Mr. Edijs Egliņš, the General Director of the textile producing company SIA Lauma Fabrics, informs that on 2 April 2012 the company has submitted to the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) an application for aid within EU Structural Funds to implement the reconstruction project of the textile finishing shop
In response to the aid scheme for high added value products, which LIAA launched last year, on 2 April the management of Lauma Fabrics has submitted to LIAA the reconstruction project of finishing shop. The project value amounts to EUR 7 million.
Mr. Egliņš explains: “We intend to purchase modern and efficient dyeing machines, washing equipment, automatic dyestuff/chemical control system, as well as several machines for our lab. We have inserted in our program also the modernization of our water prepare system, which is physically worn out. The new machines will ensure high quality of our products and increase the energy efficiency. The reconstruction of our finishing shop is very important to strengthen our competitiveness in the future as the request for variety of colours and the energy prices continue to grow.”
The funding, which the project would receive from EU Structural Funds, would represent 30 % of the total project cost. The project should be implemented within 3 years. LIAA will notify on their decision concerning granting of aid within three months.

The company SIA Lauma Fabrics was founded on 21 October 2005. The company employs 511 members of staff now. In 2011 the annual turnover reached LVL 22,1 million. SIA Lauma Fabrics is producing textile materials, i.e., elastic and rigid fabrics, laces, ribbons, moulded bra cups, as well as some medical products – belts and bandages. The company offers also management services in the field of lingerie production.

In 2011 LLC Lauma Fabrics reached a turnover of 22,1 million lats, being by 15% more than last year. This year LLC Lauma Fabrics plans to reach a turnover of 23,3 million lats.
“In general, we positively evaluate the past year, its results comply with the planned budget. In order to achieve our targets, we have not only increased a turnover in the current and new markets, but also implemented some optimization and energy efficiency events. We have managed to produce and sell more products, consuming much less energy resources than in the past year, resulting in reaching our profit targets and resuming investments into the company. Last year investments into the company equalled to 0,5 million lats, and this year we plan to invest 1,1 million lats. For the company to continue developing in the following years, there should be invested at least 1,5 million lats into equipment every year.” E. Egliņš said.
One of the key priorities of the company is implementation of the project for modernizing the trimming sector, which was approved by Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) in 2009, however the company failed to carry it out due to the crisis. Lauma Fabrics is presently preparing the new trimming sector reconstruction project for 6 million EUR to be submitted till April 2, 2012. It is planned to be implemented within three years after signing the contract. The European support for the project with high added value will be 35%.
"This project is very important for Lauma Fabrics to qualitatively colour with the increased number of colours, consuming less resources.” E. Egliņš explained.
Presently LLC Lauma Fabrics produces elastic and non-elastic knitted items, laces, ribbons, moulded underwear cups, medical items – bandages and belts, and organizes production of the western underwear brand products in Latvia. About 80% of products is exported, with the largest export markets being in the CIS, and about 10% is exported to the Western Europe.
„Lauma Fabrics has presently 505 employees. Some new specialists are undergoing training for being competent to replace those who will retire on pension. Since there are no training courses for the specialists for our specific industry in Latvia, we have to train them by own efforts. We cannot admit that with our employees retiring on pension, the company will lose its 40-year experience. In the following years 12-15 employees will retire every year,” E. Egliņš told.
Joint venture LLC Emme Latvia established by LLC Lauma Fabrics and Italian entrepreneurs in late 2011, which produces embroidered laces, operates independently, and in January this year it represented its products at the International Exhibition Interfiliere Paris 2012 in France. Presently the new company LLC Emme Latvia employs 24 employees, and carries out both production processes and training of personnel in how to handle its new embroidery equipment, which was delivered from Italy at the end of last year.

SIA Lauma Fabrics take part at the international trade fair TEXTILLEGPROM in Moscow from 28 February to 2 March, 2012.

 

Participation in the international Trade fair Kyiv Fashion in Kiev, Ukraine from 15 till 18 February, 2012.

 

From January 21 - 23 LLC Lauma Fabrics participated in the international exhibition Interfilière, in Paris, which is one of the most prestigious and significant industry exhibitions worldwide. About 156 companies from 24 countries participated in the exhibition.

 

LLC Lauma Fabrics participated in the exhibition Healthy Lifestyle 2011, representing its medical products there. The exhibition was organized within the framework of the forum Health Protection Week in Russia, from December 5 – 9, in Moscow, Russia, at the Central Exhibition Centre Expocentre, booth Forum, Hall FD 142.
Along with Lauma Fabrics, about 200 companies from various countries worldwide, including 160 representatives from Russia, participated in the exhibition.
The participation was supported by Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA).

 

SIA Lauma Fabrics jointly with the leading Italian embroidery manufacturers has established a joint venture – SIA Emme Latvia, Edijs Eglins, General Director at SIA Lauma Fabrics informed. The new joint venture was registered in the Register of Enterprises of the Republic of Latvia on the 2nd of November, 2011. SIA Emme Latvia will be located in the territory of SIA Lauma Fabrics, in Liepaja, and will produce embroidered laces for consumers in both eastern and western markets.
Italian partners have been manufacturing their products only in Italy before, however, due to the increased production costs, it has been decided to partially move their production facilities to the country with lower operational expenses. After negotiations lasting several months, the SIA Lauma Fabrics administration managed to convince Italian partners that it will be reasonable to create the factory in Liepaja, Latvia.
“SIA Lauma Fabrics employees have been in Italy for several weeks. They dismantle equipment there in order to move it to Liepaja in the next few weeks. In general, till the end of this year, it is planned to transport to Liepaja more than ten containers with various equipment. New devices will make it possible to produce modern garments in Liepaja. SIA Lauma Fabrics has never had such up-to-date sewing facilities before,” Edijs Eglins, General Director at SIA Lauma Fabrics told.
The new joint venture SIA Emme Latvia will lease premises from SIA Lauma Fabrics, and will use accessory materials and finishing services of the company. However, it will be a duty of Italians to develop design for they have gained vast experience in that sphere.
"SIA Emme Latvia activities in Liepaja will be beneficial for both SIA Lauma Fabrics and the city in general, since there will be created new jobs. SIA Emme Latvia plans to produce more than one million meters of embroidered laces each year, employing about thirty employees,” E. Eglins explained.
On the 7th of November this year four more employees of SIA Lauma Fabrics will go from Liepaja to Italy in order to take a several-week training course in operating new equipment. It is expected to start using first devices from Italy as early as in January 2012.
“Italian production facilities moved to Liepaja is a result of efficient work of SIA Lauma Fabrics, and it greatly coincides with the SIA Lauma Fabrics business strategy – to create a textile park in Liepaja. Presently SIA Lauma Fabrics continues negotiations with several more textile manufacturers in Europe regarding the possibility of moving their factories to Liepaja”, E. Eglins stated.

