Nazarje, 12 August (STA) - The Nazarje-based home appliance maker BSH Hišni Aparati, one of the companies worst hit in the August 2023 floods, posted EUR 364 million in net revenue in 2023, 25% less than the previous year. The worst natural disaster in Slovenia's history also affected the company's net profit, which dropped by 19% to EUR 9.6 million.
The company, which employs some 1,400 workers, estimates the damage caused by the floods at more than EUR 100 million. The figure includes both damage to property as well as loss of turnover, they told the STA.
After the floods, the company had two metres of water going through its plant and the staff had to face more than 30 centimetres of sludge, but they managed to salvage 70% of their equipment.
Currently 95% of the plant is operational, so production levels are comparable to those before the floods, said the company, which is located in the Upper Savinja Valley, an area that was heavily flooded a year ago.
"Some parts of production are not yet fully automated since we do not have all the equipment yet. The equipment we have the most problems with is the most complex equipment, the one needed for coffee machine production."
They received state subsidies for furloughed workers. The furlough system was in place from September to the end of last year. During some of the months up to 600 workers were furloughed, but the company did not have to reduce the headcount due to the impact of the floods.
Since January this year, nearly 150 new workers have been recruited to increase production to maintain supplies levels. They are looking to recruit over 100 more.
They would like to end 2024 with results similar to those before the floods.
The company, which is part of the BSH Home Appliances Group, would like to build another facility close to its existing plant. They aim to start construction in mid-2025 and would like to launch production at the new plant in 2027.
