ČAPLJINA 'Lasta' is operational again after bankruptcy

SARAJevo, (Patria) - After years of agony, production stoppages, and bankruptcy - the "Lasta" factory in Čapljina has reopened thanks to Bosnian businessman and its new owner Petar Ćorluka, who bought the factory while it was in bankruptcy. Production for the market has already commenced, and the first biscuits from the new Čapljina "Lasta" should appear on store shelves at the beginning of spring.

Bosa Šutalo worked for Lasta for thirty years – a biscuit and wafer factory that employed around 1000 workers before the war. She also worked during the war, but in recent years production was halted, workers were sent home, and the factory went into bankruptcy. All this time, Bosa was unemployed, which is why her return to the old factory in a new guise was very emotional and significant for her.

"It's a very nice feeling. I worked in the company before and after the war when the technology was different, a bit outdated. Now everything is new, more advanced, more modern, and it's much nicer to work. I am especially happy that it has started again and that it will continue to develop more and more," said Šutalo.

Old quality, new technology
In addition to the old employees, new workers have also been hired. Currently, 25 of them are working in production, and the well-known Lasta products are on the production lines. Tea biscuits and the famous Lasta strudel will be among the first to hit the market, but with minor changes in terms of improved ingredients and packaging. Changes have also occurred in technology, not just in the products. Old machines have been replaced with new, more modern, and higher-quality ones.

"All old machines have been removed, and new technologies, i.e., new machines, have been installed. These are machines from renowned suppliers of equipment for this type of production," said Marija Tolić, project manager for machine installation at Lasta.

Everything is done carefully and according to plan. Test production has been successfully completed, and currently, efforts are focused on producing a sufficient quantity of biscuits for the market.

"Just like every year when swallows arrive in spring, this Lasta will also arrive in spring, so consumers can expect Lasta products on the shelves in the spring," said Ivana Brdar, a technologist in Lasta's development.

In line with trends
Competitiveness through quality, design, and price, and maintaining high standards are the guiding principles of Lasta's new owner, Petar Ćorluka, a successful businessman who has revived and revitalized the old facilities of the former giant.

He claims that around 30 million KM have been invested in equipment and infrastructure.

"If you adhere to high standards, success cannot be absent with such an approach. I think we have improved the recipes, we have better quality raw materials, packaging, and everything is in line with global market trends, just as the best world manufacturers do it, I think we are doing that at this moment too," said Petar Ćorluka, owner of Lasta.

And they do not plan to stop there. Innovations, new products, hiring more people, introducing second and third shifts, exporting Lasta's products to large European markets – all this awaits this factory, which is slowly taking on a new look and whose products will undoubtedly occupy a significant place in the market.

(N1)