SIA Lauma Fabrics, with its medical products stand, participated in the jubilee, 20th International Specialized Exhibition Public Health 2011, which was held from 11-14 October in Ukraine, Kiev, at the International Exhibition Centre, stand L22.
Along with Lauma Fabrics, about 250 more companies from Ukraine and other countries worldwide took part in the exhibition. Participation in the exhibition was supported by Latvian Investment and Development Agency.

 

SIA Lauma Fabrics took part at the international trade fair TEXTILLEGPROM in Moscow from 27 to 30 September, 2011.

 

Participation in the international Trade fair Kyiv Fashion in Kiev, Ukraine from 13 till 16 September 2011.

 

The SIA LAUMA FABRICS Sales and Marketing Department will be headed by Jūlija Aļijeva in future. Beginning from the 10th August 2011 Jūlija Aļijeva, who was a trading specialist at the Sales and Marketing Department from December 2006, has taken over management of the SIA LAUMA FABRICS Sales and Marketing Department.
In January 2003 Jūlija Aļijeva started working for AS Lauma as an economist. In January 2006, she continued performing her official duties at SIA LAUMA FABRICS, and in December 2006 she was appointed as a trading specialist for the Sales and Marketing Department.
Former Head of the SIA LAUMA FABRICS Sales and Marketing Department Edijs Egliņš has been performing his duties as General Director and Member of the Board of SIA LAUMA FABRICS since the 1st July 2011.

 

Participation in the international Trade fair Interfilière Evolution Days in Paris from 9 till 11 July, 2011.

 

SUMMER HOLIDAYS 2011

Dear customers,

As every year, LAUMA FABRICS will be taking a summer holiday!

We will close on: Friday, 8th July, 2011 at 14:30pm
We will re-open on: Monday, 1st August, 2011 at 8:00am

We wish you a great holiday and a sunshine-filled summer.

Kindest regards,
The LAUMA FABRICS Team

 

Latvian Guarantee Agency has entered into the 81 000 EUR (56 700 LVL) export guarantee agreement with SIA Lauma Fabrics, a textile manufacturer, for exports to Russia, the Guarantee Agency informed.
More than 80% of the Lauma Fabrics products are exported, and export guarantees will help strengthen the company’s position in the CIS market, being one of its priority markets.
According to Edijs Egliņš, General Director at Lauma Fabrics, cooperation with the Guarantee Agency makes it possible to export goods with substantially lower buyers’ payment capacity risk.
At the same time, Ivars Golsts, Director of the Guarantee Agency, stresses that Lauma Fabrics is a great example of production projects in Latvian regions and a valuable employer in Liepaja with more than 500 employees.
In granting the export loan guarantee, the Guarantee Agency undertakes to recompense the exporter (or bank or factoring company financing the exporter) for losses, if any of commercial or political risks occur, and a foreign buyer fails to make a deferred payment for the supplied goods and / or services on the deferred payment due date as set out in export agreement. Guarantees can cover up to 90% of the deferred payment amount, with the maximum limit of guarantee for one debtor being to one million EUR (700 000 LVL). Guarantees cover both commercial and political risks the Latvian exporter could face.
The export loan guarantees have been used in Latvia by several dozens of exporting companies, for example, Knauf, SAF Tehnika, Bolderaja Ltd., Jeld - Wen Latvija, Attirance and others. The purpose of guarantee is to promote exports to the countries of primary importance in the general export structure of Latvia or with high potential, however, at the same time involving high purchase and political risks. 42% of the granted guarantee limit is for transactions with Russia, 12% - with Byelorussia, 13% - with Nigeria, 10% - with Kazakhstan, and other guarantee-based transactions refer to smaller Latvian export markets. By the end of the first quarter this year deliveries of Latvian exporters with the export guarantee coverage have reached 14,63 million lats.


Source: LETA

According to the decision of the board of SIA LAUMA FABRICS of 29th June Edijs Egliņš became the general director of the company. He starts his duties as the general director on 1st July.
Edijs Egliņš has been working for the company for ten years. He joined AS Lauma in 2001 by working with the Sales and Marketing department, and in 2005 became the manager of the Sales and Marketing department of SIA Lauma Fabrics. In addition to the position of the department manager Edijs Egliņš served a member of company’s board since 2007.
“On the basis of my experience I as the general director will continue active development of the company’s basic business, production of textile materials,” briefly informs Mr. Egliņš.
After 2 years pause the company has restarted investments to modernize the equipment, and is going to do so also in the future as the modernization forms the base for development. The company has already ordered ribbon-weaving looms in amount of 120 th. lats. The looms will be delivered in August, and this investment will allow introduction of new designs and widening the assortment.
SIA Lauma Fabrics’ sales plan for first half-year has been implemented by reaching 11.7 million lats turnover, thus exceeding by 25 % the figures of the same period of previous year. The company has managed to achieve this significant increase by rational planning of resources and only a slight increase of the energy consumption.
“The company’s business stays within the budget limits, and this year we plan to achieve over Ls 22 million net turnover,” tells Mr. Egliņš, the general director of SIA Lauma Fabrics.
Since the beginning of this year the number of employees of SIA Lauma Fabrics has increased by 25 persons, and at the moment the company has 521 persons on staff.
From 11th July till 31st July all employees of SIA Lauma Fabrics have paid collective vacation.

