UNIFOREST has officially opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Slovenia.
More than 500 guests from across Europe and as far afield as Bhutan enjoyed a lavish ceremony in Latkova Vas on Thursday to celebrate the site, a stone’s throw from the manufacturer’s existing premises.
Featuring an area for laser cutting, bending and sheet metal processing, the 4,500 m2 plant – around 40 miles from Ljubljana – is said to be a “high-speed” automatic warehouse, with 420 pallet places to store parts.
Guests included dealers – with the UK’s Fuelwood chief among them – long-term customers, local politicians, and even Olympic silver medallist Tim Mastnak, who has been supported by Uniforest during his career.
The excitement was palpable throughout the day as visitors were given an exclusive first look at the site, before being treated to several musical performances and locally-produced food.
During a passionate opening address, Uniforest director Drago Pintar said: “Today, I am filled with feelings of pride, happiness and joy that I cannot even describe, because they can only be felt.
“I am touched because I have devoted practically my entire professional life, more than 30 years, to developing Uniforest.
“But all that we see today would not have happened without you, dear colleagues, who, with hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, and a great deal of initiative, make Uniforest a successful business.
“I am truly glad that I have been able to pass this onto you.”
The plant marks a significant step in Uniforest’s journey. Founded in 1992, the company’s first forestry winch came out in 1995 and, in 2003, the first prototype log splitter. Today, its winches and firewood splitters are used around the world.
He added: “The establishment of an advanced production facility will allow us to achieve maximum productivity and a high level of flexibility, which is crucial for a successful business today.
“Working in the forest is dangerous and difficult, and the development of safe and compact machines in this sector is anything but easy.
“It is a challenge that we are overcoming together. That’s why we strive for innovations that make forestry machinery even safer and more user friendly.”
Forestry Journal will have a full report in a future edition of the magazine and more coverage across our online channels..
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