In a series of articles, we present the finalists in the “Factory of the Year” competition , which is organized for the third year in a row by “Capital”. Out of a total of 20 participants in 2024. the short list includes 7 companies from different parts of the country and different sectors. The final winner will be chosen by a competent jury, and his name will be announced at an official ceremony on December 5. The host of the event will be last year’s winner of the competition – “Sensata Technologies Bulgaria”.
A little more than two years and nearly 100 million BGN investment later, the medical equipment manufacturer “BTL Industries” will move to its new base in Plovdiv at the beginning of next year. Despite the large undertaking that this project represents, the company continues to focus on its research and development activities. Its latest product targets a new market segment for the company — improving mental health, and plans are in place for other similar products to follow.
Antidepressant machine
In addition to the factory in Plovdiv, where devices for physiotherapy, cardiology, urology, and more are produced, the company also has a development center in Sofia, which is actively involved in the creation and implementation of new products. However, for the first time, the Czech group is entering the market with a product that has an impact on the human brain. The device for treating what is known as major depressive disorder is the result of years of research by the local and international R&D team at BTL, with the development being primarily handled by Bulgarian specialists.
The new factory of “BTL Industries” will consolidate all its production, which is currently spread across an 8-story rented building and other premises, as well as warehouses. This will allow the company to accommodate the expected business growth. The number of employees will increase from 670 to 1000 in the coming years.
Special Focus on Young People
“BTL Industries” is highly active in the development of young people. The company has a close connection with the Vocational School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics in Plovdiv, where many of its employees come from, including CEO Karavasilev. Every year, students are accepted for internships, and according to Petkov, a large number of them choose to continue working at “BTL Industries” after graduation, even though the training is not specifically tailored to the company.
“Development of young people is our policy. A good example is a project we developed together with “America for Bulgaria” and the Vocational School of Household Appliances for the development of professional skills and career orientation for children. We also proposed training for students at the Trade High School, where our managers and Human Resources representatives prepared the children for professional interviews – how to create a CV, a cover letter, and then conducted actual interviews with them,” commented Petkov.
An important partner of “BTL Industries” for some of these activities in the Plovdiv region is “Trakia Economic Zone,” which assists in selecting teachers and PhD students who lead lessons for the children, as well as with its training center.
Source: www.capital.bg