 

On the 2nd June 2011, SIA Lauma Fabrics organized a regular customers conference. It was held at Tallink Hotel, in Riga.
This year more than 120 representatives from 44 companies participated in the customers’ conference - New Rosme (Latvia), Rocle by Isabella (France), Lauma Lingerie (Latvia), Ritex (Italy), Tonus Elast (Latvia), Arta-F (Latvia), V.O.V.A (Latvia), Stefi-L (Latvia), Lokis (Latvia), Albina L (Latvia), Siate (Latvia), Regina (Latvia), Glora (Latvia), Laguna (Latvia), Novella (Latvia), Simona M (Latvia), Nikol Djumon (Latvia), A.Kudrešovo firma (Lithuania), Sermija (Lithuania), Milavitsa (Byelorussia), Vernib (Byelorussia), AVECAT (Byelorussia), Imelda (Byelorussia), Medeja Stil (Byelorussia), Independent (Byelorussia), Materiali dlya korsetnih izdeliy (Russia), Cherjomushki (Russia), Tribuna (Russia), Novoe Vremya (Russia), Leidi Luks (Russia), Dikaja Orhideja (Russia), Kolett (Russia), Kreit (Russia), Aist (Russia), Mon (Russia), Valerija (Russia), Viktorija (Russia), Elita (Ukraine), Zhasmin (Ukraine), Tatjana Menenko (Ukraine), Janser (Ukraine), Siluet (Ukraine), Beljetazh (Ukraine), Aljur (Ukraine).
Nigel Page, Chairman of the Board of SIA Lauma Fabrics, opened the conference by his presentation of the latest tendencies in underwear products on a worldwide scale. The conference was continued by Edijs Egliņš, Head of the Sales and Marketing Department, who informed of the current situation in the company and its sales results.
Specialists of the Development Department provided the conference participants with a review into the latest range of products - Jeļena Fiļipova, Senior Technologist, showed the newest elastic and non-elastic knitted items, Dzintra Usika, Senior Design Specialist, presented the ribbon collection, and Oksana Korkazēviča, Technologist at the Development Department, informed of the latest products in the lace collection. While Antra Trumpeniece, Acting Senior Design Specialist, showed the newest tendencies in the embroidery collection and underwear design for 2012 – 2013.
Violeta Pavļenko, Sales Specialist at the Molding Department, informed of the novelties in the molded scoops collection and showed the new molded scoops collection.
Evelyne Favier, Sales Specialist at Rocle by Isabelle, a cooperation partner of SIA Lauma Fabrics, presented printed fabrics based on the SIA Lauma Fabrics materials.
Anatolijs Andrejevs, Director of Arta-F, informed the guests about the latest products in the corset accessories.
The conference was completed by the presentation arranged by the Ritex/EMME representatives, after which the guests had an opportunity to enjoy the Old Riga and the party in the restaurant at Tallink Hotel.

 

The Medical products sales department of SIA LAUMA FABRICS took part in the International Trade Fair Zdravoohranenije – KIHE 2011 i, which took place in Kazakhstan, Almaty, from 11 to 13 May 2011.
The medical products were demonstrated in the exhibition complex Atakent, pavilion 11, stand No. 144.
This trade fair is the largest in Central Asia, and over 150 companies from different countries took place in it.
The project has been implemented in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

 

SIA Lauma Fabrics, the sole lingerie fabrics producer in Latvia, shows a considerable increase in sales figures since the start of 2011. Edijs Egliņš, the board member of SIA Lauma Fabrics, reported that the sales amount has increased by more than 30 % in first quarter of 2011 in comparison with the same period last year.
SIA Lauma Fabrics turnover exceeded 19 million Lats in 2010. This year the company expects to exceed the sales figures of 2008, i.e., 22.1 million Lats.
"The company exports approximately 80 % of its products, however, the best results in terms of sales increase are shown by Belarus, which accounts for ca. 35 % of our export. Our products are exported also to Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, UK and other countries. We have started product export also to Turkey this year. It is now gratifying to note that we see fast development of our local partners, Latvian lingerie producers, and their orders return to pre-crisis levels,” explains Edijs Egliņš.
Due to the considerable increase especially in lace demand the knitting machines of SIA Lauma Fabrics are working under full load 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since March 2011.
Lauma Moulding Services, the moulded textile production unit, which was established in 2010, has received its first large orders. The biggest orders have been received from the companies Milavitsa, Belarus, Palmetta, Russia, and V.O.V.A, Liepaja. Several clients from Ukraine, Romania, Portugal and Lithuania have ordered moulded bra cups after the trade fair in Moscow, which took place early this year.
“In addition, company is at the develop stage of negotiation process with a Western-European textile business to expand its production capacity in Liepaja. Implementation of this project would allow use some of SIA Lauma Fabrics’ unused premises, as well as it would create new jobs for the citizens of Liepaja,” explained Edijs Egliņš, SIA Lauma Fabrics’ board member. “At the same time the company’s management team is looking for financing to implement the reconstruction project of the finishing shop, which is also planned this year.”
SIA Lauma Fabrics currently has 496 employees, however, the company plans to increase the number of employees as the sales amount are constantly growing.

SIA LAUMA FABRICS presented its medical products at the 18th International Specialized Trade Fair Zdravoohranenije Belarusi 2011 that took place in Minsk, Belarus, from March 29 till April 1.
About 400 companies from 19 countries participated in the trade fair along with Lauma Fabrics.
The participation in the fair was supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

 

Participation in XXXVI Trade Show TEXTILLEGPROM in Moscow (pavilion No. 75, hall "A", stand No. from 15 till 18 February 2011.

On 22 October 2010 SIA Lauma Fabrics and Latvian Investment and Development Agency have concluded Agreement No. L-ĀTA-10-0411 ((project No. ĀTA/2.3.1.1.1/10/17/006) on participation in trade fairs from September 2010 till February 2011, which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

 

From 6 till 9 December the sales department of medical products of SIA LAUMA FABRICS took part at XVII specialized trade fair APTEKA 2010 in the central exhibition complex Expocenter in Moscow, pavilion No 3, stand No. F-301. Over 200 companies from 16 countries participated in the fair. The participation was organized in the framework of the cooperation with the Latvian Investment and Development Agency.

 

On 15 November following changes in the Board of the textile producing company SIA Lauma Fabrics have been entered into the Commercial Register of the Republic of Latvia.
Mr. Nigel Page, the Board Chairman, and Mr. Edijs Egliņš, the Board Member, both having extensive experience in textiles and the existing businesses of Lauma Fabrics and Desseilles Fabrics, will continue their activities with the Board. To assist in the provision of new sources of finance it has been decided to bring in an independent finance expert in the person of Olafs Švanks, who has a breadth of international experience in business finance.
The board changes are connected with the intention of the management group to refurbish the dyehouse in Liepaja. Consequently, it has been decided to streamline the internal board structure, removing completely the Supervisory Board and reducing the Management Board to a minimum. The new structure allows the board to communicate directly with the company owners and represent the business more easily when raising additional finance. As it has been already announced in media, the expected investments into the dyehouse reconstruction project exceed EUR 6 mio and will be supported by EU funds.
The previous board members – Mrs. Tatjana Tužilkina, the Finance Director of SIA Lauma Fabrics, and Mrs. Natālija Pikuļeva, the Production Department Manager - will remain with the business in their posts.

