republic of Belarus. In March 2004 „Bureau Veritas Quality International” granted Belalco the certificate proving that the quality management system meets the requirements of ISO 9001-2000. In September 2004 Belarussian Gossstandart granted Belalco the certificate of conformity ac-

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Manufacturing-Journal | 39 | 2010-10-22 12:08:43

S TI CL E AR

DYNAMIC RUSSIAN WHEAT GRAIN PROCESSING COMPANY

FACT BOX FULL NAME: OAO PAVA PRESIDENT: Andrey Igoshin OPERATIONS: Food & Beverage ESTABLISHED: 1999 EMPLOYEES: over 2,000 REVENUE: (2008, IFRS) – USD160,893,000

www.apkhleb.ru cost control and effective production optimization guarantee success and stability for PAVA even in times of crisis. Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

PAVA President Andrey Igoshin

Head of IR and International Business Development Galina Balaenkova

JSC PAVA is one of the biggest and the most dynamically developing wheat grain processing companies in Russia. PAVA is specialized in producing flour and feed mixes, as well as in purchasing, storage and selling of grains. The most important factor, due to which the company has gained trust and popularity around the whole Russia and in many partner countries, is quality. PAVA flour is produced from ecologically pure grain cultivated in Altay region, which is a traditional supplier of high-gluten grains. Baking properties of Altay flour are highly appreciated by consumers. Moreover, favorable geographic position helps keep competitive prices as well as reasonable price-quality relation. PAVA is one of the industry leaders. The scale of Company’s activity,

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Young Company - Impressive Achievements

PAVA Company was founded in 1999 under the name Khleb Altaya. The current name PAVA was accepted as a result of rebranding process in 2005. The first milling plant in Rebrikha of Altay region started its work in 2001 and since that time processing capacities were increased up to 400,000 tons of wheat grain per year. Currently PAVA products are manufactured by 3 company’s affiliates - in Rebrikha, Mikhailovsk (the Altay Territory) and Achinsk (the Krasnoyarsk region). In 2005 PAVA was given the status of a public company, placing 10% of its share capital on Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange and making the first shipment abroad. 2007 was characterized by active growth of export sales, which resulted in taking leading positions in the segment of wheat flour export supplies in Russia. In 2008 two daughter companies were established – Russian Agricul-

tural Division and Grainvest to develop company’s own agricultural base and organize production of highly profitable ingredients made of wheat grains. In September 2009 PAVA celebrated its 10th anniversary. For this quite a short period of time the company managed to become stable and successful. The company is now on the stage of

changing its structure into vertically integrated one, which will help control the entire value chain from growing to trading of grains. Investment into agricultural production is going to provide PAVA with

Food & Beverage Industry  Pava 2010-10-22 12:08:47

high-quality raw materials and reduce dependence on price volatility. Being the biggest wheat grain processing company in Siberia and Far East PAVA is proud of its leading role in the industry and innovative contribution to development of Russian economy. PAVA projects are considered by the government as those of high priority. Among Russian agricultural and food companies PAVA was the first to make a public offering, and together with giants of other industries successfully free-floated part of its capital, although being quite a young market participant. Last year the company has succeeded in overcoming the impact of crisis and became the only one in the industry to fully meet investor obligations after two dates of bond repurchase on RUR1 bln. loan. Sophisticated and harmonious financial policy allows to demonstrate successful results. In 2008 the net consolidated proceeds amounted to 160,893 thousand of dollars. The gross profit was 36,817 thousand of dollars, which meant 14,5% rise comparing to previous year. Growth of export sales, launching of new products contributed to dynamic

development of the company. PAVA also carries dynamic investment activity, increasing net assets by 4 times, while decreasing debt burden - EBITDA ratio fell from 8,6 in 2007 to 5,9. OJSC PAVA

employs around 2,000 of very qualified specialists. The key figures in the company are professionals with solid industry experience and higher education obtained in the leading foreign universities. Their professionalism helps carry out international business on a high level and implement the most ambitious plans.

Scale of Activity

PAVA aims to control the whole production cycle starting from cultivating of agricultural crops to sales in Russia and abroad, therefore the company is currently re-shaping its business into a vertically integrated agro-industrial holding. Daughter company of PAVA OJSC Russian Agricultural Division cultivates agricultural products. This company also has storage capacities of over 230,000 tons and includes trading company OJSC Transagro Corporation. 3 milling plants of PAVA produce flour of different grades, cereals, bran and feed mixes as well as wheat germ oil. The company also works under the project of complex deep wheat grain processing and plans to launch production of ingredients with high added value, such as gluten, syrups, starch, and cereals. PAVA takes a very stable position on a highly competitive wheat processing market and strives to gain leadership in all branches of its activity. The company is characterized by innovative approach to production, which is proved by the latest products development, as well as expansion of own raw material resources base and diversifying into highly profitable deep

Food & Beverage Industry ď&#x20AC;´ Pava KsiÄ&#x2122;ga1.indb 43

processing. Daughter company Russian Agricultural Division controls over 160,000 hectares of land and plans to increase the land bank to a few hundred thousands of hectares. Access to highly fertile lands, expert staff and in-depth industry experience are key success factors of a future strategy. Apart from that the company enjoys considerable state support in implementing new projects.

Unique Product Range

For 10 years PAVA supplies products of exclusive quality to Russian and foreign clients, famous under the trademark PAVA, Altay-Batyushka, Zhitnitsa. Flour is a main product of the company and is characterized by a high level of gluten and whiteness. Baked goods made from PAVA flour are nourishing and tasty, with refined taste and flavor. The flour is ideal for confectionery, macaroni production, yeasty and puff baked products. PAVA is an umbrella brand under which wheat flour of different grades, rye flour as well as cereals, such as wheat, fine-ground barley, and barley are produced. PAVA brand is positioned in a more expensive group of products and has corresponding style of packing. Altay-Batyushka line includes flour of extra, higher, first and second grades. Altay-Batyushka products are manufactured in different type of packaging, made both of paper and polypropylene. At the end of 2008 PAVA extended its product range developing innovative flour grade Zhitnitsa. This milling technology is unique and does not have analogies in the world.

Manufacturing-Journal | 41 | 2010-10-22 12:08:50

It allows to preserve live cells of grain and is very rich in vitamins and minerals comparing to wholemeal flour. Behaviour of Zhitnitsa in the production process is very similar to traditional flour grades, but it significantly expands output of bread, and thus it results in better profitability of baking business. This type of flour has already become popular among Russian and foreign consumers, and has been successfully recommended as a good cooking component for national cuisine dishes of other countries. PAVA capacities allow to perform orders based on individual customer requirements. Thus, microdosing line established on Rebrikha mill was used to produce flour for supplies within the framework of UN World Food Program. The UN has very strict requirements as to vitamins and minerals composition. PAVA has been UN WFP partner for over 3 years, cooperating with countries of Asian and African continents.

Export Activity

PAVA made the first export supply in 2005 to Georgia and since that time the sales destinations have been considerably extended - not only to neighbouring countries (Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan) but to more far away Asian and African countries. PAVA has experience in dealing with Thailand, Korea, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Somali, Kenya, Ethiopia within the UN WFP and on a commercial basis. PAVA-Export Ltd. company is now dealing with export. This subdivision coordinates logistics effectiveness and competitiveness of pricing. The company sees big potential in entering new markets and therefore aims at developing export activity, including even founding representative offices in other countries. The company develops the client base, not limiting geography of supplies to Russian market. Currently negotiations are going on with countries of Asian and Pacific regions, first of all with China and Korea, where there is a growing demand for flour and bakery products. In 2 years PAVA plans to launch producing of gluten, starch, syrups, spirits and other products of deep wheat grain processing. Preliminary agreements for supplies of food ingredients with Russian and European producers were signed. Global demand for above mentioned products is now unprecedentedly growing, and so the potential for establishing new partnerships. Taking into consideration high qual-

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ity of products, geographical position and company experience, PAVA is well placed to maintain the positions of leading exporter in the industry in Russia.

Recognition

PAVA’s achievements in export activity, quality of products and effective management have been confirmed by more than 100 diplomas and medals. The most outstanding awards are gold and silver medals of Siberian forum Gemma-2006, Siberian fair, Altay Niva exhibition, the title of prize winner of such contests as The best product of Russia, The Best Altay Product. In 2007 Russian Ministry of Economic Development granted PAVA the status of Leading Exporter of the Industry, when the company accounted for the largest share in total export flour shipments from Russia and entered a number of new markets. In 2008 Ministry of Industry and Commerce declared PAVA the most rapidly growing exporter of the industry, after foreign supplies had grown by 84%.

Food & Beverage Industry  Pava 2010-10-22 12:08:54

S TI CL E AR

Freshly squeezed olive juice

ature, craftsmanship, and tradition combine to create the top quality products of the Italian manufacturer of extra virgin olive oil. Monini, established in the twenties of the previous century, enjoys prosperity and growth up until recently, and that – with excellent prospects for the future.

of Italians would only use olive oil. The freshly squeezed olive juice is a product which embodies three leading ideas of the company’s strategy: respect for nature, craftsmanship, and tradition. Briefly, quality determines and motivates the right kind of strategy. This means that each product by Monini must be flawless when it comes to quality. Only in this way can the expectations of consumers be met. And only in this way can the company maintain credibility and succeed in its efforts to introduce to even broader groups of consumers extra virgin olive oil as an olive oil marked by considerable quality. This is what, in the course of time, has proved the most beneficial strategy.

FACT BOX

The beginning

It was 1920 when Zefferino Monini, building on his organizational talents and horticultural knowledge of olives, the fruit he particularly liked, started his production of extra virgin olive oil. From the very beginning, he was committed to obtaining the top quality product. The area of Spoleto, located at the very heart of Umbria, one of the regions whose history had most frequently been associated with olive oil, with its hills abundantly grown by olive orchards, was the most suitable area from which to obtain olive oil of intense, even though balanced flavour. Monini was convinced that the key to success would lie in investing not only his resources, but also his interests and efforts, exclusively in extra virgin olive oil. At that time this product was less commonly known, as the majority

Food & Beverage IndustryMonini Księga1.indb 45

FULL NAME: Monini S.p.A PRESIDENT: Zefferino Monini OPERATIONS: Food & Beverage ESTABLISHED: 1920 EMPLOYEES: 120 TURNOVER: 127 mln Euro

www.monini.com Manufacturing-Journal | 43 | 2010-10-22 12:08:58

Design and organization

Today Monini is a leading manufacturer at the market. Much emphasis is put on the innovation of technology and industrial organization. At the same time, a vast range of products issued on the market are recognized as products with the best tradition, being made of the top quality ingredients. Undoubtedly, what makes the company unique is the attention it pays and the efforts it puts into selecting the supreme quality extra virgin olive oil obtained from diverse areas of both national and international production. In order to complete the picture with facts and figures, it should be noted that, in Italy and around the world, Monini sells ca. 30 million liters of olive oil per year, with extra virgin olive oil substantially adding to the quantity. The company employs 105 people in Italy and 15 people in its foreign branches. The overall yearly turnover amounts to ca. â&#x201A;Ź 127 million. During the year 2009 Monini made a number of decisions with a view to diversifying its range of products. Thus, apart from the traditional products sustaining the core business, the company launched several novelties which are highly valued by consumers, among which products such as, lemon juice, D.O.P. ( P.D.O ) olives , new vinegars range, tapenades and sauces play the key role. The research and development department has also recently dedicated internal resources to quality control in

that it has increased the number of indepth chemical and sensory analyses. In order to improve the analyses, the company has introduced laboratory facilities with new adjustments which allow to carry out more sophisticated analyses in a much shorter time span. New and more efficient equipment has been set up at the packaging lines as well. The company attaches much importance to

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Food & Beverage Industryď&#x20AC;´Monini 2010-10-22 12:09:03

quality control. For many years, Monini has been developing a very rigorous system of internal controlling and the company’s achievements in this field are confirmed by recognized quality certificates it received, such as ISO 9001, IFS, BRC, HACCP, and OHSAS 18001. Introducing the system of quality control has allowed to significantly eliminate incompatibilities and reduce complaints on the part of the company’s customers. In particular, to give an example, in the area of production of extra virgin olive oil, the main commodity produced by Monini, the number of quality controls in 2009 was really high reaching over 22.000 analyses.

this turns out to be disadvantageous to products which have been recognized as qualitatively superior. Why do consumers choose the products offered by Monini? There are two principal reasons. First of all, the company is unique in that it combines elements such as craftsmanship and professionalism, respect for tradition, and an almost onehundred-year-old experience with the deployment of modern technologies, constant research, and the application of the most rigorous methods of quality controlling. Secondly and consequently, all this allows to offer the clients a wide range of high quality products derived from a variety of extra virgin olive oils, e.g. commercial oils, premium oils, DOP oils, organic or aromatized oils, etc.

Prospects

Marketing

At present the major part of the company’s turnover comes from Italy (75 %), with a contribution by foreign markets which amounts to 25 %. Monini products are exported to countries, among which Switzerland, Poland, Russia, North-European countries, the USA, and Canada can be regarded as the main trade partners. Generally speaking, the group of Monini’s main customers includes big distribution chains in Italy (Coop, Conad, Esselunga, etc.) and internationally (Carrefour, Auchan, Mettro, Tesco, etc.). Importantly, in recent years, one can be witnessing a growing tendency among the consumers to more adequate appreciation of high quality nutrition products. For Monini, which sells 100 % natural products, like extra virgin olive oil, and which attaches special significance to the issue of quality, this can only be tantamount to more benefits. Unfortunately, pressure exercised by a chain of department stores leads to shifting attention to prices, as a result giving more preference to products of dubious quality. Of course,

In the future, the company envisions consolidation of more mature markets, for example the Italian ones, and development in those markets where products like extra virgin olive oil have not been introduced, or have not gained recognition thus far, because of different consumer traditions or the lower purchasing power of consumers. Thus, within a considerably short period of time, benefits can be expected from markets other than the East-European ones, more specifically from the Indian as well as the Chinese markets. Extending its influence over Asian markets is considered as one of the main targets of Monini in the future to come. Regarding more determinate plans ranging over the period of the next five up to ten years, the company is believed to be gaining even more space for development within both a short and a long time span, precisely for the fact that in many countries consumption of its products will grow in consequence of its availability to families of consumers. Hopefully the development will ensue as a result of the appreciation of the quality of the company’s products and of the position on the market that the company has already deserved. All this development

Food & Beverage IndustryMonini Księga1.indb 47

will be supported by important investments in the area of marketing and communication. Nonetheless, for sure, Monini will not be interested in economical growth alone, intensifying quantities of the products offered at the expense of their quality.

