Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) should issue an international call for the selection of a partner to whom it will lease the former facilities of the Steel Plant and the Forge in order to start production there at the beginning of next month at the latest.
This information was unofficially confirmed to "Vijesti" by the state energy company, and the editors also have access to the draft of this invitation, which was sent to the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
"All companies from Montenegro and abroad that are registered and operate in accordance with the laws of the country in which they perform their activities have the right to participate in the public call. When choosing a business partner, preference will be given to companies with traditions and references in the production of forged carbon, alloy and tool steels", the draft specified.
It was further clarified that when choosing a business partner, priority will be given to companies that submit a development plan for the production facilities of Steel and Blacksmiths for the next 5 years, with an emphasis on planned investments (improvement of existing production from a technical-technological aspect and possible investments in new production facilities).
"When choosing a short circle of potential partners, the key criteria for selection will be the ability to soon start production at the Steel and Forge, companies that offer a longer lease period, not shorter than 5 years, and that offer an annual rent amount. The lessor will have the option to lease production capacities with the required number of employees (selection from existing employees) or hire new employees. If the lessor decides to employ existing employees, the amount of the lease will be reduced in proportion to the increase in the number of employees taken on, whereby priority in employment will be given to employees who were employed at the factory in the period from 2012 to 2023, that is, who possess the necessary knowledge , experience and special skills in the production of steel in the steel plant, forge and associated auxiliary units in the factory, whereby the tenant will have the opportunity to select and select based on the established criteria for systematized jobs", explained in the draft public invitation.
In addition, when choosing a business partner, companies that base their production agenda on the production of so-called of "green steel" and thus gradually from year to year aim to shape the sustainable future of production through: gradual investment in new production technologies, improvement of existing production facilities, machines and auxiliary equipment...
"Then, by using electricity from renewable sources, recycling of technological waste created as a by-product of production, gradual reduction of the emission of harmful gases and other harmful powdery substances into the atmosphere, which will gradually meet the conditions for the introduction of EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) and other certificates that represent internationally recognized eco-declaration", it was stated in the draft invitation.
Production and auxiliary halls, production plants, machines and auxiliary equipment and other infrastructure that is in function (and represents support) for the smooth development of production and other business processes in the production facilities of Steel and Forge are leased.
"The draft has been sent to the Ministry of Energy if they have any suggestions and we expect the final version to be ready today. Then there will be a meeting of the Board of Directors where we will adopt the final version and issue a public invitation. Certain members of the Board of Directors are away until December 1st, so the meeting will be held as soon as they return", explained the source of "Vijesti".
According to the draft of the public call for lease, among other things, the furnace, foundry, colliery and annealing hall in the Steel Plant, mechanical and construction workshop in the Forge, use of space for parking means of transport and workshops for vehicle servicing and maintenance, shipping hall, warehouse space will be leased. ...
The state energy company has been managing the Nikšić Ironworks for the past ten months, but the start of production at the Steel Plant and Kovčnica plants under the auspices of EPCG was not possible due to strict state aid rules.
If the lessor decides to hire existing employees, the amount of the lease will be reduced in proportion to the increase in the number of employees taken on, whereby priority will be given to employees who were employed at the factory in the period from 2012 to 2023.
Since EPCG took over the property of the former Ironworks from the Turkish Tosjali Group, 380 workers have been employed, production has been started in the construction and PVC locksmith facilities, the first solar-powered power plant on the roof has been built and is awaiting commissioning, a restaurant has opened, several halls have been rented out in lease, but to start the former basic activity of steel production, 6,5 million euros and an integrated license are needed.
Last month, the Agency for the Protection of Competition issued a decision by which it initiated an examination procedure to determine the compliance of potential state aid given to Željezara, and with that decision, as AZK told "Vijesta", any further allocation of state aid is prohibited until the final decision is made.
Željezara's account has been blocked continuously since October 18 due to a debt of around 110 euros.
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