Participation in the international Trade fair Interfilière Evolution Days in Paris (pavilion No. 3.2, stand No. C67/D72) from 4 till 6 September 2010 and XXXV international trade fair "TEXTILLEGPROM" in Moscow (pavilion No. 75, hall "A", stand No. E-2) from 21 till 24 September 2010.

On 22 October 2010 SIA Lauma Fabrics and Latvian Investment and Development Agency have concluded Agreement No. L-ĀTA-10-0411 (project No. ĀTA/2.3.1.1.1/10/17/006) on the participation in trade fairs from September 2010 till February 2011 that is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

 

SIA Lauma Fabrics, a textile production company situated in Liepaja, is now one of the leading European manufacturers of elastic and rigid laces, elastic and rigid fabrics, ribbons and embroideries. The company’s assortment also includes some products for medical use, e.g., elastic bandages and belts. Lauma Fabrics supplies the manufacturers of women’s underwear who in turn convert the components into garments for sale under either their own or a retailers own label brand.
The export proportion of the company’s products amounts to 85%, 20% go to Latvian lingerie manufacturers. The key customer in foreign markets is the Belarusian company Milavitsa. However, the company is exporting its products to all European countries where lingerie producing facilities exists. The Sales and Marketing Department is looking for new partners both trough Internet and personal contacts. The latest products of Lauma Fabrics are demonstrated in premier trade shows in France, Russia, Ukraine and other countries. Sales managers visit existing and potential key customers every semester to present the latest products. Conferences and seminars are also organized for the company’s partners on a regular basis.
In 2006 Lauma Fabrics acquired a subsidiary, one of the world’s leading lace companies, Desseilles Fabrics in Calais, France. According to Mr. Nigel Page, Lauma Fabrics’ Board Chairman, this acquisition opened links and contacts to nearly every major women’s underwear brand in existence. In addition, several experts have joined the team, and the company has representatives’ network in Latvia, France, Italy, Spain, UK, USA, Hong Kong and China.
Laces are the products, which show the best export performance of the Lauma Fabrics wide product range. For this reason several millions Euros are invested into machinery every year. Over 60 new lace designs are developed every year both by local and guest designers. The company benefits from its subsidiary in France where the in house lace designers are amongst the best lace designers in the world. Many Western European lace businesses have closed in the past 10 years with the industry drifting down to South East Asia. Consequently, owning one of the last true French lace manufacturers puts Lauma Fabrics in a unique position. It is an advantage as the Asian tide is now turning thus forcing many Western lingerie producers to start searching for new production locations throughout Eastern Europe. The CIS market has made a significant recovery.
Mr. Nigel Page: “As the end market for many of our customers is Russia and its surrounding neighbours any changes in their import duties and commercial laws affects us. Although the complexity and delays that used to be common in selling in those markets has improved in the past couple of years, much more could still be done to make access easier.” Generally, the retail distribution chains are only really developed in the largest of Russian cities. Although it is improving, the rate of improvement will affect the growth of exports by Lauma Fabrics and its direct customers to that market. Furthermore, for different reasons debt insurance companies are reluctant to insure credit risks in these territories. This therefore impacts the rate of growth as all new working capital for these regions must be internally generated or the burden passed on to our customers through payments in advance of deliveries.”
The brand name Lauma Fabrics is well known in the CIS region by garment manufacturers but less so by the Western neighbours. To the Western European brands the image is one of lower sophistication than traditional Italian, French or German suppliers. Lauma Fabrics is trying to break down these stereotypes. Mr. Nigel Page believes that the ability to show Latvian or European origin is very valuable. For example, in the USA it is becoming increasingly apparent that consumers are becoming vocal against “Made in China” products. Generally, there is a better image for women’s underwear designed and manufactured in Europe.

OPINIONS

MORE RISK IN CIS
Aigars Balodis, the Board Chairman, Pure Food
Positively that Lauma Fabrics’ products are split in different groups and sold in different markets. It is also perfect that the company has managed to produce its goods with own brand name thus ensuring a higher degree of customers’ loyalty. A great challenge for the company would be own brand product sale in Old Europe where there is a lot of competitors, however, the purchasing power and demand for high quality products are also much higher. The company certainly is able to compete, perhaps, not in terms of prices but in terms of shorter lead times, the ability to produce small orders, the product quality and sophistication. The large proportion of sales in CIS-markets might be hazardous as these markets are unpredictable due to changes of internal laws and rules. From the political point of view a loud reminder of products’ Latvian origin to Russian and Belarusian consumers may turn out to be an obstacle and not an advantage. Currency fluctuations are also dangerous. The exchange rate of U.S. Dollar to Euro is a risk factor, which may turn the expected small profit into unexpected losses.

THEY HOLD ALL THE CARDS
Guntis Strazds, President of the Association of Light Industry Enterprises
Sure, the market is not always predictable, however I believe that Lauma Fabrics has a huge export potential, as this is one of the few lingerie fabric producers still existing in Europe. Furthermore, with their subsidiary in France they hold all the cards now. I believe that company’s turnover will increase significantly also this year. Lauma Fabrics’ strategy is on the right track: an improvement of technologies and wide range of activities. From the very beginning the company – led by Mrs. Zigrida Rusina – keeps moving ahead and never stagnates. It would be hard to outrun China in terms of standard products, however, the company’s greatest advantages are flexibility and ability to react quickly to the market demand and meet clients’ requirements. Lauma Fabric is well aware of dress sense in every country, as it may be rather different.

ONE STEP AHEAD
Sanda Jaunzeme, Foreign Trade Advisor of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Lauma Fabrics is not only looking for new partners, but also maintaining contacts with its existing partners and making investments into the technology end design development. Owing to the acquisition of a subsidiary in France as well as the failure to move the production to another country Lauma Fabric is now one step ahead of their potential competitors and is able to meet new challenges. The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with ministries and the Riga City Council has started work on measures to strengthen economic relations with regions of Russia thus supporting the company’s export also to small Russian towns. As an example could be mentioned the trade mission to Nizhny Novgorod and Jekaterinburg in the framework of the joint project with the Riga City Council Rīgas marka.