Conclusions

It would be difficult to point to one unique aspect which makes Monini so successful as an enterprise – after all, one can always run the risk of neglecting other aspects of equal or even greater importance. However, one can assume that, as of today, Monini has an unquestionable right to take pride in its healthy work environment, where values such as transparency, ethical behaviour, professionalism and competence are integrated into the very structure of the company, being observed by its workers, from the entrepreneur on the top to the dependant on the lowest level in the company hierarchy. It is this attitude which, along with the quality of Monini’s products, has enabled to create an image of reliability and flawless reputation – from the times of its establishers up until today..  Written by Anna Tomaszewska

Manufacturing-Journal | 45 | 2010-10-22 12:09:10

S TI CL E AR

The world of oil

he company Aceites Abril S.L. (Ltd.) is one of the leading companies on the market of olive oil production in Spain. Behind the production of every bottle of oil there is a highly skilled team of more than 50 workers, who insure that all products of Aceites Abril adhere to the highest standard of safety and quality.

History of the company The company Aceites Abril S.L. has a long history and tradition which dates back to 1962 – the year of its foundation in Mora de Toledo (the region of La Mancha, Spain) by Manuel Gómez. At first the company operated under the name of “Pérez Delgado” and was focused on wholsale. Its activity was based on two stone press mills used to extract extra virgin olive oil, which was then bottled and distributed from the bottling plant in Ourense. In 1994 the factory was moved to the industrial area of San Cibrao das Viñas in Ourense and then it was expanded several times. Nowadays it covers the area of more than 7.000 square metres with ware-

houses equipped with the most modern technology to develop the procedure of bottling and selling oils. Currently, the next generation – the children of the foundator Manuel Gómez – are developing the enterprise, which has managed to spread the net of customers to more than 20 countries. Now it is a company run by three brothers and everyone is responsible for different area.

Industrial activity

Nowadays, 40 % of Aceites Abril´s production is dedicated to the market of exportation. The enterprise maintains commercial relations in five continents. Its products are present during the most important international fairs as APAS (in

Brasil), Gulfood (in Dubai), Foodex (in Japan), Anuga (in Germany), IFE (in London), Sial 2010 (in Paris) and Alimentaria (in Barcelona).

Products range and packaging

Since the beginning of company’s activity on the market, its flagship product has always been the extra virgin olive oil with a fruity flavour, particularly appreciated to season different dishes. It is worth noticing that Aceites Abril S.L. offers a wide range of extra virgin olive oil, pomace oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and special fried oil. The olive oil offered by Aceites Abril S.L. is made of special varieties of olives, which are: hojiblanca, picual, arbequina and cornicabra. Due

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Aceites Abril PRESIDENTS: Carmen Canal, Luis Perez Canal, Jorge Perez Canal and Jose Manuel Perez Canal OPERATIONS: Bottled Olive Oil ESTABLISHED: 1962, Orense, Spain EMPLOYEES: 50 TURNOVER: 65 mln euro

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Food & Beverage IndustryAceites Abril 2010-10-22 12:09:13

to this fact olive oils of Aceites Abril S.L. have a distinct fruity flavour, particularly appreciated by its customers. The packaging also plays an important role in this industry. Aceites Abril S. L. distributes oil in different types of packaging: glass bottles in 250, 500, 750 ml, 1l and in plastic 1, 2, 3 and 5 litres, as well as in tins of 4 and 5 liters (mainly for foreign markets). At present the most important products in company’s offer are: ecological extra virgin olive oil as well as monovarietal oils, which have been launched recently, having in mind particularly demanding customers. The company has elaborated few different product lines, which offer a great variety of oils, which are: •

•

• • • •

extra virgin olive oil: pure oil, which undergoes only necessary treatment of washing, decantation, centrifugation or filtration. This olive oil is the finest, has the most intense flavour, and the best quality. The grade of acidity does not exceed of 0´5º. olive oil: a caombination of refined olive oil with virgin olive oil (with two different flavours: pure and mild). organic extra virgin olive oil: produced in coherence with requirements of ecological agriculture. This type of oil never exceed 0,4 degrees of acidity. pomace oil: obtained by refining crude olive-pomace oil. sunflower oil: obtained of the plant´s pipes. vegetable oil special oil to fry: a type of oil destinated for cooking.

Aceites Abril S.L. is also dedicated to the bottling marketing and the sale of bottled and bulk edible oils. The process begins with the reception of the oil, which is analysed in the laboratory of quality control. The oil is bottled using the most modern machinery available, composing of seven bottling lines: six in PET-plastic formats and one in glass. The company also distributes and sells bulk oils in various container formats.

Strategy of the company

The strategy of Aceites Abril S.L. is aimed on providing high quality, which can be obtained by guaranteeing security of alimentary products. Another key factor of the company’s policy is a personalised service. The enterprise has opened the National and International Commercial Department, which maintains continuous contacts with customers which permits to discover customers’ needs and expectations towards the market. On the other hand, it passes all information related to market research to every company’s department in order to implement ably specific solutions expected by the customers. The mission of Aceites

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Manufacturing-Journal | 47 | 2010-10-22 12:09:16

duction is due to Portuguese producers who called one type of olives “Galician” and from that moment some research related to their origin and evolutions was made. As a result olives from the variety called “arbequina” were planted in 2006 in the area of Paderne.

Being competitve on the market

Abril S.L. consists in integrated policy of quality, environmental protection and alimentary security. It is based on two main elements, which are: the constant improvement of efficiency of quality system and environmental protection as well as compromises to provide customer’s satisfaction. During last years new companies have been incorporated in order to reinforce exportation department which maintains close relations with every client in order to recognise his needs. The important strategy is also to maintain a direct post-sale service in order to be always close to the customer.

Key reasons of success

The most important factor of success of Aceites Abril is the fact that it provides the customers with a well-designed product, able to be competitive on the international market. The company’s strategy leading to success is selling many products with a low margin. The company managed to gain customers’ confidence, confirmed by two certificates ISO 9001:2000 and Medioambiental ISO 14001:2004 obtained in 2006. Recently, in response to the needs of the market, the enterprise has managed to obtain other certificates of quality: IFS (the French one) and BRC (the British one). Aceites Abril S.L. is appreciated because of its tradition of family-run company, with a well established position on the market for more than 50 years.

Current situation and environmental policy

The crisis didn’t influence the company’s economical situation in the same way as other enterprises, however it had to cut down margins on prices. During the crisis the private brands of distributors develop their position, which force others to reduce prices in order to be competitive on the market. It should be emphasised that an important part of the company’s policy is a respect towards environment. Aceites Abril S.L. thinks that this is a key factor for every firm in order to survive. Taking in consideration these principles, the company took some steps planning to prevent and reduce contamination as well as to promote recycling.

Future plans

Among many other plans for fututre, the one is to make Galician olive grove reappear. It has been planned very carefully for a long time. In January 2011 first olives will be picked, and the first harvest will be in 2011 in the area of 25 hectares planted by Aceites Abril few years ago in Paderne, Barbadás, Petín y Verín. The company’s interest in this type of pro-

The aim of the company Aceites Abril is to improve constantly their products already during the phase of design, which should be adopted to the taste of people from different countries. Before exportation the company always examines alimentary habits and adopts labels and packaging to them. For instance, for Japanese market the company designed a specific label, and currently it is working on a new gourmet line, designed for consumers which put their attention to the esthetics. Moreover, the enterprise has its own group of tasters working hard on choosing the best fruity oils for exportation.

Development on the international market

According to the expectations, the company’s growth will by increasing with the rhythm of 14%. Aceites Abril S.L. can be regarded as a partner able to collaborate efficiently on the international market with all the companies which sell olive oil on the local markets. Aceits Abril S.L. is a strong enterprise, having the international caracter, directed towards a customer and his needs. It is a company formed by young people, which are highly qualified and strongly motivated employees. In the commercial department work people of different nationalities with international professional experience. That is the reason why they can perfectly understand different cultural and national backgrounds, which help them to design the best service to the customers. Summarising it can be stated that Aceites Abril S.L. is the enterprise which invests in modernisation and improvement of alimentary security, obtaining the highest marks in certificates. It is spreading in the world basing on the standards of quality, which is a basis of modern industrial management and production.  Written by Berenika Wilczyńska

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S TI CL E AR

A great taste for business

here are many things to be associated with Spain. For some it would be corrida, for dance lovers it would obviously be flamenco and for many of us pleasure seekers - white sandy beaches. For gourmet cuisine lovers however, the first thing that comes to mind must be – apart from top quality Spanish wine – world class charcuterie and meat. Spanish jamon is famous around the world for its dryness and exquisite taste. And the hero of our today’s reading – a Spanish company named Carnicas Serrano (the Serrano Meat) is adding its part to the legend being one of the major meat and charcuterie producers in Spain.

What should Spain be proud of? There are many world class meats that take its origins from Spain – there’s chorizo, a dry, General Director usually spicy Mr. Carlos Serrano sausage made from pork, paprika and various spices. There’s jamon iberico – dry ham made from iberian pig. And there’s also the famous jamon serrano – literally translated as the mountain ham is called that way due to the long process of drying that takes place mostly in drying sheds build at higher elevation. It is easy to understand that when Blas Serrano Castelar was starting a business back in 1959 he decided to go in the meat industry. His name could not be merely a coincidence. It seems that it was meant to be.

A brief history of the company

The company has more than 50 years of tradition but it has come a long way from the time in 1959 when Blas Serrano Castelar with his wife and two children opened a small factory in the area of 150 square meters in Valencia. It took them just 15 years to emerge from their original headquarters and move to industrial zone Fuente del Jarro in Paterna, 15 kilometers outside Valencia. These new facilities had 4 thousand square meters and have been shortly filled with top notch equipment needed to fully utilize its area. During the following years the company several times felt the need for further expansion. By 1991 the acreage of the company was 11 thousand square

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meters – Carnicas Serrano also opened a network of own branches around the country. It also became the first meat company in the Valencia Community to gain an ability to export its goods outside of the European Union, with Russia as its main target.

Spanish charcuterie around the world

Indeed, the international focus is playing a major part in the firm’s activity. Currently more than 20 per cent of the sales revenue is generated by the foreign market. Serrano is a very strong brand in

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Carnicas Serrano PRESIDENT: D. Blas Serrano OPERATIONS: Meat Products ESTABLISHED: 1959 EMPLOYEES: 275 TURNOVER: 45 mill €

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the European markets, as it is associated with what’s best about Spanish meat – the highest quality and an unrepeatable taste. In fact, most of the products that go abroad are the most typical Spanish charcuterie – it’s ham and its sausage – chorizo. Lately, in 2007, the company launched a series of products called TapaSpain, designed and marketed specifically for European customers. These products have been a great success for the firm on some major European markets, such as Germany, France and Great Britain, just to name a few. But one would be wrong thinking that only Europeans are fond of Spanish cuisine. As a matter of fact, Carnicas Serrano was the first Spanish meat company to establish a cooperation with Cuba to serve as a catering supplier to all supermarkets and hotel chains.

Adjusting to market’s needs

When asked about its key customers, the firm avoids straight and easy answers. Indeed it seems that there is a vast duality between the end consumer who makes a final decision to buy the company’s product, and supply chains that ensure the aforementioned customer has the opportunity to buy them. The people at Carnicas Serrano explain – both group are equally important and both are treated the same way – they are being listened to very carefully. Carnicas Serrano is an innovative enterprise and is always trying to change its offer to match the demand of the market. The company is extremely proud of its R&D department that is constantly working

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on developing new products, which must instantly address the needs of the customers.

A variety of products

Currently there are several major groups of products available on the market. The most important one still seems to be the mountain ham, jamon serrano, which is available both in slices and as a complete bone-in ham. Then there is a whole variety of Spanish typical sausages, with chorizo being the most known of them. The company also offers a ‘one minute and ready’ products, mostly pork fillets in many different flavors. Last but not least, one can also find interest in sandwich-ready meats, offered in a variety of types and flavors. A different look can also be made at the company’s offer.

There are products that are mostly traditional – like jamon serrano and chorizo. There is an innovative line of sandwichready products mixing fish and meat flavor. Finally there is a line of products called Sabrosanos – it’s one of the most successful lines found in the offer. It’s goal is to offer traditional products, but with more focus on the health aspect. Traditional Spanish meat like hamburgers, pork sausage or blood sausage are not the healthiest, to say the least. Carnicas Serrano was looking for a solution that would keep the exquisite taste but alter the nutrition in these products. The answer came with Sabrosanos, which offers the same products yet with less fat and less calories. The company was awarded a NAOS prize from Spanish Ministry of Health – it’s a prize awarded

Food & Beverage IndustryCarnicas Serrano 2010-10-22 12:09:37

to companies whose action help promote healthy lifestyle and fight obesity among the society.

