"PODRAVKA" SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH "SIEMENS"

( Editorial: --> 0543 ) ZAGREB, July 29 (Hina) - The management of Croatian food processor "Podravka" on Wednesday signed a US$9.4 million agreement with representatives of the "Siemens" company on the delivery of equipment for the automation of a warehouse of Vegeta's new factory in Koprivnica. Work will be completed by April 2000. Siemens will equip the new Vegeta factory with state-of-the-art solutions for warehouse systems, the reception and transport of goods and other material, to the effect of reducing manufacturing costs. Signing the agreement, Siemens also made a commitment to train Podravka experts. "Podravka" has been selling Vegeta, a type of spice, to 40 countries around the world. Vegeta accounts for 50 per cent of the company's total revenues. According to "Podravka" manager Ante Babic, the construction of new manufacturing facilities with high-quality technical and technological equipment will enable high functionality and security in getting the planned quality of the finished product. (hina) ha jn 291546 MET jul 98