Year of establishment
1992
Location
Valjevo
Founders
Aleksandar Blažić, Branislav Stojnić
Business information
2018
2021
2023
Full-time employees
90
94
92
Turnover (EUR)
3,5 mil
5,5 mil
8,3 mil
Export (EUR)
2,5 mil
4,1 mil
7,4 mil
Products/Services:
Solid Fuel Stoves and Fireplaces, Solid Fuel Stoves with Boilers (Floor Heating Stoves), Pellet Stoves and Boilers, Household Metalware.
Highlight a business move you made in 2023 that you are particularly proud of:
The turbulent 2023 in our market niche was marked by the peak demand for solid fuel stoves in the first half of the year (the highest in many years), while the second half saw a sharp decline in demand, reaching the lowest levels in years. In terms of utilizing state subsidies, priority was given to domestic companies engaged in production/export of goods. A realistic exchange rate for the dinar was introduced. The state also provided stronger support for the transition to renewable energy sources (solar power systems, etc.). It was essential to foresee these market developments, and through the reorganization of business processes, hybrid organization of certain positions, and maximizing machine and process efficiency, we absorbed the sharp growth in market demand (in the first half of the year) with a reasonable increase in workforce, avoiding risky investments in new production capacities. In the second half of the year, we managed to offset the decline in demand and maintain a higher number of employees. It was crucial to create a solid long-term plan, and throughout the year, we maintained a well-balanced set of parameters, such as: fast delivery times to customers, status of raw materials, and finished goods inventory. We believe we responded very well to these challenges during the dynamic and highly challenging 2023 year. Additionally, we highlight the construction of a 150 kW solar power plant, with plans to build another of the same capacity, contributing to the global trend of adopting more environmentally friendly business practices.
Markets
Poland, Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom.
Rank the suggested initiatives as your contribution to the New Growth Agenda for the SME sector based on their importance to your business.
(Please rank the provided responses from 1 to 6, where 1 is the most important to you and 6 is the least important – priorities must not be repeated):
Establishment of a Development Bank: A bank where you could borrow under more favorable conditions
4
Tax Credit: The possibility of not paying profit tax on the part of the profit that you reinvest.
2
Equal Opportunity for All: A business environment that is guaranteed to be predictable and free from corruption.
1
Independent Development Agency for SMEs: An agency that you could contact to develop support measures tailored to your needs and the needs of the Serbian economy.
3
Providing Opportunities for Domestic SMEs to Participate in Expo 2027 Projects: Promoting the integration of domestic SMEs into international events such as Expo 2027, increasing their visibility and market opportunities.
6
Strengthening Support Programs: Improving existing support programs with better targeting and providing technical assistance to ensure SMEs can fully utilize available resources.
5
If your company had the opportunity to participate in Expo 2027 (either in the preparation of Expo 2027 or at the Expo 2027 event itself), how do you think you could participate?
/
What improvements and programs would you suggest that you think could contribute to your business and the Serbian economy?
In terms of utilizing state subsidies, priority should be given to domestic companies engaged in the production/export of goods. A realistic exchange rate for the dinar should be introduced. There should be stronger government support for the transition to renewable energy sources (solar power systems, etc.).