Constant devotion to quality

Carnicas Serrano started out as a family business and each year has been steadily increasing its payroll. Nowadays the company employs more than 250 people and said increase doesn’t seem to stop any time soon. Any of these employees is given perfect conditions to develop their skills as the company have recently implemented a Total Quality Management plan in order to maximize the efficiency of its internal processes and guarantee the best quality of customer service. On the other hand, Carnicas Serrano is constantly working on improving its infrastructure and equipment. In 1999, the company installed the so called ‘White Rooms’ in its production line. These ‘White Rooms’ received its name because of perfect hygiene conditions they offer. But by then the firm’s devotion to quality and high hygiene standards has been already recognized, as Carnicas Serrano has been awarded an ISO:9002 certificate in 1997. The company was the first meat producer in the Valencia Community to receive said certificate.

cerned more with the taste, their pleasure an their well-being. On the other hand there are customers looking for comfort and convenience – for these customers the food must be - above all - easy to prepare. And finally there’s a fourth variable, price, which is gaining more attention nowadays because of the crisis. The offer of Carnicas Serrano must be diversified enough to satisfy the needs of all groups of customers. Fortunately, the food industry wasn’t that much affected by the crisis, as compared to other sectors of economy. This leads us to believe that the people working at Carnicas Serrano shouldn’t worry about their future. People have been enjoying traditional Spanish meat and charcuterie for ages now and some flavors are never out of date. It’s a good thing that nowadays we can benefit from the existence of such companies as Carnicas Serrano and enjoy a delicious piece of jamon serrano in our own countries. Although, it seems that it tastes best accompanied by a dish of olives and a glass of dry wine, on some sea view terrace bathed in Spanish red hot sun.  Written by Łukasz Światowiec

Jamon in the time of crisis

The business model of the company can be described as a resultant of four variables. First, we have the health aspect and people who are seeking traditional tastes with less fat and more nutrition. There are traditional customers, con-

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S TI CL E AR

A company with tradition

he Belarussian town of Grodno, where JSC Grodno meat-packing plant is located, has been historically connected with meat-packing industry. In XVI century, when Grodno was ruled by Rzeczpospolita and governor Staefan Batory, Grodno first became famous for its gastronomic traditions. During the years of his government Grodno castle became the favorite residence of the monarch, and the town itself became political, socialeconomical, and religious centre of the country. In Batory army representatives of many nations like Poles, Lithuanians, Byelorussians, Germans, Hungarians served. He gathered the best butchers in his castle, as each military unit preparing for a campaign cooked lots of meat dishes and each tried to be better than the other. On the Batory’s military board as well at a feast at the castle a great number of sausages and delicacies was served up, so Grodno butchers had a chance to permanently improve their skills. As a result Grodno became a European center of meat gastronomy culture. Over the centuries these traditions were kept. The confirmation of that are meat products of the Grodno meat-packing plant. Grodno meatpacking plant was founded in 1911, when according to Grodno Council Decree a cattle slaughter-house was built. It was not equipped General Director the cattle Anatoly G. Grishuk processing was hand-made. About thirty heads of cattle were slaughtered and processed per day, six workers were occupied at the slaughter-house. In 1939 after liberation of Western Belarus the Grodno meat-packing plant operated at the base of this slaughter-house. In 1941 Grodno was timely occupied by fascist Germany. But in 1945 the Meat-packing Plant was reconstructed and began producing 2000 kg of meat and 200 kg of sausage products per day, while forty four workers were employed by the enterprise. In 1949 mechanization of the meat products processing began, e.g. a fridge was built. In 1953 a sausage shop was constructed at the territory of the Meat-packing Plant with 3 tons per shift capacity. In 1959 the enlargement of the fridge was finished for the total capacity of 330 tons for simultaneous meat products storage. Still, to meet the growing demand, in 1970 construction of a new plant outside the town was started. The total area of the enterprise became 10.6 hectare. In 1972 a new Meat-packing Plant with 63 tons capacity per shift was put into operation. JSC Grodno meat-packing plant has been working successfully since 1972 and during its 37-years history has obtained the repu-

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tation of a reliable partner and a leader of the branch. In 1972 834 tons of meat of all kinds and by-products of the 1st category, 206 tons of sausage products, 119.5 tons of meat half-finished products, including ravioli were processed per month. Initially the number of workers at the enterprise amounted to 412, comparing with 1200 people nowadays.

Recent Investments

Grodno meat-packing plant capacity was constantly increased, as well as technical re-equipment was held. A

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: JSC Grodno meat-packing plant GENERAL DIRECTOR: Anatoly G. Grishuk OPERATIONS: Processing of agricultural raw materials, production of meat, offal, sausages and semi-finished goods ESTABLISHED: 1972 EMPLOYEES: 1318 people TURNOVER: 316631 mln RUB

www.grodnomk.by

Food & Beverage IndustryGrodno meat-packing plant 2010-10-22 12:10:08

and new equipment installed; finally, a new line for cattle slaughter by Dutch company NAVI was put into operation with its capacity of 60 heads per hour. Grodno meat-packing plant can be proud of its production monthly capacity, which in year 2009 was the following: meat of all kinds and by-products of the 1st category - 2 000 tons; sausage products processing - 2 000 tons; meat half-finished products including ravioli 500 tons.

Scope of Activity

number of investment projects was successfully realized at the plant. For example, in 2001 a boiler-room, produced by an Austrian company Berch Laska, was put into operation, so the plant has now its own autonomous central heating system. In 2002 the reconstruction of the heat treatment bay at the sausageprepare shop was held, the packagewashing shop was reconstructed and equipped. According to the Processing industry of the agroindustrial complex developing program for 2003-2004 approved with Decree of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus JSC Grodno meat-packing plant was put on the investment projects list for 20032004. The plant has met all the requirements stipulated by the Program. As a result the company made a range of important investments which resulted in production output increase, quality improvement, new working places, better working conditions, advance of technological and sanitary standards and - what is very important - self cost of production was reduced. Under the mentioned plan the following investments were made: the line for pigs in skin processing by SCHULTE (Germany) with 180 heads per hour capacity was installed - which helped increase labor productivity of skin pig processing by 30%; then reconstruction of the production fridge and compressing shop was held, which resulted in using modern technologies for thermal treatment of meat and meat products, improvement of working conditions for staff; besides a new certified industrial laboratory and accommodation spaces for workers were built, canteen was reconstructed

JSC Grodno meat-packing plant produces and offers its buyers more than 450 kind of products: sausages, frankfurters, pastes, semi-finished products, pork and beef meat. The Plant offers it products in different kinds of vacuum and gaseous packing, pre-packing, with and without slicing. Each year 15-20 new items are added to the company product range. In addition to the main activity Grodno Plant reconstructs its own Porechanka agricultural enterprise. The farm’s territory includes 2 000 hectares, 600 hectares of which is plough-land. The rest of the territory are rivers, lakes, meadows and forests. On the territory of 150 hectares of forestry and swampy soils JSC Grodno meat-packing plant plans to cultivate blueberries. JSC Grodno also develops agritourism. In 2001 construction of a agritouristic complex began and was finished in 2009. Garadzenski Maentak „Karobchyzy”, which is situated 12 km away from Grodno, is made like 19-century landlord’s country estate. Garadzenski maentak Karobchyzy is not just an entertaining complex; it is a bright example of Belarussian architecture. At the territory of 16 hectares with wonderful natural landscape, large and small ponds, there are forests inhabited by wild animals. There is a stable for horses and ponies of different kinds, a stage for 150 seats, a restaurant as well as cages with exotic birds.

Partners

The plant’s success would not be possible without reliable partners. JSC Grodno cooperates closely with agricultural enterprises of Grodno region, materials and equipment suppliers. The most important partners for JSC Grodno are Republican retail chains which help the plant effectively determine product range. The plant cooperates with many foreign partners, too. For example, Polish company supplies food adjuncts Wiberg, skin, salted pork bacon. JSC

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www.ollarieconti.it

Grodno supplies the Polish company with cattle slaughter products. The line for cattle slaughter is equipped by a Holland company Navi. The assistance at searching, selection and integration of the equipment was rendered by an engineering company Schulte. The company Berch Laska (Vienna, Austria) supplies components and main data modes for the equipment used within the production. For many years JSC Grodno meat-packing plant has been successfully cooperating with German producer of mixtures, adjuncts and concentrates - Shridde. In its turn the plant supplies horn and hoof raw materials to Germany, endocrine-enzymatic raws to Spain, boneless beef to Iran. The main goal We specialize in the consulting, designing and manufacfor the plant nowadays turing of machines for processing animal by-products is not a one-time sale, and complete lines for intestine operations for beef, pig but stable on-going and and sheep processing plants. Our unique machines are mutually beneficial codesigned to satisfy medium and large productions in operation with its partcompliance with the strictest regulations on safety, qualners. JSC Grodno meatity, noise and hygiene. packing plant is declared Ollari e Conti International s.r.l. to be the winner of the Via G.S. Sonnino 18/a republican competition 43126 Parma (PR) - Italia „The best exporter of Tel. +39-0521-992-228 the years – 2008” at the Fax +39-0521-994-249 E-Mail: info@ollarieconti.it Food industry category. Despite unfavorable market conditions the Meat-packing Plant was able not only to hold but even double export volumes, exporting meat products to Russia, the EU countries and Iran for the total amount of $ 34 mn (comparing to $ 16 mn in 2007). Export is considered to be a priority for the plant. Export

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sales share increased by 25%, which proves high quality of products, management and marketing policy effectiveness. Entering foreign markets was possible due to international certification. Since 2003 Grodno meat-packing plant has been working according to the international standards ISO 9001-2001 and ISO 9001-2000. Besides the plant was the first company in the industry to obtain certification according to the Quality management and food products safety System on the base of NASSP principles. In November 2006 the Environmental Management System Certificate according to STB ISO 14001-2006 requirements was received. Quality of JSC Grodno was highly appreciated at many contests. For example, during international contest „Choice of the year 2006” Grodno plant was the winner in „Cooked sausage products nr 1” category. In 2008 Grodno meat-packing plant received the „The Best Product of 2008” diploma. In 2008 the plant won the award of „The Best Belarussian Products on Russian Market 2008” in Grocery products category. Throughout 2006-2010 years JSC Meat-packing Plant participated in competitions in Belarus, Russian Federation, Poland, Lithuania, Germany and other countries. Still, according to General Director OF JSC Grodno, success on domestic and foreign markets is determined first of all not by a large number of awards and international certification, but by unique taste of JSC Grodno products, determined by use of natural products, exclusive receipts, professionalism, skills and responsibility of each of the plant worker.  Written by Kateryna Ferdyn

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TI CL E

ROADS FOR PEOPLE

FACT BOX FULL NAME: POLDIM S.A. PRESIDENT: Wacław Makarski OPERATIONS: Construction ESTABLISHED: 1999 EMPLOYEES: 600 REVENUE: 500 mln PLN Road equipment signed with POLDIM logo can be perceived on many Polish routes and its presence always attests good work.

OLDIM S.A. is a company known in Poland and abroad owing to maintaining the highest standards of road and Wacław Makarski, the bridge construcPresident of POLDIM S.A. tion works, which are always finished on schedule. POLDIM is also noted for its road maintenance services and production of materials for the road building industry. Written by Aleksandra Strojek

Protoplast and first structural changes

POLDIM carries on more than fifty-years of operations among Polish road and bridge building enterprises. What is more, it considers itself to be the heir to the rich tradition of road and bridge building in the Lesser Poland region as well as in former Galicia. The beginnings of the company date back to 1952. At the time, as a result of an Act passed by the Presidium of the Government, the Regional Office for the Maintenance of Public Roads (REDP – Rejon Eksploatacji Dróg Publicznych) was established in Tarnów, in the southern part of Poland. 1968 witnessed a structural change of the company – the first Polish Asphalt Emulsions Plant was built within REDP. Yet, the company did not function for a long time. In 1975, due to a new ad-

www.poldim.com.pl ministrative division of the country, REDP is closed down and replaced by The Regional Office for Public Roads in Tarnów (RDP – Rejon Dróg Publicznych). In 1992 RDP was divided into two separate entities: The Road Administration of the General Directorate of Public Roads in Kraków (Zarząd Dróg Generalnej Dyrekcji Dróg Publicznych), and the Road and Bridge Building Company in Tarnów (PBDiM - Przedsiębiorstwo Budowy Dróg i Mostów). The Tarnów divison of the company became very active on both local as well as domestic market. Between 1994 – 1998, PBDiM built a beltway south of Tarnów and just two years later, in 1996, it began a series of road works all around Poland.

Private capital and

establishment of POLDIM

Further structural and legal changes took place in 1999. In accordance with the directive issued by the Voivode of Lesser Poland, PBDiM was privatized and took on the name of the Road and Bridge Building Company, Joint-Stock Company (PBDiM S.A.). In 2005, PBDiM S.A. changed its name to Polish Roads and Bridges, Joint-Stock Company in Tarnów (Polskie Drogi i Mosty Spółka Akcyjna). Last but not least, in February 2006, during an Extraordinary Board of Stockholders Meeting, the name of the company was changed to the current one, i.e. POLDIM, Joint-Stock Company (POLDIM S.A.). The three most crucial

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moments in the history of our company were the privatization process, changing the enterprise’s name to POLDIM S.A .and sales of majority block of shares to a Lithuanian company Tiltra – says Mr. Wacław Makarski, the President of POLDIM. The third of the events finalized in December 2009. At the time the road and bridge construction holding Tiltra Group headquartered in Vilnius acquired 71,1% of the Tarnów company’s shares. Becoming a part of Tiltra Group, POLDIM still operates within its hitherto organizational structure, i.e. a holding of subsidiaries and associate companies. The daughter compa-

The factory of bituminous pitch in Myślenice serves first and foremost the reconstruction of Zakopianka, in which POLDIM has a large share.

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asphalts, modified asphalts, asphalt emulsions as well as hot and cold mix asphalts. Furthermore, lots of effort is put into developing positive employeremployee relations. At the current moment, POLDIM’s personnel figure oscillates around 600, whereas the whole holding is a workplace for more than 1300 people. – We give our employees a chance to develop. We support them in gaining the required construction licenses and qualifications, finance postgraduate programs or diversified trainings. We have also a number of social funds – says Mr. Makarski. The company is aware that it functions among the local community, its people and their affairs. Due to that, it sponsors a lot of cultural, artistic and sports ventures. – We support and initiate local projects of various kind. The objective of one of such ventures, ran in 2008 and 2009, was to save roadside shrines in Lesser Poland. The idea was to keep our landscape filled not only with road machinery and rushing cars, but also with some signs of our past and identity – asserts the President. Other important projects and institutions recently sponsored by POLDIM include among others: Tarnów Jazz Contest Festival, Theatre Season Talia, 2nd Investment Forum, Unia Tarnów

Constructionally unique footbridge on A4 highway in Katowice is the work of POLDIM Mosty.

nies are located in Dębica, Jakubowice, Mielec, Mikołajowice, Kraków and Katowice. Associate enterprises are located in Łódź and Jakubowice. Due to high demand for POLDIM’s products as well as their well-known quality, new Container Asphalt Emulsions Plants (Wytwórnia Emulsji Asfaltowych) have been opened in a few regions of Poland (Bialystok, Kunice, Pabianice and Gdansk). Moreover, POLDIM won a prestigious contract for works on Zakopianka, a busy road connecting Kraków and Zakopane. The event led to the opening of the Kraków Road Works Branch (Oddział Robót Kraków) in Głogaczów, a town located between Kraków and Myślenice.

