Manufacturing Volume 1/5 - 2010
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â‚Ź5
The World of Business
Journal
magazine
In the direction of development
page 40
A significant role
page 52
The shield for your goods
page 64
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PR EL UD E
Dear Readers!
C
reating a brand is more than just having a name and an identity, more than just having a trade mark and having a catchy phrase it is about putting all of these components together and making them work for you. In this issue we encourage you to read the articles on companies which are leaders worldwide in one’s industry. LG Electronics Wrocław currently takes the lead in manufacturing ultrathin LED monitors and high quality refrigerators, thus contributing to the promotion of the LG brand worldwide. Company’s Achievements are told by Mr Jun Myeon Seong, President of LG Electronics Wrocław. Corporation development director Mr. Franz Josef Vogel in interview explains in details about company Wika the Global leader in the production of pressure and temperature measurement solutions. Investlesprom CJSC is a group of companies that is now one of the top businesses in Russia providing Russian companies, international and transnational corporations with timber and paper products. The article Based on the Interview with GR & PR Department Director, Investlesprom CJSC, Aleksandr Boikov. EuroChem is the largest manufacturer of mineral fertilizers in Russia, a company recognized worldwide ranking among top three European and top ten world leaders in the sector about company success elaborate EuroChem OJSC General Manager Mr. Dmitry Strezhnev. I hope that each of you will find an interesting subject in the publications which are brought to you in this issue, and we believe that trough this journal we can pave the way for mutual success.
Editor:
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CONTENTS
Contents: Editor Patryk T. Zborowski
1 2 4 12
Profile Writers Aleksandra Strojek Anna Chudzik Bartosz Sowiński Elena Rozhko Karolina Burkiewicz Kateryna Ferdyn Łukasz Światowiec Marcin Zimny
Prelude Contents News Country profile
Art Director Wojciech Kosmowski Project Managers Agnieszka Bechta-Ziobro Garbiñe González Katarzyna Marciniec Katarzyna Olszowska
14 Leading worldwide in pressure and temperature measurement equipment 18 Stay connected with Schrack Technik Polska 21 When performance comes into play 24 Firm support for energy industry 27 An electrifying example of success 30 On time and professional 34 Technology in itself is nowhere near as valuable as the people 40 In the direction of development 43 Adjusting to changes the time brings
Administration Wioletta Adamczyk
Z-MEDIA Długa Street 48/38 31-146 Cracow Poland e-mail: info@manufacturing-journal.net advertising: pz@manufacturing-journal.net phone number 1: 0048 12 4337115 phone number 2: 0048 12 4337065 phone number 3: 0048 12 4337066 fax number: 0048 12 4337116 web: www.manufacturing-journal.net
© Manufacturing Journal 2010 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form for any purpose, other than short sections for the purpose of review, without prior consent of the publisher.
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Contents 2010-02-12 12:19:14
EN TS CO NT Large wood holding in north of Russia A significant role A high profile company Becoming only better and stronger The shield for your goods
A winning combination of tradition and innovation Taste, technology and tradition A taste of homemade cooking Company vital for agricultural development The taste of tradition
Index:
48 52 56 60 64
Articles:
68
Altai Tyre Plant OJSK Apreo Logistics S.A. EMITER Sp. j. EuroChem OJSC Extrusionados Galicia, SA. - Extrugasa IGLOOCAR Sp. z o.o. INTER-EUROPOL Piekarnia Szwajcarska S.A. Investlesprom CJSC LG Electronics Wrocław Sp. z o.o. Noratel Sp. z o. o. NOVAR Sp. z o.o. PREGIS Sp. z o.o. Schrack Technik Polska Sp. z o.o. SladCo OJSC Confectionery Group Solombalales Holding U Jędrusia Unipapel S.A. VIRTU Sp. j. WIKA POLSKA S.A.
71 74 78
Advertising: Andritz OY APREO LOGISTICS S.A. BELGORKHIMPROM JSC BMC Sp. z o.o. Chemet GmbH DB Port Szczecin Sp. z o. o. Ernst Bilger Präzisionsdrehteile e. K Fan Logic S.j. Gazpromneft Lubricants LLC GOLDEN Transport Międzynarodowy i Spedycja INEOS NOVA International SA ITF Polska Sp. z o.o. M.P.T. SRL Packprofil Sp. z o.o. POPRAWA Z.P.M. REX-POL Sp. z o.o. Suzano Technoform Bautec Iberica VodaMetal GmbH & Co.KG Werner Schmid GMBH
82
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43 40 27 78 56 30 71 60 34 21 24 64 18 68 48 74 52 82 14
61 37 79 36 15 36 15 36 44 37 36 36 15 65 34 76 53 57 17 15
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Another world speed record for Holmen Paper Madrid was reached on PM 62 over a period of 24 hours. During the record run, for part of the time even top speeds of up to 2,018 m/min were reached. “This new record has been possible to achieve thanks to the continuous improvement and goal-oriented focused way of working in the complete mill. It’s impressive the way the machine performance has been developed with the hard and dedicated work of the PM 62 line’s and the complete mill’s staff”, said Oscar García, Production Manager for PM 62, Holmen Paper Madrid.
On January 25, 2010 Holmen Paper achieved a world speed record for newsprint on PM 62 in Madrid, Spain. Following the world record for the start-up speed of a newsprint machine of 1,640 m/min in November 2005 and the world speed record of 1,977 m/min in May 2007, this is already the third world record set by PM 62. The new record speed is now 2,014 m/min.
PM 62 produces newsprint in a basis weight range of 40 to 49 g/m2 on a wire width of 9,650 mm. The machine concept of the Voith paper machine has been developed based on the proven One Platform Concept and consists of a DuoFormer TQv, a Tandem NipcoFlex Press, a TopDuoRun Dryer Section, an EcoSoft Calender and a Sirius Reel. PM 62 has been equipped with the Voith forming fabrics HQW and HC during the record run. Apart from the paper machine itself, Voith also delivered the complete automation system, two VariFlex winders, the Classic roll wrapping machine as well as the key components of the deinking line and the wet end process.
At a basis weight of 45 g/m2, an average speed of 2,014 m/min
More info: www.voithpaper.com
Siemens to invest more than €250 million in India by 2012
As it profits from ongoing growth in the emerging nations, Siemens is seeking to significantly expand its investment in India. Experts forecast that the Indian economy, for example, will grow seven percent in 2010 and eight percent the following year. “India is already one of
the growth drivers worldwide and will remain so in the future. We’ve been optimally positioned here for over 140 years and intend to further strengthen our position,” said Peter Löscher, President and CEO of Siemens AG in New Delhi, where the entire Siemens Managing Board met for the first time ever. Over the next three fiscal years through 2012, the company intends to invest more than €250 million in the country, thereby doubling its current annual investments. A major part of this will be invested in renewable energy and valuepriced products business. The company also wants to increase its market share in India to ten percent by the year 2012. With recently signed orders totaling over €500 million, primarily for energy technology, Siemens is well on its way. More info: www.siemens.com
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News 2010-02-12 12:19:17
NEWS
Philips expands consumer lighting portfolio with ‘design luminaires’ through the acquisition of Luceplan in Italy Royal Philips Electronics announced that it has agreed to acquire Italy-based Luceplan SpA, a leading consumer luminaires company in the lighting design segment in Europe. Upon closing of this transaction in the second quarter of 2010, which is subject to certain conditions, Luceplan will become part of the Consumer Luminaires business in the Philips Lighting sector. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. “With the acquisition of Luceplan we are acquiring an iconic design brand in the premium design segment which enjoys higher growth rates and margins than the overall consumer lighting market,” said Allard Bijlsma, Chief Executive Officer of Philips Lighting Consumer Luminaires. “Design will be an important differentiating factor in the consumer luminaires segment, driven by the increased use of LEDs in luminaires, as designers are no longer restricted by the form factor of the legacy incandescent light bulb.” Luceplan’s luminaires portfolio includes table, suspension, wall and ceiling prod-
British consumers appreciate Amica
ucts for residential applications, which are also used in some professional applications. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Milan, Italy where it employs about 110 employees. “Luceplan’s relationship with Philips reflects shared principles, which seek to address ever changing human needs,” said Riccardo Sarfatti, the company’s founder, adding that, “Bringing together design and new light sources - LED above all - is a thrilling project which allows Luceplan to play a key role within Philips in the creation of lighting fixtures.” Differentiation and innovation in the luminaires segment is one of the key pillars of Philips’ strategy for growth in the lighting market. The acquisition of Luceplan adds to Philips’ leading position in the consumer luminaires market and further secures Philips’ position to lead the global shift to energy-efficient lighting and LED-based lighting solutions. More info: www.philips.com Amica-brand products have been nominated for the first prize in a prestigious competition: Product of the Year 2010, organised by the British Get Connected magazine, which has been writing about the UK domestic appliance market for years. The jury has decided that the final of the contest will include: a multi-functional oven from the Classic line, the Plug & Play induction hob and Elegance refrigerators. In selecting the winners at the final stage of the competition, the magazine’s readers have the chance to choose some or all of the finalists by voting for them and writing a short description (up to 100 words) of their favourite product. A full list of finalists nominated will be published in February’s edition of Get Connected. Then the winners in the March edition. More info: www.amica.com.pl
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UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA: The packaging industry regains Bioplastic industry defies economic confidence in the Russian market International exhibitors happy with the outcome of the trade crisis Market development fair in Moscow Following difficult months as a result of the expected to rise continuously international economic crisis, there is renewed confidence in “Coca-Cola does it, Frito-lay does it and so too do Samsung and Hyundai.” This is how Andy Sweetman, Chairman of the European Bioplastics’ Board summarises the fact that an increasing number of renowned brand owners are turning to bioplastics to enhance their products’ image. While Coca-Cola recently kicked off a marketing campaign in selected countries introducing its PET PlantBottle, 30% of which consists of plant based material, Samsung introduced a cell phone partly made of biodegradable plastics, the Samsung Reclaim. Aldi, one of Germany’s largest discounters, introduced biodegradable shopping bags, letting customers decide between compostable and conventional plastic bags. Hyundai draws on PLA for the interior of its next generation hybrid car, and Frito-lay announced the use of bioplastics in their SunChips packaging. According to Sweetman, “these are but a few examples where the products of our innovative industry eventually end up.”
Russia, with increased demand for innovative packaging solutions from food & beverage producers, confectionery manufacturer and companies in the cosmetics as well as pharmaceuticals industries. Although it’s still a long way from returning to the dynamic market of bygone days, there is a positive mood in the air. This became very apparent at UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2010, the international trade fair for packaging machinery, packaging production and packaging material. More info: www.upakovka-upakitalia.de
Correspondingly, despite the economic crisis, European Bioplastics’ members are investing in new plants, in further innovation and cooperations. For example, Nature Works just doubled its production capacity of PLA and Braskem made big investments for this year’s start-up of bio-based PE. BASF introduced new biodegradable plastics for coating paper and shrink-film while Novamont launched the 2nd generation of Mater-Bi, and Purac, Sulzer and Synbra kicked off a cooperation in the field of foamed PLA products. “Of course we still have a long way to go, before we can actually talk about real market penetration. On the other hand, Rome wasn’t build in a day, either” Sweetman concludes. European Bioplastics is the European association representing the interests of the industry along the complete bioplastics’ value chain. Its members produce, refine and distribute bioplastics, plastics that are either biobased, compostable, or both.
Michelin announced plans to end tire production at Ota in Japan in July 2010. Michelin is continuing to develop its operations and expand its presence in Japan and the Asia Pacific region, notably through its research and development programs in Ota, its sales operations throughout the country and its activities at Nihon Michelin Tire Co Ltd. headquarters in Tokyo.
More info: www.european-bioplastics.org
More info: www.michelin.com
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Michelin announces the end of tire production at ota in Japan
News 2010-02-12 12:19:21
NEWS
Kraft Foods Succeeds in Offer for Cadbury Plc. Kraft Foods is pleased to announce that it has acquired control of Cadbury plc. The combination creates a global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals with annual revenues of approximately $50 billion and sales in approximately 160 countries. Holders of 71.73 percent of Cadbury’s outstanding shares have already accepted Kraft Foods’ Final Offer - as recommended by the Cadbury board. As such, all of the conditions of the recommended Final Offer for Cadbury have been satisfied or waived, allowing Cadbury to become part of Kraft Foods. “The combination of Kraft Foods and Cadbury creates a global
powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals,” said Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO. “Together we have impressive global reach and an unrivalled portfolio of iconic brands, with tremendous growth potential. I warmly welcome Cadbury employees into the Kraft Foods family and look forward to meeting many of them in the days and weeks ahead. This combined company has a phenomenal future, and I firmly believe it will deliver outstanding returns to our shareholders.” More info: www.kraftfoodscompany.com
GE Oil & Gas Hits Milestone with Supply of 100 Urea Production Trains GE Oil & Gas has reached an industry milestone with the supply of more than 100 turbocompressor trains for urea plants in 34 countries worldwide. GE Oil & Gas provides reliable steam turbine driven compressor processing technology, as well as turbines for power generation, to many of the world’s leading producers of ammonia and urea which are critical to the global agriculture industries as nitrogen rich fertilizers. Joe Mastrangelo, vice president—turbomachinery, GE Oil & Gas said: “Our technology leadership role in the urea fertilizer production market spans over 80 years, starting in the 1920s with the supply of the first reciprocating compressors for ammonia production. Our first urea turbocompressor train was delivered in 1967 for a 400 ton-per-day plant in France. Today, we are building and supplying trains with capacities reaching as high as 3,800 tons per day. The 100 urea train mark is an important milestone for GE Oil & Gas and for our customers in the downstream industry.’’ More info: www.ge.com
Raisio announces a recommended cash offer for uk based Glisten Plc Raisio plc has announced a public offer to acquire the entire issued ordinary share capital of Glisten plc valuing the entire issued ordinary share capital at approximately EUR 22.8 (GBP 19.8 million). Glisten plc is a public company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange operating in the health, nutrition and premium snacking sectors. The completion of the acquisition process is expected to take place at the beginning of the second quarter of 2010 if the shareholders of
Glisten support Raisio’s offer. Raisio’s offer will be made through Raisio UK Limited, a new company incorporated in England and Wales formed specifically for the purposes of making the offer. More info: www.raisio.com
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SSAB continues to invest in quenched steels SSAB will resume the project for a new advanced line for quenched and tempered (QT) steel plate in Mobile, Alabama. In addition, a decision has been taken to construct a finishing line at SSAB’s plate center in Kunshan, China. Together, the investments total SEK 2.2 billion (approximately US$ 300 million). The QT line in Mobile is a part of the major investment program announced in August 2008. Following a review of the program, a decision has been taken to implement the investment in Mobile, after some adjustments, with a new quenching line that will increase capacity for QT plate by approximately 200,000 metric tonnes. “The investment represents an important part of our strategy to be the global leader in quenched steels,” says CEO Olof Faxander. “We are broadening our product and service offering for the North American domestic market and creating conditions for meeting the needs of SSAB’s global customers,” says David Britten, Head of
SSAB Americas.At SSAB’s plant in Kunshan, which was inaugurated in 2007, there are warehouses and equipment for processing steel. A new finishing line is now under construction which will be able to handle additional deliveries of semi-finished plate from Mobile and Oxelösund. “The Kunshan investment will result in greater flexibility, shorter lead times, and enable us to provide an improved offering to our customers”, says Martin Pei, Head of SSAB APAC. In Borlänge, Sweden, work is continuing to establish a quenching line for quenched strip steel. The new quenching line in Mobile is expected to be in production during the first half of 2012. As a part of this project, a new vacuum tank degasser (VTD) system is also being constructed, which is expected to be completed during the first half of 2011. The finishing line in Kunshan will start up in the first half of 2011. More info: www.ssab.com
A Strategic Alliance between Nippon Steel Corporation and Nippon Denko Co.Ltd. Nippon Steel and Nippon Denko have agreed to further strengthen the alliance between them (hereinafter referred to as the “Alliance”), in order to enhance their respective competitive edge and corporate values. Nippon Steel and Nippon Denko, which have been far maintaining a close business relationship through trade in manganese ferroalloy, will strive to construct a system that enables proper response to further changes in the materials environment in the future and will endeavor to strengthen their respective business foundations through the Alliance. More info: www.nsc.co.jp
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News 2010-02-12 12:19:24
NEWS
Corus to raise strip product prices in Europe
TATA STEEL amongst the Top 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the world Tata Steel has been rated amongst the top 100 most sustainable corporations in the world by Corporate Knights, the magazine for clean capitalism. Corporate Knights announced its Sixth annual global list of the world 100 most sustainable corporations at the World Economic Forum at Davos. The key performance indicators that have been assessed include Energy Productivity, CO2 Productivity, Water Productivity, Waste Productivity, Leadership Diversity, CEO-to-Average Worker Pay, % Tax Paid, Sustainability Leadership, Sustainability Pay Link, Innovation Capacity & Transparency.
Corus is to raise its prices in Europe from March 1 for hot and cold rolled, hot dipped galvanised as well as organic coated strip products. The extent of the increases will vary depending on specification and geography, but will range from 10-15% for core business, raising basis prices for hot rolled coil to at least €450/t. A Corus spokesman said: “We are announcing these increases in view of current market conditions and increased input costs. We are reviewing further increases for April and the rest of the second quarter of this year.” More info: www.corusgroup.com
The 2010 Global 100 tapped intelligence from the world’s largest sustainability research alliance put together by Legg Mason’s Global Currents Investment Management to isolate the top ten per cent of companies from a universe of 3000 global stocks. These select companies were then transparently ranked based on 10 indicators, with data sourced from ASSET4, a Thomson Reuters business, and The BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service. It includes companies from 24 countries encompassing all sectors of the economy, with a collective enterprise value of $4 trillion, and three million employees. Commenting on the honor, Mr. Hemant M Nerurkar, MD Tata Steel said , “We are pleased to note the announcement of the top Global 100 Sustainable Companies. Over the last one hundred years that we have been in business, we have always strived for inclusive growth by following responsible business practices that focus on social and environmental sustainability, and are aimed at creating value for all our stakeholders. ” Tata steel was at the top of the Materials industry group for energy productivity, reporting $263,867 in sales per gigajoule of energy consumed. More info: www.tatasteel.com
Weyerhaeuser Named International Leader in Forestry Practices
Weyerhaeuser Company was among 35 international companies recognized today by the investor-backed Forest Footprint Disclosure for leadership in managing their operations and supply chains to minimize the effects on forests worldwide. More info: www.weyerhaeuser.com
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Stora Enso signs EUR 65 million loan agreement TRADE SHOWS Stora Enso has signed an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for a EUR 65 million loan to be used for the Ostroleka power plant construction project in Poland. The loan agreement is part of the commitment by EIB to lend altogether EUR 230 million to Stora Enso for research and development and the Ostroleka power plant project.
01.03 - 04.03 2010
HOSTEC - EURHOTEC 2010 Trade Event dedicated to Technology for the Hospitality, Leisure and Foodservice Markets
“We have a long and good relationship with EIB and we are delighted that through this agreement EIB is supporting our power plant project to improve Ostroleka Mill’s energy selfsufficiency and energy efficiency. Along with the Langerbrugge and Maxau energy investments, the Ostroleka power plant is one of our biggest cost improvement investments this year at our existing mills in Europe. The terms of the loan are very competitive,” says Stora Enso CFO Markus Rauramo.
Venue: National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, UK www.hostec-eurhotec.com 02.03 - 04.03 2010
EKOTECH
The Ostroleka power plant to be completed in the third quarter of 2010 will further improve the cost competitiveness of Stora Enso’s operations in Poland. As announced on 3 November 2008, the total investment in the Ostroleka power plant is estimated at EUR 137 million.
Fair of Ecology, Municipal Waste Services, Recyclable Materials, Waste Management and Recycling Venue: Kielce Fairground Zakladowa 1 25-672 Kielce, Poland www.targikielce.pl
More info: www.storaenso.com
02.03 - 04.03 2010
INTERMASZ International Trade Fair of Textile, Clothes and Shoemaking Machines Venue: Poznan International Fair ul. Glogowska 14 60-734 Poznan, Poland www.intermasz.pl/en
Smurfit Kappa Net Loss Narrows, Sees 2010 Growth
02.03 - 05.03 2010
SALIMA Food International Fair
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (SK3.DB), Europe’s largest maker of cardboard boxes, Wednesday posted a narrower fourth-quarter net loss despite a signficant collapse in market demand and pricing last year, and said it expects its earnings to grow in 2010.
Venue: Brno Exhibition Centre Vystaviste 1 64700 Brno Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/salima-gb
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More info: www.smurfitkappa.com
News 2010-02-12 12:19:25
NEWS
Airline Industry Will Take Three Years to Recover, IATA Says TRADE SHOWS The global airline industry will take at least three years to recover after the worst recession in six decades hurt travel demand, said Giovanni Bisignani, chief executive of the International Air Transport Association. The airline industry globally lost $50 billion in the past 10 years, with $11 billion in 2009 alone. Revenues declined by $80 billion last year, Bisignani said. “These numbers are really shocking,” Bisignani said in an interview in Singapore today. “We’ve had a terrible 10 years. It would take at least three years to recover the level of growth we have lost.” Airlines worldwide suffered the worst drop in passenger demand since World War II last year, IATA said on Jan. 27. The global travel slump has pushed carriers including Singapore Airlines Ltd. and British Airways Plc into losses and forced Japan Airlines Corp. to file for bankruptcy. Traffic, a measure of passengers flown multiplied by the distance travelled, dropped 3.5 percent last year, with declines exceeding 5 percent in Europe, North America and the Asia- Pacific region, said IATA, which represents 230 carriers. The economic slump and credit crisis have cost carriers 2 ½ years of growth in passenger markets and 3 ½ years in freight, so that 2010 will be “another spartan year” of cost controls and capacity caps, Bisignani had said earlier. British Airways, Europe’s third-biggest carrier, expects a “bigger loss” in the 12 months ending March 31 than it had in fiscal 2009, Chairman Martin Broughton said on Jan. 25. Singapore Air, the world’s secondlargest carrier by market value, may have its first annual loss as a publicly traded company, the carrier said in July. Japan Air this month became Asia’s first major flag carrier to seek bankruptcy protection after four government bailouts failed to revive the region’s most indebted carrier. More airlines will go bankrupt, Bisignani said today. About 34 carriers have gone out of business since 2008, according to IATA. Passenger yield, or the average price a traveler pays to fly one kilometer, will remain “flat” this year and increase only next year, Bisignani said. Globally, airlines will probably post losses totaling $5.6 billion this year, the trade group had estimated. That’s about half of last year’s estimated $11 billion deficit. While the industry’s worst loss to date was almost $13 billion in 2001 following the Sept. 11 terror attacks, an $80 billion revenue decline last year was “vastly bigger” than anything previously experienced, according to IATA Chief Economist Brian Pearce..
09.03 - 10.03 2010
PACK & EMBALLAGE Packaging Forum Venue: Norway Trade Fairs NO-2001 Lillestrøm Norway www.easyfairs.com 09.03 - 12.03 2010
HI-TECH High Technologies, Innovations, Investments International Exhibition-Congress Venue: Lenexpo Fairgrounds 103 Bolshoy Prospect St. Petersburg, 199106, Russia www.restec.ru/calendar.en.html 12.03 - 14.03 2010
MOSTRA DELL’AGRICOLTURA Agricultural Fair Venue: Faenza Fiere Via Risorgimento 3 48018 Faenza (RA) Italy www.faenzafiere.it 13.03 - 15.03 2010
More info: www.businessweek.com
RAKSA - CONSTRUCTION International Construction Industry Trade Fair Venue: Lahti Fair Ltd Lahti Sports and Trade Fair Centre FIN-15141 Lahti Finland www.lahdenmessut.fi/eng
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C PR OU O NT FI RY LE
Russia
Full name: Russian Federation Population: 140.9 million (UN, 2009) Capital: Moscow Area: 17 million sq km (6.6 million sq miles) Major language: Russian Major religions: Christianity, Islam Life expectancy: 60 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 rouble = 100 kopecks Main exports: Oil and oil products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, weapons and military equipment GNI per capita: US $9,620 (World Bank, 2008) Internet domain: .ru International dialling code: +7 Russia emerged from a decade of postSoviet economic and political turmoil to reassert itself as a world power. Income from vast natural resources, above all oil and gas, have helped Russia overcome the economic collapse of 1998. The state-run gas monopoly Gazprom is the world’s largest producer and exporter, and supplies a growing share of Europe’s needs. Economic strength has allowed Vladimir Putin to enhance state control over political institutions and the media, buoyed by extensive public support for his policies as prime minister, president and now prime minister again. Spanning 11 time zones, Russia is the largest country on earth in terms of surface area, although large tracts in the north and east are inhospitable and sparsely populated.
