Due to a very important role in providing support to SMEs and Startups in the region, the Pomurje Technology Park organised a networking event with study visit to two production oriented SMEs. After presentations covering the topics of Smart production, digitization and cooperation possibilities, more than 30 representatives of University, entrepreneurs, top and middle management representatives from Eastern Slovenia, visited Zotter chocolate manufacture, which is known worldwide for its variety, quality and innovation. The family business is based on 100% organic and fair trade quality with physical traceability not only on the production floor but also in the supply chain.

After visiting Austrian chocolate phenomenon, the visitors travelled to another family based production facility located at the slopes of Goričko area in the North-Eastern part of Slovenia. Marof Vinery is recognised as being frontrunners in producing genuine Slovenian vine at the highest quality, while continuing with the production at the heritage site which was founded back in 1905 when Hungarian nobles Szápáry built their hunting lodge at the same place where renovated mansion and wine cellar are nowadays located. The sophisticated production of wine is placed in brand new, modern cellar with 1,200 m2 in size, opened in September 2009. Wines are aged in oak barrels, barriques and a few stainless steel vats, with an annual production of up to 120 thousand bottles.

The feedback from participants was excellent and shows how important it is to bring companies and institutions together and exchange information, ideas and solutions. Boštjan Poredoš, director and owner of Miniplast: ‘’It was an excellent opportunity to visit successful international companies, with sophisticated production facilities and implemented novel technologies, while at the same time have the opportunity to exchange information and good practices with others in the region. This event met my expectations and I only wish Pomurje Technology Park would organise more of them’’.

Pomurje Technology Park is implementing number of international cooperation projects ad initiatives, aiming at bringing SMEs, knowledge partners and other stakeholders together, helping them to grasp potential of new technologies, knowledge transfer and innovation potential. These projects are based on international co-operation with companies and institutions from the most technologically advanced countries in Central and Western Europe, whose common goal is exchange of practical solutions, technologies, best practices and expertise.

For additional information and questions feel free to contact Pomurje Technology Park at: info@p-tech.si or +386 2 53 82 00.