After a period of investment in 2015, Steklarna Hrastnik’s increased production capacities helped the company generate €7.1 million of profit on regular activities, a 61% increase compared to 2014.

This is a real turnaround for the company, given that as recently as 2009 Steklarna Hrastnik generated a loss of €5.3 million.

Besides the expanded capacities, the return on sales, investment in employees, successful cost management and the flexibility of the company have all contributed to the excellent operating results.

“We are well aware that we cannot influence global and European political and economic trends, but we know how to adapt quickly to the conditions on the global market.

“Thanks to this advantage we are able to enter new markets, non-traditional for us.

“Last year we achieved excellent operating results despite the severe economic conditions and increased price competitiveness,” says Andrej Božič, General Manager of Steklarna Hrastnik.

Last year the company invested in a new decoration machine and an IS machine for the production of special and perfume packaging.

“These operating results have further strengthened our financial stability, enabling us to invest €9.5 million in production this year,” adds Andrej Božič.

Last year the company reinforced its position in the high quality special glass packaging segment, achieving a 36% growth of revenue and a 54% increase of the rate of return.

This was achieved by introducing new development projects, increasing the sales of products under the Steklarna Hrastnik HighGlass brand, and sales to existing buyers.

In the tableware segment, the company has increased the number of partner retail chains in Slovenia and abroad by a factor of 1.5.

As well as this, last year Steklarna Hrastnik invested over €500,000 in training and education, and believes the emphasis on employee motivation and dedication have contributed to achieving top results.

“The key factor of our success remains the same: a strong, efficient, and closely connected team of employees looking for solutions to the challenges that we are facing today and those that are yet to arise in the future,” underlines Andrej Božič.

The added value per employee in 2015 grew by 14% to €38,584.

It was even higher in the special glass packaging unit, totalling €68,436.

Despite the increased volume of work, the number of injuries in 2015 was lower by a third compared to 2009.