Annual Innovative Product/Services Implementer - 2017

SIA Gravtex (Griškānu civil parish) was founded in 2012. The initial intention was to produce fences, fence panels, but it soon became clear that it was too narrow to take into account the needs and solvency of potential customers, so the ideas for a new product were further sought. The company now produces decorative wooden panels, which can be used both as an indoor interior element and as an outdoor decorator.
The EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) project funding under THE LEADER programme was acquired by production facilities, including CNC cutter. In 2016, SIA Gravtex participated in the competition “Export and Innovation Award 2016” organised by Latvian Investment Development Agency (LATVIAN Investment Development Agency) and the Ministry of Economics and won the award in the nomination “industrial design”. 2017 marked the participation in the building exhibition “house 1” in Riga, the theme week in Milan (Italy), the architectural and design exhibition “VISION London” (Uk), the design exhibition “ID” and “Habitare” in Helsinki (Finland), the exhibition “Timber Expo” in Birmingham (Uk), the building material exhibition “the Big 5” in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). In order to create efficient, customer-friendly exhibitions at foreign exhibitions, a thorough research is carried out on the type of production and design to be offered more effectively in a particular country. For example, by creating a decorative panels offering in the United Arab Emirates, it was found that this country's “aggressive” climate was not worth offering an outdoor decoration.
As a production raw material, the plywood produced by THE local company RSEZ SIA “Verems” is used. The emphasis is on the use of environmentally friendly material. For example, “tree is alive!”, “tree lives and makes living!”.
In 2017, the production of innovative products - 3D panels has been introduced. They are made from wood, MDF and birch plywood. Head of company Andris Filipenoks notes that 3D panels are also a great opportunity for acoustic space finishing as they have a sound insulating function.
Half of the total production is sold on the domestic market, the rest being exported. There are four employees in the permanent plant, but additional employees are employed on the basis of the need for contracts. Outsourcing is also used, such as the manufacture and processing of metal components. Design services in the company are provided by a designer who graduated from the Rēzekne Technology Academy and studies at the Master's degree in Vilnius (Lithuania).