RDP project database

Use of EAFRD measure 123 to help modernise an outdated sunflower oil processing plant in Bulgaria and thereby support the establishment of a dynamic new company from the remnants of a well established, but unprofitable, old business.

“Pliska Oil” Ltd is a newly established business in Bulgaria specialising in the production of crude/refined sunflower oil. The new company actually continues the traditions of a previous company, "Pliska” Ltd, which had a long history and experience in the production of sunflower oil, but was unprofitable because of its old and inefficient infrastructure. The decision was therefore taken in 1997 to establish a new and more competitive company with a completely new production facility.

EAFRD co-financing (measure 123) was used to modernise the processing plant and thereby help the company to improve its economic efficiency, competitiveness and market share. Specific objectives for the new processing plant were to: 1) Make more efficient use of production assets; 2) Introduce new products, processes and technologies; 3) Improve product quality and safety; 4) Improve safety and hygiene conditions, and; 5) Protect the environment.

Key activities in the implementation of the investment project include: i) the purchase and installation of modern oil processing technologies, including specialised software; ii) modernisation of the existing facilities, and; iii) the introduction of new products, processes and technologies. The sunflower oil market is very competitive and so the use of modern technologies and processes are essential for increasing sales, market share and ultimately, profitability.

Investment in the new processing plant with its modern equipment and specialised software will: a) increase the production capacity of the company; b) reduce the cost of energy and the use of water; c) minimise product losses during processing; d) avoid the risk of human error and accidents; e) reduce processing waste; f) reduce the risk of environmental pollution; g) reduce the cost of production, and; h) increase the company's competitiveness in the market for crude/refined sunflower oil.

It was discovered that the investment project was also in line with the development strategy of Shumen district which aims to improve the local business climate; encourage inward investment to the district, and; promote entrepreneurship through a) the introduction of new technologies to increase competitiveness and b) supporting the administrative and managerial capacity of local businesses. A very favourable business climate therefore existed!

Shumen, North-eastern Bulgaria

Shumen

Bulgaria

874 614

Blaga Andreeva-Ivanova

pliska@ro-ni.net

+359 548 20054 / Fax +359 548 20164

English, Bulgarian