RAISING THE VALUE
John Branch, Lecturer of Marketing and Strategy at the University of Michigan and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga EMBA
In my opinion, the competition consists of two dimensions – the costs and the value. Companies should make continuous efforts to reduce their costs while increasing the value they offer. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Central and Eastern European companies to compete in terms of prices. Companies like Lauma Fabrich should therefore seek to compete in terms of value. Although the manufacturing costs are relatively low in Liepaja they will never be as low as the costs in Vietnam, Bangladesh or Africa. I like the company’s commitment to compete in terms of quality, and, even better, with their production lead time, geographical proximity, flexibility and ability to fulfil small orders, which is appreciated by European companies. The competency, which enables to offer a higher value, may be both developed in the company and bought, as it has been done by Lauma Fabrics, when the company acquired the French subsidiary. This is an excellent acquisition because also a certain part of the clients is gained. Not all companies have enough resources to make such a valuable purchase.


Source:
Lietišķā Diena, Dienas bizness_15.10.2010
Vēsma Lēvalde, Jana Gavare
Export potential / Ready to Wrap the World in Laces

 

Certificates of honour were conferred by the Ministry of Economics to the ten most successful exporters of Kurzeme region. Prizes were awarded also to four companies from Liepaja.
Mr. Artis Kampars, Minister of Economics, and Ms. Solvita Aboltina, Deputy Speaker of Saeima, visited Liepaja to award the winning companies. Winners were judged based on their export performance, expressed in monetary terms, in 2009. Last year the total export from Kurzeme region amounted to 449,7 million lats, in the country – to 3,57 billion lats.
The Minister of Economics invited the companies’ managers to an open discussion about their recipes to success and obstacles, which hinder the business development.
Mr. Valerijs Terentjevs, Executive Director of AS Liepajas Metalurgs, explained that their products are mainly exported to the Member States of EU, where the market is more active. Metal makers are trying to meet the requirements and maintain delivery discipline. As an example of innovation Mr. Terentjevs mentioned the new packing line in the rolling shop, where the new line replaces hard manual processes.
Mr. Edijs Eglins, Sales and Marketing Department Director of SIA Lauma Fabrics, in turn, admitted that the company pulls through crisis owing to its specialization, and their expectations are connected with the Eastern market. According to Mr. Eglins, an especially worrying factor is the continuous raise in fuel and electricity prices. Mr. Terentjevs agreed and asked: “Whom does the public service regulator serve? If it is the public the regulator must explain the price mechanism in a clear language.”
Ms. Solvita Udre, Vice-president of Talsu Regional Council, said: “Every market player is important for the regional government.” Talsu regional government supports the activities of the Businessmen Club and Business Incubator, as well as provides a real property tax relief to market operators.
Mr. Andris Krecers, Board Chairman of the sawmill SIA Vika Wood, pointed out that the businesses would feel support from the state and regional governments if they would pay more attention to the development of the infrastructure for employees, e.g., cleaning of roads and ensuring the functioning of the local educational and health care institutions.
Mr. Gunars Ansins, Vice-president of Liepaja Municipal Council, also criticized the dire state of the roads connecting the largest towns of the country, and called upon the Ministry for Economics to include these roads into the projects financed by the available Structural Funds in 2014.
Mr. Arnis Janvars, Board Chairman of SIA Bio Venta, declared that delays in payment of state subsidies destroy the continuity of company’s production processes. The subsidy debt has exceeded already 12 million lats. The company is able to by the raw material, oilseed rape, from the growers only if it has real money. If it is short on cash the raw material is sold to financially more reliable buyers aboard.

INFORMATION
Certificates of honour were conferred to:
SIA Bio Venta (Ventspils, biodiesel),
SIA Bucher Schörling Baltic (Ventspils, automotive engineering),
SIA Diana Sveces (Ventspils, chemical goods),
SIA Jaunpagasts Plus (Talsu Region, bioethanol),
SIA Kurekss (Ventspils Region, timber processing),
SIA Lauma Fabrics (Liepaja, textiles),
AS Liepājas Metalurgs (Liepaja, metallurgy),
SIA Tolmets (Liepaja, scrap metal),
AS UPB (Liepaja, construction supplies),
SIA Vika Wood (Talsu Region, sawmill).

(Source: www.rekurzeme.lv, Anita Platace)

Following to reorganization of management operations at the textile materials manufacturer SIA LAUMA FABRICS, a process which proposes a more active supervisory role in the company and a takeover of the chief executive position by the Board Chairman Nigel Page, Andris Sedmalis has decided to leave his post as Board Member and General Manager of SIA LAUMA FABRICS after more than three years of service at the helm of the company.
“On behalf of the Board of SIA LAUMA FABRICS, I would like to thank Andris Sedmalis for his hard work and enthusiasm while performing his duties as an General Manager at SIA LAUMA FABRICS and wish him success in his future career,” says Nigel Page, Chairman of the Board of SIA LAUMA FABRICS.

Ten Latvian companies with best reputation, as well as top ranked companies by sectors were honoured at the “Companies’ Reputation Top” award ceremony, which took place in the central premise of the newspaper Diena on Thursday, 27 May. Reputation ranking was made by Diena in cooperation with the public relations company Nords Porter Novelli. SIA LAUMA FABRICS was awarded as the most reputable company in textile and garment production sector in 2010, and ranked as number 63 in the overall reputation top.

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The Reputation Top is the most comprehensive survey of companies’ reputation conducted in the Baltic States. About 150 Latvian top managers and experts participated in the award ceremony. The first Reputation Top was made by virtue of cooperative efforts of the newspaper Diena, PR company Nords Porter Novelli, social anthropologist Mr. Roberts Kilis and Finnish reputation research company Pohjoisranta in 2004. The annual reputation survey was made by the Public Opinion Research Centre SKDS. /Source: Dienas Bizness/

 

In December 2009 Lauma Fabrics SIA and its subsidiaries were sold to a private investor.
Alta Capital Partners, the former ultimate shareholders, accepted that a new investor was needed to allow the Lauma group of companies to develop strategically and preserve its business. Continued ownership by them could restrict the Lauma group from expanding.
The new owners have confirmed their strategy for the Lauma group of generic growth in European markets and are planning expansion of the business through the trading of complimentary products and services. Additionally, they have expressed interest in Lauma group forming strategic alliances with other businesses in the intimate apparel sector to allow both product and geographic development.
When it comes to Lauma’s business the owner change does not affect it, and the company continues working actively and achieving high sales results, as well as making investments into productivity improvement measures. As latest investment projects should be mentioned the reconstruction of the production building and modernisation of finishing machinery, and the company aims to attract ES funding for these projects.

