Papastratos celebrated its 95th anniversary in a special commemorative event, highlighting a journey of almost a century that is inextricably linked with Greek production, industry, economy and society. The event was honored by the presence of the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, and was attended by government members, MPs and representatives of local government, the business world, associates and executives of Papastratos.
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Papastratos: Path of continuous evolution
From the inauguration of the historic factory in Piraeus in 1931 to today’s era of radical transformation, innovation and extroversion, Papastratos has traveled a path of continuous evolution. At the event for its 95th anniversary, Papastratos not only honored its past but also marked the beginning of the next five years, on the road to its 100th anniversary, announcing its new major initiative, FutuReady Greece.
The President of the Republic referred to Papastratos’ timeless journey and its contribution to Greek production, industry and society, stating among other things: “Today, honoring Papastratos’ 95 years, we are actually honoring a whole concept of work, family, and the progress of our homeland. Papastratos was connected to the industrial rise of Greece. It was connected to an era when the country learned to organize its productive power, to utilize technical knowledge, to trust its own capabilities.
During the 20th century it followed the evolution of Greek industry, adapted to the requirements of each era and endured great trials. And today it keeps pace with the developments of a new industrial era, shaped by the fourth industrial revolution. The history of Papastratos is primarily a family story. It is the story of a large family, from managers to workers and people who stood by the company in difficult times. Yet they never sacrificed their principles and never abandoned their ideals. Today we honor a story of Greek progress. We honor those who founded it, those who continued it and those who today lead it into the future”.
Georgios Margonis, Chairman of Papastratos and Vice President Europe of Philip Morris International for Southeast Europe, referred to the company’s 95-year journey, emphasizing that Papastratos managed to endure over time because it never remained stagnant, but changed, adapted and always sought the next step. As he characteristically noted: “Today we are not simply celebrating an anniversary. We are celebrating a journey of 95 years of creation, trust and evolution. A story of people, written from generation to generation. As we walk towards Papastratos’ 100th birthday, we look back with pride and forward with responsibility”.
FutuReady Greece: Investment in the new generation
On the road to its 100th anniversary, Papastratos presented FutuReady Greece, a new platform of multiple actions with a five-year horizon, based on three pillars: education, employment, society. The initiative aims to support the new generation in Greece, strengthening their skills, confidence and professional prospects, in an era of rapid changes in the labor market, technology and society.
Within the framework of FutuReady Greece, Papastratos announced four specific commitments:
- Strategic cooperation with the Department of Management Science and Technology of the Athens University of Economics and Business, which includes, among others, scholarships for 50 male and female students from the periphery, mentoring, lectures, internships and joint research on future skills.
- Skills development and career readiness programs for 1,000 young men and women.
- Paid internship program for 100 young men and women.
- Program to strengthen the country’s educational infrastructure.
Tina Davou, new Managing Director of Papastratos, referred to the importance of evolution, continuity and the new generation for the next chapter of Papastratos, characteristically noting: “Today, 95 years after the beginning of this journey, we stand here not only to honor what we have achieved, but to look ahead together. The real strength of Papastratos was always in the next: in the ability to invest in people, their ideas and their courage to open new paths. We don’t wait for the future. We create it”.
The anniversary evening concluded with the beginning of the journey towards Papastratos’ 100th anniversary, where all attendees symbolically participated. With its gaze focused on the new generation, the company opened the next chapter of its history, confirming its commitment to continue investing in Greece, people, innovation and social progress.
