The Executive Director of “Karlovo Wagon Works” SA, Ivan ZLATINOV: There has been a
growing interest in our production
“Karlovo Wagon Works” SA is a
company of long-standing experience in the overhaul of freight wagons.
Unfortunately, in the course of the first five years after the privatisation, no efforts to initiate any changes were
made. The problems at that time were: limited product structure, which
reflected the satellite position of the company with respect to BDZ; production
and a labour organisation
which did not suit the market conditions; lack of young experts with secondary
and higher education; large indebtedness. Our first priority was to solve the
problem with quality. To make quality products is the key factor for a good
market position. In parallel to such considerations, we also decided on the one
hand that the introduction of ISO 9000-2001 will enhance the discipline of all
workers and staff during the implementation of all production procedures, and
on the other it will be a step forward to the boosting of our company’s
competitiveness with a view to EU accession. Successful cooperation with TUV Rheinland-Bulgaria had its practical dimensions in the
certification of welding procedures and welders, included under DIN 6700, which
covers the production of dynamically-stressed, welded constructions. Next, we
had to drastically change the product structure and shift the revenue source
from the overhaul of freight wagons to the modernisation
of old, and production of new, wagons. We have already implemented the
technology for the modernisation of two series of Eaos type of wagons, the modernisation
of tank wagons for liquid fuels with a capacity of 61 m3 and of a tank wagon
for sulphuric acid with a brand new tank. We have
designed and made the prototype of a completely new Eaos
type wagon, which is fully compliant with the most modern trends in wagon
building. We are also working on the design of a wagon for combined services
and are convinced that it will be welcomed on the European market. Our new
product structure allowed us to break free from the soporific embrace of BDZ
and to work for customers abroad. For the last two years we have had successful
cooperation with a German company, which holds excellent positions on the
markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Apart from a large choice of
wagons and locomotives, it offers attractive leasing and funding conditions for
the purchase of our wagons. With the support of this partner we hope to
increase by more than 50% our sales in Western Europe.