We've learned details about the company from Pribislavca that was destroyed by the fire.

A fire has destroyed the factory and warehouse of MEC d.o.o., a company based in the village of Pribislavec in Međimurje, Croatia. According to local media reports, the blaze was reportedly caused by one of the company’s machines, a Comexi F2 ultra-fast printer designed for flexible printing. The device allows rapid printing of graphical elements onto various surfaces, including paper and plastic. Given that MEC d.o.o. is registered for the production of plastic packaging, its purpose is clear. The fire reached a height of 25 meters, with explosions audible from a distance. Emergency services were called to the scene, though specific details about their response have not been fully disclosed. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and the potential impact on the local economy, particularly given the company's role in the region. MEC d.o.o. was established in 1991 and, according to data from the business information service Poslovna Hrvatska, has experienced growth in revenue over recent years, although profitability has declined. Revenue increased from €4.41 million in 2021 to €8.32 million last year, nearly doubling. However, profits have fallen significantly. In 2021 and 2022, the company recorded earnings between €370,000 and €380,000. Over the past three years, profits dropped to around €20,000, with €21,390 earned last year. The ownership structure of the company includes foreign investment. Fifty-one percent of the share capital is held by two Austrian companies. Last year, the firm employed three people, and currently has a total of 56 employees. These workers received an average net salary of €1,473 last year. The director of MEC d.o.o. is Dorijan Naletina, who is also the sole founder and director of De Tenibr d.o.o. Additionally, he became the secretary of the Zagreb-Medveščak Rotary Club this year. His dual roles in both business and community leadership suggest a close connection between corporate and civic interests in the area. The fire comes amid broader economic challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises in Croatia. Many such businesses have struggled with rising costs and fluctuating demand, leading to reduced profitability despite increases in revenue. This situation has prompted some firms to seek alternative strategies, including diversification of products or expansion into new markets. Local officials have expressed concern about the incident and its implications for the regional economy. They emphasized the need for improved fire prevention measures and better emergency preparedness. Some residents have voiced worries about the long-term effects of the fire on employment and the local supply chain. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities examining whether faulty equipment or human error contributed to the disaster. Preliminary findings indicate that the Comexi F2 printer may have malfunctioned, sparking the blaze. However, final conclusions will depend on further analysis and expert assessments. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining industrial safety standards and ensuring that all machinery is regularly inspected and maintained. It also highlights the vulnerability of smaller manufacturing operations to unexpected disruptions, which can have far-reaching consequences for both employers and communities. As the investigation continues, more details about the extent of the damage and the financial impact on MEC d.o.o. are expected to emerge. The company’s future plans remain uncertain, but efforts are underway to assess the feasibility of rebuilding or relocating operations.