The EFKO company in Voronezh is a division of the largest Russian food industry enterprise. The main industry of the holding is the sale of its own oil and fat products manufactured using leading technologies.
The activities of the EFKO company (its head office is located in Voronezh) involves going through all production stages, including the procurement of raw materials, their storage and processing, the manufacture of products and transportation. The company has a developed dealer network to ensure the uninterrupted sales of its own brand products.
How it all started
The history of the company dates back to 1897, when a plant for the production of coriander and anise oils was commissioned in the settlement of Alekseyevka. These products were intended not so much for domestic sales as for export. Alekseevsky oils were bought in large volumes by foreign perfumers.
Until the collapse of the Soviet Union, the scope of the enterprise remained unchanged. Alekseyevsky oil-and-oil extraction factory was awarded the “Badge of Honor” and was part of the domestic concern of leading manufacturers of perfumes and cosmetics, synthetic and natural essential oils.
After the privatization of the Alekseyevsky Combine in 1992, the EFKO enterprise was created on its basis. Over the next two years, a new concept of activity was developed, and by 1994 a team of professionals had become the company's shareholders. Like-minded people set themselves the goal of gaining leadership in the Russian oil and fat industry, setting a new impetus for progressive development. Production capacities were rapidly modernized and expanded, a new managerial model was built, and new production technologies were mastered.
How the company developed
The choice of the main production area, namely the manufacture and bottling of sunflower oil, was determined by the location of the plant in the Belgorod settlement. It turns out that at the beginning of the century before last, it was here that the first sunflower oil was made. This merit is attributed to the serf peasant Bokarev, a native of Alekseevka. EFKO’s success in Voronezh was also predicted by numerous market research studies that provided extremely positive forecasts for the holding’s development.
Since 1996, the company has become an independent and independent player in the Russian sunflower oil market, producing products under the Sloboda brand. From this moment, the distribution network began to actively develop: representative offices appeared in the capital, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Voronezh. EFKO was the first company to actively use freezing technology in the manufacture of sunflower oil.
After some time, the company began cooperation with the Belgian company De Smet, which today is one of the main suppliers of production equipment for the extraction of sunflower. In 1998, a workshop for the production of mayonnaise under the same Sloboda brand was opened in Alekseyevka, and a year later EFKO began to produce deodorized refined oil and pack butter.
An important milestone in the development of the company was the construction of a factory for the production of specialized industrial fats and margarines, the equipment for which was purchased from the former Belgian partner De Smet.
Profit and production capacity of EFKO
Despite the active development of the production of food ingredients, from 2005 to 2011, financiers predicted the acquisition of the holding by a large American company. The fact is that Bunge Corporation intensively bought up the shares of the EFKO group of companies, which led analysts to similar conclusions, but later information appeared on the buyback of the portfolio by EFKO owners.
Since 2007, a mayonnaise factory has been operating in Yekaterinburg, which is part of the holding, and a number of new brands are entering the market. In the same period, new production sites were opened (in the Moscow region, Krasnodar Territory). Since 2012, ketchups of the Sloboda trademark have been on the market.
According to unofficial data, the annual revenue of the company reaches about 150 billion rubles., One fifth of which is the income from export sales. More than 15 thousand employees work at the EFKO production facility and in the offices of Voronezh, Moscow, Belgorod. Since 2013, the company was engaged in soap making, and three years ago - in milk processing and the production of yoghurts. Today EFKO is also developing outside of Russia. In particular, more than 11 billion tenge was allocated for the construction of the company's plants in Kazakhstan.
The EFKO company is highly resistant to the effects of macro- and microeconomic factors in the external and internal consumer markets. Due to the formation of functional complexes, the holding company was able to successfully solve the problems of production and sales activities. On the other hand, it is not possible to characterize EFKO as a separate enterprise, reflect the entire volume of economic activity and objectively assess risks for investors.
Holding structure
The EFKO Group of Companies is a vertically integrated structure that includes enterprises for the production, storage and processing of agricultural products, production and sale of food products.
