Gümülcine: Selman/Alfa Wood Factory reopens as “Hellenic Panel” – Inauguration attended by Nikitas Kaklamanis and Adonis Georgiadis
The reopening of the former Selman factory, now operating under the Alfa Wood Group and the name “Hellenic Panel,” was officially inaugurated on Saturday, September 20, in Gümülcine. The ceremony was attended by Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, and numerous other officials.
The factory, once a leading name in the wood industry, had faced major challenges over the past decade. Production ceased in June 2013, and bankruptcy was declared on May 14, 2014. Despite setbacks, continuous efforts were made to attract investors and restore operations.
Minister Georgiadis, recalling his tenure as Development Minister at the time, emphasized that he had personally taken on the reopening as a matter of “high patriotic duty” to support the region.
Currently, the factory employs 70 workers, with plans to exceed 100 staff members and establish a three-shift operation. Notably, 34 of the current employees are former staff of the factory.
Despite the long delay in reopening, the company’s renowned products — particularly the five-layer chipboard ALFA 5 Plus — remain highly sought after internationally, with many long-standing clients continuing their business with the company.
