Bulmetal installs storage batteries in its Gurkovo factory

Bulmetal, a manufacturer of metal packaging for the food and chemical industries, is installing batteries to store energy produced by solar panels with a capacity of 1 MW. The facility will support the operation of a production base in the Bulgarian town of Gurkovo.

This type of energy storage installation for industrial needs is the first of its kind in Bulgaria, according to the company. The enterprise plans the implementation of four more similar projects.

The plan is for the batteries to store electricity from the solar plants at times when production is higher than the plant's needs. Then the stored energy can be used when the solar panels produce less than needed. The goal is to ensure greater efficiency and energy independence.

Bulmetal’s expansion

Bulmetal was established in 1995. It has a factory in Gurkovo and a workshop in Stara Zagora. The manufacturer first appeared on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange at the end of last year with the aim of raising funds for the expansion of its plant. During its IPO on the BSE in December, the company managed to raise about 4 million euros. Now the construction of a new industrial warehouse with a surface of ​​3 acres is underway. A new line for the production of aerosol packaging will also be installed.

The clients for the packaging products are concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, with the leading markets being Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Slovenia. About 80% of the production is exported to Europe.

The company also has subsidiaries in Italy and Germany – Cevolani and BiBRA, specializing in the production of packaging machines. The leading markets where this product is sold are Italy, Canada, North Africa and South America.

Last year, the company made a profit of 1.6 million euros. The revenues from the company's activities are nearly 58 million euros.

Green economy

Currently, Bulmetal has 4 photovoltaic plants with a production capacity of 4 MW, which covers about 45% of its energy needs. Another one with a capacity of 1.2 MW is under construction. It will be installed in the newly built production plants, which are expected to be put into operation within a few months.

The company also installed two EV charging stations, each with a capacity of 180 kW, which are capable of charging 4 cars at the same time. Bulmetal purchased electric cars for employees who commute from more remote places, such as Kazanlak and Stara Zagora, in order to contribute to emission reduction and air quality improvement.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov