Ongoing construction projects are leaning on the economic environment created by the state, while their implementation depends on our knowledge, deadlines, quality and price
The beginning of this year was marked by construction growth which continues as we speak. None of the contracted investments stopped, and all the facilities which we started to build prior to the pandemic are on schedule “, says the CEO of Konstruktor Grupa, Ognjen Kisin, with whom we talked about the economic environment in Serbia, the large-scale construction projects that the company is currently implementing and future projects.
What is your view of the current situation the Serbian construction sector, concerning the pandemic, and how do you think the crisis will affect the construction sector?
Construction in Serbia has been developing rapidly in the last few years. Now, everything is perceived through the aspect of project implementation, so that the investment begins to bring a return. The beginning of this year was marked by construction growth which continues as we speak. None of the contracted investments stopped, and all the facilities which we started to build prior to the pandemic are on schedule. We also contracted certain projects during the state of emergency.
The construction sector is closely related to the influx of foreign investments, as well as the growth of domestic ones. In this regard, the overall situation in the economy reflects on the overall situation in the construction sector. The economy, including construction, has not stopped but has to adapt to new circumstances that are challenging and unpredictable. I think that quality companies always have something to do in the market. Possessing the knowledge of business and specialized know-how is the strength and support in every business segment. Knowledge and know-how are basic advantages in business, especially in times of crisis.
How important is state support when it comes to largescale projects, and especially the projects of foreign investors that your company is working on?
It is clear to everyone that the general progress of the country’s economy is paving the way for greater success. Considering that we have had positive economic developments in the last ten years, there are more successful, domestic companies that are progressing well as a result. Hypothetically speaking, you cannot have a good civil engineer if you do not build motorways. Now that many motorways are being built in our country, we can expect to have experts in that and many other fields very soon.
The state plays an important role in devising fiscal policy and fiscal incentives that are directly related to attracting foreign investments. Ongoing construction projects are leaning on the economic environment created by the state, while their implementation depends on our knowledge, deadlines, quality and price.
“The goals for 2021 are to continue cooperation with long-term clients, expand production capacities and maintain the growth from previous years, despite the altered circumstances”
Konstruktor Grupa is engaged in building numerous production facilities throughout Serbia. Which of them would you like to single out?
In terms of the projects implemented in 2020, I would like to single out the business/production/storage complex of the company Minth Automotive Europe in Loznica, spanning 67,000 square metres, which we completed within a year. The whole process included doing project design, obtaining all permits, construction and preparation for the company to move in, in line with the turnkey system. The company has also hired us to proceed with the implementation of the second project phase whereby we are going to build an additional 45,000 square metres of space.
In Niš, we are building a complex commissioned by the Chinese company Xingyu, which spans 47,000 sqm, in line with the design and build system.
These are two new significant projects from 2020.
Parallel with them, we are constructing other facilities in cooperation with other clients such as Zelena Avenija, Lidl, KLP, Miškone Plastic, etc.
What challenges do you expect to face in 2021, and can you tell us about your future projects?
The challenges are unpredictable and it seems that they will affect each branch of the economy differently. It is our job to adapt and create solutions for every new situation, just as before. The goals for 2021 are to continue cooperation with long-term clients, expand production capacities and maintain the growth from previous years, despite the altered circumstances.