“Orkla Latvija” has concluded three investment projects in the new “Laimas” production facility with the aim of increasing the efficiency of production processes and improving working conditions for the employees of the production plant.
For a total of more than 700,000 euros, new mixing equipment for “Laimas” sherbets and preparation of filling for waffle products was purchased and installed, as well as new “Laimas” bar glazing equipment.
“In the current market situation, in which the costs of raw materials, materials and production of products are constantly increasing, we evaluate and implement all investment projects, including these, with the aim of saving, so as not to create an additional burden on product prices,” says Toms Didrichsons, “Orkla Latvia ” chairman of the board.
Two new mixers have been installed in the new “Laimas” production facility, which was opened in September of last year: one of them is intended for the preparation of fillings for “Laimas” waffle cakes and candies, the other – for the production of sherbets. These machines will increase product quality and the overall efficiency of production lines by automating processes that were previously manual. This will bring several benefits, for example, it will allow for more accurate dosing of product ingredients, as well as provide increasingly better working conditions for the employees of the production plant.
On the other hand, investments in glazing equipment will open up even wider opportunities for innovation and new product development. The new machines provide glazing with both dark and milk chocolate glaze, promptly switching to the production of the respective product with diverse flavors.
It is also planned to make investments in cooling systems by supplementing them in order to save the electricity consumed by these systems and help ensure the necessary temperature regimes in the production plant.
It has already been reported that 20 million euros have been invested in the creation of the production plant, as well as in the further development of the “Laima” brand, over the past three years. These are one of the largest investments in the food industry in Latvia since the restoration of independence.
The construction of the factory was started in October 2017, and its total area is more than 7200 m2. It is a modern and energy-efficient production facility with a precisely and conveniently planned production flow, which ensures efficiency and high product quality. It is also a functional and comfortable working environment for more than 100 workers in the production facility.
In addition to that, a modern product development laboratory has also been built in this production facility, which allows for the development and improvement of new products in the range of the “Laima” brand, which can be enjoyed by families both in Latvia and in other parts of the world.
In 2020, the “Orkla Latvija” concern worked with a turnover of 104.26 million euros and a profit of 4.594 million euros. The financial results of the concern for 2021 have not yet been made public.
“Orkla Latvija” was registered in 2009, and its share capital is eight million euros. In Latvia, “Orkla” represents and develops “Laima”, “Selga”, “Staburadze”, “Ādažu Chipsi”, “Pedro”, “Spilva”, “Gutta”, “Latplanta” and other brands. The company is part of the Norwegian concern “Orkla”.
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