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Honesty in the vision

The vision of the company is best described by the triad: done well – on time – with a warranty. – At our company, ethics based on the Decalogue has always been of great importance. We do our best to make business relations transparent. It refers not only to the customers, but also to the subcontractors and employees. We try to make our activity honest and reliable – emphasizes the President. The triad rules were in fact confirmed officially at the beginning of the 21st century. In 2002 POLDIM was issued an ISO 9001:2000 certificate referring to construction and repair works of roads and bridges, development, production and sale of

Lubień bypass on the constructed express road to Nowy Targ came into use in the summer and is considered to be the most beautiful road in Poland .

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Speedway Team as well as Special Education and Childcare Center in Tarnów.

Products and services

The offer of POLDIM is broad and attractive. The company offers not only construction works, but also lab services as well as products for the construction industry, mainly for the road and bridge building sector. The basis of POLDIM’s operations have always been various services connected to road and bridge building as well as winter and summer road maintenance. The company is usually the customers’ main contractor but it can also conduct its works as a subcontractor or a consortium member. The services offered among winter maintenance include: clearing roads and pavements of snow; removing slippery layers of ice and snow from roads, pavements and underpasses; snow disposal as well as setting up snow-fences. The summer maintenance includes in turn: partial road repairs with the use of cold mix asphalt, hot mix asphalt, asphalt emulsions and grit; repairs of pavement edges, surface and kerbs; traffic safety equipment repairs (acoustic screens, road signs); repairs of road shoulders, ditches, drainage systems; grass cutting as well as cut-

ting down trees, bushes and self-seeders. Next to that, the geo-technical, field and road labs of POLDIM are capable of conducting a number of lab tests as well as delivering material and technological consultancy to the clients. – Without doubt, the focus is on road and bridge building as well as the production of materials. Our asphalt emulsions, modified asphalts or cold mix asphalts belong to the best manufactures of this kind in Poland – informs Mr. Makarski. It is worth mentioning here that next to excellent references from the company’s customers, products manufactured by POLDIM possess all required quality certificates.

Certificates and other reasons for pride

During more than fifty years of business activity, the enterprise has managed to gain the opinion of a reliable company. The professionalism is a result of experience gained from multiple construction works and the excellence is reflected in a number of prestigious awards received from diverse institutions and organizations. The work of POLDIM was for example perceived by the editorial team of the Polish Roads Monthly (Miesięcznik Polskie Drogi) along with the Road and

ame into use d in Poland .

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POLDIM supports a project aimed at saving roadside shrines in Lesser Poland. A shrine in Janowice, in Tarnów district

Bridge Research Institute (Instytut Badawczy Dróg i Mostów). The institutions honoured POLDIM with Polish Roads of 21st century award for implementing modern technologies and advancement to the manufacturing of modified asphalts. What is more, the company received the title and certificate of Reliable Company 2003 (Solidna Firma 2003) in a project run under the European Commission Agency auspices. Besides, POLDIM belongs to an elite club of Business Gazelles (Gazele Biznesu), which gathers the most rapidly developing companies. The distinction came from a Polish economic daily Puls Biznesu. In addition, in 2008 POLDIM received the Transparent Company Certificate (Przejrzysta Firma) from Dun and Bradstreet Poland, a Polish branch of one of the best-known rating agencies in the world. The enterprise was also nominated in a prestigious competition Modernisation of Year 2008 for the reconstruction of a bridge in one of its projects. One of the patrons of the competition was the Ministry of Infrastructure. In turn, the construction of Lubień bypass on Zakopianka aspires to the title of The construction of the year 2009. However, at POLDIM it is believed that the main reasons for pride are not the awards and distinctions, but the unremitting satisfaction of the customers. Furthermore, the Tarnów roadmen respect the Polish origin of the company, yet it does not block foreign cooperation. POLDIM sells its products to Slovakia, Germany and Hungary and stays in touch with a number of scientists and specialists form abroad.

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S TI CL E AR

The company with prospects for the future

he most important goal for them? Build and improve our quality of life.How do they do it? With creativity and technical skill they plan, design and operate the facilities essential to modern life, ranging from bridges through sport´s, and urban´ s infrastructure They are problem solvers, meeting the challenges of urban redevelopment and community planning. Who are they? They are people who create the Mostostal Puławy corporation.

Mostostal Puławy S.A – or „know- how” As the technological revolution expands, as the population increases, civil engineerPresident ing skills will be Mr. Tadeusz Rybak needed. Whatever area you choose, be it design, construction, research, planning, teaching or management, civil engineering offers you a wide range of career choices. And there’s no limit to the personal satisfaction Mostostal Puławy S.A feel from helping to make your own space better place to live. As a president for many years watching the development of our company and comparing its to other construction companies in Poland and abroad I am convinced that our consistency and commitment to the investment let us make a new contracts in the future. This is our formula how to succeed- told Mr. Tadeusz Rybak, president of Mostostal Puławy S.A. We build for the future - it’s their mission. They try to do their best to represent a good level of Polish construction industry. It’s professionalism. It’s experience. It’s human and technological potential. It’s Mostostal Puławy S.A.

Polish company

Mostostal Puławy SA, established in 1964, is a branch of the Warsaw Steel Construction and Industrial Equipment, company whose projects include a significant proportion of polish bridges, installations, and other complex structures. Its history, project experience, safety leadership, reputation for integrity and competence, commitment to in-house development of human talent,

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equipment fleet, and above all, its advanced engineering technology, make the company unique in Poland. The company has a highly focused business model. The most attractive project prospects are those where the application of advanced construction engineering and methodology development. This dual value proposition has enabled the company to prosper in a highly competitive environment. In 1991, at the time of great transformation in Poland, Mostostal has been privatized, which consequently led to the transformation of Mostostal Puławy in a private company. In 1994 Mostostal Puławy was transformed into a limited company, while remaining in the holding Mostostal Warszawa. In

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: MOSTOSTAL PUŁAWY S.A. PRESIDENT: Tadeusz Rybak OPERATIONS: Construction ESTABLISHED: 1964 EMPLOYEES: about 1017 (2009) TURNOVER: 246 717 thousand PLN (2009)

www.mostostal-pulawy.pl

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2007 Mostostal Puławy took over two companies: Department of Building and Equipment Maintenance Specialist “Mezap” Sp. z.o.o. Energy and Maintenance Company “Energezap” Sp. Ltd., was established as a result, Capital Group Mostostal Puławy SA, says Tadeusz Rybak.

From chemical industry to … the power industry implementation

Mostostal Puławy acts as a general contractor, thereby realizing their projects in the following areas: 1. Industrial construction, including: chemical, petrochemical, energy (boilers, electrostatic precipitators), food (sugar refineries, meat processing plants, fruit and vegetables, breweries) and cement. 2. Volume building, including sports and urban infrastructure (buildings, retails, offices, multiplex cinemas, multi-level car parks, etc.). 3. Communication infrastructure including bridges, terminals, petrol stations, border crossings. 4. Environmental systems including air purification (desulphurisation and dedusting gas, minimizing the amount of nitrogen) and water (sewage treatment plants, sludge incineration) and thermal waste treatment. According to the services which are offered by Mostostal Puławy, they are vast, in both terms of range as well as reach. If Mostostal Puławy wants to be competitive and provide their clients a good quality work at a global level, its has to follow the latest technological trends. They are involved in a meaningful portion of projects from the energy sector, currently operating in Poland. Each year they pursue contracts which consist on constructing of boiler’s pressure parts with the whole instrumentation (mainly in England, Finland, Norway, France, Holland, Sweden, Germany). President Rybak ensures that the company is fully prepared to accept orders, which are the result of the expected investment boom in the energy sector. The company also offers construction-assembly operations, and producing various types of structures. That production takes place in expanded, modern hall equipped with an automatic cleaning and painting series, that gives an invaluable opportunity of a comprehensive manufacture cutting-edge design. Mostostal Puławy has realized dozens of projects,

but the most important to them is indoor cycling track in Pruszków - BGŻ ARENA, which was finished in September 2008. The building was honored by the Polish Chamber of Steel Construction with Steel Construction Title - Implementation of the Year 2008. The indoor cycling track BGŻ Arena, is one of the most technically advanced, proved to be the most beautiful architectural object in the world. The year 2009 has been marked with another success which is of course the development of the complex TDI in Zakłady Chemiczne Zachem S.A. and which was the most important in its history contract of Mostostal Puławy S.A. proceeded in GRI system (Genereal Investment Executor) in industrial construction branch.

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Activities in the foreign area

Intensification of action and the consequence has led to the expansion of Mostostal Puławy to foreign markets. Over the years, the company which is the well- known performer in the foreign markets was gaining the trust of its customers. Now the export to foreign markets represents nearly 50% of the company’s revenues. The company is very well versed in the realities of construction industry, at the same time competing with Western and Central European companies. After Polish accession to the EU, many rules and regulations have changed, what favorably affected their investment plans. In fact the company does not need to apply for special permits. Moreover the western markets had time to accept Mostostal Puławy, treating it as an equivalent business partner.

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haust aftertreatment FGT (electrostatic precipitator and bag filter channels) in the AZN Moerdjik Netherlands biomass incineration plant and the set up of an assembly line of purification of dust and gas in the waste incineration plant in Billingham, near Cleveland, England. Mostostal Puławy have been cooperating also with “Zakłady Azotowe Puławy” plant including rebuilding a steam boiler for the adaptation of hiswork to the emission standards. In mid-August 2009 Mostostal started work on replacing five steam boilers, in a newly built and one of the biggest complex of waste incinerators in Belvedere near London. It will be will be one of the largest and most modern waste incineration plants in Europe. In short period of time, export took a key position in the structure of the operations of Mostostal Puławy. There are two technical offices which are registered in Germany (1997), in their main sale market and in Sweden.

Mostostalowiec is green

Environmental investments represent a significant portion of the proceeds of Mostostal Puławy S.A. The most significant, environmentally-friendly activities of the company were realized on the occasion of the execution of contracts for power and municipal waste incineration plants in Poland and abroad. The main projects in this field include the installation of air purification (desulphurization, dedusting exhaust and minimizing the amount of nitrogen) and the installation of water and thermal waste treatment. Undoubtedly, the main ecological investments of Mostostal Puławy are the installation of ex-

Cultural Mostostalowiec

For the unrelenting development, their special attention is addressed to the staff’s skill upgrading. Worthy of attention, but very interesting is an idea to advanced training for welders and organization of special courses. The co-operation with vocational schools, offers many opportunities for their students and graduates. Mostostal Puławy is not only a leading construction company, modern managed, and achieving good financial results. Mostostal is also a company that cares for the development of the region, being sensitive to social needs and caring about the environment around us. Mostostal Puławy is a well- known patron of culture, art, science and sport. The company have financed many cultural events in the Lublin but is also involved in nationwide projects. Sport is one of the most important element of the company’s relationship. Since 1997, Mostostal Puławy S.A. supports cycling group “Pogoń Mostostal Puławy,” which is very successful.

Certificates:

ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, AQAP 2110:2006, Certificate: Manufacturer of Steel Construction, SLV powers, certificates of TUV Rheinland Group. Currently we are waiting to obtain the OSH PN-N 18001 certify in order to introduce the Integrated Management System ISO.

Awards: 2010 • European Medal for Services for the installation of equipment and installation of energy granted by the European Integration Committee, the BCC and the European Economic and Social Committee EESC (Medal Europejski dla Usług za montaż urządzeń i instalacji energetycznych). • The title “Firma na medal’ in the category: General Contractor of sports and recreational complexes in the competition: Polish Sport’s Builder. • The Pearl of Polish Economy 2009 in the category of “Large Pearls”. • Winner in the Exporter category The first edition of the “Ambassador of Polish Economy” competition organized by the BCC. 2008 • “Steel Construction - Implementation of the Year 2008”- the PIKS award- General contractor of an indoor cycling track in Pruszków BGŻ Arena. • The title of Outstanding Exporter of the Year 2008 and the Cup of the Association of Polish Exporters, the title of the Pearl of Polish Economy in 2008 in the category of Large Pearls (Polish Market). • The Pearl of Polish Economy 2009 in the category of “Large Pearls”. 2007 • The title “Patron of Sport - Lublin 2007” (“Mecenas Sportu - Lubelszczyzna 2007”) Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

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Construction IndustryMostostal Puławy 2010-10-22 12:10:36

S TI CL E AR

Window of Opportunity

ONAROL from Jedwabne (Voivodeship of Podlassia) is a brand duly recognised for top quality window and door joinery as well as Styrofoam production. The business has operated for only 13 years now and already managed to join the leaders of middle-size enterprise in Poland. Decisive factors? Thoughtful investment and entrepreneurial savvy. Evidence? Recently awarded prizes, Gazela Biznesu (Business Gazelle) and Diament “Forbesa” (“Forbes” Diamond). SONAROL’s short and yet thrilling track record is to be found below.

