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Architects of intelligent drive solutions
The success story of the Podkrižnik company began in the town of Ljubno ob Savinji. In almost three and a half decades since then, the company has become one of the European leaders in the field of special drive technology, uniting development, manufacturing, retail and a range of technological solutions. Their competitive advantages include many years of experience in drive solutions, the fact that their activities range from research to mass production, their innovative spirit and the ability to respond quickly to customers’ wishes.
Their Slovenian company, Podkrižnik d.o.o., currently employs 205 people and their German-based company, ORA Drive, which bought the Bosch-Rexroth manufacturing location in May 2018, employs 100 workers. Last year, they achieved €42 million in revenue and profit of €3.4 million.
In 2015, development, manufacturing and management were moved to Nazarje, where they continue with R&D, manufacturing of high-precision components, semi-manufactured products, actuators and systemic solutions. In the past few years, they have also started successfully developing e-mobility and nautical technologies. They penetrated the nautical market with their E’dyn brand (Electric Dynamic Nautics) by developing smart e-mobility solutions for nautical vehicles. The family also owns the Charming Slovenia brand, under which they opened a herbal glamping resort in Ljubno ob Savinji six years ago, and a forest glamping resort by lake Blaguš last year.
Their philosophy is simple. “We have ambitious people, incredible will, excellent knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and the power to do even the impossible,” says the founder of the company, Iztok Podkrižnik.
We have ambitious people, incredible will, excellent knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and the power to do even the impossible.
Package solutions for various industries
The company brings together specialists in the field of drive technologies, mechatronic systems, hydraulics, and volume manufacturing of high-precision special and drive components. They offer their customers complete package solutions, from concept to mass production.
Thanks to constant development and new investment, the company keeps growing and expanding into new drive technology markets and they have become systemic partners to large global corporations in different industries. Podkrižnik products are sold throughout several European markets, all the way to Russia, but they are aiming for global exposure with their new products and systemic solutions. “Our complex technological projects create high added value, which serves as the basis for constant growth and development of the company in educational, organizational and economic spheres,” says Iztok.
Rapid development of new products, excellent know-how and unique technologies keep them one step ahead of the competition: “We quickly see what would be optimal for the product the customer envisions. We also suggest comprehensive solutions, so they don’t spend unnecessary time on that single aspect, which allows them to place new products on the market more quickly.”
Complex products and passion for innovation
The founder and Director Iztok Podkrižnik is a gun-maker by profession. At the start of his career he learned the art of gun-making and specialized in unique hunting weapons but his entrepreneurial desire led him into industry. In 1991 he got the opportunity to research processing of certain difficult materials for a well-known company, as the “conventional” technology at the time was not capable. At the age of just over 20 he went abroad to visit the manufacturers of such equipment. When it became apparent that buying and developing the equipment would be too expensive, he instead decided to bring together a team of engineers. In one year, they managed to produce a unique gearing milling machine with a much shorter processing time and at a much lower price than that of the Swiss and German machines. “My aim was always to make something new and not just follow something we already knew. If you develop state-of-the-art technologies and want to make complex products, you must always be one step ahead of everyone else,” believes Iztok.
Today, he would no longer do something so risky. As he says: “When you are young, you think you are invincible. You simply say to yourself: either you are going to do this thing, or you are not but today I always carefully consider things before making a decision.”
This start was followed by a period of manufacturing high-precision metal and plastic components. Then, more than a decade ago, they expanded their activities by establishing an R&D department for drive technologies.
The company is safe in the hands of the family
When we ask Iztok about the advantages of a family company, he says there are several. “The most important things are a strong will and passion for progress. If the company is to develop and progress from one generation to another, a lot of sacrifices and responsibilities are required from family members who work in the company, which is not easy. But this way a micro company can develop into a medium-sized or large one,” says Iztok. He adds: “There is more trust from partners and customers and more stability, which leads to better partnerships.”
Currently the first and second Podkrižnik generations are actively involved in the company. Iztok’s wife Petra has been in charge of accounting for years and has recently also taken on controlling, training of employees and the organizational culture of the company. The company also has its own academy for personnel development. “We would not be as successful today if we did not offer additional education to our employees,” she says. She adds that they have the right people in the right positions, who perform their tasks responsibly and want to see good results.
The eldest son Jure has an MSc in engineering from the prestigious TUM University in Munich and has been actively involved with the company for the past four years. He is responsible for strategic development and acts as his father’s right hand. He also manages their German company ORA Drive and the projects developed within the mother company. Younger son Jošt has a business degree from the University of Ljubljana and is heading for post-graduate studies in Switzerland. After completing his studies and internship abroad, he will also join the family company.
If you develop state-of-the-art technology and want to produce complex products, you must always be one step ahead of everyone else.
The sons became familiar with the company at a young age. “I always took them with me, and by the end of elementary school, they were familiar with more or less all the processes, from manufacturing to sales,” explains Iztok. Jure, who wants to become an entrepreneur, adds: “I really look up to my father. I learned a lot from him. I was curious and he was happy to share his knowledge and experiences. Without this open communication and his trust in me, I would not be who I am today.”
He shares many of his father’s views on many aspects, which makes for smooth collaboration in creating a future for the family business. There is a lot of mutual trust and respect. “As a member of the second generation I am aware of my responsibility for the family company. Further developing our story gives me even more satisfaction,” adds Jure.
Good communication between employees is key to progress
Iztok is aware that clear communication and respect are key to a team’s success. Even as a young entrepreneur, he knew how to organize tasks and encourage employees to feel responsible for their work. “Persistence and passion for work, determination to see things through and fairness to
yourself and the employees are the fundamentals that allow you to build a successful company,” says Iztok. He strongly believes that employees should be trusted and have freedom in their work and thinking, as this is the only way good ideas can be born.
Everybody in the company works as a team. “Work, family, respect, passion, honesty and curiosity are values we live with at home and in the company,” says Petra. “We like order and stability, which is why we have clearly defined processes, vision and strategy.”
Clear strategy and the chance to develop products that will mark the future of e-mobility and robotics bring young talent to the company. “We have several Masters and Doctors of Science and engineers among our employees. I am very proud to have such excellent teams in all areas, from production to development and the lab,” says Iztok.
Even though he is still interested in development, he is also open to ideas of the younger generations. “Years of work and experience on one hand and on the other the naïveté and enthusiasm of the young, their different view of the world. This is what leads to an excellent product.”
And what does the Podkrižnik family plan for their future? “Our goals are further development, production of innovative products with high added value, ensuring long-term stability of business, and remaining a socially responsible company,” summarizes the founder.
Iztok and Petra Podkrižnik, Co-owners
Company name: PODKRIŽNIK GROUP
Number of employees (2020): 300
Net sales revenue (2020): €42 million
Interviewees:
Iztok Podkrižnik, Founder and Director
Petra Podkrižnik, Authorized Representative and Head of Accounting
Jure Podkrižnik, Assistant Director, Head of Strategic Projects
Jošt Podkrižnik, Student
Summary
PODKRIŽNIK GROUP in a nutshell: development, speed, innovation, passion, endurance.