May 23, 2018 - A new wood processing plant was established yesterday at Bioče as a part of the Montenegrin company „BEKOM CO“. The plant was the result of a 3 million EUR investment. This wood processing plant is expected to open 70 new jobs.
The factory was officially opened by the Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Milutin Simović, the Mayor of Podgorica Slavoljub Stijepović and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Investment and Development Fund of Montenegro (IDF MN) Zoran Vukčević.
The Montenegrin Government has recognized the importance of this project and has announced the new plant: "The new BEKOM CO plant is a modern plant built and equipped for primary wood processing, impregnation of lumber and pellets. The total investment which amounted to 3 million EUR was provided from the company’s funds and loan funds from IDF MN. The factory already has 30 workers, and in this phase is receiving a new 16, which will, after the completion of the trial production, begin to work in pellets. The total number of workers, including forest workers and employees who work on distribution is 70."
Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Milutin Simović was extremely pleased with the new plant opening, and considers that such projects can significantly improve the Montenegrin economy and reduce unemployment in Montenegro: „The new plant in the wood industry in Bioče is a result of the entrepreneurial energy of the Kljajevic family, a favorable business environment that is created within the Capital, as well as a favorable incentive policy of lending that is created by the Government through IDF and the responsible government policy that creates and implements system solutions for the improvement of the forestry and wood processing sector“.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his satisfaction that the new plant will create new job openings: “This is the path to new factories, new jobs, to new export contenders, which are not small. In particular, this plant will have over 5 million EUR annually and will employ 70 workers. These are answers to key priorities - the development of the economy at the local level, the development of the economy taking into account the regional approach. In this case, the plant and development area is the Capital city, but every location in Montenegro is equally important to us. This is the way to create favorable living conditions for all our citizens.”
The co-owner of the factory, Mr. Petar Kljajević, explained the course of events that have led to the plant establishment: “The main incentive for the current business steps and plans for expanding the production of BEKOM CO is the Government's decision to limit the export of timber assortments, as it has given the company the opportunity to secure high-quality raw materials through concessions and to realize investment plans for expanding production. It is a guarantee that we will be provided with raw materials and that we will be able to expand our capacities.” He also spoke about the future intents of this company: “BEKOM CO plants the manufactured timber products which are meant for further final production, especially furniture. The planned production volume is 25,000 tons of pellets annually. For now, the goods from primary production are being exported to the countries of the region, and the pellet will go to EU countries - Slovenia and Italy.”
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Investment and Development Fund of Montenegro (IDF MN) Zoran Vukčević was present at the plant opening, and he expressed that this project is a positive example of the development of entrepreneurship in Montenegro: “This investment, which is made according to the most up-to-date standards, should be an additional motive for other businessmen. It is especially important that it opens new jobs, which is very important for resolving the unemployment problem in Montenegro.”
Source: Gov.me
