In 1896, in Bistrita, the Saxon craftsman Schuster Walter opened a workshop for processing ceramic tiles. In fact, he laid back then the foundations of a tradition that extends to the present day. It has stood the test of time and has kept intact the values that represent us today, which have become part of our DNA: a well-done job, entrepreneurial spirit, solid principles, adaptation and determination.
The 1896 workshop metamorphosed. It became the Factory of stoves and ceramic products, then the Terracotta factory. It functioned as a department of Sanex Cluj, it was integrated in the Bistrita Construction Materials Enterprise (IMC) and subsequently split to form the company TeraPlast, together with the plastics processing hall within IMC Bistrita.
Terracotta production has stopped, because it is no longer a product that fits into our business model. But, no matter how long the path between clay and polyethylene is, evolution is natural for us. The red thread of our 125 years is a mix of expertise, industrial tradition and geographical footprint. The 1896 workshop was local. TeraPlast is a major regional player today.
Evolution was natural. To transform is in our nature. Expertise, determination and lessons learned over time are the pillars of the foundation we build on. Research and innovation are the engines of our evolution, from the laboratory to the production line, from the field to the abstract of spreadsheets.
We are constantly evolving, expanding and diversifying without making it an end in itself. We have a responsibility to our shareholders, the society, the environment, and, in the end, to the entire world. We have proven many times in the past that development brings benefits when it is made in a responsible manner and that we have the capacity to take advantage of market opportunities. Responsibility and care for what surrounds us are integrated into most of our business levels - product, processes, and locations.
We build the market structure through sustainable quality systems. Time is not waiting for anyone and the key to progress is innovation. We brought pioneering solutions to Romania and we are currently the only Romanian manufacturer holding a patent for the use of recycled PVC in multilayer pipes for external sewers. We pay attention to the evolution of the markets in which we activate and test, in our turn, materials and recipes. We have long-term partnerships that have evolved with us.
Evolution defines us, it is in our DNA. Evolution will characterize us in the future, will be our engine and inspiration for our internal and external development. We also evolve for our partners, colleagues and shareholders, always searching for that thread of development that represents us.
Time is not an enemy, it is a form of fulfilment and can become our ally if used optimally. Time only makes us stronger.
We have been here for 125 years and this year marks a new beginning. We are investing €33 million to become the largest plastics processor in Eastern Europe. We enter the packaging market, increase our production capacity at the facilities and become the largest producer of recycled micronized PVC. We are proud of our history and strive to build our future.