Overview
This vast Eurasian land mass covers more than 17m sq km, with a climate ranging from the Arctic north to the generally temperate south. In the period of rapid privatisation in the early 1990s, the government of President Boris Yeltsin created a small but powerful group of magnates, often referred to as „oligarchs”, who acquired vast interests in the energy and media sectors. President Yeltsin’s successor, Vladimir Putin, moved to reduce the political influence of oligarchs soon after taking office, forcing some into exile and prosecuting others. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former head of the Yukos oil company and a supporter of the liberal opposition, is serving eight years in a Siberian penal colony on tax and fraud charges. Yukos assets were later acquired by the state oil giant Rosneft.
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Leaders
President: Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as president in May 2008, taking office as Russia’s third president since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The chosen successor of former president Vladimir Putin, Mr Medvedev won just over 70% of the vote in presidential elections held in March. He conducted a fairly low-key campaign, but received generous media coverage and was always the clear favourite to win. As his victory became clear he said that he hoped to work with Mr Putin as his prime minister to impro-
ve the quality of life for Russians. He also said there would be little change in Russia’s foreign policy. In August 2008, he showed that he was determined to maintain the assertive stance set by his mentor when, in the wake of the conflict between Russia and Georgia, he declared that Russia did not want a new Cold War but was not afraid of one either. However, a more liberal side has also been evident. In April 2009, he said in an interview with one of the last media outlets critical of the Kremlin, the Novaya Gazeta daily, that democracy should not be compromised for the sake of prosperity. Dmitriy Medvedev was born in 1965 and has been associated with Vladimir Putin since the early 1990s when they were both involved in politics in St Petersburg. Mr Medvedev is a lawyer by training and managed Mr Putin’s presidential election campaign in 2000. He subsequently worked as chairman of Gazprom and as first deputy prime minister in charge of social programmes.
Entrance to the Kremlin Senate
Country Profile 2010-02-12 12:19:27
Former president Vladimir Putin was confirmed as prime minister on 8 May 2008, one day after his protege Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as president. Mr Putin’s unprecedented move from the Kremlin to the premiership completed a carefully staged transition which will ensure he remains at the heart of power. As prime minister, he has promised to curb inflation, cut taxes and boost social spending. Mr Medvedev has said his political mentor will play a „key role” in shaping the country’s development over the next decade. Mr Putin was barred by the constitution from running for a third presidential term in the elections of March 2008. He was elected to a second term by a landslide in March 2004 with around 70% of the vote. His nearest rival, the Communist candidate, mustered 14%. Vladimir Putin, who was born in St Petersburg in 1952, started his career in the KGB. From 1990 he worked in the St Petersburg administration before moving to Moscow in 1996. By August 1999 he was prime minister. He was named acting president by his predeces-
Mount Elbrus, the highest point of the Caucasus, Russia and Europe
sor, Boris Yeltsin, who introduced him as the man who could „unite around himself those who will revive Great Russia”. He went on to win presidential elections in May 2000, having gained widespread popularity for his pledge to take a tough line against Chechen rebels.
Media
Russian TV broadcasting is dominated by channels that are either run directly by the state or owned by companies with close links to the Kremlin. The government controls Channel One and Russia TV - two of the three main federal channels - while state-controlled energy giant Gazprom owns NTV. Critics say independent reporting has suffered as a result. For most Russians, television,
Moscow International Business Center under construction
Country Profile Księga1.indb 15
COUNTRY PROFILE
Prime minister: Vladimir Putin
especially via the national networks, is the main source of domestic and international news. The broadcasting market is very competitive; state-owned or influenced TV networks attract the biggest audiences. Hundreds of radio stations crowd the dial; state-run networks compete with music-based commercial FM stations. An English-language satellite channel, Russia Today, was launched in late 2005. The news-based station is funded by the Kremlin and aims to present „global news from a Russian perspective”. There are more than 400 daily newspapers, catering for every taste and persuasion. The major nationals are based in Moscow, but many readers in the regions prefer to take local papers. Several influential dailies have been bought by companies with close links to the Kremlin. The conflict in Chechnya has been blamed for government attacks on press freedom. Journalists have been killed in Chechnya while others have disappeared or have been abducted. In Moscow and elsewhere journalists have been harassed or physically abused. Reporters investigating the affairs of the political and corporate elite are said to be particularly at risk. Media rights organisation Reporters Without Borders has expressed concern at „the absence of pluralism in news and information, an intensifying crackdown against journalists... and the drastic state of press freedom in Chechnya”. Around 38 million Russians use the internet (Internetworldstats, December 2008).
Manufacturing-Journal | 13 | 2010-02-12 12:19:28
AR TI CL ES
LEADING WORLDWIDE IN PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
FACT BOX FULL NAME: WIKA POLSKA S.A. PRESIDENT: Peter Koll ESTABLISHED: 1916 EMPLOYEES: 970
www.wikapolska.pl
W
I K A is the global leader in the production of pressure and temperature R&D Director, measurement Member of the board solutions. Its Franz Josef Vogel leading position in the market is due to long-lasting experience and extensive knowledge which have been gained continuously over the course of past decades. Today, WIKA customers can benefit from a wide range of products and services which extensively cover all applications. WIKA measuring instruments are applicable almost everywhere, for example, in machine construction, pneumatics, hydraulics, gas supply, welding engineering, heating construction or medical sector. Written by Marcin Zimny
Exceptional offer within striking distance
Located in the Polish town of Włocławek, WIKA Polska S.A. is currently part of the internationally acclaimed corporation leading in the manufacture of pressure and temperature measurement equipment. In December 2000 Polish plant Kujawska Fabryka Manometrów KFM S.A. (The Kuyavian Pressure Gauges Factory) was taken over by WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. WIKA Polska S.A., a name given to the spin-off towards the end of 2007, is therefore an integrated
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part of the WIKA family. The enterprise is the continuation of a 90-year-old tradition of the KFM brand, which was originated in 1916. In day-to-day business the company focuses on the manufacture of analogue pressure gauges which are globally distributed from Poland. As its second activity, WIKA has set out to offer full measuring equipment service to local customers. While the enterprise is the producer of a well-known and recognized KFM brand, WIKA Polska is also one of the biggest companies in the WIKA group. It draws upon the latest developments both in technology and business and, what’s more, for a couple of years it has been using the Kaizen management system, thus making a steady improvement in manufacturing processes as well as quality of products and customer service. For the most demanding sector, a medical business, it set up Medical Focus Factory, a special section which produces pressure gauges for the medical sector, for which the quality translates into health and patient’s life. Many years of experience, as the company claims, played a decisive role in the assumption of leadership in the manufacture of control and measurement devices and regular workforce expansion gave it eleven times larger turnover in comparison to that when the company was formed in 2000. In 2008 more than 23 million devices left the assembly line of WIKA Polska. The philosophy of WIKA is based on comprehensive offer. Thanks to a wide spectrum of products, the company is capable of
adjusting its offer to specific needs of customers. Comprising almost every possible device for pressure and temperature measurement, WIKA offer is an attractive alternative. Arranged into four product types, it includes analogue devices (Bourdon pressure gauges, bimetallic and gas thermometers), electronic pressure measurement devices (pressure sensors, pressure control units,
Measurement & Control Industry Wika Polska 2010-02-12 12:19:30
The MPT srl is a company specialized in the production of small turned parts of high-precision for various industrial applications. The machines consists of the latest Swiss and German technology of automatic lathes for high production and single-spindle CNC lathe for small batch production. The company provides an accurate service accompanied by considerable flexibility to meet the needs of the customer. Constant monitoring of the stages of production ensures a high level of traceability and analysis performance. The product is subjected stringent with several quality checks carried into the laboratory measurement equipped with multiple analog and digital equipment to ensure that even the most demanding customer drawing requirements are met. M.P.T. SRL Via Retrone 2/C 36077 Altavilla Vicentina (VI) Tel: +39 0444 349157 Fax: +39 0444 278085 m.secco@mpthitech.com
The M.P.T. SRL company boasts of a leaders clientele in various industrial markets, supported by a seriousness and expertise technical cooperation guaranteed steadily over time and a multi-established expertise and professionalism provided.
Swiss-type turning parts Ø0,5 - Ø20 mm (CNC and Cam-machines) Out of non-ferrous metals, stainless steel and steel Surface treatments
Präzisionsdrehteile Steigstr.53 D-78554 Aldingen Germany Telefon ++497424/84410 Telefax ++497424/85048 info@bilger-drehteile.de
Measurement & Control Industry Wika Polska Księga1.indb 17
Manufacturing-Journal | 15 | 2010-02-12 12:19:32
pressure transducers featuring level reduction option, programmable transducers with Hart and Profibus protocol), industrial processes measurement devices (stainless steel Bourdon pressure gauges, steam pressure gauges, diaphragm pressure gauges, bimetallic and gas thermometers, diaphragm seal, pressure transducers, resistance thermometers and thermocouples, thermowells, temperature transmitters) and Calibration Technology (pressure and temperature calibration devices).
Part of your business
WIKA products are components integrated into businesses of company’s customers. This is why the company considers itself to be not only a supplier of measurement components but also a competent partner that offers comprehensive solutions in close co-operation with customers. The standard of quality plays an essential role against this background. The quality level decides how reliable plants or machines are. Customers all over the world can be certain that they get uncompromised quality in all respects. This, in turn, is ensured by technologically sophisticated products for precise, reliable measurement. It is the quality that attracts many customers, therefore WIKA propagates a customer-oriented approach in business. Part of your business, a guiding principle of WIKA, is directed towards company’s fundamental philosophy to foster close relationships with customers in order to achieve common aims through partnership and co-operation.
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As Alexander Wiegand, WIKA CEO, declares, it is “a philosophy that we pursue day after day.” On the other hand, optimal closeness means choosing the right location. That is why WIKA is represented all over the world by numerous subsidiaries and trading agencies that service company’s customers on site, as they are familiar with local business and the respective country-specific requirements, standards and applications. This network of subsidiaries is expanded step by step, which means both creating new locations as well as increasing the degree of service provided locally to meet the growing demands of customers all over the world in the future. Customer confidence building is a longterm process requiring a lot of effort and dedication. In WIKA’s case, the involvement in improving quality and the associated processes has significantly contributed to boost the customer trust. Confirmed by certificates ISO 9001, ISO/ TS 16949, ISO 14001, quality improving measures are the company’s strategic aim. Within the last few years the enterprise has become synonymous with advanced pressure and temperature measurement solutions. The implementation of innovative technologies through reliable products paved the way for the most extensive offer of top-notch measurement equipment. WIKA Polska, as a pressure gauges production centre, feels obliged to follow global trends in logistics. Polish market, which is undergoing a tremendous change, frequently draws upon the world’s best models in each and every aspect of business, a feature which is
Measurement & Control Industry Wika Polska 2010-02-12 12:19:35
particularly easy to observe in logistics. The abundance of corporations calls for the growth in qualitative requirements in respect of supply chain management. Such circumstances impose new requirements on suppliers, hence Intelligent Supply Network or VMI solutions, consignment stocks, are merely some of the modern supply chain management systems which WIKA incorporated to its day-to-day business. Besides, in order to live up to customers’ expectations, the company develops own solutions which are tailored to specific needs of customers.
The largest Tunnel drilling machine of the world works with WIKA Diaphragm Seals inside.
Success through qualification
As an international corporation, WIKA can boast a healthy growing professional environment with a clear strategic orientation, quick decision-making processes and an exemplary corporate culture that is characterized by the mutual respect and team spirit of all WIKA employees ranging from apprentices to chief executive. As a result, the company’s potential comes straight from highly motivated employees that show dedication, follow common aims and stand by their principles to take the road forward. Out of over five thousand employees in the whole WIKA group, a thousand of them work in Poland. According to the company policy, standing still is a step backwards. That is why its employees participate in numerous training through further education and training programs to gain qualifications and meet continuously growing demands imposed by the international markets. For example, thanks to special initiatives and projects realized by the Polish subsidiary such as “Investment in people: the basis for new KFM organizational culture” which has been under implementation since 2005, WIKA aims to bring more attention to employees working in a spectrum of different positions. The company also organizes picnics and contests for employees, subsidizes a local football team as well as publishes a newsletter “Manowieści”, where the staff can read the latest news from the company. And last but not least, owing to extensive training programs and internships, the firm’s would-be executives are prepared in the best possible way. Everything is done with a view to offering the first class performance with no ifs and buts.
Certified quality
While recalling significant distinctions
received in the Basis of common success is trust and partnership. last decade, it is Especially we are the german partner and distributor of Carlo Gnutti SpA, important to note one of the leading producer of semi-finished products in brass. that the firm’s Generally we are your powerful partner for non-ferrous-metals, concenquality assurance trated to copper and copper-alloys. management system has been certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and ISO/ TS 16949:2002. What’s more, as an ecologically VodaMetall GmbH & Co.KG | Otto-Lilienthal-Str. 17a, D-46539 Dinslaken orientated enterTel.: ++49/(0)2064/45693-70 | Fax: ++49/(0)2064/45693-99 | e-mail: info@vodametall.de prise with global presence, WIKA has been successfully its top quality products, enormous hucertified according to the internation- man potential, location in 35 countries ally recognized ISO 14001 environmen- and international certification, connotes tal management system. As for some the high quality, reliability and flexibility, recent achievements, however, the factors significantly contributed to the company can boast iF product design overall success of the company. award for electronic measuring instrument. The iF product design award is one of the most renowned and established design contests. For 55 years the iF design award has been an acknowledged brand worldwide when it comes to excellence in design. As an established manufacturer of the most up-to-date pressure measuring technology, the functional aspects are always at the heart of the product development. With this year’s award from iF, this has now been impressively underlined. The evaluation criteria for the iF product design award include design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental approach, functionality, ergonomics, visualization of use, safety, brand value, branding and universal design. Upon a thorough examination it seems that WIKA, with
Measurement & Control Industry Wika Polska Księga1.indb 19
Manufacturing-Journal | 17 | 2010-02-12 12:19:37
AR TI CL ES
STAY CONNECTED WITH SCHRACK TECHNIK POLSKA
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Schrack Technik Polska Sp. z o.o. PRESIDENT: Sławomir Grzebień OPERATIONS: Electrotechnical Industry ESTABLISHED: 1994 EMPLOYEES: 80
www.schrack.pl
A compre-
hensive solution
Offering optimised, co-ordinated systems and solutions for Sławomir Grzebień private, commerChairman of the board cial and industrial applications, Schrack Technik is a leader in the area of energy and data technology. With its high-quality products and technical know-how, Shrack devices provide a fault-free operation with the highest possible protection of persons and equipment. Many years of experience, involvement in standardization and participation in various committees have put the business in the position to keep customers informed about the latest technological developments and how to achieve the best possible return on investments in building technology. The company’s experts, who work in many different areas, are there to assist anyone in choosing the right technology, planning and project development method. Written by Marcin Zimny
produced on industrial scale. Following this invention, in 1920 Schrack Ag was founded, which for the next several decades dealt principally with the development, production and sales of telephone systems, radios, safety switches and fire alarm systems. Over the course of its long history, Schrack turned into a technologically-advanced company combining robust system solutions with strong market brand. In the early 1990s, the Schrack product range underwent a
large-scale expansion, as the company took first steps towards the expansion into Eastern Europe. Today, Schrack has its subsidiaries in nine countries, and is represented by partner companies in more than forty others. The history of the Polish branch of Schrack dates back to 1992 when Schrapol, a sole representative of Schrack Energietechnik GmbH, was established. Thanks to customer-oriented policy, i.e. participation in fairs, training courses, workshops
From seed to fruit
The origins of the company go back to 1914 when Dr Eduard Schrack patented a stereometrical optical device for use in surveying the land. In 1918 he developed the first Austrian radio valve to be
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Energy IndustrySchrack Technik Polska 2010-02-12 12:19:40
The Schrack products are organized into the following categories: ENERGY TECHNOLOGY Enclosures and cabinets for energy distribution, modular protection devices, modular controllers, switches, overvoltage protection fuses with power distribution up to 4000A, connection and cabling technology INDUSTRY AND PANEL BUILDING Relays, transformers, meters and measuring equipment, circuit breakers and switch disconnectors up to 6300A, contatctors and motor contactors, main switches, control units BUILDING INSTALLATION TECHNOLOGY Electrical equipment, interphone and video-interphone systems, access control systems
SECURITY Emergency UPS lighting systems up to 800kVa, emergency lighting fitting, systems of central control of emergency lighting fitting, watless power compensation systems WIRING Systems of structural wiring cat. 5, 5, 6a and 7, fibre-optic technology systems, telecommunication cabinets, active devices CABLES Low- and medium-voltage cabling, controlling cables and special purpose cables
LIGHTING Indoor and outdoor lighting, technical lighting, decorative lighting, special lighting and light sources
and lectures, the enterprise fairly quickly climbed up the business ladder. In less than three years, the small company
built up an extensive base of regular customers, thus making the business grow bigger. Following the Schrapol takeover in 1995, the company was turned into Schrack Energietechnik Polska with its registered office in Warsaw. The consecutive years, paved with company’s further development, were abundant in a successive creation of new branches in some of the major Polish cities: Sosnowiec (1996), Poznań (1996), Gdańsk (1997), Wrocław (1998), Rzeszów (2001) and Kraków (2004), Szczecin (2007) and Kielce STORE (2009). But still growing customer demand pushed the firm to build more branches and create a network of certified partner companies. In business Schrack Technik Polska exercises all care to maintain the top standard of customer service and ensure constant availability of its products. As the Board President, Sławomir Grzebień, assures, the company’s sales representatives and product managers foster close co-operation with partner companies in order to respond to customer needs as quickly and effectively as possible. “Good relationships with our customers
Energy IndustrySchrack Technik Polska Księga1.indb 21
add to the partnership and co-operation on local markets throughout the country,” says Mr. Grzebień.
Build up the connecting competence
As a leader in providing systems related to protection, connection, lighting, installation, and distribution of low-voltage power, Schrack Technik Polska has to satisfy diversified needs of all its customers. Therefore, the company offers overall more than 25,000 products for different professionals such as investors, designers, architects, electricians, etc. The company’s unrivalled asset lies in the extensive logistical base in Europe. In Poland the manufacturer has a Logistics and Competence Centre located in Warsaw as well as modern warehouses in Poznań, Wrocław and Sosnowiec. In order to reach small electrical companies, Schrack came up with the idea of SCHRACK STORES which are currently under implementation in Kielce and Gdańsk. Schrack Store offers about 1000 products for power business, industry,
Manufacturing-Journal | 19 | 2010-02-12 12:19:41
building, security, cabling and lighting. Schrack Technik specializes in lowvoltage electrical devices, cabinets and switchboxes, switch systems of up to 4,000A, cabling, interphones and videointerphones, electromagnetic relays, electrical accessories, UPS power packs of up to 800 kVA and circuit breakers of up to 6300A. For example, Schrack UPS power packs range from 0,4kVA to 800kVa, which makes them suitable for both single computer workstations and power supply systems of the whole buildings. Made using interactive and on-line technologies, Schrack Technik cabling solutions ensure the highest quality and are available in copper and optical versions. Before departure from the manufacturing plant, all devices are thoroughly checked for their quality and compliance with international standards. These practices also contribute to Schrack Technik being perceived as a reliable manufacturer. To make customer satisfaction last longer, the company developed Schrack CAD software, which was designed specially for electrical designers. Compatible with AutoCAD environment, the application fully supports designers in their everyday work. It responds to their expectations, allowing for professional and effective creation of electrical diagrams and switchgear views. Schrack Technik managed not only to create unique products, but it also attracted customers to them, proving at the same time that it is a competent business partner. No matter how good a product may be, there would be no point internationalizing it if the quality has not been certified with a multinational norm. In recent years, testing procedures for ISO certification have shifted their focus very strongly on how organizations deal with customers, and the associated customer processes. Some of the major areas which are examined include: general customer communication, dealing with the tendering process in a structured manner, transparency in all areas within the company with direct or indirect customer contacts and dif-
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ferent layers of management. ISO certification is by no means a requirement. Many companies fail to meet this global standard, which often means they are excluded from bidding and priced out of the market in the long run. Schrack Technik Polska, which has ISO certification 9001:2000, treats it as both a reward and an obligation. The obligation, as the company declares, stemming from this certification is to ensure the transparent documentation of work processes and – in recognition of F. Nietzsche’s belief that “the strength lies in the quality” – to continuously improve such processes. Today, many renowned domestic and foreign entities, including BudimexDromex, bank BISE SA, Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Physical Education, Police stations in Warsaw, Hexal are among those that placed their trust in the Schrack Technik brand. Schrack products were used in multiple building projects. As the company claims, there are a few factors that had the influence on the status quo: a good selection of products for cost-efficient power systems, use of advanced technology and attractive offer which ensures the security and comfort. Among the most important investments in which the company was involved, Schrack Technik Polska names the headquarters of the Supreme Court, Marriott Hotel, IPC Business Center, Atrium Tower, multiplex Sadyba Best Mall, National Theatre in Warsaw, shopping centre “Kupiec Poznański”, Kinepolis in Poznań, Panorama Hotel, Cussons factory in Wrocław, city centers M1, supermarket chains Auchan and HIT, petrol stations Aral, BP, Shell, Statoil, Spodek in Katowice, shopping centre Malta in Poznań and many others..
Ties with customers
Since the creation of the company, Schrak Technik Polska has paid particular attention to strengthening relationships with customers. Apart from business meetings held for regular customers, the company gets involved in the local fairs in power engineering. While these popular events are a stepping-stone towards fostering business contacts and presenting the offer, they also help the company gather necessary information about the current needs and expectations in the market. Schrack Academy, training sessions launched three years ago and continued to date, enjoy great popularity too. Schrack customers can participate in lectures delivered by prominent Schrack experts who lend their expertise and experience to customers struggling with electrical engineering problems in their professional environment. One can also come across presentations of easy switchgear installation devices and systems, innovative solutions for investors, designers, contractors and other news brought to Polish market. Experts from the electrical engineering industry, who want to know more about Schrack Technik, are encouraged to read articles available on www.shrack.com. Using multimedia content one can find out more about the company’s history or technical specification of Schrack products. For more details readers are kindly asked to contact one of the subsidiaries in Poland.
