Sarajevski Kiseljak opens new factory in Kreševo

KREŠEVO, (Patria) - On January 21, 2020, Sarajevski Kiseljak officially launched the production line of its new factory in Kreševo. This is the company's largest strategic investment, with a total value exceeding 20 million convertible marks. The construction of the new factory, covering an area of 30,000 square meters, has significantly increased the production and storage space of Sarajevski Kiseljak, the leading Bosnian-Herzegovinian producer of mineral water and soft drinks. The expansion of capacity and modern technology in the factory will enable Sarajevski Kiseljak to increase annual production volumes and further strengthen the company's market position.

The factory in Kreševo employs 30 new workers.

“This strategic investment marks the beginning of a new era for Sarajevski Kiseljak and represents a major step forward in the company's strategic market positioning. Last year, we produced over 120 million liters of water and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages in our existing facilities, and the Sarajevski Kiseljak and Jamnica brands already dominate the bottled water market in Bosnia and Herzegovina and are the consumers' first choice in this market segment. The technological advancement and capacity increase in the new factory will lead to significantly better results. This will further strengthen our leading position in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also provide a lever for more significant expansion into new markets. We currently employ 30 new workers in the new factory, and this number will further increase in the future as production capacities are filled. I thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the construction and commissioning of this factory, especially my predecessor, colleague Tomislav Slišković, for whom this factory represents the culmination of his career, and he can now retire peacefully,” said Davor Čičić, director of Sarajevski Kiseljak, on the occasion of the factory's official opening in Kreševo.

Renato Pejak, the mayor of Kreševo municipality, emphasized that this event is of exceptional importance for this municipality and its residents, as the creation of jobs will lead to better conditions for the survival and retention of young people in Kreševo, which is a priority goal and task of the municipality.

“Kreševo has gained a modern factory equipped to the highest standards for the benefit of our entire community, for which I am, as mayor, immensely happy. I am confident that we will continue to focus on further joint construction, employment, and economic prosperity, and ultimately a better and happier future in this region,” said Pejak.

Tahir Lendo, Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton, also highlighted that the opening of the new factory represents another in a series of very significant projects recently realized in the Central Bosnia Canton.

“The Government of the Central Bosnia Canton, within its capabilities, is always ready to support projects that form the basis for the further economic development of the canton. This is another confirmation that the economy in our canton is on an upward trajectory, and I wish all current and future employees of Sarajevski Kiseljak much luck and success in their work,” said Tahir Lendo, Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton.

The factory in Kreševo is the first major production investment in the Fortenova Group in several years, with significant support from the Group's parent company, along with Jamnica. The official opening was an opportunity for Fabris Peruško, Member of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fortenova Group, to address the attendees.

“It is a great pleasure for me to attend the ceremony marking this significant greenfield production investment. I am personally very happy to be marking two years of leading this large company with this new investment. On a symbolic level, this factory truly represents a turning point in our business, as it is Fortenova Group's first production investment, with which, I believe, we are completely leaving behind the turbulent period we have been going through. We are particularly proud of the new jobs created, as this is the most significant contribution of any employer to the community in which it operates. Furthermore, with new products that will come out of these facilities, the factory represents a developmental leap, and this is precisely the key strategic determinant of Fortenova Group. I am confident that the new products that will soon emerge from these facilities will equally win over consumers and that Sarajevski Kiseljak has secured stable long-term growth and development,” said Fabris Peruško.

The production lines in the Kreševo factory represent the latest technological achievements in this field, including state-of-the-art production equipment and automated process control. To increase productivity and efficiency, all workers have undergone special training. In line with the tradition and practice of Sarajevski Kiseljak, production processes in this factory will also be conducted in compliance with high environmental standards and principles of sustainable development.

Still natural mineral water Sara, whose name was chosen in accordance with the best values of this water, will soon be launched on the market from this factory. In the coming period, the production of flavored waters and juices is also planned at the factory in Kreševo.