Latvian-made rubber tiles exported to 24 countries

Take note – story published 3 years ago

Dainis Bonda created a company Rubrig five years ago in Ādaži, manufacturing rubber tiles for children's playgrounds and gyms from unnecessary old tires, Latvian Television reported on June 29.

"The idea came a long time ago. In 2004 or 2005, I first encountered the materials when another company I worked at made made quite a lot of plaza coverings and such rubber plates, tiles imported from nearby and distant Europe, even from Malaysia, Dainis Bonda, chairman of the board of Rubrig.

Looking at the market, Dainis came to the conclusion that no one in the region is producing anything like this at an industrial level and that it is a free niche.

It was clear at once that there was a need to build a serious factory that required very large initial investment. Dainis managed to attract previously unknown local investors, who were prepared to invest more than one million euros in the creation of the plant.

“We met investors and together evaluated everyone for and against, testing ideas in the market, created this company,” says Bond.

And so the factory in Ādaži was built, working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A large part of the production is made of old tires that no one needs.

“Tires are a unique material. If they are crushed, the rubber can be given a second life. It is a very sturdy substance capable of taking different hits, softening falls and preventing injuries," said Bonda. “There are loads of unsafe child playgrounds in Latvia, with outdated, even dangerous equipment. Children can fall on pebbles, splinters, shards. The idea was to create a safe environment for children."

80% of the production is exported abroad to 24 countries.

Dainis' company is proof that it is possible to implement ambitious business ideas them in Latvia. There needs to be a great deal of enterprise, initiative and confidence in the viability of the idea - then everything will happen.

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