Factory Focus: An Inside Look at LTP Balkan's Operations and Ambitions

Welcoming new Plant Director

LTP Balkan's operations are led by a seasoned professional with extensive experience in industrial environments. With over 23 years in the industry, Pedro da Silva Regado has managed factories across Portugal and Eastern Europe, including Romania and Bulgaria. His career also includes a significant project in Argentina, where he contributed to the establishment of a new plant. "I have dedicated my career to improving processes, increasing efficiency, and enhancing production capacity while maintaining high-quality standards," he notes. We hereby extend our warmest welcome to Pedro!

Current Setup and Focus

LTP Balkan operates seven sewing lines: five in Boto?ani and two in Harlau, supported by cutting, preparation, finishing, and quality control teams. The facility employs 215 people. The primary focus is on enhancing operational performance, aiming to deliver higher quality products more efficiently and cost-effectively. "We strive to deliver more, earlier, better, and cheaper, benefiting all stakeholders from our success," he emphasizes.

Key objectives include:

• Increasing global operational efficiency, particularly in sewing.
• Ensuring first-time exceptional quality by reducing rework rates.
• Developing team members' skills and maximizing equipment availability.
• Maintaining flexibility to adapt to market demands quickly.

Strategic Goals and Ambitions

LTP Balkan faces a challenging yet promising period ahead, driven by a strategic focus on several critical areas:

1. Better Production Planning: Involving skilled local professionals in the production planning process to ensure they are both part of the solution and accountable for outcomes. Continued collaboration with the LTP UAB planning team is crucial.
2. Efficiency Increase: There is an urgent need to improve overall operational efficiency, focusing on global rather than just local efficiencies. "Local efficiencies contribute little if they don't result in more ready garments and increased sales," he points out.
3. Sewing Lines Balancing and Optimization: Systematically improving the workload balance of sewing lines and optimizing each task's working method.
4. Commitment to Quality: Meeting clients' expectations without quality claims and reducing garment rework to streamline production.
5. Staff Training: Systematically training team members to ensure the flexibility needed by the company. "Many companies claim to focus on staff training but fail to implement it effectively. LTP Balkan must not make this mistake," he asserts.
6. Sewing Capacity: Expanding sewing capacity through efficiency improvements and hiring new sewers, despite the challenges of attracting newcomers in Boto?ani and Harlau.
7. Compliance: Adhering rigorously to ethical and sustainable practices, including labor, safety, and environmental standards.

Personal Insights and Interests

The leader of LTP Balkan is not only focused on professional achievements but also has personal interests that align with the company's values. An avid runner, he has participated in races up to half marathons and aims to complete a full marathon by 2026. He also enjoys watching top-level soccer matches, a nod to his Portuguese heritage. "Running has taught me the value of perseverance and setting challenging goals, much like our ambitions at LTP Balkan," he reflects.

With a dedicated focus on operational excellence, quality, and team development, LTP Balkan is poised for a period of significant growth and success under its experienced leadership. "Each day, we come to work with the purpose of doing something better than yesterday, embracing new ideas, and making continuous improvements," he concludes.