Wednesday, 17 February was Job Shadow Day, which was organized by the business education association Junior Achievement - Latvija (JAL). JAL called on particularly managers of companies and institutions, experts from different industries and heads of national authorities to participate in Shadow Day to promote the growth of Latvian economy and future education of professional and responsible managers of companies and institutions. Shadow Day enables the hosting companies to improve their public image and demonstrate their social responsibility, as well as to prove that their employees are high level experts, who are able to share their knowledge and experience with future professionals. Our company decided to support this event and be a shadow provider for several students of high schools.
SIA Lauma Fabrics advertised following vacancies: leading textile finishing technologist, leading designer, leading quality engineer, Development department manager, engineer, industrial equipment engineer. Students from several Latvian schools submitted their applications for the vacancies advertised by SIA Lauma Fabrics: high schools No. 5, No. 7 and No. 10 of Liepaja, Gymnasium No. 1 of Liepaja, Liepaja School of Arts and Crafts, high schools No. 45 and No. 49 of Riga, private school Latreia and Gymnasium of Kuldiga.
Shadow Day begun at 10.00, when the students got acquainted with Lauma’s employees they had to shadow and received answers to their questions. The students explained reasons why they decided to apply for a particular vacancy in SIA Lauma Fabrics. Endija Briede, a student of Gymnasium No. 1 of Liepaja, told that the position of industrial equipment engineer would be an opportunity to get acquainted with an interesting occupation in a competitive company. „I love physics and mathematics. I wish to build my career in the field of engineering. Engineering is an occupation for the future. SIA Lauma Fabrics ir one of the largest and best developed companies in Latvia, who contributes substantially to growth of Latvian economy, and exports its products to more than 20 countries. In my opinion, SIA Lauma Fabrics is the best example for every occupation, especially for engineering.” Sanita Grinina of Gymnasium of Kuldiga was interested in the process of textile development. „My dream occupation would be a designer. I wish to feel the atmosphere in SIA Lauma Fabrics as the company is very popular and successful, and its name does not associate the word ‘Latvia’ with the words ‘crisis’ and ‘government failures’. It associates with nice textiles. Aivis from the School of Arts and Crafts admitted that he would like to get new knowledge for the life, but his colleague Beatrise explained: „We got this information from our professor, and then we had to write our CVs and motivation letters, and this, I should admit, was not an easy job. However, it was a new experience.” Ginta of Gymnasium No. 1 of Liepaja: „I have heard that Lauma’s employees are high-qualified, and also working conditions are very good here. I should like to shadow this particular position because I wish to make sure that the environment is really good here.” Inga of high school No. 5 of Liepaja told: “I am sure that the vacancy you advertised suits me and my abilities, and this is why I would like to shadow your leading designer to see what knowledge and experience I should have for this position.”
After a short presentation the students met some employees of administration to see how responsibilities are divided in Lauma. Then the students had a walk to see production facilities and worked together with their shadow providers. Shadows of the Development department manager got acquainted with responsibilities of employees of the department, as well as were informed on special knowledge required for this position. The shadow of the industrial equipment engineer found out more about specific machinery and equipment. Shadows of the leading designer Ms. Antra Trumpeniece had to draw a lace design.
Finally the students answered the question: „What did find out you about SIA Lauma Fabrics?” „Each person is important here!” , „Everything! I understood that my previous information about the company was poor in comparison with that what I know now!” “I see that this is a big chain, and you can not think only about yourself, you must be informed on all novelties!” „I got to know a lot of new things. I liked to see Lauma’s employees doing a joint work. It is very important to have a common work and objectives. People are very kind! I like everything I have seen. Thank you very much for this opportunity!” „I got to know that delicate things are being made on large machines, as well as that each employee is very important for the company!” „Now I understand that the range of activities of Lauma Fabrics is far wider than I thought!”
The organizers of Shadow Day in SIA Lauma Fabrics, were really pleased to hear that students have reached conclusions on what occupations are necessary for that industry. Some admitted that this would be a job for them, others – that this does not suit them. Somebody told that now he is sure about his dream career.


Information from JAL
Vacancies for Shadow Day were advertised by many companies: AS Hanzas Maiznīcas, VAS Lidosta Rīga, SEB banka, SIA ABB, SIA Cemex, Volvo Truck Latvia, AS Latvijas valsts meži, SIA Lāči, Swedbank, VAS Latvijas dzelzceļš, Parex banka, Rēzeknes dzirnavnieks, AS Cēsu alus, Latvijas Finieris, AS Aldaris, Nordea banka, AirBaltic, AS Putnu fabrika Ķekava, SIA KPMG Baltics, SIA Skonto būve, as well as by several national departments, embassies and by the President of Latvia. Over 400 companies and organizations have advertised their vacancies for Shadow Day on the web site of the business education association Junior Achievement – Latvija (JAL). They offered about 7 500 shadow providers, and the number of students visiting web site www.enudiena.lv reached 8 300. However, the real number of Shadow Day participants should be larger because many students applied for vacancies at their own discretion. In comparison with the previous year the number of Shadow Day participants has doubled, and over 10 000 Latvian students took part in Shadow Day 2010.

 

SIA Lauma Fabrics took part at the international XXXIV trade fair TEXTILLEGPROM in Moscow from 16 to 19 February 2010 (pavilion No. 75, hall "A", stand Nr.E-2).

On 27 July 2010 SIA Lauma Fabrics and Latvian Investment and Development Agency have concluded Agreement No. L-ĀTA-10-0334 (project No. ĀTA/2.3.1.1.1/10/15/012) on the implementation of the project “Participation in XXXIV trade fair TEXTILLEGPROM in Moscow in February 2010 with a view to entering into Russian market” that is co-financed by the European Regional Development fund.