From Seed…

SONAROL came into being in 1997. However modest its beginnings (it was a warehouse at first), the business got off to a flying start almost immediately. As is well known, the economy in Podlassia is based on agriculture. No wonder, then, that SONAROL decided to cater for farmers. Hence the idea to manufacture live-stock tanks and spare parts for farming machinery. The decision proved a success story as it coincided with the dynamic growth of the dairy industry. Before long the company operated at full steam. However, its competitors also jumped at the opportunity, which resulted in the market being quickly saturated. Thus, SONAROL took a decision to diversify its offer in 2000. The business purchased 10 acres of built-up land in Jedwabne and embarked upon manufacturing PVC and aluminium window joinery there. Windows made in Jedwabne became all the rage in the area. Dealing in the construction industry was no joke at the time, however. In order to face stiff competition, the business desperately needed a modern machine park. Its competitors being on the ball, SONAROL avoided any rash decisions, though. Step by step, the business first extended its premises and then purchased modern machinery. More investment soon followed…

…To Fruit

In 2003, the company took over a Styrofoam factory in Jeziorko, near Łomża. Purchased on the brink of decline, the plant underwent a thorough revamping process. Soon back in business, it was equipped with modern and highly efficient machines, which foam, form, slice, mill and pack Styrofoam. It should

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be added that this project was executed by SONAROl’s department of steel construction. The investment soon yielded positive results as SONAROL get a strong position in the industry in north-eastern Poland. Cutting-edge technology was not the only decisive factor. Equally important was careful decision making, ongoing quality control together with spotless and prompt customer service. In 2008, the window factory became fully automatised. Nowadays the production process is under comprehensive electronic control. The custom-made software allows the company to reduce “human factor” errors at all the stages

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: SONAROL Sp.j. Najda OWNERS: Wioletta i Stanisław Najda OPERATIONS: Construction ESTABLISHED: 1997 EMPLOYEES: 189 TURNOVER: 60 000 000 PLN

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of the manufacturing process. These include placing an order, production optimisation, machine operation, transport and issuing invoices. It is mainly on the strength of its modern production lines that SONAROL has achieved an established position on the market. However, the company would never grow that rapidly if it was not for its employees, either. The transport fleet in turn guarantees that SONAROL’s clients are supplied in a timely and reliable manner.

Lithuania, Latvia, Scandinavia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Currently SONAROL’s export figures top 10 % of its annual production. The business is planning to continue dynamic growth in the coming years. Immediate goals? Sales figures are to be doubled, largely due to the company’s foreign expansion.

Reap the Rewards, Look to Your Laurels

Finally, the year of 2010, which – as everything seems to suggest it – will go down in Sonarol’s history as one of best ever. Already in March, the business has launched the construction of the brand new facilities for storage and production (overall space of ca. 6,000 sqm). Soon after that the extension of the machine park will follow, which is to comprise up to 10 production lines and 2 modern centres fitted with profile slicing machines. Thus, the company expects to be in a position to turn out 2,500 windows a day! The resources allocated to this investment make, mind you, 11 million PLN. Such a venture would not be possible if it was not for the EU funding grants. SONAROL has the know-how necessary to obtain these: the project the company submitted came first in the competition organised by the Podlassia branch of the Innovative Economy Operational Programme.

Business Capacity

At present the business boasts the production facilities of 7,000 sqm and employs nearly 200 people. Every month the company turns out ca. 25,000 sqm of Styrofoam boards, over 10,000 PVC windows and hundreds of PVC and aluminium doors. They also manufacture facades, winter gardens, steel constructions for industrial facilities, Styrofoam production machines and lightweight trailers. The sales in turn are seen to by the company’s business partners who are properly trained in terms of the product itself, its assembly and maintenance as well as customer service. It is thanks to their contribution that many customers in Poland put their trust in the SONAROL window and door joinery. Top quality SONAROL solutions has attracted foreign customers, too, including business partners in Belgium, Denmark, Belarus,

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Human Factor

Finally, a few words on human resources. A winning combination of initiative and experience, SONAROL’s personnel is a source of pride for the management. The owners of the company are well aware of the fact that it is people who operate cutting-edge technology and not the other way round. For this reason, they go out of their way to properly address the issue of human resources. And they reap the rewards. The high staff retention rate may serve as a case in point, which is obviously reinforced by good rates of pay and friendly atmosphere at the company. SONAROL never hires at random: the recruitment process is carefully divided into 2 stages and HR officers tend to select those candidates which not only have relevant experience or qualifications but are also willing to learn new skills.

Diverse Solutions

The power of SONAROL’s offer is based on top quality PVC and aluminium joinery solutions. PVC joinery comprises a wide variety of windows, different types of doors including balcony, paral-

Construction IndustrySonarol 2010-10-22 12:10:42

lel, hinged, sliding, interior and exterior doors, as well as partitions. Aluminium joinery includes windows, exterior and interior doors, shop-windows, facades, partitions and winter gardens. In addition, the company offers technical counselling at the stages such as project preparation and project completion. This allows the business to avoid unnecessary mistakes, thus saving the time and money of its customers.

Customer Care

Customer satisfaction– this should come as no surprise – proves the prime target for the company. Clients are becoming more and more demanding every year. Oddly enough, this is where SONAROL spots a niche in the market. On the face of it, this sounds like a paradox – it is no doodle to serve choosy clientele, after all – but this paradox should be easily resolved if you take the company’s assets into account, be they human resources or technology. Those who choose SONAROL’s joinery can count on professional service and top-notch quality. This entails windows customised to individual needs of the buyer. Even the fanciest models are designed to be functional and long-lasting. Both technology and production department play a vital role in the process. People working in the latter boast the skill to make miracles with SONAROL’s equipment. Hence many projects are completed with truly surgical precision, reaching an accuracy of one-tenth of a millimetre.

Innovative Design

SONAROL’s windows are produced by means of the “6 plus” cellular system, which stands out as the company’s speciality and first original idea. Its advantages? The “6 plus” system is marked by perfect thermal and acoustic isolation parametres. Its additional sixth chamber and horizontal reinforcement guarantee that the windows, even the largest models, achieve a desired level of static equilibrium. After a small surcharge the anti-burglary components such as interlocking hooks or the Secustic handle are also available. Thanks to its unique design, the latter is virtually impossible to drill through while its mechanism guards against the window bolt being moved from outside. Last but not least, SONAROL’s windows are pleasing to the eye; the effect achieved largely due to a

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wide variety of colours used.

Business Gazelle

In 2005, SONAROL received a Gazela Biznesu (Business Gazelle) award. The business came fourth in the category of the most dynamic contenders in the Podlassia region. The competition is run by “Puls Biznesu” magazine, which grants Gazelas to middle-sized businesses, which prove to have a recipe for dynamic growth in three subsequent years. Their place in the ranking depends on the increase in turn-over, calculated in percents. Gazela winners have to possess one more virtue, an excellent reputation, that is, which should be confirmed by their business partners, employees and the Polish treasury.

“Forbes” Diamond

SONAROL’s collection of prizes includes also a “Forbes” Diamond, which has made the most prominent item on the list so far. This year the business has come fourth in the prestigious ranking list, which is prepared by “Forbes” monthly in collaboration with the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. The place in the ranking is determined by the unique Swiss method which calculates the company’s worth on the basis of its assets and financial results. Thus, the method enables to rate business capacity in a comprehensive manner, in terms of sales figures, net profit, fixed asset, resources available, accounts receivable and investment. Specialists that use these advanced tools cannot be wrong. Hence the conclusion: it is for a good reason that businesses receive a “Forbes Diamond”. The crème de la crème of Polish middle-sized enterprise, SONAROL could hardly dream of better recommendation. The company was rated third in 2009 (category: sales between 5 and 50 mln PLN) and has come fourth this year (sales between 50 and 250 mln PLN) in Podlassia.  Written by Bartosz Sowiński

Manufacturing-Journal | 63 | 2010-10-22 12:10:43

S TI CL E AR

Capital of Trust

rupa Skalski, Kraków, has been present on the Polish construction market for nearly 30 years now. Over this time it has managed to complete numerous investment projects and collect a bulk of prizes. However, as Mr Dominik Wróbel, Grupa Skalski’s Managing Director, reveals, it is not so much prizes or honours but customers’ trust that the company finds most rewarding. The business has won recognition on the strength of its innovative ownership structure and the support of the Luxembourg-based Astron Company.

They Took the Risk

In 1982, when Mr Piotr Skalski decided to set up his own business in Kraków, he began modestly, turning out hollow bricks. The company did not become a roaring success all at once. You need to bear in mind, however, that its beginnings date back to the economic hard times. Poland was under martial law back then and the communist government still disapproved of private enterprise. These difficulties did not deter the founder of the company, though, which nowadays offers a wide range of general building, design and development services. Undoubtedly, Mr Skalski meant business from the very start. The fact that it was not only his money but also his name that he put at risk bears it out perfectly. “Few Polish entrepreneurs have decided to lend their names to their business so far. Mr Skalski took the risk, however. This deserves all the more attention as his adventure with the construction industry began in the turbulent year 1982,” highlights Mr Wróbel. Even though the market conditions throughout the 80s were not favourable for striking huge deals, the business nonetheless managed to raise considerable capital. This capital allowed the company to make a flying start into the 90s. In the first half of the decade, the company concentrated chiefly on the restoration of historic sites, including landmarks such as The Centre for Jewish Culture in the Kazimierz area in Kraków. Those achievements drew the attention of the leading players in the industry. As a result, in 1996, Grupa Skalski went into partnership with a foreign investor. “For us, this proved a real watershed. The cooperation with the Luxembourg-based Astron Company, now a part of Swedish Lindab Group, enabled us to reach for

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the state-of-the-art steel construction solutions,” says Mr Wróbel. Top-notch technology being at their disposal, the management of Grupa Skalski decided to expand its offer with development services. The first notable success in that field came in 2001, when the company, all by itself, designed and completed the project of TC Dębica, which took up the space of 46, 000 sqm. You have to remember, however, that Grupa Skalski achieved recognition primarily as a general contractor of industrial facilities. Nowadays the overall space of their completed investments equals, mind you, 800,000 sqm. “Thanks to the know-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: SKALSKI CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Piotr Skalski MANAGING DIRECTOR: Dominik Wróbel OPERATIONS: Construction Industry ESTABLISHED: 1982 EMPLOYEES: 100

www.skalski.com.pl

Construction IndustrySkalski 2010-10-22 12:10:48

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Manufacturing-Journal | 65 | 2010-10-22 12:10:51

how of our employees and the specialist equipment we have, we are able to take on any challenge in the building industry. Nearly 30 years of our proven track record show that it is possible to turn your name into a trademark, but only if you build on the trust of your clientele. It is this capital of trust that I consider our crowning achievement,” summarises Mr Wróbel.

All Aboard

“What made us build such trust? Quality services delivered in a prompt, honest and reliable manner,” answers the company’s managing director. Pivotal in winning customers’ confidence, these values enabled Grupa Skalski to pool vast resources and achieve a comfortable position on the market. The former is presented in detail below. Grupa Skalski is a consortium combining many general building companies, including: Skalski Budownictwo LLC, Skalski – Logistic Park LLC, Skalski Export LLC., MS LLC and many others. The ownership thus structured proves a real asset as it makes possible to maintain equilibrium between unity and variety. What is this all about? Simple as that: a variety of companies secures an advanced level of specialisation while the group itself coordinates their activity. However important the structure, at the end of the day, it is Skalski’s people who turn out to be his most strategic asset. The company’s staff is made up of 10 fully qualified engineers, 90 general builders, 50 of which trained in the Astron system, and 30 people working in administration, design and technical support. Modern specialist equipment is yet another asset, which allowed the business to complete challenging development investments

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such as the already mentioned Logistics Centre T.C. Dębica in Tarnów, Logistics Centre S-Logistic Park near Wrocław (rental space of 34,000 sqm, extension to 200 000 sqm possible) and Logistics Centre in Podgrodzie near Dębica (30 000 sqm for rent).

Comprehensive Services

As a general contractor, the group offers comprehensive services in terms of design and execution, in all the branches of construction. This includes turn-key projects of industrial and public facilities, and other works in construction engineering, too, be they logistics centres, warehouses, sports and leisure centres, manufacturing plants, supermarkets, hangars or multifunctional buildings. However, the group focuses mainly on industrial buildings, put up in technologies such as steel and concrete. The company’s offer also comprises property for sale, the already mentioned development services and a wide range of design services, including preliminary architectural planning as well as versatile construction and specialist engineering projects complying with the requirements of the Astron system.

Astron System

Grupa Skalski has been building facilities in modular technology since it went into partnership with the Luxembourgbased Astron Company in 1996. It has to be noted that, for more than 35 years now, Astron has been the leading producer of steel constructions designed specifically for industry or services. Its very capacity of 70 ha of ready buildings put up every week should already take your breath away. So should the

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fact that up till now it has built facilities of overall space amounting to 22 mln sqm. The Astron system allows for tailormade solutions, which, used together with modular technology, make it possible to adjust the shape and size of the building to individual requirements of a given client. This system combines traditional approach to technology (brick, wood, concrete) with modern solutions. Brought together, they improve both aesthetic and utilitarian qualities of the facility. Custom-made and reproducible at the same time, Astron solutions prove as affordable as any other serial product. In addition, the system is supported by Allplan tools, by means of which the visualisation of the site can be created. There are also other advantages of the system, including: •

•

• • •

•

interactive, tailor-made solutions meeting every requirement, flexible structural layout (span of up to 100 m without any additional support), optimum height of the construction; finishing construction components: attics on chosen roof edges, mezzanines, canopies, cornices and many others required of a building to be complete and functional; wall and roof spandrel beams made from cold-bent galvanised components; reinforced steel, bolted joints, anticorrosion protection; the lightest construction on the market; easy and fast to build, adapt or transport; environmentally friendly solutions; construction protected by shotblasting; already painted on the processing line.

Thus, the Astron system is a warranty of ultimate quality and a reasonable price, too. Firstly, the use of reinforced steel allows you to cut down on investment expenditure. Higher quality means less material, this in turn reduces the weight of the construction and the overall volume and cost of transport. Secondly, the reproducible quality of this system is certified by ISO 9001. Thirdly, the manufacturing process of ready-made modules is seen to by companies such as Lehr – und Veruchsanstal Duisburg u.v.m (responsible for balancing of structural components), TÜV Germany and SOCOTEC France (assembly control). It should be also added that the system complies with the requirements of the following European permits and certificates: CSTB (F), EMI (H), TZUS (CZ), BOVERKET (S).

Shower of Awards

The fact that Grupa Skalski guarantees professionalism and top quality services is well reflected in numerous recommendations made by customers and independent institutions. In an opinion poll conducted by “Murator Plus” magazine, Grupa Skalski was named among 100 biggest construction enterprises in Poland. The company was granted many honours by Polski Związek Inżynierów i Techników Budownictwa (Polish Association of Construction Engineers and Technicians). These included awards in “In the Construction Site of the Year” category, received for the following projects: the Suder&Suder office and storage premises, the Skalski office building, The Logistic City Logistics Centre, The TC Dębica Logistics Centre, Polifarb Cieszyn Wrocław warehouses, as well as the BIK, the Hart, the Ekoland

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and the PKS Multispedytor buildings. This list should be extended further with the prizes awarded by independent institutions cooperating closely with the construction industry. These include: •

• • • • •

•

Fair Play Golden Certificate and Statuette 2001, Solidna Firma 2007, Solidny Przedsiębiorca 2007, Przejrzysta Firma Certificate 2009; Man of the Year 2009, Krakowski Dukat, Złoty Dukat 2007 – for the company’s owner; Mecenas Kultury Krakowa 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, Srebrny Laur Małopolski 2005; Złoty Orzeł Polskiego Budownictwa 2006, 2007, 2008, Lider Rynku 2007, 2008, Euro Lider 2007, 2008; Przyjaciel Sportu 2006, Gazela Biznesu 2006, Polski Sukces honours in 2005; Hermes Prize 2000, Drabinka Sukcesu prize for dynamic increase in sales in 2000; Logistyk Roku 2002 in the “Warehouse” category; 3rd prize awarded at the Expo-Bud trade show; European Medal for construction services including industrial and public facilities.

This impressive collection comprises also awards granted by the Astron Company such as: Astron Millionaire for sales topping the figure of 1 mln EUR in 2008; lots of prizes won every year in the following categories: The Largest Site, The Largest Increase in Sales, The Largest Sales Figure in North-Eastern Europe; Life Record 2007, the 250,000 sqm Club 2004 and the 500,000 sqm Club statuettes.  Written by Bartosz Sowiński

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S TI CL E AR

Clear business rules

he LLENTAB Group designs, manufactures and markets multifunctional steel buildings for a wide range of industries and purposes. The parent company, LLENTAB AB, is headquartered in Sweden. Its story goes back to 1972 and the Lindblad family. Over the years the company has undergone rapid development, growing economically and geographically. At the current moment, the LLENTAB Group has subsidiaries throughout Europe and Scandinavia and a new organization focused on international business. It managed to grow from a small construction company to an international group with branches in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine and Poland.

First step to the East

The first venture outside of Swedish borders took place in 1987 when LLENTAB opened its first subsidiary in Bergen, Norway. As the undertaking turned out to be a success and the LLENTAB concept developed and attracted an increasing demand, LLENTAB decided to turn to the then transforming region of eastern Europe. The pick happened to be Poland. Decision to locate a subsidiary on the Polish territory was influenced first and foremost by communication factors. – Slovakia, Hungary or the Czech Republic are less accessible for a company from Sweden than Poland. At the beginning of 1990ies, Poland had two regular ferry connections with Sweden. Polish market was simply the nearest one – says Mr. Jacek Liszewski, Polish division’s deputy President of the board. He adds simultaneously that what played a crucial role were similar size of the market as well as climatic parallels. The Polish subsidiary started its business activity at the end of May 1992 in Gdańsk in the northern part of Poland and since then has been functioning by the name of LLENTABHALLEN. At the beginning of its business operations, the Polish division functioned as a sales unit solely. It changed in 1994. – At the time Swedish owners decided to involve LLENTABHALLEN into the design process. At the current moment, 27 Polish engineers work at our design department – informs Mr. Liszewski. The main factory of the LLENTAB Group, manufacturing steel constructions and roofing sheets, is then located in Sweden, whereas LLENTABHALLEN in Gdańsk is responsible for design commissions coming from Poland as well as other countries. What is more, it is in

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possession of the newest steel profile production line within the whole LLENTAB Group.

Large scale investments

A milestone in the development of LLENTABHALLEN was the 1998 investment into ground. It accelerated construction of an own office and allowed to relocate to the new premises in 1999. Before the time, the company had experienced some location problems, which blocked its development and did not al-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: LLENTABHALLEN Sp. z o.o. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Michał Szpilewski VICE PRESIDENT: Jacek Liszewski OPERATIONS: Construction ESTABLISHED: 1992 EMPLOYEES: 92 TURNOVER: 135 mln PLN

www.llentab.pl

Construction IndustryLlentabhallen 2010-10-22 12:11:03

low to take advantage of the potential in a full way. The deputy President claims that the relocation took place in a perfect moment – a few years before the accession of Poland to the European Union, which removed all customs procedures and allowed free trade with other member states. He adds that a very important event in the corporate history took place in 2007. – At the time we made another investment decision. It was settled that the Polish division will extend its profile by production. For us it was a proof that we are good enough not only to design but also to manufacture. Currently, we are conducting some production tests of the new line – says Mr. Liszewski. The scale of the ventures is tremendous – its worth exceeds 20 million Polish zloty. It is important to note that it is one of the largest and most complex production lines of its type in Europe.

Four basics

The LLENTABHALLEN concept for business is today widely acclaimed for its efficient construction, high quality and adaptability to different needs and demands. The LLENTABHALLEN trademark represents important values that the company wants to be identified with. These are: quality, flexibility, high efficiency and care for people. The focus on the values is so large that they permeate everything the enterprise does on a daily basis. Quality has been coined into the most important feature of the enterprise’s products. At the launch of the Polish division, it was decided that high quality will not only distinguish the company from many competitors, but also

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promote it on the market. At LLENTABHALLEN quality is a core value in terms of production, process and product. The manufacturer always works with products and services from top-ranked suppliers – conviction that each link in the production chain is important for the end-result is very strong. All that to ensure that the manufactures the company supplies stand for best quality traits. Another focus of the company is to fully fulfill customers’ needs, requirements and demands. The concept leaves place for customized solutions with maintained cost-efficiency. LLENTABHALLEN believes that dialogue is key to successful partnership with both customers as well as suppliers. Two-way communication and confidence enable long-term relationships and satisfaction of the customers. For the company it is a matter of professionalism and competence to act with the highest possible responsiveness to the clients’ needs. – Results of this attitude are visible in the structure of our sales. More than 20% of the products are purchased by customers that we have already cooperated with. The fact that they come back is a proof of their satisfaction and trust – claims the deputy President. An alluring factor is undoubtedly that the delivery is in accordance with settled agreements and the customer can always count on quick and professional advice no matter what the problem or question is. Another focus of the company is high efficiency. Owing to that, the production process is highly automated which reduces mistake possibility to the minimum. The high efficiency concept is always set for improvement and innovation. It

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guides LLENTABHALLEN to continuously develop its work process and improve its effectiveness. Last but not least, the company is driven by solid commitment to its employees. It cares not only for its business but also for a good reputation among its people.

Family business, family atmosphere

At the current moment, the Lindblad family owns 85% of the LLENTAB Group’s shares and people at leading positions within the company control the other 15%. This peculiar owner structure guarantees strong commitment and true responsibility to how the company develops and cares for its employees. It refers also to the Polish division. At LLENTABHALLEN the turnover rate is very low and the average time in employment oscillates around 8-9 years. The Human Resources strategy is based on the Swedish model, where human capital plays a significant role in the development of the company. The first rule is compromise pursuit. The company believes that making concessions is easier than simply dismissing someone. Compromise with employees is sought even if it may generate some additional costs or extra obligations. Another important trait is mutual respect and trust. The company does what has been agreed and expects the same from its people. – We do not impose anything on people, they simply do what belongs to them. Due to that our relations are clear and effective, based on partnership. We give what we have promised or even more and we await the same – says Mr. Liszewski. The enterprise offers its people a

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familiar atmosphere where colleagues care for each other and always try to offer a helping hand. LLENTABHALLEN’s view on work life is long-term – for its employees is means employment stability. The informal, flat-hierarchy atmosphere causes that LLENTABHALLEN is a desired workplace. The positive word of mouth does its job – a number of recruitment processes have been based on internal recommendations. Due to that, the company gets a number of very good applications and can select employees from the best ones available on the market. Lots of attention is paid to the development of employees’ qualifications and competence. – Our people have a chance to participate in a number of internal and external trainings, workshops, courses, etc. It is a very important part of their job. They have to be up to date with the novelties of the industry. It is because of our products, first and foremost their technologically advanced character – states the deputy President.

Product offer

As far as the product offer of LLENTABHALLEN is concerned, the high priority area is design of steel buildings. The engineers are responsible for designing customer tailored solutions in detail. In order to do that, they use advanced software for visualization and blueprints. Assembly process is also a crucial part of the business activity. Experienced assembly teams guarantee that the cooperation is complex and does not stop until the building is finished. All customers’ claims may be reported to the com-

pany – the staff will solve them directly. What is more, continuous improvement of the assembly process is guaranteed thanks to feedback from the assembly teams. With the new production line, the company extends its offer by automated manufacturing of the modules.

SMEs are the future

The complexity of the offer causes that main customers of LLENTABHALLEN are small and medium sized companies. – A large part of the 1100 buildings that we have delivered so far was commissioned by companies of small or medium size. Enterprises of SME sector value manufactures of high quality. If they purchase a product, they purchase it for themselves. They prefer to pay more, yet be sure that it meets their quality requirements. For general contractors price is the most important factor and some of them look for cheaper solutions – explains Mr. Liszewski. He believes as well that the SME sector is where the future opportunities of the company lie. – We think that the expansion of Polish highway network will result in industry dispersion. Once a highway is constructed, there are new firms and business ventures. Small towns and villages will attract a growing number of various investments. It may result in new cooperation possibilities for us – he says. If it happens, the number of executed projects may grow quickly.  Written by Aleksandra Strojek

Construction IndustryLlentabhallen 2010-10-22 12:11:11

S TI CL E AR

Drive for Success

liplast Sp. z o. o (LLC) from Lublin has recently become a success story in the Polish aluminium systems industry. They’ve risen to the top thanks to timely investment, made just after Poland’s accession to the EU, right on the brink of the building boom in Poland. International capital has also played a part: Aliplast belongs to Corialis Group, an international holding present on three continents. Mr Jan Kidaj, Aliplast President, speaks to “Manufacturing Journal” about the company’s achievements and its ambitious investment plan.

Initial Groundwork

The success story started 8 years ago. In 2002, 2 years before Poland’s accession to the EU, Aliplast NV, a Belgian provider of aluminium systems, arrives in Poland. Trusted since 1984, the business put out feelers first, made contact with the local industry and then proceeded to set up their new branch in Lublin. Belgian capital soon gained support of Polish entrepreneurs, Mr Jan Kidaj and Mr Mieczysław Daniel. Hence Aliplast Sp. z o. o. (LLC) came into being, the sixth company in the holding. The holding itself reserved the right to take 68 % of its shares, the rest being transferred to the Polish partners. The resources thus collected allowed for the first investment: a powder paint shop. The Belgian partners also decided to adjust some of its aluminium systems to parameters recognised in Poland; a condition necessary for every provider willing to cooperate with the local construction industry.

ing solutions and comes up with new ideas,” summarises Mr Jan Kidaj, once a co-founder of Aliplast’s Polish branch and now its president. “We’ve achieved growth thanks to a wide assortment of goods on offer and a well-developed distribution network. The boom in con-

FACT BOX

Giant Steps

The beginnings – this should be emphasised – were far from impressive. The business hired 15 people, the whole activity was squeezed into an office and factory floor of less than 100 sqm. Such a state of affairs changed soon, however. A trial version of the business – this is how the initial stages of the business should be called – required patience. The owners biding their time, the watershed came as they expected, soon after Poland’s entry into the EU. “Right at the outset of our activity we had only 2 window & door systems, without necessary certificates. Nowadays we boast 25 such systems, diverse and certified; all of them acknowledged by distinguished architects and design studios. Our R & D department constantly improves exist-

Construction IndustryAliplast Księga1.indb 73

FULL NAME: Aliplast Sp. z o.o. PRESIDENT: Johan Verstrepen OPERATIONS: Aluminum systems for construction industry ESTABLISHED: 2002 EMPLOYEES: 105 TURNOVER: 87,4 mln PLN

www.aliplast.pl Manufacturing-Journal | 71 | 2010-10-22 12:11:14

struction played a part in it, too. We jump at every opportunity to increase profits,” he adds. Not only the Lublin branch of Aliplast has changed over these 8 years. The holding itself has undergone massive restructuring too, thus turning into Corialis Group, which apart from Aliplast Sp. z o. o. includes Aliplast NV (Belgium), Profils Systems (France), Aliplast China and Smart System (United Kingdom).

Rock-Solid Foundations

Aliplast profiles are primarily used in commercial construction (auto sales outlets, supermarkets, office buildings) and by developers of housing estates. However, it is not only a wide range of solutions that testifies to the company’s position on the market. Equally important are its facilities. Substantial in size, they comprise a modern office building (1,650 sqm) together with warehouse and factory floors (13k sqm), the latter also housing a fully-automated powderpainting line, which turns out as much as 360 sqm of painted profiles per hour. Constructed in the Europark Mielec economic zone, subzone Lublin, the project ate up vast resources: 55 mln PLN in total. The facilities being completed only last year, their production capacity will hardly meet the growing demand of the market. Nevertheless, Aliplast makes hay while the sun shines and a new project is already under way.

Invest for the Future

This year in May the company and the municipal council in Lublin have officially announced the extension of the already existing facilities. “At first we will enlarge our factory floors by 22k sqm. The production area will thus take up a space of 35k sqm in total. Its annual production capacity of 10k tonnes of readymade profiles, a brand new press will be installed next. Its cost estimated at 35 mln PLN, the line should be operating in June next year. Half a year later we plan to launch a new vertical powder-paint

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shop, thus spending another 30 mln PLN for the most advanced machinery of this kind in Poland. At the turn of 2012 and 2013 our business is gong to launch yet another press worth 40mln PLN. Hence the final tally tops 100 mln PLN. We have no qualms about spending such a huge amount of money, though, as we know that we do it for the future of our business. There is hardly a better way to meet the fluctuating taste of contemporary clientele – says Mr Kidaj. Aliplast turns out 4,000 of ready-made profiles every year. Only the first press being installed in the newly extended facilities will make the company’s output rise by 2.5 times. The management estimates that the revenue at Aliplast should make approximately 105 mln PLN this year. Upon the completion of the investment in 2014, the business should in turn generate profit of around 400 PLN.

Human Capital

At present the company hires 105 employees. The investment project should create another 140 jobs. “We will need at least 40 people to operate the first press. The new paint shop requires just as many. We will also hire another 60 workers to operate the second press. The number of jobs will rise not only because of the investment in question. We estimate that by 2013 there should be at least 300 people at the company,” says Mr Kidaj. The business needs both engineers and designers, and regular workers, too. First jobseekers have already submitted their application forms. Those admitted will join a well-coordinated team. It is thanks to this team that Aliplast is able to service a host of trusted clients in a professional, prompt and timely manner. It is also thanks to them – the R & D department in particular – that custom-made solutions are being prepared for new customers. The individual approach wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the exchange of ideas within Corialis Group, thanks to which Aliplast can draw upon inspirations that

Construction IndustryAliplast 2010-10-22 12:11:17

WE OFFER MORE FOR ALL WWW.MANUFACTURING-JOURNAL.NET EDPM GASKET IS THE GUARANTEE OF YOUR SYSTEM

President SERDAR DAVRAN tel. +48 600278682 Coordinator MARCIN MAKOWSKI tel. +48 602749499 SECIL POLSKA SP. Z O.O. ul. Grunwaldzka 105A 83-000 Pruszcz Gdański tel./fax: +48 58 6833759 www.secil.pl biuro@secil.pl

Construction IndustryAliplast Księga1.indb 75

Manufacturing-Journal | 73 | 2010-10-22 12:11:19

tion of glass building elevations. McWall technology makes it possible to create transparent constructions and glass roofing, which brighten up the interior of a building and make it friendly for its users. It should the company’s catalogue abounds many more novelties of this kind, all of them in compliance with ISO 9001:2008. The business chiefly caters for the Polish building industry (70 % of output). The remaining 30 % is exported to Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Sloakia and the Czech Republic. Next distribution channels are to be launched soon in Romania, Bosnia and Scandinavian countries.

Avant-Garde come from as far as Belgium, France and United Kingdom.

Stylish Solutions

Although Aliplast’s offer is based on window & door systems of various thermal insulation properties, the façade systems should be seen as equally important. “Nonetheless, it is a range of roofing profiles for winter gardens that compares most favourably with those of our competitors,” adds Mr Kidaj. As for specific brands, the attention should be paid to Imperial, Superial and McWall systems. Imperial and Superial solutions have been designed for exterior

windows and doors as well as shop windows. Available for every type of windows (rotating, casements, folding and sliding) and doors (opening to the inside and outside, having one or two wings), they come with the following: quality fittings, painting in full RAL colour palette, wood-like veneer and varnish, frames and wings of various shape and size. The Superial system is additionally featured by good thermal insulating properties. Finally, a few words on McWall solutions, the façade systems used in the construc-

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Present on the market for 8 years, Aliplast has never faced a slump in profits. “We monitor our competitors, but we tend to focus more on the client. Sustainable growth makes another top priority on our agenda,” emphasises Mr Kidaj. At Aliplast actions certainly speak louder than words. Hence a series of awards granted by the Polish Press and authorities: 1. Honours in the Wehikuły Czasu (Time Machines) ranking organised by “Gazeta Prawna” together with Dun & Bradstreet rating agency. The list features companies which not only grow rapidly but also make reliable business partners. 2. Laureate of Business Leader prize in 2006 organised by the Lublin Chamber of Commerce. Open for every market sector and industry, the contest honours businesses which combine success with respect for their workers, clients and trading partners. 3. Gazela Biznesu (Business Gazelle) granted by “Puls Biznesu” daily (Aliplast came 1st in Lublin area in 2006). Every year the newspaper awards the most dynamic small and medium enterprise. The reason being that they create more gross national product than their large counterparts. Prestigious and trusted (impartial judges, participation free of charge), the ranking aims to promote transparent entrepreneurship. 4. Laureate of the Diamonds of Forbes 2010 ranking Written by Bartosz Sowiński

Construction IndustryAliplast 2010-10-22 12:11:24

S TI CL E AR

Barter S.A. - a responsible importer

eavy industry for many years served as the basis of production of the socialist countries. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, technologically obsolete, not meeting Western standards factories were falling, were privatized and transformed. The extensive restructuring made thousands of people lose their jobs, however, it proved to be a necessary step in order to repair, damaged by the communist economic ideas, budgets of countries located in the former Soviet sphere of influence. Today, the situation of companies – leaders in specific sectors of heavy industry is very different: modern, well – organized workplaces strictly comply with the EU requirements for the requirements for envi-

ronmental protection and management of production, obtain the most prestigious certificates including quality management systems, and ensure the highest quality products and services. There was a demand for the companies, able to skillfully manage the wealth of nature. The world economy is based on trade of, shrinking rapidly, natural resources, for which, despite the ability to use alternative energy sources, requirement is growing steadily. Thus, an enormous competition in the sector, very high entry costs, a huge responsibility upon the industry’s largest organizations. Today, in the area of heavy industry, operate only the best, most competent, because here there is no room for error.

Presentation

of the company Barter S.A. has achieved the leading position in its industry in just ten years of activity. Unlike many other organizations Chairman of the board created in the Bogdan Rogaski nineties of last century, Barter had no support of foreign investment, free know – how and many years of experience of foreign shareholders. Barter S.A. is one hundred percent Polish capital, Polish ingenuity and entrepreneurship. Hard work, consistently implemented development strategy, and the invaluable ability to draw correct conclusions and instantly react to any situation: these are the pillars of success of an organization that in less than a decade became the largest in Poland and one of Europe’s largest importer and distributor of propane, butane, mixtures of propane - butane, coal, fertilizers and technical salt. One hundred and ninety fifth place on the list of five hundred largest companies in Poland in 2009, according to one of the most prestigious Polish journals, “Polityka”, is the best indicator of the company’s position on the European market. Especially that this indicator has improved by no less than twenty five places, in relation to the position that the company occupied in 2008.

Gas IndustryBarter Księga1.indb 77

To keep the balance

A short presentation of the organization does not indicate distinctive features of the company. At first glance, Barter S.A. does not stand out from other, globally operating competing firms. But not without reason, in the introduction of this article, a phrase “the greatest of the great” was used. So what makes that Barter S.A. has the right to call itself an

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: BARTER S.A. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Bogdan Rogaski OPERATIONS: Gas Industry ESTABLISHED: 1998 EMPLOYEES: ca. 500 TURNOVER: 1 mld 8 mln PLN

www.barter-gaz.com.pl Manufacturing-Journal | 75 | 2010-10-22 12:11:26

industry leader ? Certainly, not the revenue value, though it is impressive: 654 million zlotys last year. Even the most strictly adhered quality standards, a very wide range of products and services, excellent approach to its own Employees, treating the care for the environment as one of major priorities in the hierarchy of goals of the organization and the policy of social responsibility, conducted by the company – Barter’s values, although perfectly executed, building the fame of the organization – the reasons of pride of the company’s owners, are not enough to call Barter S.A. a leader. The secret lies in the management philosophy, which briefly can be described in two words – “balance keeping.” Adherence to this philosophy, referred to below, and ability to merge it with the previously mentioned factors helped Barter to achieve a very high level of business acumen and, therefore, occupy the position of the best of the biggest in the industry. The motto to “keep the balance” refers primarily to the issue of the approach to the company’s Customer. Large companies, because of the scale of their activity, lose the direct contact with the Client, and because of that fact, dangerous mistakes may appear. Mistakes in planning, Customer service procedures, monitoring changes in the market, etc. One could say that with increasing scale of turnover, the distance between the company and the Client rises. There is a tendency to standardize the Customer service processes, while, characteristic to the micro and small organizations, recognition of individual requirements of the Recipient, and adjusting contracts to personal demands, passes away with the growth of the company. Barter S.A. is the leader among similar companies, because it has diagnosed this phenomenon early enough and, despite rapid development over the decade, was always guided by the desire to fully satisfy only one Client – the one, who places an order at the particular moment. The firm, thus the name of the company Barter S.A., means itself a lot: the highest quality products and services, unwavering reputation, respect and trust of thousands individual and institutional Customers. But for managing the organization, and maintaining contacts with the Clients, the Employees are responsible. Barter S.A. employs over five hundred, well – prepared for their tasks Employees. Caring for them is an absolute priority of the company. Extensive

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system of training, excellent working conditions, limitless promotion opportunities, are the expression of faith in the company’s another motto, that people are most important in the organization. Barter S.A. also provides its Employees with an extensive social package, including financial allowances and sports activities’ funding. It is also an expression of commitment of the company in a socially responsible activities: Barter S.A. supports Orphanages and welfare institutions, such as the Association of Family Assistance “Droga”, providing it with food parcels, clothing and fuel. Thanks to the responsible approach to their Employees, the company was awarded “Reliable Employer” prize in 2009, finally confirming their image of the perfect workplace. Caring for Employees and their safety translates into professionalism in customer service. Each Recipient is treated exceptionally, and therefore the company’s tens of thousands of Customers every day renew their orders, knowing that Barter S.A. is a guarantee of not only the highest standards of products and services, but also in touch with other people. Barter S.A. means also a huge diversity of product range. Among the company’s Clients are both powerful manufacturers, as well as individuals. As the largest distributor of LPG in Poland, the organization meets every demand for its product and takes care for its Recipients, including after – sale services. Continuously expanded network of representatives and logistics, including its own trans – shipment terminal in Sokółka, vast fleet of cars, over one hundred LPG stations owned by the company, several thousand points of cylinder selling, its own railway sidings, four modern centres of distribution and storage of LPG and rail terminals selling coal, equipped with technologically advanced, specialized devices, provide perfect flexibility and timeliness of the best raw materials supplies of LPG and coal from the gas refineries in Russia and Central Europe, and Russian and Kazakh mines. The highest quality product goes hand in hand with the full involvement of Employees in order to achieve the key objective of the company: total Customer satisfaction. All these activities are also subject to the principle of inviolability of the natural environment. Prestigious certificates, obtained by Barter S.A., stand guard on this principle: the Integrated Management System include the requirements of the two systems:

Gas IndustryBarter 2010-10-22 12:11:28

Quality Management in accordance with ISO 9000:2000 and Environmental Management, in accordance with the standard 14001:2004. In addition, Barter S.A. requires the highest standards also from its Suppliers, and multimillion investments, aimed at continuous improvement of the company’s infrastructure, are the expression of the deepest commitment to the issue of care for the environment and Consumers.

aged company is already a success of its Employees, and the company, which is characterized with very mature business philosophy, is a double success. Barter S.A. is on track to make its dreams come true.  Written by Jacek Głowacki

Summary

Barter S.A. CEO, Mr. Bogdan Rogaski, may be proud. The future of his organizations seems bright, and it is only a matter of time, before the company expands into foreign markets. Wisely man-

Gas IndustryBarter Księga1.indb 79

Manufacturing-Journal | 77 | 2010-10-22 12:11:29

S TI CL E AR

We radiate good energy and heat

lektrociepłownia “Będzin”S.A. has signed contracts for selling electricity to RWE Poland S.A. and Tauron POLSKA ENERGIA S.A. Its major recipient of hot water is Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej Dąbrowa Górnicza S.A., and steam is supplied to several industrial and commercial Customers. These examples of long-standing partnership confirm that Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” is a reliable business partner, whose efforts made to minimize the influence on the environment and maximize efficiency aim at ensuring flexibility of operation and implement innovative strategies that reduce harmful emissions to the atmosphere. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin”S.A is coping with volatile market power markets, while achieving the lowest operating costs and adapting to the new industry reality. To improve their scope of business performance through better Safety, Reliability and Efficiency, Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” offers a broad suite of solutions.

Polish heat

Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. is a company operating in the power sector. The company specializes in the generation of heat (water steam and hot waChairman of the board ter) and electricity Paweł Orlof for the individual and industrial use. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. is one of the leading producers of heat and electricity in the region of Zagłębie Dąbrowskie. The main stockholder of the Company is a Germany-based company Envia Mitteldeutsche Energie AG (enviaM), possessing a 69.56% stake in Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” is a company with a long, rich history, officially dating back to 1913. In December1997 in co-operation with the privatization advisor appointed by the tender, a consortium headed by Bank Gospodarki Żywnościowej Spółka Akcyjna (Food Economy Bank Plc.) in Warsaw, the Issue Prospectus was submitted to the Securities and Stock Exchange Committee. In January 1998 the privatization project proposed by Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. was accepted by The Board of Ministers. On the 8th of December 1998 the Company had its debut on the open market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, becoming the first power sector enterprise to be quoted on the Stock Exchange. With a strategy founded upon innovative solutions and continuous advances in technology, Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” aspires to be a Polish leader which is ‘shaping the future’. The plant generates electricity and heat (in the form of hot water and technological

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steam). Electrical energy is sold to RWE STOEN and TAURON POLSKA ENERGIA S.A. Distribution and commercial balancing services are provided by TAURON POLSKA ENERGIA S.A. The main consumer of hot water is Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej Dąbrowa Górnicza S.A. (District Heating Company Dąbrowa Górnicza Plc.) and during the heating season also ENION S.A Department in Będzin and the Jan Kiepura Municipal Club in Sosnowiec. The consumers of utility steam are: Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny nr 5 im. Św. Barbary (the St Barbara Provincial Specialist Hospital no 5) and “MEGAPLOT” Sp. J. (“MEGA-

FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Elektrociepłownia „Będzin” Spółka Akcyjna PRESIDENT: Paweł Orlof OPERATIONS: Energy ESTABLISHED: 1913 EMPLOYEES: 163 TURNOVER: 141 739 thousands PLN

www.ecbedzin.pl

Energy IndustryElektrociepłownia Będzin 2010-10-22 12:11:35

PLOT” Civil Partnership) in Sosnowiec. Today Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. is the company fulfilling its mission on the regional electricity and heat market. With generation of heat over 3 million GJ per year, the Company is one of the main heat suppliers to the market of Zagłębie Dąbrowskie.

Clean energy

Continuous modernization of the company enables Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” to take a leading position in the region of Zagłębie Dąbrowskie. How is it done? By making pro-ecological investments and focusing on the expansion of sales market. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” strives to improve its approach in all areas of corporate responsibility, covering environmental impact, ties with local communities, ethics and human resources. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” provides power generation that protects the environment while ensuring economic growth and social progress, providing a major contribution to sustainable development. The activities undertaken by the Company Management have an immediate impact on protecting the planet’s natural resources, saving energy and reducing emissions. The care for natural environment and permanent improving of services’ quality are the most important priorities of Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A.. By regular investments, pro-ecological modernization and continuous improvement of the Integrated System of Quality and Environment Management, the Company attempts to reduce threats resulting from the generation of energy based on coal burn-

ing. Each power boiler is equipped with high efficiency electrofilters to protect the atmosphere. This efficiency is systematically checked by measuring dust emissions from each facility. Additionally, each of the boilers has installations reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides to the atmosphere. The united emitter which has flue gases brought from all boilers, is equipped with a system of permanent flue gases monitoring. The facility allows the amount and quality of emitted gases to be controlled twenty-four hours a day. In the year 2004 a sound absorbing screen was installed, reducing the level of noise emitted by the boiler house facilities and machinery to the nearby school. In the year 2008 a biomass burning investment was undertaken. This will allow the production of electrical energy and heat to be continued, while maintaining the CO2 emission limits awarded for the years 2008-2012. Biomass burning belongs to environmentally friendly sources of energy and has been defined as clean energy. Typically, this refers to renewable and nonpolluting energy sources. Sources for biomass fuel include terrestrial vegetation, agricultural and forestry residues. “The major characteristics of biomass are low costs and reduced emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere” said Paweł Orlof. At Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” all employees are committed to conducting their business with the highest standards and in accordance with the laws and regulations. Ethics is a cornerstone of their company’s heritage and remains an important part of the culture and the way they do business, helping them achieve their most challenging goals.

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Manufacturing-Journal | 79 | 2010-10-22 12:11:37

Yo ur

oo s ch n o i at a ll t s

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”ZUREC ” Sp. z o.o. ul. Małobądzka 141 42-500 Będzin tel.: + 48 (32) 267 95 24 fax.:+ 48 (32) 267 96 58 www.zurec.pl biuro@zurec.pl

- Transaction advice - Corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions - Valuation and profitability analysis of investments - Organize and conduct tenders

The realization of construction projects, modernization and maintenance of facilities, equipment and industrial installations, especially power facilities.

tel.: +48 (32) 753 13 15 +48 (32) 753 08 61 fax: +48 (32) 753 08 76 www.talmex.pl

- Energy market consulting - Design, supply and installation of ventilation and air conditioning equipment - Installation of measurement systems emission of dust and gases in the channels exhaust

EM&CA S.A. ul. Wiejska 20, 00-490 Warszawa, Poland tel.+48 22 625 39 40, fax +48 22 622 85 88 zarzad@emca.pl; www.emca.pl

• • • • • • •

Repair of the boiler’s pressure part Auxiliary boiler’s repairs Repairs of pumps and valves Construction of technological systems Thermal insulation of objects Electrical installations Industrial automation

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Energy IndustryElektrociepłownia Będzin 2010-10-22 12:11:43

Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” also does its utmost to offset the environmental impact of its own activities and promotes a sustainable development strategy designed to improve society as a whole.

Our quality is your comfort

Every corporate policy is only as good as its results. For this reason, all aspects of workplace safety and environmental protection are dependent on quality. To ensure that these important factors remain balanced at all times Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. uses a forward-thinking integrated management system that brings quality, safety, and environmental protection all in line. In 1997 Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. started works towards implementing the Integrated System of Quality and Environment Management. •

•

In April 2000 The Integrated System of Quality and Environment Management was assessed to be in accordance with PN-ISO 9002 and PN-ISO 14001 standards; the audit gave positive results and Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. received Certificates confirming the implementation of the Integrated System of Quality and Environment Management. Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. obtained two Certificates at the same time, as one of the first among power branch enterprises. In May 2003, after a re-certification audit for the System’s compliance with the required standards, the certifying Company RWTÜW awarded Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. certificates on the application of the Integrated System of Quality and Environment Management in line with EN ISO 9001:2000 and EN ISO 14001 standards, valid for subsequent three years. The year 2006 saw another re-certification audit for compliance with Quality and Environmental Standards and a certification audit confirming the compliance with the Polish OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Standard PN-N 18001. The aim of the re-certification audit, conducted by the auditors of TÜV Nord Polska between 13 15.05.2009, was to once more certify the conformity of the Integrated Environmental Management, Quality and OSH System with the require-

ments of EN ISO 9001:2000, EN ISO 14001:2004 and PN-N 18001:2004 standards. What is more, Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. (Thermal Power Station) became the prizewinner of the prestigious ‘Gazela Biznesu 2009’ title. According to Paweł Orlof, this is an important prize because it is based on independent analyses. At the same time he underlines that the most important award for the Company remains the trust of its Customers and Business Partners.

How do they invest their good energy?

Elektrociepłownia “Będzin” S.A. above all attaches importance to creating good relations with its market environment. By supporting important initiatives the Company wants to serve its consumers as well as participate in the development of the region. For many years, in a well planned way, the Company has been contributing to science, health service, social welfare and protection of the environment. It is the sponsor of museums, cultural institutions and events significant for the local community development. By funding scholarships it promotes the cleverest young people in the region. It also supports the children and youth particularly experienced by their fate – for years it has been helping the Children’s House in Sarnów and foundations for the support of unhealthy children. For its charitable activity the company has been honoured with the statue of the “Dzieciom Będzina” Association (“Będzin Children Association”), awarded to promoters and friends of the Association. It also received the “Sponsor of the Year” title from the Museum in Sosnowiec for supporting and aiding the museum’s initiatives.  Written by Katarzyna Olszowska

Energy IndustryElektrociepłownia Będzin Księga1.indb 83

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S TI CL E AR

In search of groundbreaking electrical solutions

LSTA is a Polish company present in the market for over 20 years now, which operates in three branches: electrical power engineering, mining electronics and industrial automatics. Elsta can offer electrical and automatics designs, low-voltage equipment, such as switchgears, comprehensive deliveries, electrical installations and assembly works as well as programming of control system. Owing to its extensive experience and modern technologies, Elsta can offer reliable service and high quality products. The electrical solutions used by Elsta are always cutting-edge, thus invariably enjoying great popularity among clients. The company strives to develop even further and make use of more advanced systems so as to keep the offer competitive and anticipate clients needs. FACT BOX

FULL NAME: Elsta Sp. z o. o. PRESIDENT: Jacek Stankiewicz OPERATIONS: Work Electro Assembly ESTABLISHED: 1988 EMPLOYEES: 155 TURNOVER: 26,7 mln PLN

www.elsta.pl

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Groundbreak-

ing systems for mining

The beginnings of Elsta go back to 1988, when Mr Jacek Stankiewicz set up a three-person President plant in WielicJacek Stankiewicz zka, in southeastern Poland. Over the years the company has been dynamically developing both in scope of business activities and the number of employees. The moment which proved crucial to the development of Elsta was the commencement of cooperation with the mining industry, which took place in 1992 and consisted in producing power-electronic and electronic equipment for this sector. This part of the company’s activity has remained one of its pillars to date. The first mass-produced system was Tusdelk, which is used to control drives in traction locomotives operating in hard

coal and ore mines. The system makes it possible to operate the locomotive in a precise way by e.g. a steady startup, speed regulation and braking the drive. Because of the fact that Tusdelk heightens the safety and comfort of operation it is highly cost-effective, it is still used in new locomotives, although there are more innovative system in the market today. In 1994, two years after introducing Tusdelk, Elsta achieved the first commercial success by designing the SSRK 1001 radio control system for longwall shearers, used in coal mining. As the President of the company, Jacek Stankiewicz admits, this innovation filled the company with particular pride: “The SSRK 1001 system has been giving us much satisfaction because it has found application not only in a majority of Polish mines, but also in those of Great Britain, Spain, the Czech Republic, Belorussia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and even Argentina. The system was awarded many times (e.g. with the Highest Quality “Małopolska” Medal in 1996, or Gold Medal from the President of

Energy IndustryElsta 2010-10-22 12:11:50

the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers (SEP) in 2002) and it was one of the most modern systems in the world at that time.” The new, more technologically advanced systems of that type are ESSRK 1001 and SSRK 2000, which form a group of electronic devices used for radio control of mining machines. Some of them are also applied for the control of floor cars, traction locomotives, switches in the transport routes with pneumatic drive, emergency and ventilation stopping. Today, thanks to extensive experience and knowledge of the mining industry, Elsta can also offer the following groups of products: control and diagnostic equipment for diesel-powered mining machines, auxiliary equipment for mining machines, RFID-technology based identification system for mining machines, as well as the software used to communicate equipment, transfer data to dispatching centers or visualize the data. Elsta’s offer was addressed mainly to mining industry until 1999, when it was decided to begin the company’s restructuring. This decision was one of the milestones in Elsta’s history, because it resulted in establishing new departments, namely design, industrial automatics and electrical equipment production, which all allowed the company to commence complex implementation of designs in electrical power division, including turnkey completion. Apart from broadening the scope of activity, the legal status of Elsta changed into a limited liability company in 2002, which sealed the restructuring process. The crucial years for the development were also 2005 and 2006, when the company entered the foreign markets

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and started providing assembly services abroad.

Comprehensive offer

The company’s business activity revolves around three main fields and branches. In the primary branch, mining, Elsta’s activity concerns the design and production of equipment and IT systems. The second important activity is the design and production of low-voltage electrical equipment, i.e. switchgears and controlgears. The broad selection of singlemodule switchgears is based mainly on the Sivacon 8PT system from Siemens, Tri Line from ABB, and X-Energy from Moeller Electric. Until recently, the offer range was broadened to include double-module switchgears – Sivacon 8PT, which are manufactured on Siemens license. When it comes to the third prominent element of the offer, Elsta carries out electric assembly works in the field of medium-voltage and low-voltage electrical power engineering systems. The company specializes in making wiring systems and industrial automatics for power plants and heat and power stations, environmental protection facilities, mines, glass-works and steelworks, industrial facilities and process lines. As easily noticed, the offer is comprehensive, but Elsta doesn’t give priority to any of the fields in which it operates, because it strives to satisfy all clients’ needs in all sectors: “Each and every field of our activity is equally important for us. Such an approach enables us to adjust easily to changeable situations in the market. New needs of clients as well as demand for particular services and products ob-

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viously determine the focus of our attention. However, we always want to be ready to execute all tasks within the range of our activity at client’s demand. Actually, what matters the most is the client satisfaction, so we pay special attention to this matter while deciding on the direction we should follow,” said Mr Stankiewicz.

Facing the challenges

Elsta has always been eager to take up new challenges and make the most of opportunities. After joining the European Union and opening foreign markets to Polish companies, Elsta managed to comply with requirements of individual member countries. Over the last years Elsta focused on receiving certificates and licenses entitling it to operate in new branches abroad, which helped it to gain a good reputation as a professional partner. The company’s priority is to stand out in the market, which is why it keeps on searching for groundbreaking electrical solutions and strives to maintain the high quality of products and services. In 2004 Elsta obtained the ISO 9001 certificate, which assures top quality and enables the company to maintain the leading market position. Moreover, Elsta would like to widen the offer range for the mining industry, which has always been the company’s primary recipient, but it is also ready to face new challenges and develop in different fields. Elsta is also customer-oriented, since one of its priorities is to be perceived as a synonym of individual approach and

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flexibility. According to Mr Stankiewicz, “building a good brand consists in improving working skills all the time and sparing no efforts to have a good opinion of a reliable partner among potential contractors.” Among the challenges Elsta has to face, there is a global crisis, which decreased the number of investments in Poland and abroad. Confronted with the predicament, numerous companies started changing their business profiles and entered the market with competitive offers. Such a situation may pose a danger and requires additional efforts, but owing to the long experience, Elsta is able to react quickly and adapt to new circumstances. However, “the company is not going to rest on its laurels; at the moment we are working on further organizational changes which will guarantee our further development,” assures Mr Stankiewicz.

Focus on people

What contributed to the company’s success was undoubtedly long-standing experience in the industries, but the success would not have been possible without the 155-person staff , which is highly motivated and oriented towards achievement. “We are fortunate in people who strive to develop and aspire to reach the status of an expert in their field. Despite the company’s development in recent years, we have managed to maintain a close relationship with employees, which I consider a success itself,” says Mr Stankiewicz. Elsta gives its employees opportunities to take up technical challenges and deal with latest technologies. Moreover, the company appears to be an attractive employer because it invests in people by organizing internal and external staff trainings and raising their professional qualifications, which is absolutely indispensable in the branch. Another advantage of being employed in Elsta is the possibility of working abroad and gaining invaluable experience. Apart from taking care of its employees, Elsta conducts social activity and charity works, trying to help financially to people in need, especially children. The company cooperates for example with the “Nasze Dzieci” Association and “Górnik” Wieliczka sports club and often sponsors rewards in various competitions and initiatives, e.g. for the best computer program organized by Association of Polish Electrical Engineers SEP.

Achievements

One of the greatest achievements of the company was gaining the ISO 9001 certificate. What is more, a variety of its products and services have been awarded on numerous occasions, e.g. at trade fairs. One of the most essential ones was the Golden Medal received together with CARBOAUTOMATYKA SA at the fair in Donieck (Ukraine) in 2006. The same year Elsta got the title of “The Golden Partner of CMG KOMAG”. One year later during International Fair of Mining, Power Industry and Metallurgy Katowice 2007, Elsta was granted the second award in the category of Novelty. The next key success came together with the distinction in the “Wehikuły Czasu” competition for the Małopolska region as well as the 16th place in the Business Gazelle ranking for the Małopolska region. The company can also boast the 5th place in the second edition of the 2007 Business Cheetah Competition for the fast developing companies in the Małopolska region. Finally, in 2009 Elsta was included in the „Forbes’ Diamonds” ranking and also got the prestigious „European Medal” for the “Design and build service”.  Written by Anna Chudzik

Energy IndustryElsta 2010-10-22 12:11:57

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