"Greco Group" is a Ukrainian manufacturer that is rapidly conquering the market
"Greco Group" is a young manufacturing company specialising in the production, installation and servicing of "Greco Group" brand automatic solid-fuel heat generators for various types of grain dryers.
A successful Ukrainian manufacturing plant is a source of pride for our country, so the editorial team at *AgroElita* magazine decided to find out more about its operations. To do so, we visited Vinnytsia, where the company is based, and spoke with Ivan Korzhenko, Director of Greko Group.
Mr Ivan personally led an interesting tour of the production facility and explained the intricacies of how the heat generator works.
– Ivan Ivanovich, Greco Group is currently making great strides in the market. First of all, I’d like to ask: what is the secret to your success?
– Our success is down to our team. I am delighted that the company is made up of young, driven individuals who are true professionals in their field, united by a common goal and shared values.
– Tell us about your company.
– Greco Group specialises exclusively in the manufacture of high-capacity solid-fuel heat generators with an output of up to 20 MW. It is worth noting that we are the first in Ukraine, and perhaps in the world, to have undertaken such a project. All our equipment operates smoothly and without interruption; the company has seven service teams, with specialists who have experience working in leading companies, providing qualified service support 24/7 and carrying out warranty and post-warranty maintenance. They undergo continuous training and professional development to ensure they can resolve even the most complex issues at large-scale facilities in a short timeframe.
By the end of 2020, we had 148 successfully operating sites across Ukraine. And since the start of this year, we have already signed 34 contracts (including contracts with leading companies such as PP ‘Zakhidny Bug’, LLC Agrokompleks ‘Zelena Dolyna’ (where we are currently installing our fourth heat generator) and many others).
Our top priority is to ensure that our customers have confidence in the quality of our products and the services we provide.
– Why should you choose the ‘Greсо’ solid fuel system from Greco Group?
– We are a domestic manufacturer; all our production takes place in Ukraine. Ten years ago, everyone was buying imported equipment, but now everything has changed. And we are proud to manufacture a high-quality Ukrainian product and provide top-class after-sales service. We constantly strive for the best; we do not rest on our laurels, but continue to develop and improve!
– What are the advantages of the Greco Group solid fuel system?
– Solid-fuel systems vary, just as, for example, grain dryers or grain silos do. They may look similar, but they differ in terms of quality and functionality.
The "Greco Group" solid-fuel system is a set of equipment designed exclusively for use in grain dryers, ensuring the drying process is carried out in accordance with the required temperature regime and the technical specifications of the grain dryers. They are characterised by their environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, require no additional equipment, have a power consumption of 3–5.5 kW, operate at temperatures of 45–150°C with automatic control, feature double insulation on all external surfaces, require no additional staff, and are manufactured from high-quality AISI materials and others.
– How long does it take for the conversion of a grain dryer to solid fuel to pay for itself?
– It’s hard to say for certain. Some customers have recouped the cost of the system within a month, whilst for others it took three years to fully recoup the investment. Even so, they are satisfied with the investment, as the savings are substantial.
It is also worth noting that when converting a grain dryer to solid fuel, we do not disconnect the silo from the gas supply entirely; gas remains as a backup fuel source and can be used as an alternative to the main fuel.
For customers, converting a dryer to solid fuel is very convenient, as it means they are no longer exposed to the risks associated with the gas market.
– Are there any drawbacks to the solid-fuel system?
– As for our equipment, it operates as a gas burner, which means it must be connected to a grain dryer. This system, like any other, requires professional maintenance. I don’t consider this a drawback, but it can present certain challenges for customers. However, as I mentioned earlier, Greco Group carries out a full annual inspection of the site after the system is installed and prevents potential breakdowns. So we successfully overcome this so-called drawback!
– What types of dryers are suitable for conversion?
– These are almost all the types of dryers currently in use. There are only a few grain dryers that cannot be retrofitted effectively. And since our aim is to do everything to a high standard and efficiently, with maximum benefit for the client, if, following a detailed analysis by our specialists, we find that the dryer is not suitable for conversion, or that problems may arise with it in the future, we will not undertake the work.
That is why discussions with clients usually begin as early as the stage of selecting the grain elevator and grain dryer, and payment is only made once the equipment has been successfully commissioned.
We are official partners of companies such as Bonfanti, KMZ Industries, Lubnimash and many others that operate successfully in the Ukrainian market.
– The global pandemic has caused a great many problems for companies around the world. Has the coronavirus had an impact on your business?
– Any stressful situation poses a major challenge for a business, but our team managed to overcome this ‘stress’. I believe that if we move in the right direction and carry out our work to a high standard and reliably, everything will be fine. In situations like this, every company needs to streamline its operations. That is exactly what we did: we purchased new equipment and continued to work for the sake of our current and future customers, as we are fully aware of our responsibility towards them.
– Finally, please tell us about your plans for the future.
– Our immediate plans are to introduce an efficient production system, as the number of facilities is increasing every year, and we are also being approached by customers who have upgraded to a more powerful dryer and therefore need to replace the heat generator.
A client’s review of their collaboration with Greco Group
Vyacheslav Oleksandrovych Mostavlyuk, director of the grain elevator, Agrokompleks ‘Zelena Dolyna’ Ltd:
‘Our company was the first in Ukraine to start working with Greco Group. In 2017, we installed and commissioned a 5-megawatt heat generator, which operates in conjunction with a STRAHL grain dryer. We were pleased with the results, as the savings are significant. That is why our collaboration did not end there; we ordered three boilers, and this year we plan to equip another dryer with a solid-fuel boiler from Greco Group.”
‘We intend to strengthen our partnership in the future, because Greco Group’s products not only help us save money, but also enable us to use high-quality equipment and receive prompt technical support. I’d also like to give a special mention to the company’s customer service: it’s second to none. And that gives us real peace of mind!’
Kristina Kotovich
Джерело: https://www.agroelita.info/hreko-hrup-ukrainskyy-vyrobnyk-iakyy-strimko…
