“We are working as a priority to modernize and renovate the production base of El Bi Bulgaricum EAD in Vidin, which we will continue to develop and improve constantly.” This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. Petko Nikolov during the parliamentary control today. He pointed out that the new management of the state-owned dairy company has achieved quite a bit in the first months of its management by investing significant funds in improving the production base and will continue to actively work on the modernization of the building and facilities in Vidin.
According to him, phased works are to be started in the autumn, concerning the renovation of the cold rooms and warehouses, re-paving of the alleys leading to the workshops and the parking lot in front of the administrative building. The Minister of Economy was adamant that investment would be directed towards the smooth replacement of new production equipment for fresh milk, cow butter and processed cheese. He pointed out that maintenance contracts have been installed and renewed in all the rooms in the Vidin Production Facility for air conditioning, shop windows and all the technical condition of the finished goods chambers.
“In order to achieve its goals of improving the material base and working conditions in production, El Bi Bulgaricum will also rely on European funding,” the economic minister added, announcing that a review with technicians on improving the energy efficiency of the buildings and reducing electricity costs will also take place next week. In the words of Minister Nikolov, the possibilities of switching the work process to energy from photovoltaic systems are to be considered.
Dr. Petko Nikolov also recalled the fulfilled commitment to the trade unions to increase the salaries of the employees in the production base in Vidin by 10%, which took effect retroactively in May. The Minister of Economy announced that in September there will be a new conversation with the employees in Vidin for a second increase of 20%.
He also recalled that work is continuing to finalize the negotiation process between El Bi Bulgaricum EAD and Meiji in order to ensure maximum protection of the rights of El Bi Bulgaricum EAD and to achieve the objectives of the strategic partnership project between the two parties for the establishment of a joint research laboratory in Sofia.
“In this way, the management of the state-owned company will direct the forces of the team towards achieving new goals that will strengthen the deserved place of the company in the Bulgarian economy,” he pointed out.