Despite the fact that EFKO is a complex structure, it is not officially registered as a holding company. At the moment, the company includes several functional complexes:
- agrarian and investment block, which includes firms involved in agricultural production;
- procurement and storage of raw materials - workshops and warehouses that ensure the uninterrupted supply of high-quality sunflower throughout the year;
- production - the largest complex of the holding structure, which produces vegetable and butter, spreads, margarine, sauces under several brands "Sloboda", Altero, "Nezhka", as well as specialized fats for the industry.
The main production assets of the company include:
- about two dozen elevators on which more than 800 thousand tons of seeds can be stored;
- Taman marine terminal, where multi-million turnover of liquid and bulk cargo is carried out;
- six oil extraction factories processing a total of 2.2 million tons of seeds;
- industrial fat production plants annually producing 750 thousand tons of products;
- factories for the manufacture of packaged branded products;
- Research Seed Breeding Center and Institute of Applied Research.
In addition to the production unit, the structure of the company includes a marketing department and distribution companies that perform the functions of marketing, advertising and promoting products on the territory of Russia and abroad. Widely developed is the EFKO logistics link. In Voronezh, according to employees, a system has been established for transporting products to any region. A separate component of the company are construction enterprises, which provide the construction and preparation for commissioning of production branches.
Product range
Judging by the reviews of EFKO, in Voronezh and other regions of the Black Earth region, products are in greatest demand. The main production site of the company is a factory located in the Belgorod region. The plant, which in the recent past produced anise and coriander essential oils, is today considered one of the best in Russia in terms of equipment and quality of products. All processes at the enterprise are automated thanks to the introduction of modern European equipment and innovative technologies.
A wide range of products is divided into several categories:
- unrefined and refined packaged oil from sunflower, olives (brand "Sloboda" and Altero);
- several varieties of mayonnaise;
- meal obtained after extraction of sunflower (about 5.8% of the total production);
- three varieties of ketchup.
In addition to vegetable oils, EFKO (Voronezh) produces milk, yogurts, margarine, shortening and spreads for the confectionery industry (cheap analogues of butter containing milk fat substitutes). In addition, the company provides a small amount of oil processing and packaging services for third parties.
Organic Control System
One of the secrets of the success of the company is to use exclusively natural ingredients. The company strictly controls the absence of artificial components, chemicals and genetically modified organisms.
The current Organic Control system ensures the production of the highest quality vegetable oils and mayonnaise. The company pays special attention to manufacturing standards:
- lauric and non-lauric substitutes for cocoa butter;
- confectionery fats;
- spreads, margarine;
- milk fat analogues in curd and cheese products.
Each year, EFKO LLC (Voronezh) produces about 700 thousand tons of oil and fat products through the use of transesterification, hydrogenation, fractionation and other technologies that guarantee the competitive quality of manufactured goods.
Customer reviews
Holding products are popular not only in the city where its head office is located, in Voronezh. Responses about the EFKO company are left by residents of all regions of Russia. Most of the comments are devoted to the Sloboda vegetable oil, mayonnaise, ketchup and yogurt. Mostly people are satisfied with the quality of the products.
Many note that the mayonnaise and ketchups of this company are similar to the products of the competitive Heinz brand, however, unlike them, they are sold at a more affordable price. Some people like the taste of Sloboda products, while others find them neutral. Some consumers believe that sauces contain too much vinegar, and ketchups use colorants intensively, which makes them unnaturally bright.
As for sunflower oil, most buyers believe that it is ideal for salads, frying, baking, as it gives the dishes a subtle spicy aroma. If you believe the reviews, Sloboda oil does not leave an intrusive smell, does not foam and does not shoot in a pan. At the same time, EFKO’s sunflower oils cannot be called the cheapest, so many try to buy several bottles at once during the action period in supermarkets.
A lot of flattering reviews is devoted to EFKO sour-milk products (address in Voronezh: 40 Taranchenko St.). Especially often mentioned on the forums are yogurts, which appeal to both adults and children. Customers praise sour-milk products that do not contain flavors, because many people are allergic to various flavors. Drinks are made only from natural milk, and even pieces of fresh fruit are found in drinking yoghurts. The popularity of Sloboda products is due to its affordable cost.
