"Baltija" celebrated the golden 50th anniversary

On the 5th of July 2002, "Baltija" celebrated its 50th anniversary for which the arrangements started as early as in September of 2001. The organizational committee was formed from representatives of various units and K.Braziunas, director for personnel, was appointed its chairman; plan of the celebration events and different measures for the company's preparation for the celebration was drawn up and needed funds were calculated. The total of 412 000 Lt. was allotted by the company.

The administrative building was renovated, the environment was put in order and new green areas as well as flower plantations were formed. A modern conference hall was installed in the renovated canteen building and in other rooms the company's history exhibition was arranged which included ample historic material about the company, various photos, books of honour, restored models of the previously built ships, other exhibits were collected. Technical director S.Boiko gave all his efforts, skills and heart to this project. Besides, for the occasion of the anniversary a book "Baltija Shipyard" was published and a historical video was made.

Festive events of the anniversary celebration commenced on the 5th of July with the open-door day, which involved participation of the veterans, employees and their kin. At 10:00 a.m., general director Viktoras Stulpinas invited the veterans and the company's managers to gather by the staircase of the administrative building. Having congratulated them with the anniversary of "Baltija", V. Stulpinas announced the solemn opening of the company's history exhibition: "You will be the first to step on the path to the historical gallery and all the others will follow in your steps". The honour to cut the symbolic ribbon of the exhibition was given to V.Simonavicius, the company's longest working ships details folder-foreman, and A.Sevriukovas, former head builder and manager of the planning dispatcher department. Technical director S.Boiko started the first excursion.

In the evening the celebration moved to the Klaipeda Drama Theatre where the gala evening and the concert were held. During the evening the video specially made for the occasion was shown, the honorary guests presented their speeches, and tribute was given to the veterans. One of the most significant events of the gala was the certificate certifying that the company's quality management complies with the international standard ISO 9001:2000 solemnly presented by the representative of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance. Representatives of the national and city authorities, managers of the companies and organizations with which "Baltija" maintains close cooperation, foreign guests, members of the company's board, managers of departments, former managers of the company and veterans were invited to participate in the gala celebration.

The next day following the official celebration of "Baltija" 50th anniversary, all the company's employees were invited to the rally at the "Zilvitis" camp site in Karkle. Participation of 1241 employees, and together with the families - 3739, at the rally had been planned. At 14:00 p.m. the jubilee rally was solemnly opened. General director V.Stulpinas welcomed the participants and raised the flag. Various bands gave concerts; discos and contests were held until late in the evening. All the participants of the festivities were happy with numerous events and their organization during the rally. This event demonstrated that employees of "Baltija" know not only how to work but also how to have good time.