Modern kilns have replaced a 50-meter tunnel kiln that was in disastrous technical condition. But that was not the only reason for the management of Zakłady Ceramiczne "Bolesławiec" to make the decision. The "Stanisław" kiln was shut down because it consumed enormous quantities of gas. Combined with its operating schedule—it had to be fired seven days a week—this exposed the company to considerable costs, not to mention the environmental impact.
"The old kiln was quite inefficient," admits Jerzy Kruk, technical director of Zakłady Ceramiczne "Bolesławiec". "The benefits of purchasing the new kilns are numerous: very substantial gas savings, reduced emissions, and the fact that we operate on a five-day cycle," the director lists. They cost the company 3.5 million złotys. But they make it possible to shorten operating time without reducing production. As before, the plant produces 80 tons of ceramics per month.
The new kilns were manufactured by a company from Portugal. Each has a capacity of 19.2 m³. The kilns are fully computerized. Temperature differences inside them are highly stable—there is no possibility of a firing process going wrong, and operation is also much simpler than in the case of their predecessor. The Portuguese product enjoys an excellent reputation, incidentally. It is used by companies not only in Poland, but also in Austria and Hungary. What is more, as Director Kruk announces, emissions will decrease dramatically. And the quality of products made by the Bolesławiec plant will improve.
"This has not resulted in any layoffs; we are still struggling to fill some positions," Director Kruk reassures. "We are retraining people. We would gladly employ 12–15 qualified people who know how to paint," adds Jerzy Kruk. Zakłady Ceramiczne "Bolesławiec" currently employs approximately 700 people.
This is not the end of the Bolesławiec company's plans. "Competition in the market and the needs of the American market require further investment from us," says Jerzy Kruk. "For next year, we are initially planning to expand the foundry. We want to install pressure-casting equipment that will expand our product range with large-size items," the director adds. The large items will be produced specifically for the American market, as Americans account for 85% of the company's foreign customers.
Unfortunately, because of the fall in the dollar's exchange rate, the United States is no longer as attractive a market as it once was. That is why the company is focusing on development. "We are entering other markets, mainly European ones, and strengthening our brand in German-speaking markets. We are also taking small steps into Asian markets," says Jerzy Kruk. Over time, thanks to the new equipment, production will increase, and so will quality. "We are optimistic. We must ensure that the Bolesławiec mark becomes a guarantee of quality," the director adds.
(GA report)