Serbia's Smederevo Steel Mill, the largest steel production enterprise in Serbia, was in trouble and suffered long-term losses in the 90s of the last century. In April 2016, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, China HBIS Group acquired the steel mill, giving thousands of factory employees hope for life, and the century-old steel mill was revitalized.
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Founded in 1913, the Smederevo Steel Mill is located about 60 kilometers from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and is the largest steel producer in Serbia.
At its peak, the mill accounted for 40% of the city's revenue, and nearly a third of its residents worked and lived in close connection with the company. However, at the end of the 90s of the last century, due to the decline in competitiveness, the operation of the Smederevo steel mill was in trouble.
Steel Mill Employee Nenad Botick: We were very frustrated, so to speak, because we weren't sure about the future of the plant and us.
In April 2016, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, HBIS Group acquired the Smederevo Steel Plant and established HBIS Group Serbia Iron and Steel Company. Chinese enterprises have introduced more than 20 technologies and management systems, implemented waste residue ratio and reuse, and used "economic materials" to produce higher standard steel. Less than half a year after the acquisition, the steel mill turned a profit and became the largest exporter in Serbia in 2018. More than 5,000 employees facing loss of work returned to the workshop.
Valadan Mikhailovich, Chief Operating Officer of Smederevo Steel Plant: We have assembled efficient teams that can work together and use existing equipment to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of each process.
In 2023, HBIS Serbia Steel Company was awarded the "Green Agenda" award certificate jointly issued by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme.
Igor Zlatkovich, Steel Mill Technician: We have very strict requirements in terms of environmental protection, for example, the law stipulates that the dust emission standard is 50 milligrams per standard cubic meter, while the dust emission of our steel mills is about 5 milligrams, and the legal emission of sulfur dioxide is 150 milligrams per standard cubic meter, and we can only do 2 to 3 milligrams. Frankly, I am very grateful to our Chinese colleagues, who showed us the way.
After the arrival of Chinese enterprises, not only has the income of employees increased and the living standard has been improved, but also the working environment has been safer and the living environment has been improved.
Steel Mill Employee Nenad Botick: We are all hopeful for the future, for our personal development and for the future of the factory.
Steel Mill Technician Igor Zlatkovich: Since the arrival of investment from Chinese companies, people have realized that they have a bright future. It's like seeing the light of day in a tunnel, and we're all happy.
Reporter Yu Peng: The Smederevo steel mill used to be considered the pride of Serbia. For various reasons, it was once on the verge of bankruptcy. After the Chinese company took over, with the joint efforts of employees from both countries, it has been transformed and upgraded, and now it has become one of the most competitive steel mills in Europe, and this pride of Serbia has also been rejuvenated.