Energy IndustrySchrack Technik Polska 2010-02-12 12:19:45
AR TI CL ES
FULL NAME: Noratel Sp. z o. o. PRESIDENT: Mariusz Kacprowski OPERATIONS: electrical engineering ESTABLISHED: 1993 EMPLOYEES: 250 REVENUE: monthly about 1mln EUR, per year about 13 mln EUR
www.noratel.pl
F
or more than eighty years Noratel has been producing transformers in one form or another. What started out as a local manufacturer of radios and loudspeaker systems, today is an international group comprising sixteen companies in twelve countries with almost three thousand employees altogether. The Noratel Group is proud to present one of Europe’s most comprehensive standard range on dry-insulated transformers and power-supplies. The wide product-range includes everything from small wound reactors to large three-phase power transformers. Written by Marcin Zimny
ny needed, first and foremost, more space to grow. At the beginning the enterprise had only one shop floor, whereas now it has three, which amount to a total of seven thousand square meters in surface area. Noratel also saw a shift in demand for certain products. The production of toroidal transformers and EI transformers would take the lead. Now it is three-phase transformers and reactors that enjoy the greatest popularity. Noratel provides many unique solutions geared towards customer needs. Popularization of products is a collective responsibility of entire Noratel Group. Not only in Europe has Noratel a well-established
WHEN PERFORMANCE COMES INTO PLAY
FACT BOX
position, but it is also recognized in Asia, America and Africa. The breakthrough came when Toroid International merged with Noratel Group in 2005, causing Noratel Sp. z o.o. to become part of the world’s biggest company in this line of business. As a result, the Polish enterprise achieved greater bargaining power in the eyes of suppliers. Since terms and conditions with suppliers are negotiated for all outlets worldwide on equal basis, the Polish subsidiary does not have to look for alternative suppliers. This makes it possible to ensure high quality of Noratel products each and every time. As a company’s representative says, Noratel
Zoom in on Poland
Located on the outskirts of Szczecin, the Polish subsidiary of Noratel is a leading manufacturer of low voltage transformers. Although it was formed in 1993 under the name of Dansel Transformator Sp. z o.o., since 1999 the official business name has been Noratel Sp. z o.o. (limited liability company). In the early days the company produced transformers using documentation provided by customers, but it was not long before it spread its wings, starting independent production and sales both in Poland and abroad. Along with the whole Noratel Group, the Polish branch managed to increase production rates. Raised productivity entailed organizational changes. The compa-
Energy IndustryNoratel Księga1.indb 23
Manufacturing-Journal | 21 | 2010-02-12 12:19:46
is primarily attentive to providing high quality, but the quality is here taken to mean not only the quality of a product, but a number of factors which contribute to customer satisfaction. Prompt deliveries, reliable customer service or 100 percent product tests found themselves among such factors in the first place. Those and many other qualities are perceived by customers as confidencebuilding, therefore the Polish establishment wants to keep the reliability intact and make further improvements so that products would always meet the customers’ requirements. In other words, a general policy of Noratel Sp. z o.o. is driven by performance-oriented actions.
ble price, professional service, flexibility, experience, customer-orientedness – these are more prominent values which should attract customers to Noratel, the company’s representative told Manufacturing Journal. More than 100 winding machines, computer-controlled devices and lots of other equipment would be next to useless if it had not been for people working with Noratel. Employees, most of whom are employed from establishment of the Polish subsidiary, are considered to be a core of the company. Trained and experienced staff members form a close-knit community in which difficult situations trigger a collective response. A team of 250 people, including 215 blue-collar and 35 white-collar workers, builds up a professional environment of Noratel Poland. Moreover, the enterprise favours the idea of working flexible hours, an incentive for those willing to combine work with academic development. On the other hand, thanks to numerous in-house training programmes, the company propagates lean management and green issues. For example, the company’s environmental policy is already deeply ingrained in every employee of Noratel. The result is
self-explanatory: following a period of long preparation and implementation of environmental rules and principles, the Polish branch received ISO 14001 certification. According to the company, it was successful in its efforts at obtaining ISO certificate owing to joint efforts of the whole team The firm implemented waste segregation practices and adopted a “do-it-well-for-the-firsttime” approach. Besides, Noratel saves power by using solar energy and reduces the consumption of paper by propagating electronic data storage, and printing only documents that have to be stored in paper format for legal purposes. What’s more, sales department employees take part in various training courses which are aimed to adjust sales and negotiation methods to economic circumstances, whereas business administration workers show a lot of independence in their day-to-day work. The firm places emphasis on developing individual problem-solving skills and a sense of membership. In general, Noratel is a considerate employer whose efforts are appreciated by workers. And low personnel fluctuation is the best evidence for these claims. Although Noratel Po-
Get to know them from the inside
First of all, Noratel can boast a wide array of so-called standard products. The offer of the Polish branch includes 280 types of transformers and many others available from stock or with short production and delivery time. It seems to be a very competitive policy, as the continuous availability of products sounds like a value added to high quality. But this is only 30 percent of the whole output. The most important is co-operation with the world’s biggest companies such as Siemens, ABB, Rolls Royce, Nibe or Rockwell Automation for whom Noratel provides sophisticated constructions which require an immense amount of knowledge and experience as well as attention to details. And though the economic crisis hindered sales at the turn of the year, the company, cautiously optimistic about the future, is planning to continue winning streak in its expansion to new markets. High quality at an afforda-
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Energy IndustryNoratel 2010-02-12 12:19:48
land can speak of a success in electrical industry, the company’s ambitions revolve around the widespread recognition in Poland and in neighbouring countries. As the firm’s representative reveals, participation in both domestic and foreign trade fairs and shows will pave the way for international popularity of the brand, so present business activities are also dominated by promotional campaigns. As for global success, the Polish subsidiary wants mainly to maintain high service standards. When doing business with different companies from different industries, Noratel has to be appealing in many ways, so ISO 14001 is an important certification attesting to compliance with international environmental standards.
Achievements
To begin with, a history lesson may come in handy. The Scandinavian origins of the company entail good traditions and business standards. It means that Noratel draws upon experiences of top market players. Then comes hard work and effort of the people involved in creating the image of Noratel during all years.
In the past couple of years the company increased its production capacity by 300 percent, built two manufacturing plants, employed new people, modernized machines and purchased state-ofthe-art test equipment. The period of investment is not finished yet. On the contrary, the enterprise is undergoing a rapid development. This year Noratel was audited for compliance with environ-
production, Noratel openly admits that a range of products available on the manufacturer’s official website (www.noratel.pl) is merely a demonstration of production capabilities; as the company puts it, they can manufacture virtually everything for the low voltage sector. All in all, clear goals and a clear-cut policy to achieve them makes Noratel not only an ambitious producer, but also
mental management system ISO 14001: 2004 and quality management system ISO 9001: 2008 (ISO 9001:2000 received in 2003). Most products received also national safety certificates such as B, UL, Nemko, Fimko, Semko, Demko, VDE. All products classified as standard have the CE marking and trade authorization. Noratel is highly appreciated by key customers who regularly award it with titles like “Supplier of the Year” or similar competence awards. When it comes to the
a reliable partner in business that combines high quality and professionalism with customer-orientedness. Noratel Sp. z o.o. wants to thank all customers and partners for co-operation and trust in the Noratel brand. We hope you found reading this article informative and interesting. Anyone interested in the purchase of transformers and reactors is encouraged to contact Noratel Sp. z o.o. for more information.
Energy IndustryNoratel Księga1.indb 25
Manufacturing-Journal | 23 | 2010-02-12 12:19:51
AR TI CL ES
FIRM SUPPORT FOR ENERGY INDUSTRY
FACT BOX FULL NAME: NOVAR Sp. z o.o. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Anna Kocikowska BOARD MEMBER: TomaszSztąpka BOARD MEMBER: Jan Klementowicz OPERATIONS: Steel constructions ESTABLISHED: 14.03.1988 EMPLOYEES: 160
www.novar.pl
From left: Jan Klementowicz - Member of the board; Anna Kocikowska - Chairman of the board; Tomasz Sztąpka - Member of the board;
N
ovar Sp. Z o. o. (Ltd) located in Gliwice, Poland, specializes in manufacturing regenerative heat exchangers, heat treating baskets, air-exhaust channels and steel constructions. Acting as a subcontractor, the company owes its dominant position on the market as well as access to state-of-the-art technologies to the strategic business partner ALSTOM Power Energy Recovery Gmbh. The president of Novar, Mrs. Anna Kocikowska has told us about the inception of the business, first achievements, offer, principles, mission and workforce. Written by Bartosz Sowiński
How it all Came about
In 1988, when Novar came into existence, their founders decided to give a go towards housing construction and technical infrastructure. Nonetheless, the company’s history began for good 4 years later. It is the current management board who, having purchased the shares in 1992, turned over a new leaf
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and ventured to systematically broaden the scope of activity. That is how Mrs. Kocikowska recollects the take over and first steps of a new enterprise: “The three members of the board (the construction engineer, the mechanical engineer and the economist) united their expertise, experience, commitment and drive towards success, and laid the foundations for the enterprise. Since then year after year we have been gathering people ready and raring to develop our business.” At that time the firm dealt in the sales of debt, coal and steelwork products. Before long it acquired funds which made it possible to purchase equipment essential to embark upon servicing and renovation of heavy industry. Thus, it launched anticorrosion works for steel constructions as well as renovations of chimneys, railway and mining wagons and transmission gears for railway engines. Not content with mere services, the management decided to launch manufacturing of steel constructions. “Acting within the field of liability turnovers, adds Mrs. Kocikowska, we were able to take materials from debtor steelworks, which initially being put on sale soon was converted into a basis for production.” Consequently, the firm became to be able to perform such contracts as: technological lines for mineral wool manufacturing for Gullfiber Polska, constructions for Mini-Mal supermarkets in Gliwice, Racibórz, Tarnowskie Góry; industrial chimneys for
the hospital in Toszek, the rolling mill in Łabędy, NITRON factory in Krupski Młyn, INDUKT plant in Bielsko-Biała and ZPO Pudliszki, the last of which was awarded a title of “Złoty Instalator” (“Golden Installer”) for the general contractor.
Golden Opportunity
Nonetheless, not until 1998 could people in Novar wait for truly lucrative deals. It is then that a defining moment for the further business came about. For the first time the company’s headquarters were visited by the representatives of ALSTOM Power Energy Recovery (ABB back then), a leading designer and fabricator of high temperature and special design heat exchangers. The visit resulted in first contracts for manufacturing small trial heat treating basket components, first insulation boards and spare parts. As the company completed the task spotlessly, ALSTOM put Novar on the list of qualified suppliers. Only due to punctuality, high production standards and competitive price could the company could earn trust of such a demanding business partner. Since that time the firm has implemented a dozen of state-of-the-art heat equipment component production technologies and, therefore, has grasped the opportunity to turn out comprehensive heat gears such as revolving regenerative air and exhaust heaters. Going back to those days, Mrs. Kocikowska points
Energy IndustryNovar 2010-02-12 12:19:52
in: “Owing to relentless renovation and repairs, persistent investment in equipment, new liaison and innovative standards we managed to double our personnel and lend a new lease of life to a relic of a bygone era – the decrepit and looted factory floors that we bought on 26th April 2005.” Suffice to say it is to these rock-solid foundations that the company was able to face an avalanche of contracts which took place in next 2 years. Thus, Novar achieved a status of the largest producer of revolving heat exchangers in Europe. Amazingly enough, the production being tripled made the firm seek for its own subcontractors.
Today and Tomorrow
out that it proved a watershed time for her venture: “Since then the list of secured contracts has extended rapidly and so has our journey into the future. Since then our prosperity, our work, our business and our development have become affiliated with ALSTOM and global energy industry.” Hence Novar obtained their foreign partners’ license to utilize such innovative solutions as: revolving heat exchangers of a diameter up to 22m and the rolling production line leased from ALSTOM Power.
Rock Solid Foundations
The strategic partnership being thus secured, the company could system-
atically consolidate its position on the market. Step by step it won new tenders, too. And so in 2001 first revolving heat exchangers fabricated by Novar were exported to Germany, Iraq and Cyprus. Nevertheless, there was a major challenge still to be tackled, namely the establishment of new headquarters, which would exert a positive impact on work conditions along with the quality and efficiency of production. Finally, the firm selected a suitable location in the factory floors of a space exceeding 15,000 sqm on ul. Towarowa in Gliwice. Mrs. Anna Kocikowska vividly recounts the original condition of the property, and the hard work that the staff and management were about to be involved
The condition of the business was so excellent that even such major challenges as the slump of EURO exchange rate, did not affect it. Due to the improvements in supervision, procedures, employment and the organisation of labour Novar avoided perils which made many Polish exporters go under. The rate of employment and annual sales, amounting to 160 people and 11,650,000 EURO respectively, prove a case in point. The president as well as members of the board are not going to rest on their laurels, however. Currently, they are introducing such up-to-the-minute innovations as electronic management system ERP/B2B co-funded by EU.. “We have already fulfilled the first objective,” sums up the President, “the plant is centrally heated, the next steps are as follows: the implementation of ERP/B2B system and then energetic attestation, thermal insulation of the premises, carriageways within the factory, car parks for our fleet and rearrangement of space.”
Reliable Products and Services
“A good subcontractor,” declares Mrs. Kocikowska, “completes tasks reliably, comprehensively and on time.” Present on the market for more than 20 years, Novar has gained good reputation. This fact is further supported by the trust on the part of the strategic partners from ALSTOM, for whom the company renders a series of services regarding Ljungström (LUVO,GAVO) comprehensive regenerative heat exchangers, heat treating baskets of various types, air-exhaust channels, steel constructions and spare parts. More than 30,000 heat treating baskets turned out there is working
Energy IndustryNovar Księga1.indb 27
Manufacturing-Journal | 25 | 2010-02-12 12:19:53
without a breakdown in energy plant installations all over the world. They are fabricated on the manufacturing line being itself a warranty of extreme global processing standards, innovative technologies as well as top notch quality and competitive product. The baskets are customized to clients requirements, too. According to delivered designs Novar also provides tailor-made steel chimneys for industrial coal, gas and oil boiler houses as well as steel constructions such as: factory floors, market floors, covered markets, footbridges, catwalks, roofs, roots for the transmission of energetic media, technological equipment, sewage treatment plant components, gas station constructions, non-pressure containers, silos for loose materials.
Proud of Quality
Asked about the principles governing the business, Mrs. Kocikowska declares: „We take pride in our work and, therefore, as we do not want to bring shame on products, quality is our topmost priority.” All the goods and services with the Novar trademark comply with the standards of Quality Management System ISO 9001:2000. Many staff members boast credentials certified by diplomas – welders hold SLV qualifications whereas engineers claim such titles as International Welding Engineer and European Quality Inspector. The company has also obtained a title of “Jakość Roku 2008” (Quality of the Year 2008”). It has also finished 2nd in the region and 42nd in Poland in the prestigious organised year after year “Gazela Biznesu” (“Business Gazelle”) competition. This year Novar has been honoured with “Statuetka Midasa” (“Midas Statuette”) granted for efficiency and rapid growth by Bank Spółdzielczy w Gliwicach (Cooperative Bank in Gliwice).
Environmental Mission
“Our mission remains crystal clear,” declares Anna Kocikowska, “it is global ecology. We export our products to energy plants all over the world (apart from USA, Australia and former USSR republics) and hence make it possible to reduce heat and exhaust emissions as well as improve the efficiency of the boilers there.” The mission is not restricted to mere products, however, as the company have also launched tweaks and innovations for production as such, including segregation of after-processing waste and recycling of office equipment. The uppermost pri-
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ority at the moment is to reduce heat emissions caused by draughty production area. Preparing the firm for thermal attestation, Mrs. Kocikowska hopes it will improve its premises both ecologically and economically. “Most certainly, the investment will let us kill two birds with one stone” she adds, “we will reduce our impact on the environment and improve on efficiency (less gas used for heating will cut costs, after all).”
Steady Employment
Mrs. Kocikowska wants Novar to be recognised as a trustworthy employer. She also knows that it is steady employment that makes workers happy on the job. It was not an easy task to assemble staff of 160 people on day to day basis, as the insecure situation on the job market triggered off the personnel rotation of up to 20%. Those who remained faithful to the business have no regrets. In exchange for hard and dedicated work they may count on secure jobs, competitive rates of pay and company’s support. The transparent human resources policy rests heavily on a few basic principles. “Firstly, we have respect for our employees,” specifies Mrs. Kocikowska, “secondly, we also guarantee an education and training programmes and, thirdly, we value their efforts and do our best to make them noticeable outside the company. Only this year 12 workers of ours were honoured with Ordery Im. Kazimierza Wielkiego (King Kazimierz Wielki Orders) given by Konfederacja Budownictwa I Nieruchomości (Construction and
Property Confederation).” The company is keen to create a friendly atmosphere among the workers. Their children may count on Christmas gifts as well as winter and summer events. It has become a tradition in Novar to meet with the personnel every October as well as to organise Christmas parties such as the one that took place last year celebrating the 20th anniversary of the business and gathering employees, subcontractors and the strategic partners from Germany. The meeting proved that if you only firmly believe, one day your dreams may come true. The company has achieved a notable success due to deep conviction of the management board as well as to the outstanding accomplishments of a massive group of people, including those working for Alstom, Novar and further subcontractors.
Energy IndustryNovar 2010-02-12 12:19:55
FULL NAME: Zakład Usługowo Produkcyjny EMITER Sp. jawna, Stanisław Bieda, Piotr Lis OWNERS: Stanisław Bieda, Piotr Lis OPERATIONS: Energy Industry ESTABLISHED: 1992 EMPLOYEES: 250
www.emiter.com
E
MITER, Manufacturing and Service Company located in Limanowa, southern Poland, enjoys importance among heavyweight players on the market of producers and retailers of electric junctions and switchgears in cabinets made of thermosetting material. The company makes a provider of comprehensive solutions to the consumers in electric industry: individual designers and installers as well as energy plants. It fulfils its role catering to customer demand for innovations superior to those of competitors.
Origins
When Mr Stanisław Bieda and Mr Piotr Lis set up EMITER in Łososina Górna in 1992, domestic capital represented 100 % of shareholders and so it continues today. Nevertheless, in the meantime, trying to meet the requirements of free market economy, the company modified its legal profile twice. In 1998 the business was registered as the Civil Code regulated partnership (spółka cywilna), converted next into general partnership (spółka jawna) in 2001. In January 2008 the main headquarters were moved to Limanowa, to the modern office, assembly, production and storage complex taking up the space of 4.500 sqm.
Growth
Whereas the main production plant and storage is located in Pisarzowa, EMITER has also an assembly floor in Łososina Górna. In order to enhance logistics and punctual delivery to customers from central and northern Poland the company launched its branch in Łódź and next moved it to Zgierz in 2003. It comprises trade office and assembly rooms with total space of 4.000 sqm. As far as quality is concerned EMITER is not going to rest on its laurels. And it is all in order to fulfil the company’s objective, that is, to earn trust of customers and satisfy their needs. Thus, the business makes use of quality management systems. In 2001 and 2003 it obtained certificates of ISO 9001 and 9002.
Scope
Being present on the domestic market for all these years, EMITER has gained experience sufficient enough to satisfy international clientele. Since 1999 the company has been expanding its production for business partners from abroad. It is recognized as a supplier and manufacturer in the countries such as: Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, Norway, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia. Having established its branch, EMITER
Energy IndustryEmiter Księga1.indb 29
AN ELECTRIFYING EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS
FACT BOX
GmbH, the enterprise has also entered the race for customers on the German market. As a competitor whose impact has been acknowledged by the industry the company hires above 250 highly qualified specialists. It broadens its offer, establishes liaison and develops the network of distribution every year.
Products
Thus, the company has enjoyed success and become one of the leaders in the field. It all goes to show that initial venture into electric industry was a good choice on the part of its founders. Since day one EMITER has concentrated upon designing and manufacturing electric junctions and switchgears in cabinets made of thermosetting material. Red colour and characteristic font of the logo make it easier for customers to tell between EMITER appliances and those of competitors. As regards services the company offers extended warranty of the product and free of charge counselling. Initially, the enterprise manufactured cabinets made of metal and laminated material. Nevertheless, in 1997 owing to rapidly growing demand and the need for being in tune with European standards the company introduced a new raw material – glass fibre reinforced polyester. Surprisingly enough, after a few years of dynamic development which entailed prosperity and confidence the management decided to give
Manufacturing-Journal | 27 | 2010-02-12 12:19:56
agement in the firm has acquired the skill not only in understanding the customer’s needs but also in anticipating it.
The importance of
customer service
yet another go to some of the items that it had ceased to fabricate. Having carefully considered market trends of the day, it chose to phase in metal cabinets again.
Clientele
The management of EMITER brings in technological innovations with a view to being recognised and acknowledged by ever so growing number of customers. In order to fulfil their needs the company takes particular care to hire experienced staff. It has built a modern machine park and developed automatic painting line, too. Due to ground-breaking technology and human resources put to use EMITER brand has won acclaim among such disparate branches of modern economy as: power engineering and power industry, telecommunication, cable television, sewage – treatment plants and water purification plants and, last but not least, building industry. Moreover, the company’s carefully thought-out pricing policy attempts to strengthen its bonds with already existing clientele. Thus, EMITER has introduced discounts and reductions for regular customers and those purchasers who are loyal, reliable and pay bills on time. It has done so with the aim of developing and maintaining ties with customers who have confidence in the brand. The company provides comprehensive solutions for the clientele ranging from individual buyers to institutional and corporate customers. Individual buyers (installers and designers among others) constitute the market segment that contributes
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mostly to EMITER sales income and revenue. On the other hand, the group of corporate clients (electric businesses and plants), although exerting less influence, is increasing steadily. Furthermore, it is by means of institutional purchasers that the company is going to consolidate its position. The plan so devised bears it out perfectly that the business is aware of the fact that in the era of fierce global competition the survival and further growth remain impossible without cooperation and contracts with large and significant corporate clients.
EMITER prides on the supreme level of customer satisfaction. In the firm it is Sales Department that looks after customer service. They make and maintain further contact with the buyer as well as cater to his needs. These guys are being lent a hand by Marketing Department who take care to communicate efficiently with the purchaser. The job is being performed by sales representatives through direct and indirect marketing channels (phone, fax, e-mail). Staff responsible for initial contact boast expertise in products and services on offer and, therefore, know how to professionally attend to the client. Salespeople in the firm are hard-working, dedicated and communicative. It goes without saying that they speak foreign languages. The performance of EMITER customer service personnel shows clearly that the company employs energetic and creative young people. Being capable of analytic thinking, they find vocation in solving the problems of buyers as well as in predicting their needs.
Strategy – to see into the future
Despite the fact that there are at least a dozen of competitors in the industry, EMITER has always made a leader in terms of efficiency and management. Being a part of bloodthirsty market economy the firm would not make its mark had it not been for a smart business plan and long term strategy. These in turn consist in maintaining the supreme quality of the product. In addition, the business has gained advantage over other brands and earned customer trust because it did not hesitate to invest into human resources or phase in new products and technology. As the website of EMITER has it, its aim and mission are based upon “understanding the capabilities and needs of clientele and bringing forward competitive solutions and best products suitable to demands of customers.” The mission formulated thus has proven crucial to success as the man-
Energy IndustryEmiter 2010-02-12 12:19:58
Vital feedback
The clients are served under a watchful guidance of qualified management who find it crucial to foresee market trends and research customer satisfaction by means of suitable survey and relevant data thus gathered. The sources of necessary information are as follows: web portals, articles in the press, direct contact with the buyer as well as active participation in trade shows and exhibitions. EMITER also examines the level of customer satisfaction by means of feedback forms and reference letters. The questionnaires are sent to either randomly or deliberately chosen buyers. They are distributed at least once a year, usually in the third quarter, among 60 % of the clientele. In addition, the firm learns to recognise their demand using various reports regarding trade inspections and product presentations.
Direct marketing
EMITER runs advertising campaign through the following channels: trade shows and exhibitions (International Trade Show EXPOPOWER Poznań 2005, International Trade Show ENERGETAB Bielsko-Biała 2005 among others), press advertising, regularly updated website (http://www.emiter.com/ pl/), billboards, posters, leaflets, catalogues, promotional pens and business cards. Nonetheless, the company finds
it equally vital to make direct contact with the client through the network of sales representatives providing catalogues and professional counselling.
Public relations
EMITER appreciates the value of public opinion, too. That is why the company pays particular attention to its positive image and contacts with community of Limanowa. Moreover, the firm is happy to support sport and culture in the region. Doing so, it aims to make its pres-
Energy IndustryEmiter Księga1.indb 31
ence felt in the neighbourhood Hard to measure though they are, the effects of this policy present themselves as nonetheless considerable .Thus, the company has drawn the attention of prospective enhanced its prestige and, finally, sparked off the circulation of information about its products and services. The reader may draw the conclusion for himself. In the age of mass media, Internet and global economy it is still possible and worthwhile to strengthen the ties with the community your workers belong to.
Manufacturing-Journal | 29 | 2010-02-12 12:19:59
AR TI CL ES
ON TIME AND PROFESSIONAL
FACT BOX
www.igloocar.com.pl
I
GLOOCAR is a producer of special purpose truck bodies for food stuff products carriage. Truck bodies manufactured by IGLOOCAR are designed by teams of experienced engineers in cooperation with research institutes of various universities as well as reputed companies from Germany, Italy and France. Cooling, isothermic, refrigerated, wagon and drink carriage as well as distribution bodies are mounted on all brands and chassis types, trailers and bodies. Tradition, experience and reliability make the company a trustworthy partner for completing special truck bodies for transporting food stuffs or other products requiring stable and regulated temperatures. Written by Aleksandra Strojek
30+ years of history
The beginnings of the company date back to 1975 when the structure of the former Igloopol plant in Dębica, in the southern part of Poland, was extended by mechanical works producing first refrigerating bodies. The works paved the way for a separate, state-owned company, which was established in 1992. In 1999 and 2003 the enterprise witnessed further legal transformations. Since 2003 it has been operating as a private company, whose sole shareholder is PODLASIE S.A., a company headquartered in Łuków. IGLOOCAR is then a company, which successfully
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managed to go through the stormy times of economic and political transition in Poland and adapted to the realities of the free market. What helped to continue the tradition of the company in new market surrounding, were incessant development and improvement of production processes, introduction of technical and technological innovations as well as participation in a number of research projects. Another important factor was that personnel is constituted of people who have been working at the company for a number of years and are not afraid of new challenges. One of the them was undoubtedly to organize the company from the very start without losing the good reputation of the products, yet giving it solid economic basis for further development.
Core business
Since the establishment of the company its core business has been production of refrigerating car bodies (refrigerated truck bodies, isothermic truck bodies, box van bodies, freezing bodies, truck bodies for drinks distribution) and specialist car bodies, semi-trailers, trailers as well as their servicing and repairs. The main customers are domestic companies, dealers of European car concerns as well as enterprises active in foodstuff as well as beer industry. A new group of clients are leasing companies and firms renting specialist vehicles.
Next to that, the company perceives a growing interest coming from foreign customers. What helped to gain the acknowledgment of the clientele was best quality of the products as well as strong customer orientation. IGLOOCAR possesses all certificates required by foreign and domestic regulations, including standards of the ATP agreement. Furthermore, the kind, type, parameters and special truck completion is performed on the basis of the needs and requirements of the customers. Due to that, the customers receive solutions optimal for their transport system.
Other services
The offer of IGLOOCAR includes not only manufacturing of special purpose bodies for food stuff products carriage. The customers may rest assured that all the servicing can be also conducted at IGLOOCAR. What is more, other services of the company are: • •
• • •
adapting chambers, equipping with shelves, partitions, hooks, chamber modernisation - refrigerating and heating units, damp boards, side doors, windows and special equipment installing, damaged truck repairs, peening of steel elements, neutral gas welding of metal plates and chromo nickel, aluminum and steel elements,
Automotive IndustryIgloocar 2010-02-12 12:20:00
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Księga1.indb 33
tel 1: 0048 12 4337115 tel 2: 0048 12 4337065 tel 3: 0048 12 4337066 fax: 0048 12 4337116
2010-02-12 12:20:04
• • •
manufacturing of insulating panels of polyurethane in paper shields of various thickness, insulating - foaming the polyurethane in doors, walls, floors, etc., other services as cutting, bending, turning and milling.
It is worth mentioning that as a manufacturer of truck bodies IGLOOCAR has easy access to original materials and parts. It allows for quick, professional and on time repairs. Next to that, any repairs of truck bodies are performed using the latest technology in accordance to procedures confirmed by the ISO 9001 certificate.
Tailor-made
IGLOOCAR continually increases technical and organizational possibilities of car bodies production. They are adapted to the special prerequisites of the customers, i.e. manufactured in all types and sizes as well as on all chassis brands. The enterprise is also able to perform even the most complicated repairs of car bodies, no matter which producer they come from. The clients can expect professional consulting on technical solutions suiting their goals and needs in the best way. The company is also known as a reliable business partner successfully competing with its western European counterparts and offering a wide spectrum of top quality products available at reasonable prices. What is more, the products delivered by IGLOOCAR guarantee their users many years of non problematic exploitation without the necessity of frequent repairs. In fact, the high quality standards are confirmed by the ISO 9001:2001 certificate awarded by the Polish Centre for Testing and Certification in Warsaw. The certificate is a proof that all processes – designing, production and sale of cooling and special purpose bodies as well as their servicing and repairs – are systematically brought to perfection and they work effectively, successfully as well as according to top grade world standards. The high quality focus and dynamic development figures of IGLOOCAR have been perceived by a number of other certifying bodies. The enterprise is for example a laureate of Gazele Businesu (Business Gazelles), a competition organized by a prestigious Polish daily Puls Biznesu. It honours dynamically developing companies representing SME sector. Other distinctions came from Gazeta Prawna or a local newspaper Nowiny.
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Strategic potential
The future of the company lies in strong technical, organizational, economic as well as personnel basis. As far as technical potential is concerned, the equipment of the company assures high quality of manufactures together with the possibility of further production increase and offer extension. What is also important are: creativity in designing and constructing the solutions, many years of experience in using various production methods, incessant improvement of manufacturing processes as well as regular introduction of technical and technological innovations. The organizational competitive advantage is among others connected with: flat organizational structure, a set of written procedures, clear specification of competences and responsibilities on each managerial position as well as resultsoriented work system. The economic potential derives from the measurability of goals, regular results’ registration and analysis, low level of fixed costs, the possibility of adapting cost level to production fluctuations as well as the interrelationship between financial bonuses paid to the employees and individual
Automotive IndustryIgloocar 2010-02-12 12:20:10
operational results achieved by each of them. Last but not least, the future of the company is strongly connected with its human capital. The personnel of IGLOOCAR constitutes an experienced team enriched by new employees’ inflow. The satisfaction of the employees is monitored on a regular basis. This – combined with a clear compensation system – results in low turnover figures. The employees are also given the possibility of presenting their initiatives or remarks through an Intranet system. Lots is done in order to satisfy IGLOOCAR’s employees. First and foremost, achievements of an individual employee are always appreciated and honoured with financial bonuses, which frequently are much higher than the base pay. The mechanism of pay growth depends on inflation dynamics as well as average pay growth in the national economy. Except for that, social privileges such as cultural and sport events, housing loans or excursions are delivered to the personnel.
mulated and measurable, operational goals. A certain growth in production capacity and sales is determined every year for every organizational unit. What it imposes simultaneously are cost discipline, specific quality indicators or promotion of certain product groups. In the budgeting process both desired as well as critical results are presented. Each of the employees is also aware of goals that have to be achieved on an everyday basis. They include: maintaining and strengthening the leader position on the domestic market of car bodies, increasing the number of satisfied and loyal customers as well as looking after the high reputation of IGLOOCAR brand. As far as some strategic priorities for the nearest future are concerned, the company intends to expand the sales structures in Poland and search for long-term cooperation possibilities with business partners from abroad.
Goals for now and the
Market changes
nearest future
Undoubtedly, what helps the company on its road to success are specifically for-
The last few years have been a very dynamic time for the market that IGLOOCAR represents. Due to enormous
Automotive IndustryIgloocar Księga1.indb 35
demand for transport vehicles a number of new companies entered the market. Most probably, the sudden growth in the number of market players will be leveled by the current economic crisis – since the end of 2008 the demand for new cars has been slowing down. The companies which will overcome the slowdown, are those which have been acquainted with doing business in challenging and unfavourable business surrounding. Without doubt, one of them is IGLOOCAR.
Manufacturing-Journal | 33 | 2010-02-12 12:20:13
Producent Opakowań Tekturowych
At present, POPRAWA Cardboard Production Factory is the unquestionable leader in manufacturing the corrugated cardboard packaging, in particular the large-size packaging. This top rank is the effect of introducing the modern equipment park, providing the top-quality customer service with the safety guarantee and comfort of conducting services. POPRAWA presents a very high European production level.
The business activity conducted by POPRAWA resulted in numerous positive opinions. The factory was awarded a prestigious prize granted by the National Labour Inspectorate in the nationwide competition called: ”Employer – the Safe Work Organizer”, “Puls Biznesu” daily granted a prestigious award “Gazela Biznesu” for ”the dynamic development and achieving the significant market position in Poland”. In addition to this, the jury of the National Economic – Self-government Competition awarded the HIT Statue for the dynamic development of POPRAWA in the category “Organization and Management”.
POPRAWA Producent Opakowań Tekturowych | 63 – 507 Kobyla Góra | ul. Wojska Polskiego 28 tel. +48 62 731 61 86 | fax +48 62 731 63 16 | www.poprawa.pl | e-mail: biuro@poprawa.pl
Business PL
We will surprise you !!! info@businesspl.com
| 34 | Manufacturing-Journal Księga1.indb 36
www.businesspl.com
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław 2010-02-12 12:20:16
AR TI CL ES
FULL NAME: LG Electronics Wrocław Sp. z o.o. PRESIDENT: Jun Myeon Seong OPERATIONS: Production (TV, Refrigerators) ESTABLISHED: 2006 EMPLOYEES: 1800
www.lge.pl
T
h o u g h based in the small Polish village of Biskupice Podgórne near Wrocław for a short time, the President Korean giant LG Jun-Myeon Seong Electronics easily found its feet to business environment of the Wrocław region. Following the signing of the investment agreement in January 2006, it didn’t take long for the producer to launch the assembly line in yet another LG manufacturing plant located in Poland. LG Electronics Wrocław currently takes the lead in manufacturing ultrathin LED monitors and high quality refrigerators, thus contributing to the promotion of the LG brand worldwide. Written by Marcin Zimny
Innovation through human potential
The orientation towards being a innovative producer of computer equipment and household appliances is, in broad terms, a widely recognized policy of LG Electronics. Based on the principles centred around people, the general business approach accounts for such values as good and efficient information flow between different layers of the company, e.g. directors, managers, staff. As Mr Jun Myeon Seong, President
of LG Electronics Wrocław, emphasizes, this kind of policy is geared towards the problem recognition. “If we know nothing about the problem, it’s hard to speak of any improvement. Smugness is the biggest enemy of efficient management, but focusing on the goal helps to move mountains.” This adage, together with the story about a Chinese warrior who stayed so focused on shooting an arrow that it easily went through a rock, can be found in both the President’s office and corridor. The company’s management appears to be setting an excellent example to follow by all employees. When asked about the ramifications of the economic crisis, Mr Seong pointed out that recession could be taken as a challenge, which for such flexible company as LG, was not very difficult to face. The remedy is not beyond reach: if you are be able to respond to the customers’ needs accurately, there is no need to lay off people. What’s more, LG Electronics Wrocław perceives its employees as the greatest value, therefore it doesn’t even think of employment or salary reduction even as a measure of last resort, not to mention social benefits, which are here-to-stay bonuses for hard work. As the F1 advertising slogan sponsored by LG goes, “technology without people means nothing”. It’s taken very seriously and put into practice in the company’s day-to-day business. For instance, a lot of emphasis is being placed on family atmosphere, though the task is not so
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław Księga1.indb 37
TECHNOLOGY IN ITSELF IS NOWHERE NEAR AS VALUABLE AS THE PEOPLE
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Manufacturing-Journal | 35 | 2010-02-12 12:20:19
BMC Sp. z o.o. is a transport and forwarding company. Our speciality is FTL in the European Union, Russia and Turkey. Years of experience in cooperation with international customers gave us reliable experience which we are transferring into the quality of the service of our customers.
Precisely on time and in place
Fan Logic s.j. Ul. Wrocławska 113 58-306 Wałbrzych, Poland Phone: +48 74 666 55 22 Fax: +48 74 666 55 24 e-mail: biuro@fanlogic.eu
www.fanlogic.eu
FanLogic is a transport-forwarding company with over 10-year tradition, situated close to all Lower Silesia economic zones. For many years such a location allows us to respond quickly to the needs of our Clients operating in these zones. We perform professional services in scope: • transport of persons: employees and business guests • goods transport: express to 1.5 t and regular to 24 t • warehouse services up to 700 palette places along with IT service
www.bmc.pl A BMC company is a solidity and a safety. Our high quality standards were appreciated by international concerns among others from the electronic and construction industry. For supporting our professionalism repeatedly we were favoured by trade entities. You are searching for solid transport and forwarding company? References can be found on our website.
BMC | ul. Dąbrowskiego 7 | 42-200 Częstochowa | POLAND Tel. +48 34 360 66 65 | Fax. +48 34 360 62 43
INEOS NOVA is committed to being recognized as the global leader in styrenics. Our employees manufacture and market styrene and styrenic polymers with a dedicated focus on health, safety, security and environmental stewardship. Styrene (SM) Polystyrene (PS) Expandable Polystrene (EPS) INEOS NOVA International SA | Avenue de la Gare 14 | CH-1700 Fribourg Switzerland T +41 26 426 5656 | F +41 26 426 5657 | www.ineos-nova.com
ITF Polska Sp. z o.o. ul. 11 Listopada 90 05-092 Łomianki POLAND tel. +48 22 427 56 97 fax. +48 22 751 43 71 mobile 24H +48 509 69 69 77 www.itf-transport.com info@itf-transport.com
Your gateway to the Baltic and beyond Multipurpose terminals Seaport closest to Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Bratislava and Budapest Multimodal junction ideally located at the crossroad of transport routes from Scandinavia to the south and from the east to the west Modern equipment, continuous investments, experienced staff We reload all types of cargo, including containerized, general, heavy loads, break-bulk, bulk cargo
DB Port Szczecin Sp. z o. o. Bytomska 14 70-603 Szczecin, Poland Secretariat: Tel.: +48 (91) 4308 777 Fax: +48 (91) 4624 779 sekretariat@dbport.pl
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ITF Poland providing international transport services in entire Europe using mainly own transporting fleet, as well as services of checked subcontractors, having an essential equipment for the service of every type of goods. Our offer: FTL Transport and Forwarding in European countries, FTL Transport and Forwarding on Polish market, Transports of specialist goods, as well as the transport of oversized and overload cargo, Organization of transports in the system door-to-door : • FTL cargo, • Oversized cargo, • Dangerous materials (ADR) Assistance in the preparation of commercial documents, forwarding, shipping and customs, Information on the transport phase process and the current location of the cargo on the route (full fleet is equipped with a GPS positioning system).
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław 2010-02-12 12:20:22
„GOLDEN” International Transport and Forwarding International Transport and Forwarding “GOLDEN” has a long tradition in shipping and freight forwarding. Our offer is the highest quality service constantly tailored to suit your needs. Many years of experience, stable position in the transport and shipping business and professional service are attributes which give our customers a guarantee of reliability of the company, safety of the cargo, due timing of deliveries and the highest quality of execution of each order. Our company has at its disposal 60 modern sets VOLVO and SCANIA road tractors. We have the standard semi-trailer, refrigerated semi-trailers, and with increased volume. The „GOLDEN” International Transport and Shipping Company offers transport and international shipping service all over Europe. „GOLDEN” Transport Międzynarodowy i Spedycja ul. Ossowskiego 60 46-203 Kluczbork Telefon: (+48 77 ) 447 60 80 Fax: (+48 77 ) 447 60 81 spedycja@goldentransport.pl www.goldentransport.pl
We execute transport of food and non-food articles in the conventional and specialised sector. We offer our clients comprehensive transport and shipping service of goods, both in domestic and international goods turnover.
Apreo Logistics S.A.
In our offer you will find a full scope of logistics chain management – warehouse logistics, road-, sea-, air- and rail forwarding, oversized shipments, domestic distribution, logistical support and customs services. Apreo Logistics’ goal is to meet the highest standards of customer care and service. OUR ADVANTAGES are:
www.apreologistics.com APREO LOGISTICS S.A. ul. Ostroroga 24 C 01-163 Warszawa tel. +48 22 320 10 00 fax +48 22 320 10 99 e-mail: biuro@apreologistics.com
•
concentration on Client’s benefits
•
punctuality and reliability of deliveries
•
perfect planning and forecasting
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tailor-made logistic solutions
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assistance through the process of transportation and distribution
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experienced team of professionals
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500+ vehicle fleet with a capacity up to 120 m3 and up to 24 tons
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wide range of transport destination: Europe, Turkey, Middle East
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long-standing experience on the logistics market
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high quality powered by advanced IT solutions
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław Księga1.indb 39
Manufacturing-Journal | 37 | 2010-02-12 12:20:24
easy given the number of about 2000 employees. Nonetheless, managing directors of LG Electronics Wrocław are enthusiastic about creating a close-knit community at work, explaining that a goal-orientation can turn a seemingly intractable problem into a confidencebuilding experience. To bring people together LG Electronics Wrocław organizes once a month birthday parties for employees celebrating their birthday in a given month and family meetings during which people can get to know each other better, chat and have a good time after work. In order to make these events more entertaining other attractions are scheduled too. For example, during the first company’s picnic participants could witness, among other things, a fake kidnapping of company’s President. “Employees had to ransom their sheriff. Luckily for everybody and for the company’s future in particular, the transaction was successful,” recounts Monika Trojak, member of PR department in LG Electronics. “Such events are supposed to bring people together because they set mutual goals. It’s also important that our employees, regardless of the position occupied, have the same attitude to work with LG Electronics, which is to the benefit of everybody.” On the other hand, working with LG Electronics Wrocław doesn’t consist in having fun only. It seems that the company’s management knows it best, for it holds a series of face-to-face meetings during the week at which managers meet their subordinates and HR members meet shop floor employees. The aim of the meetings is to improve
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direct communication between managers and subordinates, discuss problematic issues in past relation, build mutual understanding, improve team performance and management skills through feedback from the team, get to know personal goals of team members and increase their motivation level. In addition to this, each week is rounded off with a meeting of the President with all employees. As the company assures, this is a great opportunity to discuss difficult and troublesome matters related to the general performance of the company and find solutions to them. The importance of improvement made to each and every aspect of the business is essential because it’s not only a great and attractive product that comes into play, but the whole manufacturing process is vital, as it has a profound influence on the quality of the end product. And obviously, the job cannot be done without contribution from fully satisfied and appropriately rewarded people.
Life’s good
It’s not hard to notice that social responsibility is not far from the LG Electronics Wrocław policy as well. President Seong stresses the significance of sound relations and good co-operation with local authorities, assuring that they are to the benefit of both the local community and company. LG Electronics Wrocław willingly engages in supporting regional schools, charity organizations and other public institutions as well as it also subsidizes the construction of the Formula One race track in Poland. Wrocław, the
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław 2010-02-12 12:20:27
winner of a poll conducted by LG which is F1 global technological partner, has a lot to offer. “It is a beautiful and exceptional city for which hosting Grand Prix F1 will be a chance to promote both the capital of the Lower Silesia region and many other attractions of the area,” pointed out the President of LG Electronics Wrocław. The LG policy may, however, beg the question of why so widely recognized and popular products are worth buying. The answer can partly be found in the company’s advertising slogan: “Life’s good”. LG products are designed to take the customers up to the peak of their expectations by offering intelligent and comfortable solutions. This is also emphasized by the design of company’s logo: the letters “L” and “G” depicted in a circle symbolize the world, future, youth and sensitivity to human needs. In other words, the trademark unveils the LG policy aimed to foster close relations with customers around the globe. The manufacturer ensures that everyone will quickly appreciate this message after purchase of one of LG Electronics recent ultrathin and power-saving LED monitors from the W86L series, which set new trends in the design of monitors for home and office use. Thanks to cutting-edge LED technology, the W86L series monitors are only 20.5 millimeters thin, which is a third less than most models using the CCFL method in the market. What’s more, the superior contrast of 2000:1 guarantees unparalleled image clarity and sharpness in films, games and graphic environment. When it comes to power-saving, it is also worth noting that LG LED monitors are
miles better than traditional CCFL counterparts, as they save 42% on electrical energy. All things considered, including the company’s approach to employees and manufactured home appliances, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that LG is alive and kicking and doesn’t complain about the shortage of satisfied customers.
Domestic Appliances IndustryLG Electronics Wrocław Księga1.indb 41
Manufacturing-Journal | 39 | 2010-02-12 12:20:29
AR TI CL ES
IN THE DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Apreo Logistics SA PRESIDENT: Arkadiusz Glinka OPERATIONS: Transport & Logistics ESTABLISHED: 2007 EMPLOYEES: 130 REVENUE: 102,5 mln PLN
www.apreologistics.com
A
PREO LOGISTICS is a logistics operator which has won a renown in Poland and in the whole of Europe, providing services in the field of full truck load as well as general cargo, bulk transport, sea forwarding and warehouse logistics. The company also specializes in domestic distribution, logistical support services and customs services, which makes it a real expert on logistics chain management.
Rich tradition
Starting its business activity lass than three years ago, Apreo Logistics is a relatively new company, but its roots date Chairman of the board back to years ear- Arkadiusz Glinka lier, because it continues the rich tradition of Euroad and the Dutch Group Vos Logistics. Euroad, established in 1990, was a leader of the Polish TSL sector specializing in transport logistics. In 2003, Vos Logistics Group took over Euroad, which changed its name to Vos Logistics Polska, thus becoming a part of an international logistics company owning 30 branch offices in European countries. On 1 June 2007 Apreo Logistics took over the business activity from Vos Logistics Polska, with Investment Fund Tar Heel and partners as shareholders. Today Apreo Logistics manages a fleet of over 500 trucks with a capacity up to 120 m3 and up to 24 tons, with view to meeting the highest standards of service and building partnerships with its clients. In 2008 the company’s income from sales reached the result of 72 million PLN, while in 2009,
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due to widening its offer range and enlarging customer portfolio, the turnover exceeded 100 million PLN, which situates Apreo Logistics among the biggest logistics operators in Poland. Owing to this spectacular dynamic growth, in June 2009 Apreo Logistics SA won Rzeczpospolita’s ranking and was awarded a prestigious title of “LTS Mobile”.
Local branches
Since the beginning of its activity Apreo Logistics has been dynamically developing in various areas, for example by opening new local branches. In 2007 the forwarder had at its disposal branches in Warsaw, Gdynia, Zielona Góra, Rzeszów, Tychy, Radomsko and Skierniewice. In 2008 the company kept on opening new ones – in Toruń, Wrocław, Augustów and Olsztyn, and, finally, in Piła in 2009. As Mr Arkadiusz Glinka, President of the Board of Apreo Logistics SA admits, the strategy of the regionalization of the activity, which was adopted by the company, enhances its operating potential and yields best results. It has not only enabled Apreo Logistics to maintain the stable growth, even during the economic hardship, but also has been crucial to
Transport & Logistics IndustryApreo Logistics 2010-02-12 12:20:31
building up permanent relations with contractors. Since one of the company’s key values is to be close to its clients, the branches located all over Poland enable mutual communication and have a significant impact on the quality and timeliness of the services provided. Apreo Logistics SA is still planning to invest in the extension of regional branches.
Looking towards east…
The development of the company also takes the form of offering its transport services to new, distant areas. In 2009, as one of the first Polish forwarding companies, Apreo Logistics started operations in Turkey and the Middle East. President Arkadiusz Glinka is very optimistic about the new directions, hoping them to bring new lucrative contracts, which would allow further development: „Over the next few years we are going to become an important player in
the Turkish market, with Turkey being a base, from which we will set out to conquer the Middle East.” Transport activity is supported by warehouses localized in Turkey, so loads from Poland will be collected to a transit terminal and warehouses located in Istanbul, from where they will proceed to the east. Organization of customs clearance is provided throughout Turkey and Poland. In order to provide services at the highest possible level, Apreo Logistics hired employees who will support new direction of services and communicate also in Turkish. The customers who are interested in this direction are currently offered both full truck load (FTL) and general cargo (LTL) for both neutral and dangerous goods (ADR).
needs of the clients.” Moreover, with regard to perfecting the cooperation with contractors, the company has already introduced an offer of fast payments and implemented other settlement options
Widening the offer
Apreo Logistics provides transport services in Poland, other European countries, Turkey, the Middle East, Russia and former Soviet Republics. The offer includes full truck load (FTL) and general cargo (LTL), container inland transport, transport of oversize loads, sea forwarding, air forwarding or rail forwarding. Due to the dynamic increase in the number f its clients, Apreo Logistics has been successively expanding the scope of the offer and in 2009 it decided to significantly widen the range and focus on the comprehensive customer service in the field of logistics. Now the company is also an expert of warehousing and distribution process and creates an excellent logistics system including transport services. President Glinka asserts that “the new offer is a proof that Apreo Logistics keeps on adjusting itself to the
Transport & Logistics IndustryApreo Logistics Księga1.indb 43
Manufacturing-Journal | 41 | 2010-02-12 12:20:33
favourable for forwarders. Warehouse logistics, which constitutes a supplement to the company’s offer, makes it a 3PL company, specializing in outsourced logistics services. The decision to entrust the management of warehouses to a logistics operator is beneficial to both parties. The client saves time and cuts down the costs of logistic operations, while Apreo Logistics can make use of the economies of scale, thus lowering costs of services, which translates into the increased competitiveness of the offer. The warehouse offered by Apreo, attractively located near Wrocław, is 5000
m2 with the possibility of rapid expansion up to 20000 m2. It is modern and enables a wide array of the warehouse logistics services, such as completion of shipments, co-packing, co-manufacturing or cross-docking. Widening the array of services is possible also due to the advanced IT technology systems implemented in the company. In Apreo Logistics the employees use ERP class, fully integrated information system based on the original program SWIP, which includes modules of electronic documents circulation (ESOD) and CRM integrating management of operating processes with f-k system. All departments in the company are informatized and fully integrated, which means that the input to the system by one department is immediately visible and obligatory for other departments. In 2008 Apreo Logistics won the title of “IT Leader” awarded by the “Computerworld” magazine.
staff, consisting of over 100 people. The company was given the title of the “Best Employer of 2009”, following the research conducted by Hewitt Associates. It was ranked in the fifth place in the category of small and middle enterprises, as the sole company in its branch. The success was summarized by President of the Board, Mr Arkadiusz Glinka, in the following way: „I ma glad that our personnel policy, which aims at building positive employee-company relations, has been appreciated. Apreo Logistics has always been concerned about attractive working conditions and good atmosphere in the team. We promote imitative and enthusiasm, which is best proven by our incentive package called „LEO”, the acronym for Loyalty, Efficiency
and Operativeness. The aim of the program is to release the entrepreneurial spirit and remunerate the employees for their effective and long-term cooperation. I believe that there is no better motivation for work than the active participation in building the company’s position.” Among other factors which made Apreo a laureate of the title there was also the employees’ participation in numerous trainings or language courses, which raise their qualification, as well the access to social fund and social packet. Moreover, while pursuing its business goals, Apreo promotes a healthy life style among its staff, thus creating the image of an active company involved in sports events.
