Renewable energy for better vegetable products

Lars Dooel is specialized in the production of preserved vegetables, 100% natural, with different flavours, packaged in different forms, according to the request of the buyers. Founded in 1991 in the city of Stip, the Company is HACCP certified for production of canned and dried fruit and vegetables, and IFS certified for the production of pasteurized canned vegetables in glass jars and tin cans. Unlike many competitors on the market, the vision of the founder was to penetrate international markets first and then domestic ones. Thus, Lars is exporting to many regions including the EU, USA and Australia. The company’s main product Perustija, based on the traditional Macedonian recipe for Ajvar (a roasted pepper and eggplant mixture), is one of the most popular products.

Lars had further growth and expansion opportunities, but also intended to become energy efficient and more productive. They invested in a photovoltaic plant, installed on the roof of the production buildings, with a capacity of 266 kW peak and in a new X-ray machine for quality control of the final product. The x-ray machine will allow the company to achieve a greater efficiency in the production process with better control over the quality of the finished products produced.

The company received free technical assistance to optimize its investment project and a 15% grant cash-back after the successful project verification, funded by the European Union. 

With the investment, the company now meets a wide variety of standards including: With the investment, the company now meets a wide variety of standards including:

• • Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources
  • Directive 2006/42/EC of the European parliament and of the council on 17 May 2006 on machinery
  • Directive 2014/30/UE of European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility
  • Directive 2012/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2012 amending Directive 2004/40/EC on minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields)
  • Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation