Discussion on the transition from ecological concerns to financial success: Analysis of "Primilk"
In the heart of Belarus, the small town of Shchuchyn is home to a remarkable success story. The Pryamilk enterprise, established eight years ago, has transformed from a local cheese factory into a thriving, export-oriented business.
Originally, the Shchuchyn cheese factory generated large volumes of whey, a byproduct of cheese production that posed environmental disposal challenges. Pryamilk, however, saw an opportunity. They developed a business model around collecting and processing this excess whey into dry dairy products such as whey powder.
By utilizing modern drying and processing technologies, Pryamilk converted waste whey into high-value products rather than discarding it. This innovative approach not only addressed the environmental issue but also created a profitable product line.
Today, Pryamilk's main products include whey powder (dry whey) and other dairy ingredients derived from whey, which can be used as additives in the food and animal feed industries. The enterprise's focus is extensively on export markets, with their products shipped to various international markets, including countries in the European Union, the Middle East, and Asia.
The export orientation helps tap into global demand for dairy ingredients, particularly whey protein products valued in the food manufacturing and nutrition sectors. One of the popular uses for these dry concentrates is as tea and coffee whiteners (creamer substitutes) in the Asian market.
Pryamilk's strategic shift has proven to be a game-changer for the local economy. The plant's profit contributes to about 20% of the budget of the Shchuchinsky region. The enterprise also prioritizes employing young, interested individuals to attract them to stay in small towns. The average salary at Pryamilka is Br3250, considered decent by small town standards.
Employees at Pryamilka receive benefits such as hot lunches, medical insurance, company transport, and many other perks. The plant's energy efficiency is achieved through gas engine units that produce electricity and heat. The plant's wastewater treatment facilities are highly efficient, meeting environmental legislation requirements, and allowing for direct discharge into the river.
The plant's production capacity is up to 2000 tons of dry ingredients and 500 tons of soft cheese per month. Six robots were installed to automate processes at the plant, replacing 28 employees. Despite this automation, the plant still employs only 210 people, operating with full automation.
Pryamilk is one of the few Belarusian enterprises to receive the "Happiness Certificate". The enterprise also organizes tours, workshops, and part-time work for schoolchildren to help them decide on their future profession and university. The first marketable product was released in May 2017, and today, Pryamilk supplies products to 22 countries worldwide.
- In response to the environmental disposal challenges posed by the excess whey from cheese production, Pryamilk ventured into environmental-science and technology, developing a business model to process this waste into high-value dry dairy products such as whey powder.
- Through the implementation of modern drying and processing technologies, Pryamilk transcended its humble beginnings as a local cheese factory, transforming into a profitable business that exports its products to various international markets, including the European Union, the Middle East, and Asia.
- With an emphasis on sustainable practices, Pryamilk not only focuses on finance and business growth but also prioritizes technology and science, as evidenced by their energy-efficient production methods, wastewater treatment facilities, and the use of robots to automate processes, while still maintaining a workforce of 210 employees.