Best Employer of 2009
Apart from being a specialist in transport services, Apreo Logistics is also an excellent employer, who cares for its
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Transport & Logistics IndustryApreo Logistics 2010-02-12 12:20:35
AR TI CL ES
FULL NAME: Altai Tyre Plant OJSK PRESIDENT: Natalia Portnova OPERATIONS: production of tires for trucks, vans and passenger cars, agricultural machinery and aviation EMPLOYEES: 3445
www.ashk.ru
E
ven though things change quickly and rapidly in our world, and it’s hard to describe it as a stable place, but there are things that proved to be strong enough to survive and keep going over the time. The history and development of Altai Tyre Plant OJSC would be an example of those. It does not mean that there had not been or are not challenges to make it harder for the company to go forward though. Things like global changes of the raw materials prices, unpredictable exchange rate, and market declines couldn’t keep the company from annual overall production rise and systematic upgrade of the production technologies.
Short Summary of Long
History
1956 was the year when the building of the tyre plant began. Different shops were built, added or modernized during the Soviet era, and this period was the time of revival of the plant. The free market economy brought about some serious challenges for the plant administration. Therefore, the challenges caused the changes in their turn. In 2004, the name and the owner was changed, and Altai Tyre Plant OJSC was formed. The major goal of the newly formed enterprise was establishing firm position on the market by producing wide range of high quality products. Big investments
were made to modernize the production process in 2005. This meant that the native equipment used at the plant shops was exchanged with a modern and more sophisticated one. Relevant tyre types and automobile inner tubes started to be produced. On the top of that, such unique products as aircraft tyres continue to be manufactured. 2006 was marked with the beginning of the production of the Forward trade mark tyres.
eration and for widening the range of products due to special orders of the military departments. All of the above didn’t happen just like that, but rather it was the result of effective management, wise sales policy, and attractive prices that helped the company reach these results as well as develop new markets. Altai Tyre Plant has established close
The Recent Years and the
Years to Come
The recent years were mainly focused on reaching better quality of the products. Lots of work that has been done has led to offering new most popular standard sizes, which in its turn promoted sales significantly. Altai tyres sales have risen almost by 30%. The list of regular customers now includes oil companies, Russian Railways, military units that began to use Altai tyres for the military vehicles. Another major achievement of 2006 was the beginning of supplying the biggest Russian automobile factories, such as KAMAZ OJSC and Stavropol truck trailer factory with the products of the plant. One more highlight of 2006 was that the company won the tender to supply Russian Federation Ministry of Defense with automobile and aircraft tyres. Big government orders were carried out within the set time limits. This laid the foundation for further coop-
Automotive IndustryASHK Księga1.indb 45
ADJUSTING TO CHANGES THE TIME BRINGS
FACT BOX
Manufacturing-Journal | 43 | 2010-02-12 12:20:40
Gazpromneft oils – an argument in favour of production efficiency The LLC Gazpromneft Lubricants Company unites the lubricants business, ranging from market research, development and production, through to implementation and promotion of commercial oils. The company owns the Omsk Oil Refinery facilities for producing oils, lubricants and additives and has been doing so for industry since the 1960s.
fuer
At various times, the company has developed unique commercial oil technologies, including unfilled oils for rolling mills PS-28 and P-40 (the company currently has a monopoly on the production of these grades of oil in Russia). Since the late 1970s, the company has also been producing the full IGP range (classes 18 to 152), and LFS turbine and compressor oil has a long-standing reputation for quality in the industry. During the Soviet period, industrial enterprises would purchase imported technology units and, during the last decade, the vast majority of works involving modernisation or establishment of new production facilities have been associated with active use of imported equipment. Modern high-precision machinery and material processing technologies require lubricating oils significantly exceeding the requirements of the GOSTs or TUs established in Soviet times. The DIN Level (Deutsches Institut
Księga1.indb 46
Normung – German Institute for Standardisation) is now mandatory for most modern industrial lubricants. In addition, in each industrial equipment sphere there are a number of manufacturers, with specifications often exceeding the DIN requirements and also necessary for trouble-free operation of equipment. This is especially true for leaders in the industrial gearbox segment, such as Flender, David Brown, Cincinnati Machine, and others. Also, companies such as KAESER, Gardner, Denver, Indersoll, Rand, Kooper and Atlas Copco are leaders in the production of modern compressors. The majority of these manufacturers (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer) impose their own requirements for lubricants. The Gazpromneft Lubricants Сompany considers its top priority for development of the lubricants business to formulate lubricants meeting today’s OEM requirements. The Company’s product range consists of hydraulic, turbine, gear oils, oils for slideways, compressor oils, oils for paper machines, oils for rolling mills, and also quenching oils. The products continue to be distinguished by their quality. In order to satisfy the high demands of
foreign equipment manufacturers, Western technologies for commodity oil production have to be used. LLC Gazpromneft Lubricants Company actively cooperates with the most competent providers of technology for industrial equipment lubricants. These are, first and foremost, Lubrizol and Afton. The synergy of existing experience with use of new foreign technologies has allowed the company to develop a quality line of products for industrial equipment and Gazpromneft Lubricants currently has the broadest range of high-tech products that are equal in quality to foreign analogues. Hydraulic systems are an essential element of any industrial production equipment. A necessary structural component of a hydraulic system is hydraulic oil, its quality significantly affecting the service life and efficiency of the system. Gazpromneft Lubricants produces 5 lines of hydraulic oils: Gazpromneft Hydraulic HVLP, Gazpromneft Hydraulic HLP, Gazpromneft Hydraulic, Gazpromneft Hydraulic HZF, and IGP oils. Gazpromneft Hydraulic HVLP oils are designed for all-season operation as a
Hydraulic oils Quenching oils
Oils for rolling mills
Gear oils
Gazpromneft Lubricants’ industrial oils
Oils for paper machines
Turbine oils
Oils for slideways Compressor oils
Industrial oil range
2010-02-12 12:20:43
working fluid in hydraulic systems, building, road construction, logging, mechanical handling equipment, industrial equipment and units operating in the open air at ambient temperatures from -30°C to +60°C. These oils meet the requirements of DIN 51524 part 3 and the level of Denison HF0/HF1/HF2, Vickers M-2952S/2950-S / I-286-S, and Bosch Rexroth 90220. Gazpromneft Hydraulic HLP oils are developed in conjunction with Western additive companies and they are produced specifically for use in hydraulic systems of machine tools, automatic lines and heavy presses, and in other modern foreign and domestic equipment requiring the use of quality oils. Gazpromneft Hydraulic HLP oils can reduce the maintenance and repair costs of hydraulic units, specifically: • • • • • •
pumps filtres valves cylinders seals hoses
Gazpromneft HLP oils are approved by Cincinnati Machine P-68, F-69, F-70 and Bosch Rexroth 90220-1, and comply with Eaton Vickers 35VQ25; Denison HF-0, 1, 2 and the specifications laid down in DIN 51524 Part 2; ISO 11158 (HM), which is a guarantee of their highest quality. Oils with zinc-containing additives do not always, however, meet the current requirements of equipment manufacturers, so so-called zinc-free oils are becoming more prevalent. Gazpromneft HZF oils are a range of ash-free hydraulic oils with improved characteristics. They are intended for use in hydraulic systems of imported and domestic industrial equipment that, because of its technological features, does not allow zinc-containing additives to be used. These products have more stringent requirements regarding environmental protection and the oils meet the requirements of Denison HF0, 1, 2; Eaton Vickers I-286-S; Bosh Rexroth 90220 and DIN 51524 Part 2. Gazpromneft Hydraulic oils are developed using Western technologies for use in hydraulic systems of imported and domestic industrial equipment operating in normal and heavy duty mode and requiring the use of oils with improved filterability and performance. Gazpromneft Hydraulic oils are recommended for replacing oils
Księga1.indb 47
of ranges I and GPI and they exceed the requirements of GOST 17479.4-87. For a long time, oils used in the vast majority of gearboxes had no specialised additives improving their properties but the advances in gearbox design impose new demands on gearbox oils. These requirements on the performance characteristics of oils were taken into account in creating the range of gearbox oils – Gazpromneft Reductor CLP, Gazpromneft Reductor WS, Gazpromneft Reducer ITD. Gazpromneft Reductor CLP oils are designed for use in gears of modern imported and domestic industrial equipment requiring use of highquality oils with improved anti-wear and anti-corrosive properties. Gazpromneft Reductor CLP oils increase the service life of industrial equipment, since they meet or exceed the requirements of specifications and approvals such as DIN 51517 Part 3, AGMA 9005-E02, AIST 224, David Brown S1.53.101 (E), and Cincinnati Machine. These oils can, therefore, be used in most high-tech units of modern machinery and equipment. Gazpromneft Reductor WS oils are gear oils with DIN 51517 Part 3 level properties, specifically designed for use over a wide range of positive and negative temperatures. Gazpromneft Reductor ITD oils are designed for lubricating the gears of industrial equipment operating at medium and high loads, including impact loads. They are developed using Afton Chemical’s technology, exceed the requirements of TU 38.1011337 and are affordable. Requirements on compressor lubricants have changed significantly owing to raised operating temperatures and working pressures, reduced oil volumes and the prolonged lifetime of compressor oils. Modern compressors impose higher demands on the following properties: thermal stability, oxidative stability, water separation, antiwear properties and surface properties. This systematic approach underlies the creation of cutting-edge oils for compressors, Gazpromneft Compressor VDL. These oils contain a high-performance imported additives package that virtually excludes susceptibility to formation of carbon and soot deposits on compressor parts. These oils provide greater protection for parts against corrosion and wear, thereby prolonging the service life of the compressor and giving the consumer confidence in its smooth operation. Gazpromneft Compressor VDL oils have elevated antioxidant, water-separation and anti-foam properties and, hence, longer oil change intervals. Oils of this range correspond to DIN 51506 VDL and meet the requirements
of the leading compressor manufacturers such as KAESER, Gardner Denver, Atlas Copco and others, so the Gazpromneft VDL oils can be used for imported equipment. Also worth noting among Gazpromneft Lubricants’ latest developments are its quenching oils. The composition of these oils is balanced in such a way as to ensure excellent stability at the high thermal loads that occur during steel quenching. The criteria for evaluating these oils are the positive results of Ulir Avto Vaz tests of Gazpromneft’s Thermoil 16 and Thermoil 26 oils. The products specified above are the first step in the large-scale work of LLC Gazpromneft Lubricants’ domestic and foreign specialists to provide industrial users with a high-quality line of products
Sealing
Lubrication and cooling
Corrosion protection
Basic functions of compressor oils compliant with the latest requirements of international standards and machinery and equipment manufacturers’ specifications. In the next stages of this work, Gazpromneft Lubricants will be starting to develop highly specialised products and is currently open for cooperation with its partners in jointly developing new types of lubricant.
2010-02-12 12:20:45
efficiently. 9 aircraft tyres were added to the Altai Tyre Plant models range in 2009, which increased the market share by 20% compared to the last year. Another impressive fact would be that 43% of the Russian aircraft tyres were produced in Altai during the October of this year. October of 2009 gives even more information in regards to the plant development. The statistics for that month shows that the plant position in the light truck section has risen from 11% to 12,5%, and Altai Tyre Plant share in the agricultural equipment tyres section has grown from 12,3% to 22,3%. This shows that the company remains one of the biggest producers of tyre products in Russia. Today Altai Tyre Plant takes the second place in the amounts of agricultural tyre production in the country and the third place in the truck tyres production.
Openness for Foreign Markets
business relationships with customers in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. By the year 2007, due to the quality and prices offered to the customers Altai Tyre Plant had become the leader on the Russian market. The demand in fact became so high, that the company raised the production by 30%. At the same time production of 13 models of tyres of the most popular standard sizes was launched. This production growth was provoked by some important strategic tasks that have been solved within 4 years of hard work. The production of tyres almost doubled. It raised by 70,5%. The range of the products was widened by 90%. The price-list of the company included 43 models of tyres in 2004, while
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there are more than 80 positions in it now. Two trademarks represent Altai Tyre Plant products for the automobiles and agricultural equipment today. Forward trademark encompasses the models of products that are the result of the modernization policy. Forward tyres are produced on the new equipment out of the improved materials. Since 2009, the plant started the production of Altaishina tyres. Those are the tyres that belong to so to say traditional range of tyres. They are simple and reliable tyres for everyday work. Because it holds on to some crucial principles, such as flexibility and mobility it is possible for Altai Tyre Plant to take immediate measures according to the market changes and to use favorable growth opportunities
It’s no wonder the company focuses on the outreach to the foreign markets after having gained such success on home markets. One third of the plant products (30,4%) is exported. Some of the regular customers of the plant would be companies in Azerbaidzhan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Cuba, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Estonia and Ethiopia. The administration of the company has great ambitions about future development of the business having new lines of production in mind. Those are, first of all, the production of all metalcord, large-size and ultra large-size tyres. Another area of interest for the Altai Tyre Plant is the modern technology of production of car and truck tyres. It’s obvious that the company isn’t going to stop going forward. Having reached the tops due to desire to develop and the ability to act immediately, Altai Tyre Plant is now looking forward to new tops to reach together with its partners.
A Closer Look at Forward
Nowadays over 4000 people are working at Altai Tyre Plant. The total area of the plant is 55 hectares, 40 of which are under major production buildings. Over 80 tyre models for trucks, light trucks, cars and agricultural equipment are being produced in there, as well as 23 standard sizes of automobile inner tubes for tyres and 38 standard sizes of aircraft
Automotive IndustryASHK 2010-02-12 12:20:52
tyres. The company is mostly known for its Forward brand that was originally meant to be an umbrella brand. The goal was achieved and the number of the sub brands has risen over the years of work on the Russian market. That is why it is worth having a closer look at Forward tyres. Forward Traction tyre line is for the trucks, buses and trolleybuses. This brand includes 5 truck tyres of 3 standard sizes. These models are characterized by high quality and durability, because they are produced according to the improved technology on the new equipment. Forward Traction 1260, Forward Traction 310, Forward Traction 281, Forward Traction I-N142B, Forward Traction O-40BM, are mostly used on such cars as KAMAZ, Ural, ZIL, GAZ, MAZ, KRAZ. Forward Industrial tyre line is used for the agricultural, road-building and other special equipment. These tyres are mostly used on lift cranes, loaders and auto graders. These tyres are quite a new line of production and are being produced with the latest equipment according to the highest quality standards. Forward Industrial 140 is the first tyre Altai Tyre Plant offers in the building and road equipment segment of the market. Forward Professional tyres are produced for the cars and buses. This line includes 7 models of 4 standard sizes. Forward Professional 156, Forward Professional 121, Forward Professional А-12, Forward Professional И-502, Forward Professional 121, Forward Professional 121M, Forward Professional 131, Forward Professional BC-1 are suitable for any season of the year. Forward Dinamic is the tyre line for the VAZ, Volga, IZH, Oda and similar foreign cars. Forward Dinamic 121, Forward Dinamic 720, Forward Dinamic 730 are produced in 2 standard sizes for
dynamic driving on any road. Forward Arctic tyre line offers two models of tyres for cars for driving in winter. Forward Arctic 700 and Forward Arctic 710 are produced in the same standard size according to the highest safety requirements with their thoroughly worked tread patterns. Forward Safari tyres are represented only by one model but with further development of the line in mind. These tyres are to be used on UAZ cars of new modifications and the off-roaders. Forward Safari 131 tyres serve well for driving through all kinds of areas. Today Altai Tyre Plant is one the three biggest industrial enterprises of Altai area and it keeps developing. The plant increases the production volume, carries out serious modernization of the equipment and develops new markets both in Russia and in the Central Asia region. It seems that the company is in its best period of growth and development.
Automotive IndustryASHK Księga1.indb 49
Manufacturing-Journal | 47 | 2010-02-12 12:20:55
AR TI CL ES
LARGE WOOD HOLDING IN NORTH OF RUSSIA
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Solombalales Holding (JSC Solombalales Managing Company) PRESIDENT: Ivan Borodin OPERATIONS: timber harvesting, saw-timber, woodworking, pulp and paper production ESTABLISHED: 2007 EMPLOYEES: 5000 people
www.solombala.com
R
ussia is one of the most important suppliers of timber, including saw-timber, pulp, and paper to European markets. General director Northern part Ivan Borodin of Russia, especially Arkhangelsk region is very rich in woods, mainly in very precious softwood from coniferous species. Therefore, historically Russia has always been and currently is an influential player on a world’s timber market.
North of Russia - Solombalales Holding.
How It Began
Solombalales is a Russian group of wood processing companies. As a vertically-integrated Holding Solombalales was founded in 2007, after Solombala Pulp-and-Paper Mill acquired Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant at the end of 2006. Both mills are situated in Arkhangelsk region very close to each other and historically have always been linked together. Both mills were constructed at 30-40-s of XX cen-
tury during large-scale industrialization of north of Russia. Arkhangelsk region was chosen not by accident but out of strategic purposes. The region is very rich in woods and Arkhangelsk has a large international commercial port. After USSR breakout all woodworking companies were privatized. By the end of 90-s consolidation was started in woodworking industry. Solombalales Pulp-and-Paper Mill acquired Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant with all its timber and transport companies - which became the key point in creating Solombalales Holding, and
Recently European Parliament has voted the project by which timber market operators are obliged to trace and provide basic information about the source of timber, their country and forest of origin. Special attention is to be paid to the place of origin as well as way of obtaining timber. In case of using or processing illegally harvested timber the company would be severely fined. The purpose of the law is to prevent illegal timber trade and thus avoid deforestation. It will basically cause that European importers will require certificates of legal timber origin from exporters. Can this law result in changing of the actual market situation or prevent Russian woodworking companies from shipping timber to the European markets? To find the answer we will look at the working principles of a large pulp and timber supplier from
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Paper & Printing IndustrySolombalales 2010-02-12 12:20:57
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the development of company’s structure is still going on. With the course of time common procurement, sales, finance, security, legal, and accountant corporate departments were created.
Company’s Structure
All managerial functions are performed by Solombalales Managing Company. This company serves as the centre for strategic decision-making within the Holding. All commercial and financial functions are concentrated under Managing Company’s control. According to Ivan Borodin, General Director of the Company the main advantage of the Managing Company is its ability to accumulate considerable resources and use them for effective tackling of problems. He is sure that managing company can do the things much bigger and much quicker than separate enterprises. So, in Mr. Borodin’s opinion, the main purpose of Solombalales Managing Company is to concentrate actions of all companies of the Holding to solve common tasks. Currently due to unfavorable economic situation, caused by the world financial crisis the Holding continues to centralize management of the company. In addition to financial and commercial functions, all non-production functions in the field of IT, PR, document processing, all administrative functions are passed to the Managing Company. The Holding strives to the model when mills perform only production tasks. Solombalales Holding is a group of companies having facilities both in Arkhangelsk and in Vologodskaya region, which pro-
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vides the full cycle of wood processing. The structure of the Holding comprises three main directions: timber-harvesting (7 companies in Arkhangelsk region), sawmill and wood processing as well as pulp and paper production. The company has its own transport facilities: there is a transport enterprise as well as a shipping company in the Holding. Therefore, Solombalales Holding is almost self-sufficient as regards woods supply - and this is one of the most important strategic resources of the company. Solombalales can harvest around 1,2 mln m3 of wood annually. Solombalales includes two export-oriented companies - Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant (SSWP) as well as Solombala Pulp-and-Paper Mill (SPPM). Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant is a major timber-processing plant in the European part of Russia. It produces saw-timber extremely demanded on the world construction markets and the enterprise is focused on production of lumber for export. The company’s sawing output amounts to more than 700,000 m3 , saw-timber production 350,000 m3 per year. Perfect quality of Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant products has been awarded many times. For example, the plant received award „For quality” by international „Club of commercial leaders”. Solombala Pulp-and-Paper Mill is a large company in Russia producing high-quality coniferous kraft pulp under NSK trademark, being among three world’s leaders responsible for 10% of the entire world market of this kind of product. The annual pulp output is around 240,000 tons.
Solombalales mill has 13% of the world’s coniferous kraft pulp market and around 50% of the Russian market. Apart from that the company produces high-quality kraft paper and wood-chemical products. Solombalales commercial pulp is characterized by enhanced mechanical characteristics, which are achieved due to reliable production technology as well as special quality of northern softwood. Effective work of Solombala Pulpand-Paper mill has been awarded by „Sign of quality of XXI century” of Platinum category. The mill became a winner of the VIII All-Russian contest „1000 best enterprises and companies of Russia in 2007” in the category „The best enterprise of timber and woodworking industry”. Production of the mill regularly becomes the winner of the contest „100 best goods of Russia”. Currently Solombalales Holding employs 5000 people at all of its companies, where around 1700 people work at pulp-and-paper mill, 1600 people are at sawmill and woodworking plant. Around 1500 people are engaged in timber harvesting.
Reliable Partner, Clear Policy
Expectations of Solombalales foreign consumers are very high as to ecological safety and quality of products. Therefore Solombalales is working very actively to certify timber harvesting production and the whole chain of timber supply. Such companies of the Holding
Paper & Printing IndustrySolombalales 2010-02-12 12:21:01
as Svetlozerskles, Toima-Les, Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant are certified by an authoritative organization FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Other Solombalales enterprises are on the stage of preparation for certification. In addition Solambalales Managing Company has recently certified the supply and distribution system of timber. As Managing Company is the only supplier of wood to the Holding mills, it guarantees that only certified wood is used. It means, that all timber is harvested legally, without breaking any traditional or civil rights. It has not grown in the forests of high preservation value, moreover, genetically modified timber is not used. All this allows Solombalales Holding to be a very reliable partner in trade with foreign customers. In 2008 Solombala Pulp-and-Paper Mill shipped 89,5% of pulp to the countries of Eastern and Western Europe (8,4%), to North Africa (28,9%), South-East Asia (22%), Middle East (4,5%) and North America (3,5%). In 2008 there were the first shipments to Ukraine and Belarus, agreements for supplies to Azerbaijan and Poland have been achieved. As to saw-timber the largest consumers are Egypt (28%), Great Britain (24%), Holland (18%), Germany (16%), and France (9%). Access to the Arkhangelsk port and own shipping facilities make shipments to foreign customers very smooth and easy. mPreserving of the current position on the international and Russian markets as well as
finding new consumers are two strategic goals of the Holding for the nearest time.
