Construction of a new factory is starting near Vilnius

“Last year was a time of record sales and challenges for the company. All brands achieved double-digit growth: Ecodenta and Kilig strengthened their positions in Lithuania and the export markets, while Margarita strengthened its local leadership and finished the year with up to 48 percent. increase. Years of experience in export markets has helped to establish important new contacts and introduce brands in new markets in China, Austria and Belgium. Therefore, even in the event of interruption due to closed country borders, we increased exports by 31%, which is 40%. company revenue, ”says R. Stragienė.

This year, the company’s turnover plan is 14 percent. growth, is accompanied by a series of ambitious goals: maintain sustainable leadership in Lithuania and rapid growth in Poland and Great Britain, ambitious development of e-commerce, active development of private brands for toothpaste.

To achieve the objectives set, it is necessary to increase production capacity, as it is approaching its maximum utilization. BIOK LAB produces 6 million units of products per year at its current plant, according to a press release.

The new factory, which will be located in Klevinė, Vilnius district, will make it possible to increase this quantity by up to 5 times and offer consumers products for which 100% will be used. Green energy, says R. Stragienė: “We see that this is important for cosmetic buyers: more and more people are looking for green solutions in their daily lives. We are all exposed to various cosmetics at least five times a day, so it is natural that people also expect sustainability from companies ”.

The pandemic did not stop the plans

According to R. Stragienė, the pandemic did not scare the project and despite the situation affecting business, the company did not cancel its plans: “Spring 2020 was a break when we stopped, we reviewed the business plan, we checked the assumptions. Last year showed that the demand for hygiene products is extremely high. Our brands have strong positions, are recognized as innovators of naturalness and valued for their reliable quality. Therefore, we have decided that there is no point in postponing it. Especially since the new plant will increase productivity, we will not only produce more Ecodenta, Kilig and Margarita products, but we will also have a five times more efficient line of toothpaste labels, thus meeting the growing need for private labels. “

The plant is scheduled to go into operation in the autumn of this year, with production moving in parts by the end of the year.

The project for the new BIOK LAB plant started in 2016. The technical design was prepared by the production, industrial design and public buildings company 2L Architects (project manager Julius Lapinskas and architect Kristina Šimkūnaitė) together with the engineering consulting firm Cowi Lietuva. Project Contractors: General Contractor Sintervalas (Director Dalius Satkūnas and Project Director Ignas Sereičikas).

The company is investing 5 million euros in the construction of the new plant. A buyer or tenant is already being sought to occupy the current premises.

Exceptionally green energy and sustainable solutions

The new plant will have sustainable solutions: it will exclusively use green energy and reduce CO2 levels at least three times. CO2 emissions are expected to fall to 1,000 tons in 20 years.

J. Lapinskas, project manager of the design company 2L Architects, assures that the new plant is planned in accordance with the highest design and environmental requirements: the BIOK LAB plant will be one of the few plants in the country with a certificate of class A ++, the building will stand out for its intelligent engineering and technological systems. It is planned to build a solar power plant of 120 kilowatts (kW), to install industrial heat pumps that generate heat, ventilate, cool the facilities and heat the water. To reduce the consumption of natural gas, the project contemplates the capture of excess heat and its reuse in production processes for the preparation of hot water. Economical LED lighting is installed throughout the building, with a strong focus on the tightness and structural details of the building. These solutions will help reduce the impact on climate change. “

An interior patio has also been designed with trees, landscaping and rainwater collection. It is designed to provide a recreational and ecological function. The building offers an interactive exhibition space. Administrative and laboratory premises have been designed on the second floor and production and storage premises on the first floor. The project is designed to guarantee future development opportunities. The plot includes several ponds, a farm and a parking lot for employees and guests with charging stations for electric cars.