The winner of the 7th year of the TPA Gentleman’s Firm of the Year Special Award 2020 was ERA-PACK, focused on the manufacturing of packaging materials and packing machines. The jury especially valued the firm’s positive approach to the disabled, whom it employs in large numbers, and likewise its generally responsible approach to society and the environment. The TPA Gentleman’s Firm of the Year Special Award is regularly announced in the context of the CZECH TOP 100 gala evening. In view of the special situation this year, precluding the event, the award was given to representatives of ERA-PACK at TPA headquarters, where it was received by Jozef Lörincz, director and executive of the company.
ERA-PACK is a family-owned firm which was established in Chrudim in 1992. In its almost thirty years of operating in the Czech Republic it has, thanks to the first-class quality of its products and excellent customer service, worked its way to a leading position as a supplier of packaging materials on the domestic market. Throughout the entire time of its existence, it has respected the principles of social responsibility and has actively endeavoured to improve the environment and lives of its employees and other people in the region. It likewise significantly supports local activity, especially the local futsal team, which has attained world successes.
The competition was entered by numerous very interesting companies, from which the members of the Gentleman’s Firm Executive Committee, headed by Rostislav Kuneš, selected six finalists. ERA-PACK finally emerged as the winner.
“As in the past, several very interesting projects were grouped among the Gentleman’s Firm finalists, attracting our attention with their socially responsible approach, and choosing a single winner from among them was no easy task at all. ERA-PACK pack impressed us especially with its approach to employees, whom it offers numerous interesting benefits and is highly accommodating to their needs. Moreover, it is focused on employees with changed work ability, be it physical or mental, who face more difficult conditions on the job market. Most of the company employees are disabled and partake in work in the form of sheltered workshops,” said Rostislav Kuneš, General Director of TPA in explanation, adding that, “Besides this, ERA-PACK actively participates in local activities, supports the local community and advocates the protection of the environment by reducing the carbon footprint or by using rainwater.”
“Being awarded the Special TPA Gentleman’s Firm of the Year 2020 award really delighted us. We are a family-owned firm with a clear ownership structure. We have been developing organically since 1992, when we started production of packaging machines. At present, more than 75 % of our employees are disabled and we are pleased that most of them have voluntarily involved themselves into all activities and actively come up with ideas for innovation and improvement themselves,” said Jozef Lörincz, director and executive of ERA-PACK s.r.o.
The next 8th year of the TPA Special Award of the Gentleman’s firm of the year 2021 will be announced in spring.
