The Customer Magazine of SCHWENK Latvija is on its way to our cement, RMX and AGG customers, partners and municipalities where our company operates. In the magazine, we explain important issues about the industry and the market, the EU Green Deal and our targets of climate neutrality, introduce the SCHWENK Group and business of SCHWENK Northern Europe and SCHWENK Latvija.

At the end of 2021, winners of the title – Employee of the Year – in seven categories have been awarded:

• Employees of the Year in Cement Production: Aivis Rancāns, Krišjānis Lejnieks, Vigo Kārkliņš
• Employees of the Year in Commercial & Logistics: Igors Dviņins, Inga Kapeniece
• Employees of the Year in Materials: Igors Izjumovs, Jānis Alsviķis, Gints Melnbārdis
• Employees of the Year in Administration & Back Office: Laura Dilberga, Inga Perlovska
• Employees of the Year in H&S: Anete Segliņa, Ivars Celiņš
• Manager of the Year: Aivars Buls
• Growth of the Year: Sandra Vīksnāne

The most sincere congratulations to our colleagues!

Merry, peaceful and wonderful Christmas!
Next year will be special for us, as we will celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the SCHWENK Group.
May we all succeed in realizing great ideas and building successful cooperation in the New Year!

According to the “Construction / Building Materials Manufacturers and Traders TOP 500” data, SCHWENK Latvija is the largest manufacturer of building materials in Latvia by net turnover in 2020.

The construction sector is the seventh largest sector of the Latvian economy.

The time before Christmas is overwhelmed with positive emotions – the project competition announced by SCHWENK Latvija in Saldus Region in October has ended with creative, sustainable and well-prepared second-round presentations. The Competition Commission has supported the implementation of eight project ideas worth almost 15,000 EUR, which will be implemented in 2022.

The project competition is organized with the aim to support the growth and development of the local community, improving the well-being and quality of life of the population, allowing everyone to submit their ideas in project competition.

“Every participant of the project competition has been working hard since October to be rewarded with what they want most – the opportunity to implement their project ideas. In order to get the present – co-funding of the project, it is necessary to recite a poem well” with such encouragement words the presentation day of the project competition was opened by Linda Šedlere, SCHWENK Latvija Member of the Management Board member, Personal and Administration Director.

Following projects will receive full co-funding:

• Saldus Region Development Society to strengthen the capacity of the local community to write, implement and raise funding for projects;
• Agency of Saldus Region municipality “Social Service” which will implement a project to improve the skills and talents of mothers who raise children with special needs, and to encourage them to start social entrepreneurship;
• Saldus Secondary School will create an outdoor track for learning safe cycling skills;
• Brocēni Secondary School will create an outdoor green classroom with a blackboard where outdoor learning could take place after the project;
• Druva Secondary School who will purchase rehabilitation equipment, creating a technical base for the establishment of a rehabilitation point to promote the physical and emotional well-being of students and teachers;
• Madara Dzalbe-Ķenava will purchase visual aids – mannequins, to continue educating the residents of Saldus Region about the principles of body ergonomics in everyday life.

Following projects will be partly co-funded:

• NGO “AKVA VITAMĪNS” to ensure safe swimming competitions with safety buoys and SUP boards;
• NGO “Labdomas” to attract professional consultations and support for the further development of ideas in other project competitions and thus also promote the growth of the organization.

In addition, the co-financing is not the only benefit obtained during competition. This year is special because several project applicants have already gained new inspiration and even opportunities for mutual future cooperation during the presentations, which will strengthen and promote not only each specific project, but also will bring the long-term benefits for the community.

The Competition Commission of SCHWENK Latvija welcomes the initiative and courage of each project applicant, as well devoted time for development of the project idea to implement ideas that are relevant and important to their community.

SCHWENK Latvija continues to implement an extensive program of social responsibility activities, where cooperation with the local community is one of its pillars. Last year five projects were supported by SCHWENK Latvija.

For exciting projects, new collaborations and a strong community!

SCHWENK Latvija

stiprakopiena@schwenk.lv

Health and safety is a constant priority of SCHWENK Latvija, so that every employee returns home to their family safe and sound. To achieve this, we need to raise awareness of health and safety as a personal value, which is why we have launched the Mission Zero training program.

The training program was acquired by the first group of employees, following strict epidemiological safety measures – testing of employees, wearing FFP2 masks, air purification and ventilation of the room throughout the day. Our goal is to provide training to almost 650 employees of the company and its subcontractors.

Mission Zero 3D model: THINK, DO, LIVE. THINK and make decisions responsibly, considering the consequences, DO and act responsibly to LIVE long and enjoy the fruits of your work.

Mission Zero is a conscious choice.

Production in the limestone quarry “Kūmas” continues also in December. Despite the changing weather conditions – snow, ice, thaw – a busy working atmosphere remains in the quarry.

Together with everyone, we are happy about the upcoming holidays – may our beautiful Christmas trees will make everyone happy while waiting for the Christmas miracle!

Transparency International Latvia / Delna has published the results of a study on the transparency of the business environment in Latvia – what is the situation when comparing Latvian and Swedish companies in Latvia, what and how to make the company more transparent.

At the same time, Delna calls on companies to join the initiative “Zero Tolerance for Corruption”. The aim of the initiative is for the company to commit to implementing and promoting the principles of transparency, to implement and publish anti-corruption policies and procedures in the company and in the business environment in general.

SCHWENK Latvija is the first company that has joined the initiative. SCHWENK Latvija has developed and put into practice the high ethical standards of the company, which are an integral part of sustainability.

The study preformed by Delna, guidelines on the transparency of the business environment in Latvia and the initiative “Zero Tolerance for Corruption”:

https://delna.lv/lv/2021/12/07/delna-aicina-uznemejus-iesaistities-iniciativa-nulles-tolerance-pret-korupciju/

In the spring and summer, SCHWENK Latvija employees ran, walked and rode a bicycle to turn collected kilometers into a donation to the Senior Support Program, which provides assistance to seniors who have worked for the company.

The first initiative under this program was launched this autumn, helping Mrs Herta, who has worked for the company for more than 20 years. Mrs. Herta has held various positions, but she is especially proud to have been the first and only female operator at the crushing No1 of the Brocēni cement plant.

The interior door and bulkhead in Mrs. Herta’s flat have been replaced to ensure warmth in rooms, as well as firewood for the entire winter have been provided.

Many thanks to employees of SCHWENK Latvija for the sporting spirit, donation of firewood and involvement in the implementation of the project, thanks to the cooperation partners SIA “GATE L” for performing repair works and SIA “Rokfeller” for providing the supply of firewood.

At the end of November, the SCHWENK Latvija online Open Dialogue was held, during which current events, results, achievements and challenges of the company were presented, as well as the employees had the opportunity to receive answers to their questions. Almost 110 employees of the company took part in the event.