TRAKMAT / RAISESEE PROJECT: VISIT TO "SHP CELEX" FACTORY IN BANJA LUKA
In a series of visits to the industry in 2019 through the activities of co-financed TRAKMAT / RAISESEE projects, for students of SP Hemija, one of the more interesting was the one at the „SHP Celex“ factory in Banja Luka. Somewhat hidden in the business zone "Incel", there is this factory with a long tradition, which is an example of successful privatization and an investment of foreign capital in our country. The students, along with young intern Kristi Kotla from Estonia, spent about 3 hours learning about the process from the input of raw materials to the complete finalization of the paper stationery. Kind technicians and engineers of this factory provided many useful details about the essence of the production process, but also the quality control, which is very important for the placement of products on the foreign market. The plant currently employs about 270 domestic workers and has been part of the international „SHP group“ from Slovakia for 18 years. About 90% of total production is exported.
Students watched with curiosity over impressive amounts of raw material and water used in the process as well as the huge rolls of semi-finished products. However, the whole team had an impression that it would be truly extraordinary if „SHP Celex“ were once again supplied with domestic raw materials, which is unfortunately not currently the case. Raw cellulose is imported from south America, because the raw material factory of "Celuloza" that existed and was supplying the raw materials for „SHP Celex“ was closed in post war period. With a dedicated policy of afforestation and the selection of fast-growing tree species, our Republic should surely be able to produce quality pulp for this plant again one day, without endangering at all the forest resources we have.
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