Globally speaking, last year was the most successful one for Wienerberger as the company generated revenue of 4 billion euros. Historically speaking, last year was also the best ever for Wienerberger Serbia
Research shows that we spend almost 90 percent of our lives indoors, which is why the concept of healthy living is the future. Thanks to innovative solutions, but also recognizing market needs, as well as quick responses to these needs, Wienerberger has been the market leader for centuries. We talked with Ivan Vujisić, Sales and Marketing Director, Managing Director Commercial WBS Central Balkan Area South East Europe, about the constant modernization of the company’s capacities, new products, substantial investments, and the company’s business results.
What results did Wienerberger achieve last year and is the company’s increased market activity reflected in better key financial parameters?
Thanks to the favourable solution regarding taxes in Kosovo, in 2020, we restarted supplying our consumers in Kosovo, which had a positive impact on our company in 2021 as well. Globally speaking, last year was the most successful one for Wienerberger as the company generated revenue of 4 billion euros. Historically speaking, last year was also the best ever for Wienerberger Serbia.
You have a diverse product portfolio. What is your current focus on and what do you base your growth strategy on?
Our company’s absolute imperative is to offer top-notch products to its customers. I would like to single out our Porotherm blocks, a staple in masonry, primarily because these blocks don’t need thermal insulation. I would also like to single our clay ceiling products. Also, our company Semmelrock produces beautifully designed behaton pavers, made to the highest quality, that are ideal for landscaping. There are also Penter clinker paving stones, which can be combined with Semmelrock pavers. Also, our daughter company, Pipelife, produces everything that you require in a modern home such as housing, irrigation and water installations while offering top solutions for a pleasant life by using natural materials that will remain healthy for decades and sometimes even centuries.
Our investment cycle was launched in 2014, and so far, we have made 19-millioneuro worth of investments
Perpetual modernization of your production capacity is just one of the advantages that makes Wienerberger stand out in the market. You have invested 19 million euros in the tile factory in Kanjiža alone. What are your other investments?
Even before we acquired the Kanjiža Factory, Tondach had already invested 45 million euros in this factory from 2003 to 2013. In 2014, we took over the Tondach Company, including its production plant in Kanjiža. Our investment cycle was launched in 2014, and so far, we have made 19-million-euro worth of investments. We recently opened the state-of-the-art Wienerberger production plant in Kanjiža. We have completely modernized the factory and installed the latest machinery used in the production of the top-notch tiles in Europe. Sustainability is an important aspect of this investment, with the Kanjiža factory now meeting the highest standards in terms of efficiency and environmental impact, which is confirmed by the eco-label that our companies have been having for years.
The leading construction trade fair in Southeast Europe – the 46th International Construction Fair – will be held in Belgrade from April 27 to 30. Wienerberger Serbia is the general sponsor of the event. Could you tell us something about that cooperation and what will this year’s Fair bring us?
This year, we are the general sponsor of the 46th International Construction Fair, which will focus on the region in which we operate. Under the slogan “We are Wienerberger”, we will present all the novelties/home products, and reveal a few surprises. Thanks to our creative participation and our offer of innovative solutions, we are confident that this trade fair will be the most interesting one in the last 20 years.