Virovitica, February 15, 2006 – Last year Viro realized record production of sugar amounting to 110.000 tons, out of which there were 42.000 tons of processed imported yellow sugar and 66.000 tons of sugar processed from sugar beet. At the press conference, Damir Barić, Viro CEO and Ivan Tot, member of the Board, stated that the total of 18.676 tons of molasses and 22.074 tons of beet strips were produced, while daily factory capacity increased from 3.500 to 6.000 tons.
Nearly 47.310 tons of sugar was exported to the countries of European Union, mostly to Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary and Austria. Revenues amounted to 498.771 million kuna, while Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 99.187 million kuna. Because of realized results, Viro Sugar Refinery was presented with Zlatna kuna Award for the best large company in Virovitica-Podravina County.
In order to increase daily loading capacity of sugar, expand the offer for Croatian market and obtain international product quality certificate, Viro has invested almost 11 million kuna in modernization of the refinery and internationally recognized certificates. Reconstruction of the storage and packaging facilities started, new packaging and sorting machines were purchased, while building of the factory for production of liquid fluid is ongoing. Preparations are being done for implementation of HACCP certificate as well as halal and kosher certification, which will contribute to additional expansion of the offer.
Investments in employees, subcontractors and the community
Viro Sugar Refinery continuously invests in its employees, subcontractors and the community in which it operates. Refinery invested 65.000 kuna in employee education ensuring thus their ongoing professional development, aquisition of new skills and retraining which is necessary due to introduction of new technologies.
As every year Viro Sugar Refinery helped its subcontractors by financing purchase of fertilizers, protective agents, and seeds as well as ensuring machinery in total value of 31 million kuna, while the compensation for sugar beet was entirely paid at the end of December 2005, which is three months before the deadline. Moreover, 12 Viro agronomists were available to subcontractors for professional advice.
In 2005 Viro Sugar Refinery donated the total of 655.700 kuna in donations and sponsorships supporting numerous cultural, educational and non-profit organizations and sports clubs. |