Strong Environmental
Concern
To meet severe Russian ecological law and take care about the environment in the region Solombalales provides forest replantation, i.e. regeneration of logged woods. Around 1,5 mln of pines and spruces have been planted during the current year. The Company’s investment into plantlets reach 50,000 EUR. Another important part of the Company’s
Paper & Printing IndustrySolombalales Księga1.indb 53
environmental activities includes modernization of energy economy of all enterprises of the Holding. Solombalales switches step by step from using dirty fuels, such as coal, fuel oil to more environmentally-friendly ones. Solombalales Holding was the first in the region to switch heat-only boiler station of SSWP as well as one of boilers of SPPM to dunnage, such as sawdust and bark. This helped to use dunnage more effectively, thus providing considerable saving and reducing pollution. Conservationists pay special attention to Solombala Pulpand-Paper Mill, and the Holding is currently taking a set of measures directed at reducing of anthropogenic burden to the region environment. Environmentally-oriented approach is brought into action due to considerable investments. For the last five years around 13 mln euros have been invested to achieve ecological purposes.Generally the Holding has very serious investment plans for the nearest years, including modernization of sawing and woodworking production, supplying plants with the most state-of-the-art equipment. As a result Solombala Sawmill and Woodworking Plant will be able to increase the output of sawing to 800,000 m3 per year, of saw-timber - up to 370,000 m3. These parameters can be achieved by the year 2012, but it will largely depend on the market situation. Considering all the above, Solombalales Holding with its clear harvesting policy, environmental concern and irreproachable quality is not threatened by new European wood origin or other regulation and can look into future very optimistically.
Manufacturing-Journal | 51 | 2010-02-12 12:21:02
AR TI CL ES
A SIGNIFICANT ROLE
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Unipapel S.A. PRESIDENT: D. Juan Antonio Lázaro Lázaro NOMBRE DEL CEO: D. Millán Alvarez- Miranda Navarro OPERATIONS: Paper & Packaging ESTABLISHED: 1976 EMPLOYEES: 750 REVENUE: 830 mm€
www.unipapel.com
T
he word ‘papel’ is an interesting one in the Spanish language. It means ‘paper’, but can also mean ‘role’. And for Unipapel Group – Spanish wholesaling leader in manufacturing and processing paper – it’s time for a more significant role in the world market. Due to an acquisition made recently – a purchase of Adimpo, Spanish biggest wholesaler specializing in distribution of IT materials – the company is expected to be an European leader in wholesale distribution of school and office materials.
Short story of the origins
of Unipapel
To understand the reasons behind this acquisition, one should first take a closer look at the histories of both companies, as well as their current position in their respective markets. Unipapel was founded in 1976 and back then was known by Unipapel Group yet, even though it started off as a merger of three paper companies – Vasco Sobres, based in Gupiuzcoa, Segundo Moreno from Madrid, and Logrono’s Papyrus. Both the reputation and the experience of the aforementioned firms have helped to make Unipapel what it is now – a successful competitor on the global arena. Before that happened however, the development of the firm was rather gradual. In 1980 Unipapel launched it first factory in Tres Cantos. In 1983 the sale of third par-
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ty products, what is now the main field of Unipapel’s activities, started to emerge. In 2006, the company continued to grow with its third factory opened in Logrono.
The value of the products
This constant expansion would not be possible if not for one critical factor that ultimately is always what matters the most – the quality of the products. Unipapel has always been exceptionally proud of its manufactured goods and has decided to prove said quality to the clients. All of the firm’s factories have been awarded with an ISO 9002 certificate which confirms that the highest standards of paper processing are being maintained. Moreover, the logistics distribution warehouse have been recently granted with an ISO 9001: 2000 certificate for “order preparation and distribution of paper products and office materials”. The company’s board of directors state however that these credentials would not mean the same without the acclaim of many satisfied customers. All of the activities mentioned above are naturally environmental friendly, which is proven by yet another certificate. As a testimony of the company’s struggle not to do any harm to local ecosystem – Unipapel received an ISO 14001 for environmental management. Moreover, in 2009 the firm has been awarded an FSC certificate (a Forest Stewardship Council certificate granted for responsible forestry)
Paper & Packaging IndustryUnipapel 2010-02-12 12:21:05
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Adimpo – a perfect company
to collaborate with
and the PEFC certificate (the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification – awarded to those promoting sustainable forest management). All these recognitions perfectly describe the philosophy of Unipapel – a constant effort to excel at any aspect of it’s activity.
When leader position
is not enough
Before the buyout, Unipapel was the Nation’s leader in manufacturing and distributing school and office materials. The company’s steady development is based on three divisions: Unipapel Industrial is the production part of Unipapel. One
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factory based in Tres Cantos is producing envelopes, the other one in Logrono mainly produces notebooks, while one in Aduna takes care of paper used in office circulation and archives. 88% of the firm’s sales revenue comes from the domestic market, yet the foreign markets are the ones that have been growing rapidly. The biggest part of the sales revenue of Unipapel comes from commercial envelopes, however the notebooks and drawing pads are not far behind. With such diversified offer and saturation of the domestic market, the only reasonable step forward was to seek an attractive partner and continue to develop.
That partner turned out to be Adimpo, Spanish wholesaler distributing IT materials. This Albacete-based company was founded in 1978 and is commonly known for its presence on international markets – which would eventually be a critical factor that convinced Unipapel to acquire Adimpo. In 1992 Adimpo became HP’s official wholesaler on the Spanish market and the following year in the whole Europe, which proved to be a milestone achievement in its history. With 46% share on the domestic market, the company is an unquestionable leader in distribution of IT materials, mainly printer ink cartridges and toners. What is worth acknowledging is the fact that, Adimpo’s share on the domestic market is four times bigger that the share of the runner-up company. It’s sales revenue is growing as steadily, as rapidly, and reached nearly 600 million Euros in 2008. Slightly more than half of this amount comes from the Spanish market. Another significant markets are France, Germany and Italy, where it is the fourth, the sixth and the eighth biggest IT material wholesaler, respectively. Despite the current economical crisis, in the first trimester of 2009 Adimpo have scored a significant 13,4% increase in income and an astonishing 86,5% boost in EBITDA.
Safe and calculated progress
The CEO’s of Unipapel state several reasons for the acquisition. It seemed a rational choice for the company for a move forward. It was a launch onto a very interesting market with said market’s leaders – with a company that is very specialized and very client-oriented. The acquirement of Adimpo speeded up the
Paper & Packaging IndustryUnipapel 2010-02-12 12:21:10
tempo of Unipapel’s development – the decision to buy out a company instead of forming a new one seemed logical from the beginning, especially when we take into account that Adimpo’s activity is somewhat complementary with Unipapel’s field of work. Joint forces result in lower logistic costs and operation costs, as well as it strengthen up the group’s client database. All the synergies are expected to materialize in 2012 and are estimated at nearly 3 million Euros.
Unipapel Group – more than
just a sum of its parts
The complementarity of goods sold by both companies should not be underestimated. Clients buying paper and office materials from Unipapel most usually also buy printer ink cartridges and/or toners. What is crucial to the success of the newly founded giant is that the consequences of sharing these distribution channels is a better negotiation power, lower costs and, obviously, lower prices for the final customer. As mentioned before, Adimpo has always been known for its brave exploration of new, foreign markets. With Unipapel at its side, Unipapel Group has its facilities in 7 European and North African countries while exporting its goods to 22 others. The purchase of the firm is also likely to please the shareholders, as the EPS is expected to boost considerably.
A new leader is born
The operative structure of Unipapel Group did not change significantly during the acquisition. Unipapel Distribution joined forces with Adimpo in wholesale distribution of third party products, while the rest of the structure remained basically unchanged. What was formerly
known as Unipapel now is best known as Unipapel Processing and Distribution (Unipapel TyD – Transformacion y Distribucion. What has changed, is the firm’s position as one of the biggest wholesalers in the world. Unipapel Group is now the biggest sector wholesaler in Europe, and third worldwide, overtaken only by major companies from the United States. Almost 40% of sales revenue of the group comes from international markets and those are said to be growing in the nearest foreseeable future. The Group’s sales revenue should rise stably and is expected to reach 1.12 billion Euros by 2015 – a 40% ascend in comparison with the current, 2008 result.
Paper & Packaging IndustryUnipapel Księga1.indb 57
Whatever tomorrow brings
The acquisition of Adimpo has changed the way Unipapel will function from now on. With great partner come great opportunities but also great risks. The group has still a lot to accomplish, but the goals are set boldly. Now its only up to company’s management to maximize the benefits available. Last move for the company was to acquire yet another company – Nova Line Iberica. This investment worth 1.3 million Euros will broaden the offer with a wide range of niche products, making another step for Unipapel Group as a wholesaler. Looking at Unipapel’s past and present, it seems that only good things are on the horizon.
Manufacturing-Journal | 55 | 2010-02-12 12:21:12
AR TI CL ES
A HIGH PROFILE COMPANY
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Extrusionados Galicia, SA. - Extrugasa PRESIDENT: Andres Quinta OPERATIONS: Aluminium Industry ESTABLISHED: 1984 EMPLOYEES: 550 REVENUE: 95 mln. Euro
www.extrugasa.com
E
xtrusionasionados Galicia S.A. is more widely known as Extrugasa – one of the leaders on the Spanish market in manufacturing aluminum profiles and is located some 20 km south from Santiago de Compostela, in Valga, Pontevedra. The company’s struggle to stay in touch with state-ofthe-art technologies is what singles out its activity on the global arena. Written by Łukasz Światowiec
The origins of Extrugasa
Extrugasa is a part of Group Quinta – a group of family owned companies dedicated to manufacturing of aluminum since the sixties when Andres Quinta founded his own window profile factory. In mid-seventies he transformed it into an anodizing plant for aluminum profiles. After years of gaining experience in trading said profiles for other companies, he decided that his know-how matched with the market’s demand for this particular surface finishing is enough to start a small factory. More than 40 years of the firm’s history proves that he was right. The anodizing plant was soon followed by a painting line and, shortly after, by an extrusion line, thus completing a complete cycle of production and processing aluminum in 1984.
The development and current state
Spanish accession to the EU was a ma-
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jor boost of opportunities for Extrugasa. The ability to freely penetrate the European markets was a great chance to increase the sales and continue to grow. The company’s presence on these greatly demanding European markets was matched by its need to develop new lines of business such as the thermal assembly of the profiles, woodgrain finishes or the mechanization of the profiles. The company has come a long way since it’s beginnings in the seventies, currently having built 5 extrusion presses, 5 painting lines, both horizontal and vertical, 3 anodizing lines, 4 polyamide assembly lines and many more – to satisfy the most sophisticated needs of its customers. The production capacity of the firm has reached an astounding 30 000 tonnes of aluminum profiles, while paying the closest attention to quality.
At Extrugasa, the people
matter
Extrugasa’s CEO’s were always dedicated to a policy of reinvesting the benefits to acquire the best staff available on the market and modern technology. Indeed, the firm has generated almost 400 jobs over the last 12 years. The payroll is now close to 500 and is predicted to continue to grow. These people has been given optimal conditions to develop including a variety of training courses to ensure that the investment in human capital does not go to waste. Along with the best equipment the company’s final pro-
ducts are these of the highest standards. This is proven by various certificates granted to Extrugasa. Its anodise finishes are certificated with the EURAS/EWWA quality label. The powder coat finishes have been given an QUALICOAT certificate while the wood finishes are labeled with an QUALITAL credential. Finally, the ISO 9001 is soon to be implemented making Extrugasa one of the very few aluminum companies to achieve it.
The logistic platforms
The quality of the product is not however the only feature that makes Extrugasa an outstanding company in the aluminum profiles market. The key feature to distinguish an average company from an excellent one is not only what the company makes or how does it make it. It is also the delivery time that matters. Knowing that, Extrugasa have created a logistics platform that makes sure that the products are transported to its clients on time and in perfect shape. The firm’s fleet counts more than 50 small and large trucks that are present on the roads of the EU supplying 9 warehouses around the continent. Besides, the company have launched an automatic store system that helps to manage more than 4 thousands different types of aluminum profiles that the company manufactures in no time.
The scope of activity
The company believes that a key fac-
Aluminium IndustryExtrugasa 2010-02-12 12:21:13
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tor that fueled this development was a complete devotion to the quality of the products and to the desires of its clients. Another important factor was the wide range of offered manufacturing techniques that allowed Extrugasa to diversify into a whole variety of sectors. Of course, the most important one is constructions. Extrugasa has been present in the process of making some important buildings all over the world. The company has supplied profiles to the external sun protection of the new Wembley Stadium in London, helped built the airports in Vienna, Dublin, Brussels, Guatemala and Port-au-Prince as well as the Museum of Science and Arts in Valencia or Expo buildings in Lisbon. Among some other important sectors for the company are military (with end users such as the British Ministry of Defence and Armies of Switzerland, Turkey, Sweden, etc), automotive (supplying spares for some important brands producing cars, trucks and coaches), trains, lightning and a whole lot of other examples. This diversification means that new technologies have to be constantly incorporated into Extrugasa’s offer. The latest addition is the production of profiles of great magnitude, up to 800 mm.
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Export markets
The majority of the income from abroad is generated by two main branches. 27% of the export goes to Latin America, mostly to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Republica Dominicana, etc. to supply aluminum profiles for architectural purposes. However, most of the products manufactured for industrial purposes go to European markets, mainly Portugal, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, England, Ireland and Italy. What is worth acknowledging – the export branch is working as an independent department within the factory and, being able to communicate in six languages, is a guarantee of the best service for the foreign customers.
Environmental care
The pursuit of quality of the products and on time deliveries does not make the company forget about the preservation of the natural environment. The company have installed a waste treatment plant with a capacity reaching 90 thousand liters per hour – twice as much as needed nowadays. This emerges from a policy of foreseeing future needs of the ever developing company. Besides,
Aluminium IndustryExtrugasa 2010-02-12 12:21:20
Extrugasa uses natural gas as a substitute for propane. The decision was made not on economical bases but due to the fact that natural gas is the cleanest and least polluting of all fossil fuels. Moreover, the company is collaborating for almost 15 years with the municipal waste facility to take care of the most polluting waste of the process of production.
Manufacturing in the time
of crisis
At the present times of the global economical crisis a lot of companies must face a challenge of retaining its position on the market. In Extrugasa’s case however, the diversity of its products guarantees that the crisis will affect only some parts of its activity. The crisis have influenced the Spanish market quite severely, especially in the constructions sector. The company is looking to compensate these losses on the foreign markets. Indeed it seems like the firm’s CEO’s have predicted the collapse of the global economy. Extrugasa have reduced its dependence on the local architecture market from 90% in 2003 to 60% nowadays, even though the building sector have been offering
new technologies and new opportunities each and every year. This situation brings the company to a situation where it may look at the current crisis with more optimism than its competition.
A quality you can see for
yourself
At Extrugasa, the staff believes that currently the age-old relationship between the customer and the supplier have changed significantly. Today, the supplier needs to be proactive to make sure that these limited opportunities that the markets provide are taken. A great number of collaborating companies accept an invitation from Extrugasa to visit the company in its headquarters, where its full potential is shown. The firm’s staff invites all of its prospective customers to see all the opportunities that can be provided by collaboration with extrugasa, knowing that no customer ever leave the company’s estates disappointed.
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Manufacturing-Journal | 59 | 2010-02-12 12:21:24
AR TI CL ES
BECOMING ONLY BETTER AND STRONGER
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Close Joint Stock Company “Investlesprom” GENERAL DIRECTOR: Dmitrii V. Maslov OPERATIONS: Timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry and paper packaging ESTABLISHED: 2006 EMPLOYEES: 15 000
www.investlesprom.ru
I
t’s always easier to reach the top of the mountain, when you have all the equipment, but still it all deAleksandr Boykov, Director pends on every of GR & PR Department step you take. A similar situation is observed, if you take a look at Investlesprom CJSC. With rich timber resources of Russia these are still the decisions the company makes, which make its business a success. Investlesprom CJSC is a group of companies that is now one of the top businesses in Russia providing Russian companies, international and transnational corporations with timber and paper products. Written by Kateryna Ferdyn. Based on the Interview with GR & PR Department Director, Investlesprom CJSC, Aleksandr Boikov.
boards, plywood, building construction, printing products. The key regions in Russia for the company are North-Western and Northern regions namely Republic of Karelia, Kirov, Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions, Perm’ Territory. Moreover, in Russian wood industry complex Investlesprom CJSC is the only international company by assets composition, including eleven enterprises in Western and Eastern Europe as well as in Turkey.
The first but by no means baby steps
The group of companies was formed not that long ago, but every year of its his-
tory brought about considerate growth and development. During its first year the company determined the strategic goal for the future. The goal was to create the largest national integrated company in timber industry in Russia. The project was supported by both the financial structures and the government. Having set the goal to reach the company began the accumulation of assets, the organization structure development, signing of the long-term cooperation agreements with the regions and strategic investors. During the same period of time the plants were being modernized, the newest technology
The group of companies was formed in 2006 with the help of the Bank of Moscow. Over the three years, the Investlesprom CJSC has became one of the largest vertically integrated forest industry structures in Russia. It includes more than 50 enterprises of timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry and paper packaging. The key products of the company are sack paper, newsprint, paper sacks, packaging paper, packaging board, sawn timber, particle board, fiber
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and equipment was being bought. At the present time the company is making the steps to optimize the work of the plants and the company altogether to fit into today’s economic tendencies in the world. Another focus of the company right now is the reduction of costs, but not at the expense of the biggest in the industry investment projects that keep being carried out. The structure of the company has also been carefully worked out. Two main aspects had been considered: the functions and the territory. The administrative headquarter of the company based in Moscow includes the bodies to supervise the work of the enterprises in the key regions namely Republic of Karelia and Vologda region. The functions of the headquarter are obvious from its very title. The Government Relations and Public Relations Department (GR & PR Department) is also a part of the administrative headquarter. All of the enterprises of the company are united into divisions and departments according to their products and kind of activity. They are “Forest resources”, “Wood-working”, “Pulp and paper industry”, “Paper sacks”, and “Pushkin Square”
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Printing and publishing integrated works. One of the strategies the company holds on to is to firm its position on the already tapped markets (which implies quite a number of them) and on the Middle East markets (Iran, Iraq, Pakistan).
ing in Russia. Investlesprom CJSC is the leader in sack and coated paper industries markets. As to the production volumes of the coated paper the company is the third in the world and the second in Europe. Another thing the company wants to be a leader in is the reduction of costs, which is achieved by vertical integration, investments policy, the best technologies and modern system of management. The annual receipts for the current year are about 22 bn of rubles. To take a glimpse of the supplies of the company we can look at one of the companies of the group. Segezha Packaging paper bags plants are located in 10 European countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Check Republic, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, 2 plants in Turkey), and 2 more plants are in Russia. Traditionally the Russian plants supply the Baltic and CIS states with paper bags, and the European ones supply all of the European countries. The country of production doesn’t always match with the country-customer in this case. The Segezha paper is sold to the countries all over the world (Europe, India, Africa, Asia). As to the company’s look into the future, it is quite bright and promising for Investlesprom CJSC. The largest investment projects are going to be carried out. One of those are LWC Kama project to produce light coat paper in Russia. The goal of this project is to be able to meet the needs of Russia for this product and cut off the supplies
Something to be proud of
One of the things the company considers its strategic potential is the staff that includes gifted and experienced experts, who are qualified and good at finding creative and unusual answers to the questions that arise in the midst of the challenges of the competition. The general number of the workers of the group of the companies is about 15.000 with about 100 people in the administrative headquarter in Moscow. The company didn’t just inherit some of the best enterprises in timber exploitation, paper production and paper packaging, wood construction, but it also upgraded and rebuilt some of them. Today the company is one of the biggest timber exploiters in the European part of Russia renting about 6 mln ha of the forest and being the second in timber stockpil-
Packaging IndustryInvestlesprom 2010-02-12 12:21:32
from Europe and Asia. LWC Kama is supposed to work in full in 2010. Another project is planned to be started at the end of 2010. Vologda Manufacturing is supposed to become a modern production of 600.000 ton of light and mediumweight coated paper in rolls and sheets in less than five years from now to meet all of the printing and publishing needs of Russia. The Polar Bear project is meant to reconstruct and increase the capacity of Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill in order to turn it into the largest and the world’s most modern enterprise of birch bleached softwood / hardwood pulp production. Some of the important characteristics of the project are an integrated processing of all raw wood and reduction of the environmental impact on the region. Additionally the processing will involve about 2,5 mln. cub.m of raw wood per year. Estimated investment volume is almost 1 milliard euro, preliminary term of construction and reconstruction completion is 2013.
What about the environment?
The very first stages of the production are performed in full accordance with the environmental requirements - forest certificates. As it was mentioned earlier, the general area rented by the enterprises of the holding covers almost 6 mln ha, 4,5 mln ha of which are voluntarily certified according to the system of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The
company has worked out the procedure of evaluating the impact on the environment to meet the standards of forest certificates. After that an enterprise expert performs the evaluation of the potential impact on the environment together with the withdrawal of timber cutting areas before any kind of activity in the forest whether it’s forest felling or building of a road. In 2007, Investlesprom CJSC officially ratified the general Policy in the sphere of responsible forest exploitation and procurement. This step is the beginning of the process of voluntary certifying of forest management and the timber supply links ac-
Packaging IndustryInvestlesprom Księga1.indb 65
cording to the international standards of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) by the enterprises of the holding. In 2008, Investlesprom CJSC became a member of the environmentally responsible forest exploiters of Russia. That’s why it can be stated that those who buy the Investlesprom’s products can be sure that they are sold the environmentally friendly products, made of timber processed according to the international requirements of socially responsible and environment-oriented forest management. The verifying FCS trade sign can be placed on any product of Investlesprom CJSC starting from a log in the forest, a board finishing with paper pulp and paper. The FSC certificates are now also used for the wood houses that can be legitimately called environmentally friendly. Birch plywood is certified according to the international standards too. The safe standards are especially kept in the production of bags for the food industry. The company pays certain attention to the fulfillment of the Kyoto protocol regarding the reduction of pollutant emissions. In 2006, a boiler house room that works on neutral bio-fuel was successfully built in Onega in Arkhangelsk region. This boiler house room supplies the town with heating and helps reduce the pollutant emissions. This short overview of Investlesprom CJSC’s activity shows that the company uses its potential to the fullest in order to maintain the present leading position and reach even better results. The company seems to not be frightened by the financial challenges around the world but rather determined to find the ways to break through no matter what’s coming its way.
Manufacturing-Journal | 63 | 2010-02-12 12:21:33
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THE SHIELD FOR YOUR GOODS
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Pregis Protective Packaging Europe PRESIDENT: Peter Rijneveldshoek OPERATIONS: Packaging Industry ESTABLISHED: 1996 (in Poland) EMPLOYEES: 153 (in Poland) REVENUE: € 200 million
www.pregis.com GOODS WRAPPED UP IN AIRSPEED HC FILM
A
brand of global range, Pregis Corporation focuses on supplying protective, flexible, food and medical packaging products. The firm has achieved worldwide recognition for innovative protective technologies as well as for the widest assortment of solutions, including commonly recognized trademarks such as Bag-in-Bag, Jiffy, AirSpeed and Envoy. Pregis prides itself on exceptional customer service standards and availability of sales people, who address the needs of the most choosy clientele in 16 countries on 3 continents by means of a consultative marketing system. The supremacy and stability of Pregis brand has roots in disciplined policy and ongoing expenditure control. Nevertheless, the company does not forget about the workforce or natural environment, the evidence of which is substantiated by carefully devised lean management methods and the use of sustainable resources. The Pregis corporate centre for Poland is located in Gliwice. Written by Bartosz Sowiński
The Seeds of Success
Pregis corporate headquarters are situated in Deerfield, IL, USA. It is from there that the global network of more than 40 plants in 16 countries in North America, Europe and Africa is managed. Such an empire could come into being only due to hard daily work and dedication
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of the management and workers alike. The company’s commitment to protective packaging manufacturing can be proved even further by its name which was invented as a blend of the English “protection” and Greek “aegis” (shield). Such label was chosen deliberately as a token of Pregis’s striving for perfection in terms of protective products and services. In Poland the corporation has been operating under this brand name since 2005. Originally, it conducted business as Airpack Poland and Pactiv, turning out and retailing air bubble film, polyethylene foam and protective mailers between the years 1996 and 2005. Last year the Pregis corporate headquarters in Poland moved to a new manufacturing centre in Gliwice, where two factory floors of overall space of 16,000 sqm are located under the same roof within a modern machine park called “Tulipan”. The new plant allowed the firm to increase the scale and range of trade in the Central and Eastern European region. At the same time the Polish clientele enjoyed the reduction in shipping times of ordered commodities. Moreover, the state of the art European Packaging Design center in Prague has given a boost to Pregis’s ability to cater for the various packaging needs of customers. The experts employed there as well as innovations utilised can guarantee that the company’s clients will be delivered a product suitable to their most excessive wishes and expectations. European
Product Director, Mr. Jakub Stańczyk presents how the Polish branch envisages its growth in the near future: “We would like to be recognised as a producer focused on steady development of our brand and our Customers. We have just completed a new factory, and created new centres for distribution and service of packaging systems. At the moment we are launching a renovation centre. Step by step we want to establish ourselves as a leader of protective packaging solutions.” Mr. Stańczyk also briefly characterises the employment policy implemented by the Polish branch: “Pregis relies heavily on its experienced staff, many of whom have been work-
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Packaging IndustryPregis Księga1.indb 67
Manufacturing-Journal | 65 | 2010-02-12 12:21:38
JIFFY PROTECTIVE MAILERS
ing for us since the inception, that is around 1997-1998. The company takes advantage of those who have created the business and who boast expertise in technology, production and marketing.”
