TKP is a tobacco company from Prilep, Republic of North Macedonia. This tobacco company from Prilep deals mainly with the purchasing and selling of high qualityoriental tobacco ; its operations also include the production of cigarettes. The Prilep region is known for its production of quality oriental tobacco. Tobacco tradition in Prilep goes back to 1873 when R.O.T built the first warehouse for purchasing and processing tobacco. In 1930 the Croatian scientist Rudolf Gornik introduced the first varieties of famous oriental type Prilep and heralded the beginning of a golden tobacco era in Prilep. The then Government of Yugoslavia issued a special resolution in 1949 which established a state-owned Tobacco company in Prilep. Primary aims of this trading company were the purchasing and processing of tobacco. Soon Prilep's "gold" brought the first money in ex-Yugoslavia from abroad. Trade was established with United States, Japan, and companies in Europe. In 1955 the Tobacco company from Prilep opened its first cigarette factory.
History
1969 - New cigarette factory was opened and relocated 1970-1977 - Cooperation with BAT and production of their licensed brands HB, Pall Mall, Lord and Kim. 1971 - Growing of Macedonian flue cured tobacco-type Virginia was introduced. 1975 - Start of the new factory for production of acetate filter rods 1997-2006 -Cooperation with Philip Morris and production of their brands: Bond and Partner 2003-2007 - Cooperation with Austria Tabak and production of their licensed brands: Ronson, Memphis classic, light and LD. Current Brands which are produced in TKP: Brand Regular Box, Brand Lights Box, Brand 100s, Brand Regular Soft, Brand Super Light, Europa Box, Europa Soft, Filter Oriental, Macedonia, Prilep, Rondo Lights 100s, Rondo Lights Soft, Rondo Lights Box, Rondo Regular Box, San Slims, VIP Lights Box, VIP Regular Box. Previous brands which were produced in TKP are: filter Yugoslavia, Melos, Karat, Rodeo, Samuil. Process of privatization was finished in 1993. Today 51% is owned by shareholders and 42% owned by the state, 7% others.