 

From 23 to 25 January 2010 the traditional trade fair Interfiliere 2010 was held in Paris. The staff of Sales and Marketing Department presented new products, and as a special innovation they presented textile moulding services, which are offered by the new department Lauma Moulding Services.
The visitors could see fabric moulded cups, which are made of tricots made by Lauma Fabrics, and foam pads, which are covered with fabrics made by Lauma Fabrics, Desseilles Fabrics un RR Collection.
Production manager of Moulding Department Mr. Martin Naylor: “Since the lingerie market gradually moves away from cut-and-sewn bras towards moulded lingerie we offer our customers an additional, highly necessary service. Both our existing and potential customers were interested in the new product of Lauma Fabrics. We received more than 30 sample requests form companies Naturana, Dessous Dessous, Lejaby, Milavitsa, Palmetta, New Rosme, V.O.V.A., Lokis, Sermija, and many others.”
This interest proves that Lauma Moulding Services has superb advantages in the fabric moulding area: the ability to develop and produce special fabrics; competent and skilled staff; the location of the enterprise, which allows to ensure quick and safe deliveries.
“In particular, the “Fascination” Desseilles lace covering our foam pads attracted a lot of attention! This fabric is knitted in a different way, with controlled distortion of patterns during knitting and dying in order to get a consistent and proper look after moulding. Some well-known companies that showed an interest in this particular line include Victoria’s Secret, Next, Lejaby and Naturana.” says M.Maylor.
Now the staff of Lauma Moulding Services is busy fulfilling sample requests and testing of new special fabrics. In February a huge trade fair will be held in Moscow, and Lauma Moulding Services will be presented to lingerie producers and buyers from Eastern market. Again Martin Naylor: “This will be a brilliant opportunity to present the new service both to lingerie producers and to buyers at a professional level.”

 

For the fifth consecutive year the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (IDAL) presented the Export and Innovation Award 2009 to most successful and innovative Latvian enterprises in different categories.
The objective of the competition was to award Latvian merchants, who enhance competitiveness of Latvian products in local and foreign markets, increase product export and quality, create products with high added value, as well as promote development and innovation. Companies are awarded in five categories: The Most Export Capable Merchant in the groups of large/medium-sized and small enterprises, Import Substitute Product, the Most Innovative Product, and Export Champion.
SIA LAUMA FABRICS submitted its application in the category The Most Export Capable Merchant for companies, which have increased their export and produced goods with high added value during the previous year. The first stage of the competition included the evaluation of merchant’s turnover and turnover increase, export and its increase, actual export markets and access to new markets, products’ added value, and company’s work efficiency.
According to the data of IDAL, 68 Latvian companies submitted their applications to the competition. In the category the Most Export Capable Merchant 22 applications had been submitted. Following companies were selected for stage 2: SIA „Baltic candles Ltd., SIA Bruker Baltic, SIA Cemex, AS Grindex, LSEZ SIA Kolumbija Ltd., SIA Livonia Print, AS Severstallat, SIA Stendera ziepju fabrika and SIA Sungate.
In the framework of stage 2 a delegation of the competition jury visited SIA LAUMA FABRICS. The delegation included members of public institutions and non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives of mass media. The second round of the competition included assessment of company’s sales capability in foreign markets, investments, work environment, export promotion activities (market research, direct marketing, participation in trade fairs, marketing materials) and the presentation of the company.
The awarding ceremony took place on Tuesday, 15 December. The best and most successful companies were awarded in five different categories: The Most Export Capable Merchant (in the groups of large/medium-sized and small enterprises), Import Substitute Product, the Most Innovative Product, and Export Champion. In the category the Most Export Capable Merchant 3rd place was awarded to SIA LAUMA FABRICS in the group of large and medium-sized companies.

 

Just like in the previous year, this year too, the children’s painting competition SIA LAUMA FABRICS Christmas took place.
Children and grandchildren of company’s employees submitted 42 paintings to the Lauma’s office. All employees of Lauma Fabrics could take part in the vote to choose the best painting, and on 8 December all participants of the competition were invited to Christmas party.
The competition winner was Andrej Korkazevitch (7) with the paining ‘Ship Bringing Presents’. This painting will be used as a Christmas greeting card, which is to be sent to all partners of SIA LAUMA FABRICS.

 

From 5 to 7 September employees of the Sales and marketing department of SIA Lauma Fabrich together with their colleagues from Desseilles Fabrics took part in the largest lingerie fabrics trade fair Interfiliere Paris 2009 in Paris.

From 29 to 30 August the Rally Kurzeme 2009 was driven. Last year SIA Lauma Fabrics was one of the sponsors of the event. To keep the tradition alive and continue the successful cooperation the management of Lauma Fabrics decided to support the beloved event.
One of special stages of the rally – Krogzemji – was even named ‘Lauma Fabrics’. Uldis Hmieļevskis, Director of the rally: “The rally Kurzeme is not just a simple race. It is a great event with fairs and shows. People are coming to Liepaja from everywhere. The rally offers us the possibility to demonstrate everything, of which Liepaja is proud: our beach, our musical life and our enterprises. The rally Kurzeme and the company Lauma were born almost in the same year. They have plenty of traditions and are well known also outside our town. This is why I am really happy that SIA Lauma Fabrics is one of the sponsors of the rally. One of the most interesting special stages of the rally is named ‘Lauma Fabrics’, and sudden and strong downpours have made this stage really surprising for the rally drivers!”
Uldis Hmieļevskis told that the rally Kurzeme should be even more exciting next year. The rally administrators hope that, despite the crisis, the number of participants coming both from Latvia and from aboard will increase. “We hope to see the banner of SIA Lauma Fabrics on the most exciting stages of the race also in 2010!”

Despite adverse weather forecast, which promised intermittent rain for Kurzeme region, the traditional Games of SIA LAUMA FABRIC took place in the sports and recreation area Beberlini in Liepaja on 22 August 2009.
The Games were opened by Mr. Andris Sedmalis, General Manager of SIA LAUMA FABRICS. The flag was run up by the team of Finishing shop, who are champions of VIII Games. Five teams took part in the Games, and the total number of participants reached 100. Thanks also to the many fans for their warm support!
The teams competed in several disciplines, e.g., beach volleyball, alternative football, checkpoint race and others. The traditional tug of war was replaced by the competition in pulling of auto tire. Each team had to select one member, who pulls the tire along a special trace. The checkpoint race gave many surprises to participants. They had, for example, to drive an imaginary car, or to slip down a sand hill. The sportsmen tested the sharpness of their sight in trap shooting using paintball weapon. Children of company’s staff members took part in various competitions, as well as played in inflatable entertainment and amuse park. The funs could participate in individual competitions, e.g. in free throws or in boot-throwing. Company’s managers’ task was very challenging as they had to build a fire. The fans could assure themselves that Ms. Mara Strausa, the manager of Finishing shop, was the most skillful player in this discipline. On the whole, the team of Knitting shop took first place (the captain Ms. Vera Bolsonkova) and received the challenge cup. They had the honor of lowering the flag. IX Games of SIA LAUMA FABRICS were concluded by a dancing party at the shore of the lake.
Thanks to the management of SIA LAUMA FABRICS for the entertaining event!

