Over the last five years, we’ve invested €23 million in projects related to production automation, logistics, green transition and artificial intelligence. And this process is far from over. We will continue to focus on these areas and aim to invest around €4 million annually. It is difficult to predict what will happen, but we believe that we are moving in the right strategic direction by developing in the areas I mentioned, and I would add only an intensive focus on the development of human resources, highlights Radmila Trifunović, who recently began her second term as CEO of this Gornji Milanovac- based coompany.
Metalac is a financially sound, future-oriented and socially responsible company that has a 65-year tradition. How has the company achieved so much success in such a challenging sector?
— We are a company that has learned to rely on its own strengths. No matter what happens, there are always a few things that we keep in focus: maintaining financial health and safeguarding our people; investing in the modernisation of equipment and technology; renewable energy sources; digitalisation; and modern process management.
This requires vision, persistence, courage, new knowledge, an ability to motivate people and a thorough understanding of change.
Of course, as a company with over 2,000 employees that operates in a challenging sector, we manage our internal economy carefully. With the excellent synergy of all employees, especially my closest associates, it’s natural that results follow. Over the previous five very challenging years, we achieved consolidated revenues of €133 million, representing a 43% increase. Profits reached €7 million, marking 55% growth, while investments amounted to an impressive €23 million.
Metalac is a well-recognised brand throughout the region. How do you achieve this?
— We have built trust over decades, with a great deal of care and responsibility towards each of the markets of the former Yugoslavia.
Regardless of the changes this region has undergone, the quality of our products has remained a constant that connects us with customers, along with many other things that are not confined by borders. After all, these markets still account for over 50% of our total exports, while we globally export over four million products annually.
Your investments in renewable energy sources and environmentally-friendly technologies and facilities are increasing year on year. Are there any investments that stand out in terms of scale or importance?
— Yes, we are focusing on two key areas as a foundation for our survival on the global market. First is the green agenda, both in terms of investing in renewable energy sources and in people, as well as in the environment in which we live. Second is artificial intelligence. The modern Metalac that we aspire to become will have access to all market data, which will guide our decisions and actions.
Regardless of the changes Adria region has undergone, the quality of our products has remained a constant that connects us with customers, just like many other things that aren’t restricted by borders
At the same time, automation and digital transformation will lead inevitably to changes in certain job profiles and further reductions in employee numbers. This gives Metalac the opportunity to continue being a healthy, modern company that is attractive to both employees and investors.
We thought it would be hard to comprehend Metalac’s production programme universally, but then we tried to list all your CSR initiatives and contributions to the community. Caring for your people is also an additional priority, which isn’t easy for a company that has more than 2,000 employees.
— Metalac truly takes great responsibility for its employees, partners, customers and the community in which we operate. The public recognises us for this – not just for our products. I would say that our corporate culture, ethics and values contribute significantly to the recognisability of our corporate and product brands. It’s true that we invest in environmental protection, support for local initiatives and projects, and assistance for our employees and their families, but it is the consistency and continuity of such actions that people appreciate and respect the most.
We recently celebrated the 18th anniversary of the Metalac Foundation, which has become best known for its campaign Growing Together for the Future. This initiative encourages young workers to start families, have children and not worry about job security. We’ve welcomed nearly 1,000 children over the course of this period, whose births we have rewarded with more than a million euros. We support the development and sustainability of six sports clubs in Gornji Milanovac, involving over 600 children and young people. Metalac currently provides additional pension insurance to more than 600 of our top-rated employees, with this number growing continually. These are our most cherished investments, along with our support for cultural events, education and healthcare.
We’ve also spent many years investing in cleaner production, waste processing and everything that is only now becoming obligatory. Metalac is ready to meet new challenges. As a company with a truly forward-thinking mindset, it’s only natural that we are focused on caring for future generations and everything that’s important for their future. Honestly, leading a company that prioritises values like honesty, respect, trust and commitment only adds to my personal enthusiasm, because it strengthens my integrity, which I value highly.