BETI Metlika on its 70th anniversary: tradition, present and look to the future
Metlika, June 25, 2026 – The company BETI Metlika is celebrating 70 years of operation this year. The anniversary celebration is taking place throughout the year. 70th anniversary was celebrated with neighbors, representatives of local companies, organizations and societies. At the event space in front of the factory, the participants remembered fun and serious moments from the past and looked into the future of the company.
BETI was once a large textile company, strongly integrated into the everyday life of Metlika and Bela Krajina. Today, it is a medium-sized company that has consolidated and modernized in the last decade. BETI has focused on market niches, international markets, sustainable materials, medical and technical textiles and the development of new products.
In her opening speech, the director highlighted the achievements of the last 10 years, when the company stabilized, invested 3 million euros in the modernization of production, acquired 2 of the largest European manufacturers of medical textiles, and received 3 innovation awards, including one gold. The gradual revival of the 80,000 m2 BETI zone, where 10 Bela Krajina companies already coexist, is also of great importance for the local environment.
In a conversation with the guests, different generations and different perspectives shed light on what BETI means to people and the local environment: Jožica Vivoda, who has been taking care of quality in the company for almost 30 years, emphasized the belonging and connection of employees to “our BETI”; Viktor Kozjan, in an emotional recollection, emphasized groundbreaking business decisions and the importance of adaptation; Jani Stopar, a neighbor’s view of the company he grew up with and where his original one-piece swimsuits were sewn; Eva Šuštaršič the role of the younger generation, local colleagues and cooperation between generations; Director Mag. Maja Čibej knowledge and development, and the values of partnership and ambition as the foundations of the company’s future.
On the occasion of the anniversary, BETI also received an award from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina for its contribution to the economic development of the region and an anniversary award from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia.
The event ended with the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake and a pleasant socializing of the participants with musical accompaniment. As emphasized at the event, 70 years of BETI is not just a business anniversary, because a company without people is nothing more than walls and machines. 70 years of BETI is a story of perseverance, responsibility, courage and connection with the local environment.