The annual conference of partners took place on 18 June. Despite the hard market situation the number of participants exceeded that of the participants of previous years. More than 30 companies and 80 participants from 8 countries took part at the conference.
This was for the first time, when also partners from Poland and France visited the event. As a special novelty we presented our new stretchy fabrics made on 40 gauge machines. Our partners appreciated also our new offer – the possibility to obtain printed Lauma’s fabrics. The company Rochle by Isabella from France offers this special service. Five of our partners presented their new lingerie ranges: “Milavica” (Byelorussia), „New Rosme” (Latvia), „VOVA” (Latvia), „Lauma Lingerie” (Latvia) and „Steffi-L” (Latvia). The range of “New Rosme” seemed to be the most attractive. It should be mentioned that “New Rosme” has included 14 Lauma’s lace designs into their production program. Participants of the conference were informed also on another new development – fabric moulding services.

The idea about founding of the Latvian Association of Lingerie Producers has been implemented after some interesting meetings. On 22.04.2009 Mr Jurijs Hadarkovitch was elected as the president of Association. The first job of the president was submitting of necessary documents to enter the Association into the Commercial Register of the Republic of Latvia. The Latvian Association of Lingerie Producers has the status of a society.
Jurijs Hodarovitchs, the president of the Association: “I decided to run in Association’s presidents elections as I have been dealing in the area of lingerie for several years. Surely, my contacts and previous cooperation with some foreign lingerie producers will be useful in my work. I should also mention that I have some experience in dealing with the Structural Funds of EU, as well as I speak four languages fluently.”
The main activities of the Association should include: protection of interests of Latvian lingerie producers and promotion of their image aboard, as well as protection of interests of Association members in municipal, public and international institutions; attraction of finance resources from EU to enhance the development of members’ businesses; providing of information and assistance in business matters. A representative of the Association could take part in the elections for the local municipality and act as a member of the Municipal Council.
Jurijs Hodarovitchs: “Currently we are dealing with organizational matters, e.g., finding of rooms for the main office, and setting communication, which includes also creation of our website and some informative materials. Another important matter is the creation of Association’s logo. Meetings with members of the Association are organized on a regular basis to clarify their actual problems. This clarification would help us to propose specific measures for further actions.”
The Latvian Association of Lingerie Producers consists of 10 members: Lauma Lingerie, Steffi L, Lokis, V.O.V.A., Regina N, Glora, Nikol Djumon, Diole, Vella and Lauma Fabrics. It is to be expected that another 10 members join the Association shortly.
The management of SIA LAUMA FABRICS was the author of the idea on founding the Association.

In March 2009 a new structural unit of SIA LAUMA FABRICS – SIA „LAUMA DISTRIBUTION – had been founded.
The objective of the new structural unit is expanding of existing market for the medical products, which produces SIA LAUMA FABRICS. The unit will be responsible for the sales increase and marketing. Roman Gramiko takes the post of SIA LAUMA DISTRIBUTION manager.

From 16 to 26 February Edijs Eglins, the Director of Sales and marketing department, and Olga Semashko, sales manager, visited the international trade fair Textilleggprom 2009 in Moscow. More than 1500 companies from 15 countries participated in the exhibition, and the number of visitors reached 50 200.

 

From 12 to 21 November SIA LAUMA FABRICS organized the children’s painting competition, in which employees’ children took part.
Sixteen kids presented their paintings. On 1 December the little participants were invited to meet Santa.
The winner of the competition was Ella Gorbatchova (5 years). Her painting will be used as a Christmas greeting card, which is sent by e-mail to partners of SIA LAUMA FABRICS.

 

One of most exciting summer events in Liepaja was the stage of Latvian Rally Championship organised by LMT – the rally Kurzeme 2008, which was driven in Liepaja and Kuldiga districts on 4 and 5 July, and finished with a city centre special stage in Liepaja. Since SIA LAUMA FABRICS has been one of sponsors we should like to say some words about the rally.
The rally started off with a special stage in Krogzemji late afternoon on 4 July. This stage is beloved by rally spectators, and the organizers named it SIA LAUMA FABRICS Stage. The company invited special guests – customers and partners – and prepared for them a VIP tent at the spectator area, where they were served by the chef of the restaurant “Medus” and his helpers, who offered them a tasty meal. The guests were invited to vote for their favourite rally team.
On Saturday, 5 July, the creative team of SIA LAUMA FABRICS was ready for activities during the special city stage; they prepared a tent in the city centre and questionnaires for visitors. The grand prize of the quiz organized by SIA LAUMA FABRICS was 40-minutes flight in a plane over Liepaja, and everybody was invited to participate. Furthermore, every pretender got some small gifts from SIA LAUMA FABRICS. The participants had to answer questions on SIA LAUMA FABRICS. Out of the 245 participants only 29 were able to give correct answers. Remarkably, that two most common mistakes were answers to the questions about the year of establishing and products of the company. The grand prize winner was Kaspars Brikmanis from the town Durbe. Finally the General Director of SIA LAUMA FABRICS Mr. Andris Sedmalis granted the prize to the favourite team of company’s guests, namely, to the rally team of Dans Leščis and Jānis Vīksna.

On 5 July 2008 SIA LAUMA FABRICS and AS LAUMA invited their employees to the annual sports event, which took place in Cirava, in Liepaja district.
The competitors’ parade began at 11 a.m. The total number of participants was 248, and they formed 6 teams. The teams participated in different activities: mini soccer, beach volleyball, street basketball, orienteering, as well as unconventional disciplines. Children of employees took part in funny relay race and darts. A novelty was paintball, where payers compete in shooting at different targets.
The team of the Finishing department took the first place. The second place took the team of Administration. The team of Technical director’s service finished for the third.
This event proves that sport activities contribute to building of team spirit in the company. Thanks to the management of AS LAUMA and SIA LAUMA FABRICS!

On 22 May 2008 a new canteen Amica opened its doors for employees of SIA LAUMA FABRICS. Catering services are rendered by the enterprise Fazer Amica Latvija of the Fazer Group.
The group has set up already 43 canteens in Latvian companies, schools and supermarkets. Among other customers of Fazer Amica Latvija are: Bank of Latvia, Hansabanka, Nordea banka, Stationary Office, Municipality of Riga, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, British Council and several embassies.