For over 17 years, Dalanger LLP bakery has been delighting the residents of Petropavlovsk with its signature baked goods and confectionery. Starting with a small production facility in a supermarket in 2007, the company has grown to a medium-sized enterprise with a workforce of 50 people. Today, the bakery's fluffy buns and fresh cakes are known throughout the city. In 2023, a new chapter began for the company: the management secured a credit line from JSC Nurbank and used the funds to purchase modern equipment for the workshop. The credit line was arranged as part of the Damu Fund program, which significantly reduced the rate through subsidization tools. As Dalanger LLP technologist Sara Tulebayeva notes, these measures allowed the bakery to reach a new development stage: expand the product range and increase production volumes. To learn more about the bakery, which not only supplies the local market with delicious and quality products but also contributes to the regional economy, read the interview with the bakery's technologist.
– Sara Kaimuldinovna, what are the main development stages the company has passed since it was founded?
– Dalanger LLP was founded in 2006. Initially, the company engaged in trading and procurement activities. In 2007, an unfinished facility was purchased, and after reconstruction, a supermarket with a small bakery production was opened. In 2012, we acquired the Ocean trade complex from a problematic borrower. The complex was in a deplorable state and required significant financial investments. After major repairs, the production workshop was moved to this facility, and since then, the bakery has been supplying delicious products to the guests and staff of the Ocean trade center.
– What renovations were carried out in the Ocean trade center?
– Over several years, major renovations were made: a pitched roof was built, thermal and sewer networks were replaced, the water supply infrastructure was updated, and electrical equipment was purchased. The premises were also remodeled, and refrigerators for meat products were installed. After the renovations, the facility became attractive for commerce, and tenant occupancy doubled. Currently, over 140 entrepreneurs are conducting business on the center's premises. Last year, in order to increase trade and production activities, it was decided to attract credit funds. The best terms at that time were offered by JSC Nurbank.
– Tell us more about partnering with Nurbank.
– In August 2023, we arranged a loan at Nurbank for 49 million tenge to purchase equipment for our bakery, and we opened a second credit line for over 100 million tenge to replenish working capital. The loan rate was subsidized by the Damu Fund, allowing us to secure loans at a reduced interest rate and lower the cost of borrowed funds.
– What types of products does the bakery produce?
– We produce a wide range of baked goods and confectionery made from various types and grades of flour (wheat, rye). Our products are offered at an affordable price, covering the price range from budget to mid-level.
Currently, the confectionery workshop specializes in such products as pastries, cakes, rich yeast pies, soufflés, muffins, and rolls with various fillings. The production uses a variety of creams: from vegetable cream, condensed milk, boiled milk, nut paste, and other fillings. Several types of dough are also available for purchase: rich yeast, unleavened, puff, and dumpling dough.
In recent years, products focused on healthy eating have been popular with customers. As an example, I can cite products without yeast and from coarse-ground and whole-grain flour.
– Raw materials are the most important component of any production's success. How is the raw material quality control carried out on the workshop?
– Fresh raw materials are the primary factor for obtaining a quality product. Our bakery and confectionery products are made from certified raw materials from Kazakh producers. For baking, we purchase premium flour with appropriate gluten content, fresh chicken eggs, and quality margarine for sponge cakes.
When selecting suppliers, we focus on their reputation and the availability of their own laboratory. Over the years of working in this field, we have developed established connections with reliable suppliers who provide stable deliveries of fresh flour and other necessary raw materials.
Overall, the raw materials used in our production go through three stages of quality control. First, they are checked by the producer, then by our technologists upon receipt at the warehouse, and finally by the confectioners and bakers during the preparation of dough for baking.
– How many employees are working at the bakery?
– The staff consists of 50 people. Our team is cohesive, with most employees having worked with us for over 20 years. Solid work experience, initiative, and love for what they do ensure consistently high quality and unforgettable taste of our products.
Due to the growing demand for our products, there is occasionally a need for additional personnel. When hiring, we value the applicant's life stance, their desire to work, improve their skills, and achieve high results. We provide young people with a successful start to their career. Senior colleagues share the secrets of the confectionery craft and help newcomers master their first professional skills. Additionally, all employees regularly undergo training, upgrading their qualifications in their specialty.
– What is the secret to your company's success?
– Producing bread, baked goods, semi-finished products, and confectionery is not an easy task. The main factors here are product quality and price. To produce goods that will sell well, it's essential to use only quality raw materials and strictly follow the established technology. Another important aspect is long-standing connections with suppliers and the coordinated work of the team.
Source: https://pkzsk.info