Different Branches of
a Corporate Tree
In 2007 the corporation launched uniform procedures of business management in Europe, which has made its partners acquire access to the entire and wider than before array of products. The quality of these has been substantially improved, too. The standardized decision making system has also accelerated the pace of investment in groundbreaking technologies as well as contributed to the increase in expenditure on research and development. In order to maintain the position of a comprehensive provider for the protective packaging market Pregis keeps expanding the business under the specialized brand names, from among which Pregis Food Packaging deals in the foodstuffs segment, Hexacomb® secures solutions for transportation, Protective Packaging Europe and Protective Packaging North America offer a wide assortment of protective wares on both continents and, last but not least, Sengewald dedicates itself to hospital supplies. All Pregis brands are guided by similar fundamental principles according to which the staff combines creativity, experience and cutting edge technologies for the sake of the clients. These future-oriented solutions contribute to cost reduction while comprehensive and individual advisory services take extreme care to pre-
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pare custom-made and flexible projects suitable for the individual demands of particular buyers. After their completion consistent advice is carried on until the product is ready for its introduction to the market. Pregis brands also arrange additional services like product training and shows at the facilities.
Pregis in Poland
– Products and Technologies
The specifics of the Polish protective packaging market are further described by Mr. Stańczyk: “Western markets are for the most part dominated by distributors. In the Polish market it is the final consumer that prevails. This means that our Customers use our products and these are not sold or resold any further. Such policy can be implemented owing to a nexus of outlets serving regional markets in Gdynia, Szczecin, Poznań, Wrocław, Warszawa and Gliwice, where our main plant is located. Moreover, we can boast a network of warehouses in Olsztyn, Łódź, Rzeszów i Zielona Góra.” For Polish clientele Pregis Corporation offers a wide assortment of protective packaging, in fabricating of which it uses such materials as: AstroBubble air bubble film, including a trend setting novelty – Co-ex technology (Astro SupraBubble barrier film), AstroFoam polyethylene foam and Polylam and Nopaplank technical foams. Furthermore, the company has gained a good reputation in Poland due to Jiffy high quality protective mailers and such applications as AirSpeed air cushion and Lantech strech film wrapping machines. Fabricated of mono-layer polyethylene
AstroBubble air bubble film serves as an ideal example of how both ecological and economical can solve the problem of void filling, transferring, wrapping and cushioning of products. In addition, AstroBubble became a point of departure for multi-layer Co-ex technology, that is barrier film with an additional, thin layer of coextruded polyethylene. This combination maximises the retention of air in a bubble, which makes it possible for better cushioning, longer protection and reduction of packaging costs. The AstroBubble category of products is perfectly complemented by antistatic AstroFoam characterised by the separate compartments structure and density of 35 kg/m3. For those who wish to protect fragile and shake sensitive items, including electronic gears and high quality tools, Pregis turns out and retails Polylam and Nopaplank technical foams. These materials, by virtue of their flexibility and suppleness, prove to be a comprehensive shield against shakes and strikes. Employed in tailor and custom-made designs, they stand out as efficient and convenient in use. As regards Pregis ready products among Polish clientele, it is Jiffy protective mailers that have earned particular recognition. Equally popular, AirSpeed air and paper cushioning systems have drawn the attention of customers with their compact size, durability and ergonomics. They take advantage of the brand new inflatable environment firendly film, EP Flex Renew which besides its perfect protection characteristics is the first in the industry to be biodegradable. Bio-additive accelerates biodegradation, while the process of breaking down the film into biomass, CO2 and methane is performed by microbes, which digest not only bio-additive, but plastic, too. Complete biodegradation typically occurs in one to five years. The innovative Airspeed appliances operate in high efficiency centrally controlled packaging systems processing vast amounts of goods, as well as in the smaller decentralized systems. Apart from that,
NEW PREGIS FACTORY IN GLIWICE – THE WAREHOUSE
Packaging IndustryPregis 2010-02-12 12:21:41
NEW PREGIS FACTORY IN GLIWICE
the Pregis offer also includes Lantech wrapping machines allowing for efficient and economical replacement of manual packaging. Currently Pregis is launching Airspeed 5000 appliances in Europe, which can boast a proven track record among American clientele deploying it in centralized packaging systems. Ergonomic, easy to operate and reliable, these machines use ecofriendly EP-Flex Renew film, which produced cushions filled with air at speed of 23 metres per minute. Pregis offers comprehensive solutions including delivery, packaging system and accessories such as stands, feeders and start and stop detection circuits, which facilitate the wrapping process and contribute to the ergonomics of a workstation.
Pregis Vision – Responsible for the Environment
Mr. Stańczyk tells us more about the vision of the business: “We are determined to achieve recognition in the field of production of advanced protective packaging solutions. It has always been our ultimate goal and the key element of our strategy. We would also like to be identified with technologies that help to protect the goods of our clientele.” Customer care, state of the art technologies and extension of the offer are not the only fields in which Pregis proves supremacy over its competitors. The company pays likewise attention to responsible running of the trade. Thus, it takes action which logically stems from the principles established by the management and formulated in “The Statement of Business Principles”. This reads: “Pregis holds ethics, integrity, and lawful conduct among its topmost priorities. Ethical and lawful conduct is essential to protecting Pregis’s worldwide business and reputation.” Consequently, the firm has achieved its status due to lean management, protection of fair labour practices and respect for free market competition. It is the commitment to the issues of natural environment and responsible ecological policy that play
a prominent role in the company’s set of guiding principles. That is why Pregis invests in eco-friendly technologies, which result in effective use of material in the production process, prevention of pollution, utilizing higher percentage of reclaimed and recycled materials in products. Likewise, Pregis has taken a series of initiatives such as: reduction of waste in production, efficient use of energy resources, enhancement of transportation facilities as well as promoting of environmental knowledge and awareness to employees and customers. That is exactly why the company has launched new brands such as Jiffy Green and EP FLEX Renew. Nevertheless, Pregis management knows how to convert environmental concern into profitable investment that pays off not only in terms of actual increase in profits but also has positive impact on nature and standards of health and living of the people. In doing so, Pregis fulfils basic tenets of its philosophy which include striving to minimize environmental impact of the products, investigating sustainable packaging solutions and alternatives as well as combining economic success with environmental protection. This vision also provides strategy and direction based on research testing and development of new technologies and building partnerships and engaging with like-minded customers and suppliers who, like Pregis, care for the society they live in.
AIRSPEED SMART MACHINE
AIRSPEED 5000 MACHINE
AIRSPEED 5000 MACHINE ACCESSORIES
Packaging IndustryPregis Księga1.indb 69
EP FLEX RENEW FILM
Manufacturing-Journal | 67 | 2010-02-12 12:21:42
AR TI CL ES
A WINNING COMBINATION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION
FACT BOX FULL NAME: OJSC „Confectionery Group „SladCo” CEO: Vadim Ter-Israelyan OPERATIONS: Confectionery ESTABLISHED: 2001 EMPLOYEES: 2 600
www.sladco.ru
Chief Executive Officer Vadim Ter-Israelyan
T
The Confectionary Group SladCo is one of the major confectionary producers in Russia. It was established in 2001 and its headquarters are in Yekaterinburg. The name of the company means ‘sweet’ in Russian and it reflects the wide product range of the firm, which includes chocolate, sweets, caramel, biscuits and wafers. Delicious sweets sealed inside bright and shiny wrappers with SladCo logo enclosed lure the consumers looking for a sweet tooth’s paradise. In 2005, the company was acquired by ORKLA, which is one of the largest company holdings in Norway and a premier supplier of branded products to the Scandinavian grocery market. The international partnership marked a new era. During last three years operational activities of the company have changed quite significantly. The new management team has applied the western multinational standards and quality systems. SladCo has realized the project of restructuring its production facilities, i. e. Yekat-
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erinburg factory has been focused on producing pastry, while Ulyanovsk one on chocolate products. It also initiated a project of logistics and purchasing optimization. It opened up possibilities for the cooperation with strong global players and for the use of innovative technologies. Currently, more than 3000 employees, who are young, motivated and enthusiastic, contribute to the success of the company. Written by Karolina Burkiewicz
Talented staff and quality
of the products
SladCo company boasts of professional workers with accumulated experience and commitment to excellence. They do not only define the core values of the company, but also live by them, which makes SladCo a gratifying place to work. They proved their effectiveness and dedication during the challenging periods for the company. Their vast knowledge and loyalty accelerated the development of the firm, as their career growth is aligned with the company’s goals. But, what makes them outstanding is their flexibility and mobility. Their target is to satisfy the consumers’ needs and concentrate on their preferences and quality of the products. Life-long customers are the backbone for any successful company. Certainly, limitations breed creativity and stimulate innovation, as the saying goes, necessity is the
mother of invention. However, in SladCo, employees are encouraged to stretch their minds and go beyond their limits. They may be limited by the resources, but not by the management of the firm. They embrace new technologies and use them to improve the traditional products and production. Moreover, the staff is supported by their colleagues from other ORKLA confectiona r y and
Food & Beverage IndustrySladco 2010-02-12 12:21:45
food production units. They share their experience and know-how to manufacture high-quality products. Quality is the fundamental approach that SladCo company integrates into daily operations. It is not just a declaration, but an integral part of the production. Stateof-the-art products are top priority. Therefore, the firm sometimes sacrifices profitability and competitive pricing strategy for over-the-top quality. Mediocre confectionary materials are unacceptable. Moreover, the company promotes traditional Russian ingredients, which a consumer can find in famous ‘Ptichka’ sweets. Their name in Russian means a ‘little bird’ and it reflects their light and delicate texture, as they are made of condensed milk and whipped white coated with chocolate. Although, SladCo defends old Russian candy and confectionary recipes, it does not stand in the way of modernizing and spicing them up. They are altered to suit the customers’ needs. High quality of the products brings success for the company. Another important factor is the distribution and
advertising of the products. The firm is focused on the whole distribution chain, from the factories and warehouses to the supermarkets where the new commodities hit the shelves. The promotion activity of SladCo products is often combined with the ones of its business partners to meet the customers’.
National ambitions
Two regional factories, ‘Volzhanka’ in Ulyanovsk and ‘Konfi’ in Yekaterinburg, laid the foundations of SladCo company. They have a long history and strong position in the Russian market. The Confectionary Group is represented in most of Russian regions, not only in Volga and Ural federal districts, but also in Siberia and the Far East of Russia. It is one of the top five players in confectionary industry in Russia and it strives to retain its lead position. The target seems realistic considering the fact that during the last two years the company strengthened its operations in Russia’s central regions. The success is achievable by the growing presence of SladCo’s products in glob a l ,
national and local retail chains. Taking a similar approach as other companies with national ambitions, the firm follows the modern trade concept, which became a trend in Russia. As opposed to traditional retail shops, modern trade puts emphasis on the sales methods and advertising of products to reach the customers effectively. It met with a favourable response in Russia, because the Eastern market is flooded with strong global operators. SladCo company modernized its retail market to satisfy the consumers’ requirements and provide them with high-standard products. The quality and taste of the product itself is the major focus of the firm. It is obvious that if it does not live up to the expectations of the customers, it will not be purchased again. Thus, a team of experts works hard to improve the quality of the products constantly. The staff acquired lifelong experience and honed their skills for many years working for SladCo, so they do their best to address the consumers’ needs. The key brands of the company are ‘Slad&Co’ for chocolate and ‘Happy Day’ for biscuits and wafers. Yet, the company does not only concentrate on the new confectionary goods. Owing to SladCo, old local brands, such as ‘Konfi’ and ‘Volzhanka’ live again and regained their popularity. They existed in the Russian market and were leading candy manufacturers before SladCo was established. Observing the market mechanism, the firm is targeting local market expansion and foreign market penetration. It is worthwhile to combine the introduction of new brands with the revitalisation of old brands, as ‘Konfi’ and ‘ Volzhanka’ are winning Russian and CIS countries’ markets.
Interna-
tional relations
SladCo offers its products outside the borders, main-
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Manufacturing-Journal | 69 | 2010-02-12 12:21:46
ly, to CIS countries, Georgia, Ukraine and Mongolia. Amid the global economic crisis, the company’s growth and prosperity remained stable thanks to its flexibility in business approach and eagerness to explore new possibilities. Its export expansion was focused also on Middle East financial markets. Currently, SladCo is in the process of negotiations with Qatar and Kuwait. International cooperation with ORKLA resulted in significant changes for the Confectionary Group SladCo. The company was successfully valued at strict external and internal audits on account of adopting Western multinational standards and quality systems by the management team. In 2009, it re-launched its key brand ‘Slad&Co’, which was positively acclaimed by the customers, who appreciated the quality of a familiar product.
Certificates and awards
SladCo company is justly proud of its achievements. It is ISO and HACCP certified, which guarantees food quality and safety and accordance with international standards. Apart from that, it has been nominated as one of the ‘Russia’s top 100 products’ since it was set up. Every year the company rakes in awards and succeeds under the strict assessment of the jury scrutinizing the products for details. This year, SladCo has been awarded as a recognized leader for ‘Wide range and high quality standards of its products’
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in the competition called ‘Agricultural Olympus’. Furthermore, this year Europe Business Assembly has adjudged SladCo the prize “Best Enterprises of Europe” as an innovative, competitive, visionary, market-leading company. As well as chief executive officer Vadim Ter-Israelyan has become the laureate of the international Award “Manager of the Year”.
Bright future
The future of SladCo looks promising. Within the next 5-10 years, the company plans to retain the continual and balanced growth of its core products along with the building the qualitative and efficient national distribution and improvement of their qualities. It aims at implementing modern technologies, innovating its traditional products and introducing new brands including ideas for entrance into new price segments (premium portfolio level). The firm is also considering the third party acquisitions, potentially in the core business segments, but also in the new ones, to reach synergy effects and economies of scale. The goals of the Confectionary Group SladCo are clearly defined, and undoubtedly, they will be attained. The company has a great potential for success and honest core values. High quality of the products and flexibility of the staff have already been appreciated by a considerable number of Russian candies’ consumers.
Food & Beverage IndustrySladco 2010-02-12 12:21:48
AR TI CL ES
FULL NAME: Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska SA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Wojciech Śmiechowski OPERATIONS: Food industry / bread and pastry / fresh and frozen ESTABLISHED: 1989
www.intereuropol.eu
L
ocated on the outskirts of Warsaw, Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska S.A. (Inter Europol Swiss Bakery Joint-Stock Company) has risen to become the most prominent producer of Swiss and French bread in Poland. More than 20 years of its verified track record has already proven that with modern technology put to use you can still bake bread according to time-honoured recipes, and whose taste will satisfy most fussy gourmets, too. No wonder, therefore, that the products of the Swiss Bakery have earned domestic recognition as well as all around Europe. Written by Bartosz Sowiński
Point of Departure
Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska was set up concurrently with the events pivotal for the evolution of Polish privateowned initiative. In 1989, when the company came into being as a family business, which it has thus remained , its first premises were located on ul. Okrąg in Warsaw. Over the 20 years of operations the headquarters were changed twice – first, in 1991 Inter Europol moved to ul. Conrada and, second, in 2000 the whole company, both office and factory floors included, put down roots on the outskirts of the capital, in Marki at ul. Słoneczna 22. As Poland was admitted
Food & Beverage IndustryInter Europol Księga1.indb 73
TASTE, TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITION
FACT BOX
access to the powerful economic structures of the European Union, the event seemingly triggered off the development of the bakery as well as many other domestic enterprises at the time. Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska soon reaped double benefits from it, entering western markets as well as collecting funds from European institutions. Consequently, it boosted the company’s manufacturing potential, reduced its negative impact on the environment and notably improved product quality.
Time to Prime the Pump
These goals could have been achieved owing to means granted by The European Regional Development Fund as well as Phare 2003 Programme for the Socioeconomic Integration of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Thanks to massive cash flow the company managed to implement the blueprints for: logistic and refrigerating equipment and a production line of ciabatta dough. Moreover, there were other schemes put into practice, including systems of order service and the “INTRASTAT” declaration, of research on foreign markets and association of trading partners, and, finally, of preparation of technical documentation. In Autumn 2006 the company kicked off with a series of investments in the factory floor, which being extended and revamped makes a visible sign of the governing principles at Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska.
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These are as follows: strife for technological perfection, regard for tradition and concern for the environment.
Strategic Powerhouse
How do the current wealth and strategic potential of the bakery look after so many years of doing business? Its greatest treasures were and still are: highly qualified and loyal staff, state-of-the-art technology and modern machine park. The firm pays particular attention to innovation and flexibility since it is only to pioneering solutions that one can please capricious liking of their clientele. Equally crucial for its strategic potential, the premises of the company are located in the heart of the country, on the outskirts of the capital, itself a junction of domestic and international routes. The company keeps strictly to the policy of quality and safety, too (more about it in further sections of the article). All these actions are taken in order to achieve one fundamental goal, namely to meet the demand of contemporary customers who cherish competitive prices as well as taste, quality and health.
Already Arrived in…
Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska is one of the leaders of the domestic industry. Furthermore, there is no manufacturer on the Polish market who would boast a wider assortment of traditional Swiss, French and Danish bread. Those who prefer traditional Polish bread will be catered for, too. In the process of production the company takes advantage of avant-garde technologies. Thus, it turns out fresh daily products as well as products with an extended durability – frozen bread – for partial or full baking. These are in turn provided to hypermarkets and supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, petrol stations and company shops. They are highly appreciated at home and abroad and, therefore, exported to such EU countries as Belgium, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Greece and Czech Republic. Outside the EU they are also available in Norway and Kazakhstan. Moreover, the company is presently going to expand onto other eastern markets. The best paragon of the bakery’s popularity among foreign buyers is the fact that nowadays export makes up to 48% of its total income.
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Gourmet confectionery
Why is bread baked in Marki so popular then? The decisive factors seem to be as follows: perfect taste, variety of confectionery types on offer, availability and spotless quality of products themselves as well as of packages in which they are stored. In Marki bread is prepared on the basis of organic ingredients only, always including butter and, if necessary, fresh or frozen fruit and not mere pulps commonly used in baking industry. Dough is kneaded there with flours which guarantee genuine taste and authenticity of specific types of products. Thus, the customers may be certain that ciabatta is made with flour trusted by Italian maestros and the taste of wholemeal rye bread perfectly mirrors its traditional Old Polish prototypes. In order to cater for picky gourmet needs the firm has created a wide array of goods containing such delicacies as: sun-dried tomatoes, maple syrup, goat cheese, dried apples, figs, olives, raisins, nuts, sprouts and cranberries. Nonetheless, the bakery is still seeking for new equally unique recipes which would extend and diversify the offer.
Flagship Products
However, what makes the most prominent branch of Inter Europol activity at the moment is the manufacturing of frozen bread for partial or full baking. This in fact facilitated the expansion on foreign market since, after the freezing, bread gains durability that expires only after a year (it stays fresh for so long if you store it in the temperature of -18°C). That means in turn that its quality will not be affected by prolonged transportation and hence it may travel to the furthest destinations on Earth. Its main advantage is that it is easy to prepare. You simply put frozen stuff to an oven and after a while you get crunchy bread. On the shortlist of flagship products and hot sales you may also find fitness line and bread bakes “stone oven baked breads”, that is prepared according to Old Polish tradition.
Guiding Principles…
What does success mean for people of Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska? It goes without saying it is satisfaction on the part of clientele. For that matter, the company has come up with and
Food & Beverage IndustryInter Europol 2010-02-12 12:21:51
ness, friendly atmosphere and prospective career opportunities. The company’s ideal aim is to make it possible that the success and wealth of the enterprise are shared with the staff. For it wishes to establish a balance between the employer and employees who would support each other through thick and thin.
With Recognition in View
step by step implemented the policy of food safety and quality. Its main goals are achieved through: training and upgrading qualifications of the staff, maintenance of the existing distribution network, gaining new consumers and order realization in due time. It also means the management and the employees will remain united in the effort to recognize and define potential jeopardy. Actions taken in order to solve existing problems and prevent further disruptions have its token in the fact that the baker furnaces in Marki turn out top notch quality and healthy bread.
…Put to Use
That would be all as far as the principles are concerned. But what procedures serve them? The company is obliged to undertake measures of an Integrated Management System for quality and healthy food. What does it mean for consumers? IMS requires that the business should meet the standards of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO TC 34 N 1046 HACCP. The president of Inter Europol took first steps to introduce these in January 2002 when hired external auditors suitable for the job. They soon made it possible to gain control over product quality and secured manufacturing processes. Moreover, the staff took real responsibility for foodstuffs they prepared. The course of action came to an end only a year later when its crowning glory, namely ISO 9001:2000 and HACCPP certificates, were obtained. Nevertheless, the bakery has notably improved production since then. Nowadays the business boasts compliance with ISO
22000:2006 and BRC. While introducing new regulations, it checks carefully what impact it has on manufacturing progress. IMS is being systematically enhanced either by means of modification and prevention or by new technologies of management procedures.
Through thick and
thin with the Staff
Asked about what the management board prides on above all, they answer: “We are capable of facing every challenge. We have suitable technological and human resources.” The members of the board are acutely aware of the fact that their prosperity will not last long if they do not take care to protect the staff. Thus, they pull out all the stops to make Inter Europol an attractive employer. A good name of Piekarnia Szwajcarska is determined by the following factors: the bakery’s original profile as a family busi-
Food & Beverage IndustryInter Europol Księga1.indb 75
There are more initiatives that have contributed to Inter Europol established brand name. The firm remains extremely careful abut health and safety as well as the environment. You might find the token of it in their machine park where brand new equipment is installed. It takes advantage of innovative refrigeration solutions such as a cooling hybrid of NH3 and CO2 instead of Freon detrimental to ozone layer or ammonia particularly dangerous in case of failures of machinery. The business has also earned excellent reputation owing to charity work focused on problems of diabetics. Inter Europol Piekarnia Szwajcarska is particularly keen to participate in events within the industry as well as to promote itself through various festivals. Nonetheless, the pivotal role in building trust and reputation is given to domestic and international trade shows. Little wonder, therefore, that it made its presence felt at such prestigious expositions as REGAL Branchentreff Trade Show in Vienna, Euro-Gastro Trade Show in Warsaw and Gastro-Meeting Trade Show in Sosnowiec and many more. It proves only a beginning, though, as marketing department in Marki is not going to rest on its laurels. It guarantees that Inter Europol brand name will reach many more consumers in Poland as well as abroad.