The disadvantages of EFKO products include:
- lack of official distributors in remote regions;
- low-quality technologies for applying the expiration date on packages (the date is written in washable ink, which allows unscrupulous distributors to change the deadline for consumption and sell expired products);
- Inconsistency of the contents with the composition indicated on the package (for example, muesli and fruit promised by the manufacturer are sometimes not found in the can of yogurt).
Training center "Biryuch"
According to EFKO employees (Voronezh), the work of a specialized research center in Biryuch, Belgorod Region, is of great importance for the production and development of the company. They are engaged in the development of original recipes, the modernization of technologies used in the production process, and the improvement of existing types of oil and fat products.
Practical seminars are regularly held for young specialists of the production complex, and experience exchange programs with food development partners are in place for ingredient manufacturers and technologists. The training center of the EFKO company is equipped with equipment that is a copy of the original production lines and makes it possible to participate in the reconstruction of processes for the production of bakery, confectionery, milk-containing products. In addition, here you can taste samples of products that require the use of fats and their substitutes:
- various types of glaze;
- chocolate pastes, dragees, sweets with fillings and creams;
- waffles;
- oriental sweets;
- ice cream with milk fat substitutes;
- cottage cheese desserts, cheese products;
- condensed milk, etc.
A management school also operates on the basis of the training center, the purpose of which is to prepare managers and develop communications of a formal and informal plan, motivating students to achieve maximum results. The management school helps to form the holding personnel reserves, promotes the development of existing employees and develops a unified corporate spirit, awareness of common values ​​and culture.
What attracts employees to EFKO
According to reviews, in Voronezh, many would like to find a job in a holding. The popularity of the company as an employer is explained by its many years of activity and impeccable reputation. EFKO trademarks are recognized by Russian customers, and a huge assortment of manufactured products that meets the needs of the consumer is a guarantee of stable profit, and, therefore, decent earnings for employees. This is understood by everyone who would like to get a job at EFKO (Voronezh).
According to the reviews of employees, in order to get into the company, you have to go through a serious selection. Particularly difficult testing and meticulous interviews are for applicants for managerial positions. Candidates are subject to high requirements even after being admitted to the state. Each specialist must undergo at the expense of the company specialized training, which will allow further orientation in the principles of industrial production of oil and fat products.
Employment Benefits at EFCO
According to company management, a team of specialists is a key asset and the main competitive advantage of the holding. In reviews of EFKO in Voronezh, employees have repeatedly confirmed that the company has created favorable working conditions. Thanks to this, the company manages to realize unique corporate ideas and solve complex production problems.
To date, the total number of EFKO employees in Voronezh, according to reviews, is not more than 100 people. Many more employees are involved in the production of the company. According to unofficial data and numerous reviews from Voronezh, about 15 thousand people are employed at EFKO, each of which the company provides the same opportunities for training, self-realization and career growth.
The main advantages of working in a holding include:
- official registration according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation;
- lack of a trial period;
- the provision of corporate mobile communications, computer equipment;
- decent wages;
- career prospects;
- social guarantees and additional support programs for employees (payment of the annual VHI policy, assistance in resolving the housing issue, paying off bank debt, etc.).
HR policy
The holding is the undisputed leader in the oil and fat products market, which, in turn, obliges its management to make informed decisions regarding the selection of employees. The company attracts the best candidates for vacant positions, putting forward high professional requirements. And this is not only about the head office, which is located in Voronezh.
In reviews of the EFKO employer, many indignantly speak of a difficult “entrance” exam, which must be passed during employment. It consists of two stages - written testing and interviews.To pass the exam requires at least 2-3 hours of free time - this is evidenced by the many reviews of EFKO employees about work in Voronezh and other cities where the company has representative offices. The test results of the candidate will be introduced in a few days over the phone.
