Ludbreg-based company Oprema Micro Matic (Micro Matic Equipment) ceremoniously marked its 50th anniversary of operations this week. The company has made a significant contribution to the economic profile of Ludbreg and Varaždin County during this period.
Oprema specialises in the production of cooling equipment for chilling and dispensing beer and other beverages. Its units are designed for both smaller hospitality venues and large consumer locations, such as halls and stadiums. The company’s own product development holds particular value: from the initial idea and design, through production, to marketing and sales, the Varaždin County (Varaždinska županija) announced.
Since 1976, approximately 820,000 units have been produced, and the company has exported to more than 160 countries worldwide. According to current estimates, annual turnover is around €31 million, whereas at the start of operations, turnover was just under one million German marks of the time. The development of production is best illustrated by a comparison: about 30 years ago, around 200 dispensers were produced annually, whereas today production reaches 300 units per day.
Two and a half years ago, the company changed ownership and became part of the largest global group in its industry. This has enabled it, alongside the chilling and beverage dispensing equipment produced in Ludbreg, to offer customers other solutions within that value chain. In the next few years, construction of a new hall with an area of 5,000 square metres is planned, which will enable further robotisation and modernisation of production.
"Development and the education of our employees are most important to us, because it is precisely people who contribute to the company's growth and the quality of life in the local community," said Domagoj Cvetko, President of the Management Board of Oprema Micro Matic. Long-time director Tomislav Cvetko emphasised that joining the group was an important step towards simpler business operations and a more secure future.
County President Anđelko Stričak also sent congratulations to the company, stating that companies like Oprema are a vital pillar of the economy of Varaždin County.
