The new automated warehouse of Hungary’s largest Hungarian-owned household chemicals factory was completed and opened in Szeged on Friday. Speaking at Florin’s factory dockyard, Finance Minister Mihály Varga said that Florin sees the market opportunities well.
– It’s the teamwork that makes Florin successful, without it the last 13 years would probably not have been the same. But it is important not only in the life of a company, but also in the life of a town, a county, and even a country. The story of Florin is a good example of how it is possible to start from scratch and achieve success,” the Finance Minister said on Friday at a Florin Zrt.
Mihály Varga added that Florin is well aware of the market opportunities and is also aware of the opportunities arising from the changes, noting that Florin’s products are now available in all major supermarket chains and have appeared not only in the domestic market, but also abroad.
Florin sees market opportunities
The Minister recalled that during the coronavirus epidemic, Florin was one of the first to respond to the situation, contributing to the effective control by producing four million litres of disinfectant.
– And the improvements will continue. Capacities have increased dramatically in recent years and there are still reserves in the company. I am pleased that the company has recognised that the market in the country is small for the size and capacity of the factory. If we have a presence in the neighbouring countries with our products and strengthen exports, we will be able to have more legs and the livelihoods of our workers will be much more secure,” the politician said.
Mihály Varga noted that Hungary is a small country poor in raw materials, but one of the most open economies. He said Hungarian intellectual capital can produce products that are needed in many markets around the world.
There is an economic cold war
The Finance Minister also spoke about the economic cold war.
– In recent years, the leaders of the European Union have made a series of bad decisions that have damaged rather than helped European competitiveness. But Hungary is part of this community, and if it does not pull well, the opportunities for the Hungarian economy will also shrink. So we are interested in Europe becoming more competitive, in staying out of the economic cold war, and in looking for ways to cooperate with Asia, China, South Korea or the United States instead of customs wars.
The war could be over
According to Mihály Varga, the war in Ukraine poses a serious threat. He said he hoped that after 20 January, when the new US administration takes office, the war will be over soon, which will help Europe and the world as a whole to focus on economic growth.
Attila Barta, CEO of Florin Zrt., said that the company’s site has been completely renewed over the past five years, with old buildings and equipment now replaced by new buildings, machinery and a new automated warehouse.
– The automated warehouse, the final element of the five-year complex factory development project, has created Hungary’s largest Hungarian-owned household chemicals factory, covering 15,000 square metres. The total value of the improvements exceeds HUF 8.5 billion. Now, as a final step, we have handed over the warehouse,” the CEO announced.