At the time of publication of the article on the official website of the company www.efko.ru there were no vacancies for positions in the EFKO management company (Voronezh). According to the reviews of employees, you should not despair anyway. Those who wish to find a job need to send a resume to the company’s email and wait for a call from managers. As soon as a free workplace appears, the candidate will be invited to undergo testing and interviews.
As of November 2018, vacancies for positions in the management company (Alekseevka) are relevant:
- design engineers;
- quality managers;
- analytics;
- technologist;
- software engineer 1C;
- sales manager.
What employees say about the benefits
Among the feedback on the work in EFKO in Voronezh, one can find both positive and negative comments. The latter are fewer, but they should also be given attention.
In general, the majority of EFKO employees (Voronezh) praise the company's management for a businesslike and pragmatic approach. Despite strict requirements and an intensive working rhythm, they are always treated with understanding and provide support in case of difficult life situations. At the same time, this should not be abused: each specialist should fit into the agreed time frame and perform his work efficiently. Then a large number of instructions from the authorities, about which many speak indignantly, are more than compensated by a decent wage.
Judging by the responses, not only the EFKO directors in Voronezh feel they are an important part of the company. In fact, each ordinary employee is an active participant in the dynamic development of the business, which is facilitated by the competent corporate policy of the enterprise. Most employees do not have problems with the team, the team works harmoniously and productively. To strengthen the motivational component, management periodically holds various contests, the winners of which receive expensive gifts or cash rewards.
We turn to the important issue of wages. Here opinions are divided. Despite the fact that the salaries of employees exceed the average for the regions, many complain that the salary consists of two parts - “white” and “gray”. The official salary is close to the minimum wage, which is not the best way affects the monthly contributions to insurance and pension organizations. On the other hand, this drawback is not significant for most employees of the company.
One cannot but mention the social guarantees provided to EFKO employees in Voronezh (TIN, PSRN of an enterprise for making settlements can be found in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities). Work in the company will allow you to save on a subscription to a fitness club, purchase branded products, and quality medical care. Employees are able to buy oil, mayonnaise, yoghurts and other goods almost half the retail price at network points of sale.
High school graduates with no work experience and professional merit have good chances to get into the company. Of course, the personnel service will not be able to respond to all requests, but it is important for the company that young specialists regard EFCO as a potential employer. The pre-emptive right to employment is given to students who have completed practical training and internships in the company.
Disadvantages of working in a company
As already noted, negative aspects of employment at EFKO are also present. The most popular of them, judging by the reviews, is the tedious tedious testing that you need to pass when hiring. To prove compliance with a particular position, a job seeker must answer dozens of general questions and pass the IQ test. According to users, the exam is much like a school exam. By the way, it lasts about the same - about three hours.
Interviewing is another minus. They speak of him as the most unpleasant test, especially from a psychological point of view. In addition to communicating with superiors and the personnel service, the likelihood of passing a polygraph test is not excluded. Despite the promise to inform the candidate about the results of the test and the interview, none of the employees had ever received a call from the EFKO human resources department in Voronezh.
For many employees, a bureaucracy is a significant drawback in the company's work. Without a memo, explanatory note, statement and other current documentation, not a single step can be taken. The hardest thing to adapt to beginners. On the other hand, bureaucracy is found everywhere, not only in the EFKO holding.
An irregular work schedule is one of the conditions of the employer, which becomes an insurmountable obstacle to the employment of some employees. The official labor contract indicates a fixed working day, but in practice, according to reviews, things are different. Employees work until they complete their work plan, staying in the office until late at night.
In addition to the affairs, which are always overwhelming, problems for employees are created by the management itself. The company has a strict system of fines, penalties and practicing for lateness, delay, error. Smokers during working hours are not particularly encouraged.
Readiness for business trips is one of the requirements for EFKO employees in Voronezh. The address of the management company, which is located in the center of the capital of Chernozemye, was already indicated in the article. However, in this office, most employees are not always able to stay constantly. For some, there is nothing to worry about on business trips that last at least 7-10 days, but for family people this is a huge drawback.