Remaining responsible

THE WIKOV FOOTPRINT

Wikov’s investment strategy extends beyond just a product emphasis, however, equally recognising its role in helping to bolster national industry.

“There has always been a shortage of skilled staff in our industry,” the CEO reveals, “but we value our people.

“We consider engineering to be the backbone of the Czech economy and recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of industry professionals, not only by providing an attractive workplace environment, but equally through ensuring we work directly with young people.”

To this end, the firm has introduced an education programme for new employees, is investing directly in elementary schools, and has launched a new scholarships project, named Wikov New Generation, that supports students financially.

“Hands on training is an important aspect for students, so it’s something we look to provide directly in our manufacturing plants,” Růžička adds. “We ensure that young people are able to gain realistic experiences at the same time as completing their studies and gaining scholarships. “For strategic reasons we invest in local communities in these ways, helping to bring us closer to our customers and strengthen our market position.” This outlook further extends into the company’s wider CSR activities, ensuring it presents itself in a professional, respectable and accessible manner. Růžička continues: “We do not limit ourselves to commercial sponsorship but also commit to a wider range of activities, supporting a variety of social and professional initiatives. We focus on culture because now, more than ever, it is necessary to engage in recreational activities and entertainment to achieve a better work-life balance. “In addition, we engage in a variety of charitable activities.”

Wikov Industry

Tel: +420 244 016 862 industry@wikov.com

www.wikov.com

Starting out in 1989 with 500 imported cows and 10 distribution trucks, the company’s stock has risen markedly in the years since, the farm now home to 13,500 cattle.

It is also credited with a number of regional firsts which have helped to build up its reputation over the past three decades. For instance, in 1991 it was the first to introduce plastic bottles to the GCC, while in 1995 it became the first dairy company to supply pasteurised juices.

More recent years have seen rapid and advanced expansion, resulting in the 13,500 stock Al Rawabi has today.

In 2013, the business embarked on an extension of the farm’s facilities with an investment of AED 125 million, with 3,000 new cows added to its herd. A year later, AED 22 million was invested in a third-generation automated filling line and pasteurisation line.

By 2015, the firm was utilising 250 trucks and delivering fresh dairy and juice products to more than 10,000 outlets daily, while just last year a number of other breakthroughs were made. Not only did it commission a new and fully automated dairy plant facility, Al Rawabi also inaugurated a new warehouse facility in Abu Dhabi, increasing storage capacity by a factor of six and allowing it to better serve customers in and around the emirate.

Pioneering products

Such customers are able to choose from a massive portfolio of dairy and juice products.

The company’s staple is fresh milk, offered in low to full fat and in numerous bottle sizes, from 200 millilitres all the way up to a gallon. This is supplemented by a range of flavoured milks, including strawberry, chocolate and mango lychee varieties.

The fresh dairy segment further includes low and full fat yogurts, both plain and flavoured (cherry, blackberry and raspberry, strawberry and pineapple).

Completing the fresh produce range are Al Rawabi’s juices, the company owning a separate juice production plant that makes 15 different flavours, from orange through to red grape, sourcing the best ingredients from around the world.

It is not just fresh products that make up the firm’s portfolio, however. Long life forms another key part of Al Rawabi’s offering, both in dairy and juice categories.

UHT milk (including the flavoured Meet Kavi range aimed at children), iced coffee, butter, halloumi, various other cheese and whipping cream all fall under the long life dairy catalogue, while UHT juices include apple, mango, orange, pineapple, guava and fruit cocktail.

Such a vast array of products are made according to strict standards, the company awarded with ISO