ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - Eckes-Granini Group

12 Business Year 2008
| Important events in 2008 |
January.
An extensive programme of investments devoted to
enhancing quality and effi ciency is launched at the
Brämhult production plant in Sweden. The project
is scheduled for completion in late 2009.
Production capacities at Elmenhorster in Lithuania are
expanded in 2008 with the installation and commissioning
of two carton fi lling systems (Tetra Prisma in
January and SIG Combibloc in April).
Existing core business is strengthened by expanding
into the dynamically growing chilled premium fruit
juice segment through the acquisitions of Ulti in
France (January 2008), Elka in Germany (March 2008)
and zamba in Switzerland (December 2008).
February.
The granini Rãcoarea Fructelor line of refreshing,
non-carbonated fruit beverages is launched in the
Romanian market – a signifi cant step forward for the
granini brand in Romania.
April.
In keeping with established corporate strategy, the
Eckes-Granini Group shifts its focus onto strong
brands in France as well. In the process, trade label
operations in Sarre-Union are sold and substantial
investments are made for the purpose of improving
quality assurance, effi ciency and production capacity
at the production facility in Mâcon.
April / May.
Managers, corporate executives and employees join
together in defi ning the Eckes-Granini Purpose, the
“common identity” of our company. The purpose
clearly identifi es what we stand for and articulates
the values and convictions that form the foun dation
and the guiding principles of our actions.
July.
A second cold-aseptic PET bottling line is installed
and commissioned at the production plant in Bröl.
This is the third such production line introduced by
Eckes-Granini in Germany. This investment responds
to the increasingly strong demand for products in
PET bottles.
August.
The hohes C brand celebrates its 50th birthday. For
generations, hohes C has been virtually synonymous
with ready-to-drink orange juice that is rich in natural
vitamin C. Eckes-Granini celebrates the milestone
anniversary with a big party for all employees.
The Group sells the Uslada brand in Russia to Rarität
Ltd. and has thus discontinued its direct marketing
operations in Russia. The future activities of the granini
brand in Russia will be managed by the Business
Unit Export.
October.
The groundbreaking ceremony signals the start of
construction for the new administration building
for the Eckes-Granini Group GmbH in Nieder-Olm
(Germany). Provided work proceeds as scheduled,
employees will move into their new offi ces during
the later half of 2009.