Sika Serbia will remember this year for the priceless recognition it received from the Sika Group in the shape of an award for the best Sika company in the world based on results from the previous three years. Such successes are the impetus for us to continue at full speed and unwavering enthusiasm
Sika is a Swiss company that globally produces special-purpose chemicals for the construction and industrial sectors. Since 1910, Sika has been developing manufacturing and system solutions that meet the relevant standards, bolster the construction process and provide support in construction. Innovative research programmes are aligned with Sika’s core competencies and are focused on solutions for concrete production, waterproofing, flooring, sealing, bonding, grouting, structural reinforcement, repair and protection, steel and glass facades, roofs, etc. Since 2002, a wide range of Sika products for all segments of construction and industry has been made available in Serbia and Montenegro too. By implementing the business policy under the slogan “From floor to roof”, Sika provides full support to its clients in all stages of construction. We have talked to Dragan Gavrilović, Managing Director of Sika Serbia d.o.o., about the company’s future operations in our country.
Since 1910, Sika has been developing manufacturing and system solutions that meet the relevant standards, improve the construction process and provide support in construction activities. What responsibilities does this kind of tradition entail?
— The path Sika has been marching on from 1910, when Kaspar Winkler officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for his factory in Switzerland, to this day, when the company has branches in 101 countries worldwide with over 300 factories, is certainly a source of motivation for each individual employee as it strengthens the desire to blaze that trail even better, extend it and refine it. Since 2002, a wide range of Sika products for all segments of construction and industry has been made available in Serbia and Montenegro too. I can confidently say that we have honoured the responsibilities that come with a century-long tradition and I firmly believe that such a trend will continue in the future. We are particularly proud of the Sika brand being synonymous with product and construction solutions quality, so it is not surprising that Sika occupies a leading market position that we have worked towards and that we successfully maintain year-on-year.
Sika is known for its extremely advanced technologies, comprehensive services, extensive experience and unique expertise. How important is to follow the latest technologies for a successful business?
— Our concept of quality comprises three aspects: individual product quality, quality of customer and partner relations and quality of service. To achieve all three aspects, it is of utmost importance that we respond to rapid market changes. Sika listens to the “pulse” of its clients and continually invests in the development of new, advanced solutions. The ability to innovate is the key to our success. Our global R&D strategy includes centralized and decentralized components that complement each other perfectly. Centrally organized research manages long-term research programmes, provides analytical services and establishes R&D management at the Group level. These commitments depend entirely on Sika technologies. Another component of R&D management is the regional adaptation of products, solutions and application modes.
Are you satisfied with Sika’s business here?
— I really cannot think of a single reason to be dissatisfed. All parameters indicate a very successful business, which confirms that smart planning, good business organization, trained staff and quality work is a formula that guarantees continuous growth and this is something that we are not going to change. Sika Serbia will remember this year for the priceless recognition it received from the Sika Group in the shape of an award for the best Sika company in the world based on results from the previous three years. Such successes are the impetus for us to continue at full speed and unwavering enthusiasm.
Sika is also recognized in Serbia as a socially responsible company, always ready to meet those who need help. Can you tell us more about that?
— Sika carries out activities relating to social responsibility regularly. I would like to highlight our donations to the Centre for the Protection of Infants, Children and Youth in the Zvečanska Street, and the cooperation with the TV show “Sa Tamarom u Akciji” where we help every year with the renovation of homes for the most vulnerable families all over Serbia. Besides, Sika Serbia has helped numerous events, both in the segment of construction and in education and sports.
The year 2020 is almost here. What are the company’s plans for next year?
— We will work towards maintaining our growth in the coming year and be constantly present on construction sites throughout Serbia while nurturing good relations with clients and providing adequate support. One of our main missions is to justify the investment in a new mortar factory and the extension of the warehouse that we did this year. We also want to increase export and of course, to maintain a leading position both locally, in Serbia, and within the Sika Group.
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH APPROACH
What do you offer your clients?
— Innovative research programmes are aligned with Sika’s core competencies and are focused on solutions for concrete production, waterproofing, flooring, sealing, bonding, grouting, structural reinforcement, repair and protection, steel and glass facades, roofs, etc. Since the very beginning, the branch in Serbia gained prominence by participating in infrastructure projects such as the construction of tunnels and bridges and renovation projects.
The focus was precisely on the part of the construction sector in which Sika already had a leading position worldwide and by which the brand itself was recognized. Following the opening a factory that produces powder materials and additives for concrete (which was a greenfield investment) in 2014, Sika Serbia has begun to record extraordinary results in distribution terms and its products become available to a wider group of consumers. In the second half of 2019, a new mortar factory was commissioned, which will hopefully further contribute to the overall success of the company.