Manufacturing-Journal | 73 | 2010-02-12 12:21:52
AR TI CL ES
A TASTE OF HOMEMADE COOKING
FACT BOX FULL NAME: Przedsiębiorstwo Gastronomiczno Produkcyjno Handlowe „U Jędrusia” mgr inż. Andrzej Krupiński OWNER: Andrzej Krupiński OPERATIONS: Food & Beverages ESTABLISHED: 1979 EMPLOYEES: 277 REVENUE: 50 mln PLN for 2009 year
www.u-jedrusia.pl
P
resent on the Polish m a r ket for more than 30 years now, the company PGPH “U Jędrusia” has Chairman of the board become one Mr. Andrzej Krupiński of the largest and most recognised manufacturers of ready-made food – fresh and frozen, salads, jarred dishes and handmade premium products. Its excellent reputation is guaranteed by the recipes of Old Polish traditional cuisine and the flavour of homemade cooking. The firm supplies all leading hypermarket chains in Poland. The products of “U Jędrusia” can be also savoured at its
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brand name delicatessen stalls and Lunch Bars. While serving customers and multiplying revenue, the company takes equal care to attend to its workforce and help protect the environment. Written by Bartosz Sowiński
Recipe for Success
In 1979, when Mr. Andrzej Krupiński and Mrs. Maria Krupińska set up a small restaurant at 12 Stradomska St in Krakow, he may not have been aware then that he would achieve a standing of a Polish private enterprise pioneer. Although “U Jędrusia” came into being rather modestly as a one-man private company employing 6 people and offering 30 dining places, the original profile of activity soon began to pay off, as it earned profits better than expected and sparked
off a rapid growth. From the outset the owners knew they would like to focus on Old Polish traditional cuisine. The first clients used to visit the restaurant to enjoy the taste of homemade cooking, but they would drop by for its unique ambience too. Nevertheless, the initial stages of the venture were not as easy as it may seem since the 1980’s in Poland were the testing era for Polish private initiative. Despite the hard times the company did not come down a peg and gradually gained an excellent reputation, the testimony of which are competitions and prizes respectively won and awarded at the time. Shortly the business underwent transformation. It is worthwhile to notice it took place in 1989, that is at the dawn of the revolution in Polish economy. It was then that
Food & Beverage IndustryU Jędrusia 2010-02-12 12:21:55
“U Jędrusia” company seized the opportunity and took over the storage area of 200 sqm from Manufacturing Cooperative “Naprzód” in the outhouse on Stradomska. There, in the space adjacent to the restaurant, the firm started turning out food. What looked like a small scale experiment merely, soon proved an unprecedented success when dumplings, stuffed cabbage rolls and other readymade dishes via cooperative shops became available to individual customers. The capture of more space allowed for manufacturing frozen food. The popularity all these products enjoyed among clientele eventually reshaped the company’s profile and, “U Jędrusia” once a restaurant, became a food producer. That is how in entered the 1990’s.
Defining Moments
The watershed that came to pass in Polish economy then made the entrepreneurs vastly insecure as their hard work seldom bore any instant fruit. Thus, the era between 1989 and 1995 should be recorded as turbulent and unstable not only in the chronicles of the domestic market but also in the archives of the Krupińskis’ company. And it was not until new hypermarkets took Polish retail by storm that such state of affairs came to an end. As the business partners of unparalleled resources appeared on the market, many ventures, including “U Jędrusia”, stood a good chance of massive expansion. Having spotted first harbingers of prosperity that the cooperation with supermarket chains brought about, the owner of the company decided to keep going and establish liaison with an indisputable trade giant. Established in Poland in 1993, Makro Cash & Carry, as it is the giant in question, dwarfed its competi-
tors in wholesale at once. It was equally a promising opportunity and a formidable challenge for the Krupińskis’ enterprise, which nonetheless was taken up in an exemplary manner. Despite some difficulties on the way, as Makro management initially regarded “U Jędrusia” as a producer to small to meet its demand, the company lest it should waste the opportunity, channelled all the efforts and adjusted the scale of production to the requirements. Hence fresh packaged as well as frozen food with the company’s trademark soon appeared in Makro’s stores. Owing to various promotional campaigns and frequent tasting events the products began selling well not just around Krakow but in Poland as such, which made it possible to increase employment and invest in a new factory floor and a chain of distribution. Subsequently, the business won over new associates, such as Carrefour, Geant, Tesco, Auchan i Leclerc supermarkets. It is there that the company supplies traditional, catering and confectionery solutions as well as readymade food and salads packaged individually. “U Jędrusia” keeps in mind where its roots are, however, and, therefore, keeps expanding the brand name Lunch Bars and delicatessen stalls where customers can savour high quality traditional dishes.
Technological Power Base
Constantly investing in innovative technologies, logistic solutions and electronic systems, the company spares no effort in order to enhance the standards and quality of production. The biggest food producer at the moment, employs an army of 277 dedicated workers supplying all country scale retailers as well as its own bars and shops. In May 2004 the company became entitled to do
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trade within EU and obtained vet identification number. Currently, it exports its goods to Germany, UK, Ireland, Greece, Israel, Ukraine and Usa among others. Despite a notable success the owners, management and workforce alike are not going to sit back as they know how hard it achieve recognition. The “U Jędrusia” people are bent on to enlarge the scope of the enterprise and satisfy customers’ needs. They do so by means of exploring new possibilities, increasing production and extending the offer. Consequently, a newly developed Readymade Food Factory in Morawica near Krakow must be called their crowning achievement. The plant takes up a space of over 3000 sqm, which makes it possible to turn out 12,000 tones of ready product every year. Its foundation stones were laid in 2002 already when the plot was purchased. Shortly after, in January 2003 the builders started to work at a full steam, once the company signed the agreement with Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture and thus obtained the funds of 4 mln PLN. The plant is supplied by a 25 ha size farm where indispensable in the production process vegetables are grown and stored. The production itself takes place on automatic lines further supported by specialised transport with independent logistics. State of the art technologies and HACCP quality system make a warranty of impeccable hygiene and top grade manufacturing output. Whereas storage temperatures tested there extend the dates of expiry, the traditional recipes enable the customers to enjoy the flavour of homemade cooking. Due to suitable certificates the plant provides food for the army too. They are also planning new investments, about which speaks the company’s Technol-
Manufacturing-Journal | 75 | 2010-02-12 12:21:56
REX - POL Sp. z o.o.
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ogy and Investment Director, Mr. Maciej Krupiński: “The plant in Morawica has a vast reserve of equipped land suitable for investment. In near future we are going to develop brand new logistics storage space and salad production plant as well as extend the dumpling and croquet filling processing factory.”
Tasty and Affordable Products
These investments are absolutely vital as the demand for food with the “U Jędrusia” trademark is increasing rapidly. That means only one thing – the victuals offered by the firm taste well and people take pleasure in eating them. As Mr. Andrzejewski suggests, in comparison with main competitors the company’s offer proves exquisite and it is owing to “the wide range of products – handmade and machine-made, including salads, chilled and frozen food. It is also to availability on the domestic market and abroad.” The sheer length of the dishes listed looks impressive enough as it comprises: fit and premium products, chilled and frozen food, traditional, handmade, readymade and jarred dishes made with meat, poultry and fish as well as containing mayo and various sauces, children and vegetarian delicacies and, of course, diverse salads. “U Jędrusia” is particularly renowned for its scrumptious regular and potato dumplings, croquets, stuffed cabbage rolls and pancakes. Nonetheless, the wide selection of goods along with heir exceptional quality proves insufficient to strike the attention of oversaturated and competitive contemporary market. In order to earn trust of new clientele the company’s experts implement carefully devised strategies, which Mr. Andrzejewski presents as follows: “We are persistently striving to establish our brand name on the market. We advertise ourselves through different channels such as press, media and the Internet dealt with by Mrs. Katarzyna KrupińskaAndrzejewska. We also conduct a series of promotions including shows, tasting events, discounts and free of charge distribution. We conduct a market research every year. We do our best to make the products within everyone’s means.” Thus, there are two fundamental principles inherent in the company’s marketing policy. Firstly, food manufactured there should boast gourmet-like quality. Secondly, it must be affordably priced.
Mission – Clients, Workforce,
the Environment
The Krupińskis’ people know that their prosperity relies heavily on client’s satisfaction. That is why customer care remains in the centre of their attention. With the aim of catering to heir needs the firm keeps improving quality, which is substantiated by various awards and honours: Agro Polska 2001, Polski Producent Żywności 2002 and “Dobre bo Polskie” certificate. As Mr. Andrzejewski elaborates on the company’s mission: “We see our mission in securing quality of products and promoting work ethics. We give full measure to live up to our good reputation. We are passionate about what we do and go all out in order to achieve perfection.” Apart from customer care, there are two more guiding principles at “U Jędrusia”, namely work satisfaction and protection of the environment. It is for employee’s good that the HR policy has been devised and implemented and thus secured steady jobs, ongoing training and possibility of promotion. The firm prides on being reliable and solvent. The environmental policy is in turn put into practice by means of recycling and segregation of the after production film, cardboard, metal, glass and organic waste further received and processed by specialised contractors. Last but not least, this year the factory in Morawica has completed the development of modern sewage treatment plant.
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Manufacturing-Journal | 77 | 2010-02-12 12:21:59
AR TI CL ES
COMPANY VITAL FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
FACT BOX FULL NAME: EuroChem Mineral and Chemical Company, OJSC GENERAL DIRECTOR: Dmitry Strezhnev OPERATIONS: Manufacturing of mineral fertilizers ESTABLISHED: 2001 EMPLOYEES: 21 800 REVENUE: USD 4,5 billion
www.eurochem.ru
E
uroChem is the largest manufacturer of mineral fertilizers in Russia. It is a company recognized worldwide General Director ranking among Dmitry Strezhnev top three European and top ten world leaders in the sector. EuroChem is the only chemical company in Russia which incorporates mining and processing enterprises along with logistics companies and well developed distribution network in various regions of the globe. Such multifaceted structure gives the company a number of advantages on the internal and external markets. Written by Elena Rozhko
When the statistics speak for themselves
Today EuroChem is a rapidly developing company with turnover of 4,5 billion dollars and estimated output volume of 24 million tones of mineral fertilizers. The company employs 21,800 people. EuroChem has adopted a expansion strategy to the year 2012 which predicts an investment of 3.2 billion dollars in the enhancement of production and the construction of new facilities in order to increase manufacturing capacities. Being one of the world’s top ten producers of mineral fertilizers the company
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is striving to be among the top five. To achieve the desired result the company constantly optimizes its value chain by ensuring access to low-cost recourses, expanding the product portfolio and increasing production efficiency. EuroChem is a customer oriented company. Its main business principles are product and management quality as well as consumer demand satisfaction. EuroChem strives to become the major European producer of mineral fertilizers as well as of a wide range of agrochemical services of high quality, company’s interest include constant technological improvement in the plants and the improvement of living conditions around the facilities. One of the key factors in the development of EuroChem is its complex structure which enables the company to accomplish its goals. Currently EuroChem Holding owns 7 manufacturing plants (5 manufacturers of fertilizers and 2 mining plants) based in Russia and Lithuania with repair service companies in each region; a distribution network in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus as well as sales companies in Switzerland and the USA; 3 transshipping companies and 2 logistics business units, scientific center for industrial design and development. Such structure enables the company to minimize the costs of production and transportation of raw material in order to achieve the desired competitive capacity in the Russian market and abroad.
Growth in difficult economic conditions
For EuroChem the word “growth” addresses two aspects of the company’s function. Firstly, mineral fertilizers stimulate growth of different farm plants from which such things as food, fibers or artificial fuels are produced. Secondly, growth is a characteristic feature of the company’s business development strategies, constant growth and devel-
Chemical IndustryEuroChem 2010-02-12 12:22:05
General Director of Belgorkhimprom Mr. Anatoly D. Smychnik
• •
One of the world leaders in scientific and design provision for potash industry. 900 employees in “Belgorkhimprom”, who are high qualified specialists of mining, chemical, electric engineering and design profiles. There are 24 Candidates and 6 Doctors of technical science.
•
The main directions of the institute activity are: - research, design, adjusting, introduction and service works in the sphere of extraction and processing potassium ore and other mineral raw materials; - mechanization of auxiliary manufactures and manual labour; - exploitation of automatized systems and means of control of mine and technological processes; - creation of wear-stable and protective covers for mining and concentrating equipment; creation of safe working conditions in open pits and mines nature protection.
•
Today “Belgorkhimprom” consists of 14 research laboratories and sectors, 11 design offices and branch Scientific and Technical Centres of energy saving, diagnostics and industrial safety. “Belgorkhimprom” has got representative offices in Russian Federation, Venezuela, Turkmenistan and Kazachstan.
•
JSC “Belgorkhimprom” is collaborating with more than 70 industries in mining and chemical fields in Europe and post-Soviet territory.
•
We cooperate with: PA BELARUSKALI, OAO EUROCHEM, OAO URALKALI and SAMRUK-KAZYNA.
•
The experience and knowledge of JSC Belgorkhimprom are useful and essential for a lot of industrial companies. JOINT – STOCK COMPANY „BELGORKHIMPROM” Masherova avenue 17 Minsk, 220029 Republic of Belarus Tel: (+375/17) 334 69 92 Fax:(+375/17) 334 70 25 Teletype: 300423 KALIY BY E-mail: bmci@bmci.by www.bmci.by
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opment are EuroChem’s main goals. It is hard to maintain growth in the unfavorable economic conditions of the recession. By the end of 2008 the economic crises had spread to different spheres of economy. However, EuroChem has been able to take the necessary steps in order to maintain growth of the enterprise in such unfavorable conditions thanks to the developed strategy. EuroChem’s financial sustainability has been verified by independent rating agencies: in 2008, both Fitch and Standard & Poor’s upgraded EuroChem’s credit rating to BB and in 2009 the rating was confirmed.
Production range
EuroChem manufactures over one hundred of certified high quality products. The company’s production portfolio includes nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, complex fertilizers, feed phosphates and acids, organic synthesis products, raw materials and others. Production of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers is predominant. EuroChem ranks sixth in the world according to production capacity of phosphate fertilizers and seventh according to the production
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capacity of nitrogen fertilizers. Among nitrogen fertilizers major products are urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, UAN solution. As for phosphate fertilizers such key products as monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate should be mentioned. Moreover EuroChem produces a wide range of complex fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphate and potash elements. Presently the company is working on expanding its production range in potash fertilizers. EuroChem has obtained a license for mining of two major deposits of potash salts in Russia, according to the plans the production of potash fertilizer should begin in 2013. EuroChem exports its products to more than 70 countries all over the world. The key markets for the company are Asia with 29% consumption of all exported products, Russia and CIS with 25%, Europe with 21%, America with 23%. Hence a well developed marketing network is of utmost importance to EuroChem.
International certifications and recognitions
EuroChem’s integrated management
system received certification under the international standards ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007. The received certifications indicate that the company meets high international standards in terms of production quality, employee health and safety regulations and its environmental protection initiatives. The company began implementing the integrated management system in 2005 which over the years lead to significant improvements in quality of production, industrial safety and environmental impact. In 2007 Standard & Poor’s upgraded EuroChem’s corporate governance score (CGS) to ‘CGS-6+’ on the international scale. Such corporate governance score reflects the level of a company’s corporate management system conformance to international standards.
Social Responsibility
Social responsibility of EuroChem is first of all its impact on the development of the agrochemical industry and agriculture in Russia, its contribution to the well being of the employees and their families, its involvement in socio-economic and infrastructural development of 6 regions in Russia in which the company operates. All EuroChem’s plants are so called “town forming” enterprises – it is a soviet term, which was used to define a plant that was responsible for the establishment of a town around it. Town forming enterprise supported schools and kindergartens, medical and cultural centers, it built houses and roads, it was the main employer and taxpayer. The Soviet period fell into oblivion but the plants maintained their roles. EuroChem keeps subsidizing the towns that formed around its plants. The companies financial contributions can be compared with the governmental investments. The social policy of the company is based on several principles. The company’s priority is the support of sport and a healthy
Chemical IndustryEuroChem 2010-02-12 12:22:11
lifestyle, education and science as well as sustainable development of the territories where the company operates. EuroChem is constantly working on increasing the effectiveness of social support and social investments, achieving real effects from the development of the territory and the strengthening of corporate reputation. Effective technologies and models of social investment are being implemented. EuroChem believes that in order to sustain favorable social conditions in the towns the company needs to provide its employees with stable working environment and good salary because people are the foundation of the company’s activity.
Ecological impact
Ecological policy is considered one of the most important aspects of company’s activities. EuroChem strives to improve environmental protection measures, ensure industrial safety in the production facilities as well as occupational safety of the employees. In order to manage the ecological risks effectively EuroChem invests in the implementation of new technologies at the enterprises which ensures that the natural resources are used economically and minimizes the amount of the energy consumed by the plants. The new technologies are introduced to enable water recirculation during production. As a result of all the measures taken by the company air pollution emission is reduced every year despite the production growth.
Future plans and aspirations
EuroChem is constantly striving to enlarge its production capacity. The company makes continuously attempts to expand its resource base in the three major segments of production: phosphorous, potash and nitrogen segments. The company supplies its phosphorous production factories with raw materials
from the Kovdor deposit, and is currently in the process of obtaining licenses to develop phosphate deposits in Kazakhstan. EuroChem is also expanding its own logistics infrastructure, as well as a distribution network both in Russia and abroad. As for potash supplies EuroChem had won the rights to two mines in Russia. In the year 2013 the company will become the fourth world producer of all the components for mineral fertilizers – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Over the past several years, EuroChem has established the best fertilizer distribution system in Russia. The company strives not only to grow market share; its comprehensive agrochemical consulting services are aimed to help customers improve yield. Over the next five years, EuroChem plans to double the number of its distribution centers in Russia and the CIS.
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AR TI CL ES
THE TASTE OF TRADITION
FACT BOX FULL NAME: VIRTU SP.J. B.VETULANI, D.MIKULSKA PRESIDENT: BEATA VETULANI, DAGMARA MIKULSKA OPERATIONS: Food & Beverage ESTABLISHED: 1992 EMPLOYEES: 263
www.virtu.com.pl
A
s inextricable part of a country’s culture, food may be its flagship and pride. If you strive to get to know some of the culture of Poland and taste the traditional Polish cuisine, turn to the products offered by Virtu. Present on the Polish market since 1992, the company specializes in the production of both fresh and frozen ready-to-serve meals, many of which are deeply rooted in the Polish culinary tradition. Written by Anna Chudzik
Stages of development
Functioning under the name Virtu Sp. j. B. Vetulani, D. Mikulska, the company is the leading Polish manufacturer of delicatessen food, both fresh and frozen. It was established in 1992 in Zawiercie as a small family business named Wytwórnia Garmażeryjna Piotr Kotowicz. During the first six years of activity, the company employed only a few people. At the beginning its registered office was situated in a private house, in which only a few rooms served as a shop floor and storehouse. The first receivers of products, delivered by the owner himself, were mainly local shops and wholesale outlets in the Silesia region. In 1999 the company changed its name into Virtu. What was crucial to the development of Virtu was its cooperation with chains of supermarkets, such as Makro Cash and Carry, which proved to be strategic business partners. Between 1998 and 2000 the group of Virtu receivers was joined
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also by Ahold, Tesco and Marcpol. A sudden growth in demand for ready-toserve products resulted in the company’s increasing the scale of production and adjusting it to new market needs. Therefore, Virtu decided to add new products to the offer. Another landmark moment which came down in the history of the company was 1998, when Virtu opened a new production hall, situated next to the owners’ house. At that time the Virtu staff consisted of about 30 members, but the company systematically increased the number of employees. Moreover, the firm started to put emphasis on the promotion of its products, thus organizing numerous advertising campaigns and products tastings, which resulted in the growth of sales all over Poland. In 2003 Virtue bought a modern and bigger shop floor, where the production has taken place to date. The circle of customers has also expanded to include Geant, Carrefour, Real, Netto, Polomarket, Leclerc, Auchan, Billa, Selgros Cash and Carry, Jeronimo Martins, as well as other wholesale and retail outlets and the military. Over all the years of activity the company has strived to meet the latest market trends, thus enlarging and modernizing the premises and storage space. On the other hand, Virtu has not forgotten to invest into technologically advanced machines, devices and computer systems. The latest modernizations have been carried out so that the factory would comply with the require-
Food & Beverage Industry Virtu 2010-02-12 12:22:16
ments imposed by the European Union. In 2006 the company received the trade permit in the EU.
Traditional Polish dishes
and more…
From the initial stages of its activity Virtu has strived to respond to its customers’ needs. Currently, the offer of Virtu includes more than 50 products, among which one can find traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, which can be stuffed with meat, sauerkraut and/or with mushrooms, cottage cheese and raisins, and cheese and potatoes (also called ruskie). Pierogi, together with potato dumplings, are available also in a frozen form. In the category of the readto-serve dishes the most outstanding products are bigos, which is a stewed dish made of sauerkraut with sausage and mushrooms, fasolka po bretońsku (beans with bacon and sausage in tomato sauce), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage) or łazanki (small square noodle with sauerkraut and mushrooms). Apart from the Polish delicacies, one can find in the company’s assortment more universal dishes, such as pancakes, patties, croquettes, pizzas or baguettes. Each product manufactured by Vitru has its specific recipient, which is why all of them are equally important for the company. For the last 5 years Poland has seen the growth in the consumption of readyto-serve meals. Although the money earmarked by Poles for these products is considerably less than in other European countries, the modern tendencies of life make “convenience food” industry extremely popular. Nowadays, especially young people, tend to live faster, work more intensively and, as a consequence, value their free time. Therefore, instead of wasting time on cooking, they prefer to turn to ready solutions. However, the food they eat should be similar to homemade dishes. Vitru makes an effort to anticipate those needs by offering tasty, easy to prepare and widely accessible dishes. The above-mentioned qualities make the consumers go back to Vitru.
Quality first
One of the main principles of Virtu is to deliver the products of top quality and, at the same time, at reasonably price. When compared to other brands, exactly those two features characterize Virtu on the market. The ultimate goal is to live up to the customers’ expectations
and satisfy their needs. The company constantly invests into the development and tries to widen its offer range. In 2010 it is going to introduce 4 new products into the market. Virtu puts attaches importance to being widely recognizable in Poland and abroad, which is crucial in maintaining the leading position on the market. At the moment export is steadily developing and the company’s products are available to clients in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany and Belgium. Distribution companies in England constitute 60 % of all the foreign clients. In 2010 Virtu is planning to intensify the export development by obtaining new markets and widening the spectrum of products. Providing clients with products of high quality is nowadays not enough to attain the leading position. As any other company, Virtu wants to be perceived as a reliable business partner and appreciated as a good employer. Virtu employees, and especially their devotion to what they do, contribute to the success achieved by the company. The staff, currently consisting of 260 members, works for the common, clearly specified goal. All of them are acquainted with the quality policy of the company. Vitru believes that the mutual trust and good atmosphere at work are one of the key elements determining the effective work. What is more, the company’s board strives to constantly raise the employees’ qualifications, thus organizing various staff trainings, including business trips, which also reinforce the ties between the staff members. Furthermore, the clearly defined personnel policy and the company’s willingness to create stable working conditions both have a positive effect on the employees’ motivation to work. No wonder the Virtu team perceives the company as a trustworthy and reliable employer.
Consumer satisfaction
It seems that not only the Virtu employees are satisfied what the company can offer. Its food products are widely appreciated by the direct recipients. As indicated in the survey available on the company’s website, the brand has managed to gain recognition of 98 % of consumers, who wouldn’t change anything about the product they purchased. It is noteworthy that the interest aroused by Vitru is constantly rising among consumers. The quality of products offered by Virtu has been also appreciated by various institutions, which awarded the
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company with numerous distinctions and rewards. Obviously, Virtu takes pride in all of them, but those which were granted directly by the satisfied customers are particularly valuable for the company. For example, in 2009 it was nominated for the 11th edition of the consumer Quality Products Competition entitled “Najlepsze w Polsce – The Best In Poland” and received a certificate for its croquettes with cabbage and mushrooms. Apart from that, Virtu can boast the following distinctions and titles: •
• • •
PDŻ Sign (Poznaj Dobrą Żywność – Get to Know Good Food) awarded by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Business Gazelle (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009); Diamond of the Forbes magazine (2009); TO jest TO! (THIS is IT) logo, granted by Grupa Media Parter (2009).
Having received so many distinctions, the company does not forget about those in need, thus taking part in various charity actions, such as Podziel się posiłkiem (“Share Your Meal”) organized by the Food Bank.
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