Krusevac company ready for Russia – Construction and agricultural tool manufacturer Unitehna to open new hall and expand exports

In the country which, at the time, 37 years ago, did not yet know private business, Dragisa Dobrosavljevic started his own. He worked with another two people in his own garage. It was a small trade shop Metalac. Year after year, the market kept expanding, along with the production capacities, while the range of products was shifting and enlarging. In 1990, Metalac turned into Unitehna d.o.o.

Today, this Krusevac-based company, which produces construction and agricultural tools, has production capacities on around 3,500 m2, exports to all the countries of former Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic and, as of recently, to Bulgaria as well. They are also negotiating about initiating sales in Russia. The company has just completed the construction of another hall, is acquiring the machinery and expects a considerable increase in the production.

The founder of Unitehna is one of this year’s finalists for the Blic Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is satisfied, he says in his interview for eKapija, for having received such an acknowledgment after four decades of successful business activities, primarily for his sons, who have continued developing the family business and who run the company.

Unitehna produces agricultural hand tools, (spades, rakes, handles...), masonry hand tools (hammers, saws, trowels, axes...), hinges, carts, hoes, gas duct products (burners, stoves, flues...). Since 2010, it has operated in line with the ISO 9001:2008 quality management system, whereas, since 2012, the products have featured plastic surface protection.

They produce around 5,000 units a day, and the capacities are to increase considerably one the new hall is put into operation. Around 40% of Unitehna’s products are sold abroad.

– We are constantly investing in development, which is necessary. We invested around EUR 200,000 in the new hall and the equipment. The export is constantly growing and we expect it to reach 50% this year. We are just now negotiating about starting the sales in Russia – Dragosavljevic says and adds that, last year, they were employing 50 workers, whereas the number has now reached 70.

He also believes that it is important to stick to proven methods, which is a harder but safer way. Despite occasional attractive new trends, his company has never shifted from metal to wood or plastic.

– In Serbia, no manufacturer can match us. Our competition are importers, which frequently offer unrealistically low prices. This is why we always have to be better – our interviewee says. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that the demand for their products is always greater than the offer.

Entrepreneur of the Year

The Blic Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 contest was organized by the Blic newspaper and Societe Generale Bank. Until March, more than 400 businessmen had applied. Nine companies ended up as finalists: Vinarija Kovacevic – the award winner, Unitehna, Maruska, Bonneli, Beoteko-prom, Zlatara Andrejevic, Przionica Kafe Brazil, Eugen and Mlekara Moravica.

The jury consisted of representatives of the Ministry of Finance, headed by Minister Dusan Vujovic, the Ministry of Economy, headed by Minister Goran Knezevic, the National Employment Service, the Association of Managers and Societe Generale Bank.

Our interviewee says that nothing would be the same had his children not continued developing the company.

– I am very happy that my sons have continued developing the business and I expect my grandchildren to follow in their path as well. I believe that that’s the best way for companies in Serbia.

M.M.

Unitehna doo Veliko Golovode

Unitehna doo

agricultural tools

construction tools

Dragisa Dobrosavljevic

export of tools

spade

rake

handle

hammer

saw

trowel

axe

hinge

cart

hoe

gas duct products

bruner

stove

flue

Blic Entrepreneur of the Year 2016

Entrepreneur of the Year

export to Russia

export to the Czech Republic

export to Bulgaria

Blic newspaper

Societe Generale Bank

Societe Generale

family business

family company

family enterprise