Tetra Pak expands its Serbia factory reducing loading times for foreign exports by 50%

Gornji Milanovac is one of its most successful production facilitys because it serves 277 clients and 91% of production is exported across Europe and Central Asia.

Albania to Uzbekistan

Charles Héaulmé, cluster vice president, Europe & Central Asia, Tetra Pak, told FoodProductionDaily, the warehouse will increase the factory’s production capacity and reduce the loading time by 50%. 

“Along with the increase in the factory’s production capacity and the opening of the warehouse, the investment made in Gornji Milanovac also included opening a centre for design expertise to offer design services to customers across Europe​,” he said.

“Our packaging production unit in Serbia is at the heart of Europe and Central Asia - Tetra Pak’s biggest cluster of markets in the world. The factory is one of the most efficient globally and has a strong geographical reach with 91% of production exported to more than 50 global markets from Albania to Uzbekistan​.

“This factory not only holds a strong advantage as a local supplier, but it is strategically positioned to support our ambitious plans for future growth in the region​.”

150% more packaging material than 3 years ago

Héaulmé added its €11.9m two-year investmentis part of the company’s commitment to increase the performance of its production facilities.

He said in 2015 alone, Gornji Milanovac is expected to deliver 150% more packaging material than three years ago and the facility is prepared for even higher production growth in the years to come.

“In the challenging economic environment of today, our production and logistics footprint is critical for us to maintain our position in the market and remain a reliable partner for our customers​,” he said.

“We need to ensure we supply products fast, according to their expectations, at competitive prices and at top quality​.

“We have placed a strong focus on building an integrated supply chain across all our markets, to effectively use our network of 40 production units around the world​.”

Héaulmé said as the site was its most efficient factory in Europe and Central Asia, Gornji Milanovac was an obvious choice the company’s investment plans.

“The plant has so far undergone regular audits by expert third parties, such as the Japanese Institute for Plant Maintenance​,” he added.

“It already has four awards in its portfolio and it is now in the race to reach the fifth and the highest level – the World Class Award​.”