Crisis is not an obstacle for business
Director of the company for the production of semi-finished products is planning to participate in the contest "The Best Product of Kazakhstan"
In 2004 Vyacheslav Kan had a small production shop, where were manually done beef dumplings. The only "equipment" was an electric grinder. Today, he is the director of the modern enterprise that produces frozen foods, and the entire process is automated. How to go from a startup to a successful and profitable business? He answers this question of the mass media for the first time. In addition, this year, Vyacheslav Khan decided to take part in the first competition for his company - the regional competition-exhibition "The Best Product of Kazakhstan".
In the Zhambyl region and beyond the brand "Metelitza" is recognizable and loved. Many products Taraz families like dumplings, burgers, nuggets, made by IE "Kan" – for good taste and high quality for more than ten years.
"When we started our buisness in 2004, our production unit was about 40 square meters, there was no equipment, it was a completely manual labor. There was only an electric grinder - with a smile says the Director Vyacheslav Kan. - Because I am a marketer by occupation, first I have studied the local market and came to the conclusion that the producers have identical goods. But the weak point of all is the packaging. It is one thing - to buy dumplings in a thin sealed bag, and quite another - in a nice package, buyers subconsciously trust more the manufacturer, thinking it must be a big full cycle production unit. We decided to focus on this weak point. Using services of Almaty designer, we have developed a package with our brand. Then came the name - "Metelitza". Our segment - the price is slightly above average, but given that there was a very colorful, bright packaging, we quickly entered the market, and took a good position".
As the years passed, the demand for dumplings "Metelitza" grew, and Vyacheslav Kan decided to automate the process. For this purpose, he purchased in leasing the Italian automated equipment. It enabled him to increase the range and volume. The company began producing dumplings, nuggets, fish cakes.
"In 2009, we moved to a new building, but before it we went on numerous trips to Austria, Germany, Holland, Russia, where we got acquainted with the same workshops, studied the stages of production, all the details. In some countries we were invited by suppliers of equipment, in other we went on our own initiative. It was very interesting, and thanks to the knowledge and experience, we have launched a new production unit", - he said.
A loan for the purchase of equipment he took under the state program "Roadmap of business-2020”. Vyacheslav Kan believes that participation in the state program has many advantages.
"All of us entrepreneurs are confronted with the same problems. We can’t get a bank loan for expansion, purchase of equipment, etc, since all property is already inherent in the bank. The Fund "Damu" provides big help, which acts as a guarantor, and now the state also provides good support in the form of subsidized interest rate. Another factor is also important, loans are issued in tenge. Thanks to this money, we have reached a new level ", - he said.
As a result, today IE "Kan" produces 10 kinds of frozen foods, there is hardly any manual labor, everything is automated. In total, the company employs 15 employees.
Products are sold in Zhambyl, Kyzylorda and Almaty regions and Astana city. "The crisis - is a phenomenon when the strongest rise, while weak players leave the market. Therefore, in spite of everything, last year we began to explore a new direction - baking bread", - said Vyacheslav.
After market research, he found that there would be no advantage to sell the so-called social bread that is sold mainly in small stores, and causes a lot of problems, the main of which is return. Therefore, he aimed at the more expensive varieties as: Borodinski bread, bran bread, baguettes, buns for sandwiches and others.
"Today, our customers - are several supermarkets and restaurants, but for a start it's great! After all, we started this trend in 2016 ", - said Vyacheslav.
Previously, the company has never participated in competitions, exhibitions, since, according to the director, "they have been very engaged in the production process". And this year, the first time he decided to show his products at the regional competition-exhibition "The Best Product of Kazakhstan."
"For us, the competition - is, above all, motivation, - admitted Vyacheslav. - As stated in the Soviet film "Athos", "absence of complaints from the public - the best reward for our work," We want our consumers to appreciate the work we do. Therefore, we expect to get a prize! "
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