New Products from Iskra ERO The Americans Enthusiastic ... - Hidria

Æivko Kavs - Prizewinner Awarded 

the Prize of the Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry of Slovenia 

New Product from 

IMP Klima: Climmy 3 

New Products from Iskra ERO 

The Americans Enthusiastic 

about Tomos MC 

Strategic Alliance with 

Kovintrade and Merkur 

The Hidria Corporation Gazette 

4 March 2003 

Tomos Nederland 

Hidria Winter Games 2003 

Rotomatika Suppliers’ Day

On the last day of last January, Mr. Æivko 

Kavs, Managing Director of AET Tolmin, 

received the Prize of the Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry of Slovenia for 

extraordinary achievements in the 

commercial sector and entrepreneurship. 

He was awarded this Prize as recognition 

of his high and long-lasting achievements 

in the commercial sector. According to 

his saying, this prize only confirms that 

in the past AET made correct moves; at 

2 

I n t h e L i m e l i g h t 

Æivko Kavs - Prizewinner Awarded the Prize of the 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia 

Æivko Kavs (on the left) receiving the Prize of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia 

Last December, Hidria Corporation, 

actively involved in the privatization of 

SÆ Acroni and endeavouring to purchase 

a share in the above company, signed the 

Strategic Alliance Agreement with 

Kovintrade from Celje and did the same 

with Merkur d.d. from Kranj last 

February. There was established a 

powerful strategic alliance of three large 

the same time it imposes on him a great 

obligation and responsibility for the 

future. 

Æivko Kavs was born on 28 March 1950 

in Bovec. He started his business career 

in Avtoelektro Tolmin, the predecessor of 

AET. In 1987, he was promoted in Iskra 

Avtoelektrika, AET Tolmin, to the 

position of the Head of the Production 

Capacities Development Service and a 

year later to the Head of the R&D 

Strategic Alliance of Powerful Slovene 

Commercial Companies 

Slovene commercial companies, all 

endeavouring in the privatization process 

for due consideration of the complex 

interests of the Slovene commercial 

sector including subcontractors, 

suppliers and purchasers of Acroni. 

As a matter of fact, the above companies 

invoke the reciprocal compliance of their 

strategic interests in terms of the 

Department. In 1990, he became Head of 

the Technical Sector and subsequently 

became in charge of marketing. Since 1 

October 1991, Æivko Kavs has been 

Managing Director of AET. In spite of his 

numerous tasks related to company 

management he managed to graduate 

from the Faculty of Organization and 

Management in Kranj in 1995. After 

AET joined Hidria Corporation, he also 

took over the management of the 

Automotive Division. he has been 

married and has two sons. In the hasty 

everyday life Æivko Kavs likes to relax in 

sports activities. 

Under his management AET Tolmin 

achieved numerous goals. After a deep 

crisis faced by AET Tolmin after the 

splitting of eastern markets in 1992 the 

newly established management team 

headed by Æivko Kavs carried out a 

demanding reorganization of the 

company. As a matter of fact, the 

company was on the verge of collapse, its 

employees risked to become redundant. 

However, thanks to the exceptional 

enthusiasm, clear strategy and reliable 

management of its Managing Director, 

Mr. Æivko Kavs, all 299 jobs were 

position, privatization and future 

development of Acroni. 

Both Kovintrade and Merkur wish to 

continue their business cooperation with 

Acroni and would like the new owner of 

Acroni to preserve the existing product 

mix and all its business functions. For this 

purpose they support the Hidria activities 

in the privatization process of Acroni. By 

preserved. Moreover, by 1995 they 

employed another 58 people and their 

productivity, measured through the sales 

result per employee has significantly 

increased. AET has cut its own sales 

channels without previous agents, its 

export has scored a considerable 

increase, less profitable programmes 

have been abandoned. 

In 1996 AET Tolmin joined Hidria 

Corporation. This integration into Hidria 

Corporation has brought to AET greater 

homogeneity, stability and motivation of 

its management along with better 

operating results on a long run. 

In the opinion of Æivko Kavs, Managing 

Director of AET Tolmin, the success of 

the company is due to the performance of 

the whole staff. In accordance with the 

company’s slogan “more, faster, cheaper 

and better” they are going to strive for 

excellent business results in the future as 

well. Likewise, Æivko Kavs has also set 

himself ambitious goals in his 

management of the Hidria automotive 

division. 

We congratulate the prizewinner, Mr. 

Æivko Kavs, on behalf of all associates of 

Hidria companies! 

signing the Strategic Alliance Agreements, 

Kovintrade and Merkur obliged themselves 

to provide Hidria an active support 

in the privatization process of Acroni. If 

and when Hidria has become the majority 

owner of Acroni, it will continue the 

business cooperation between Acroni and 

Kovintrade and/or Merkur subject to the 

provisions of the above Agreement.

Tomos Nederland 

In the real glory days of the moped in the mid sixties more 

than one third of all Dutch families had a moped and the total 

moped park covered over 1,7 million mopeds. If you put all 

these mopeds in a row it would take more than 2,700 

kilometers. The annual sales amounted to 300,000 mopeds 

and in no other country such an enormous variation in brands 

and types was available like in the Netherlands. There were 

active not less than 36 national moped factories; besides, many 

other brands were imported from other European countries. 

It happened in 1960 when a Dutch 

businessman from the Dutch capital The 

Hague, Dick de Waard, involved in the 

wholesale of bicycle and moped parts, 

made a business trip to Italy. He was 

looking for new business opportunities 

and stayed in a hotel near Trieste. In the 

hotel he met another Dutchman, also 

involved in moped components, who 

mentioned De Waard about a big moped 

factory in Koper, in the then Yugoslavia. 

Dick de Waard decided to go there and 

in Koper he made contact with the 

director of Tomos. They made a deal and 

later the export of Tomos mopeds to the 

Netherlands started for the actually 

incredible price of USD 70 each. 

As in the Netherlands the Austrian brand 

Puch was already very well established, 

the Tomos models, being more or less 

copies of the Puch models, found their 

way to the market for a little lower price. 

In the Netherlands, a struggle between 

Associates of Tomos Nederland 

T h i s i s . . . 

Puch and Tomos came up and many 

Dutchmen still remember it. 

Due to the revolution started by The 

Beatles in the roaring sixties, a new 

generation stood up and, believe it or not, 

the Tomos moped was selected as one of 

the ultimate symbols of protest against 

the traditions. The longer your hair and 

the higher your handlebar of your Tomos, 

the more you showed you were nontraditional. 

The economic growth in the Netherlands 

was, however, accompanied by a growing 

introduction of cars and domestic 

manufacturers of mopeds gradually 

disappeared. In 1963, Tomos moved to 

the little town of Epe, in size more or less 

comparable to Koper, and it was in Epe 

that the assemblage of Tomos mopeds 

actually started in 1966. 

In 1981 Tomos Koper took over the 

whole factory and its founder Dick de 

Waard left the company, leaving the 

The ultimate protest in the sixties 

management to the Slovenes. 

In the meanwhile, the name of Tomos 

became very well established, although 

this trademark was better known for 

automatic mopeds, in the Netherlands 

mainly used by ladies. The introduction 

of an obligatory helmet for moped riders 

in 1974 reduced the sales to less than 

100,000 mopeds annually. On the 

average, in brand ranking, Tomos ranked 

the fifth, the sixth or the seventh. 

The leading models, like AT-50 and 

ATX-50, missed their grip on the market 

due to the changed insurance prices for 

non-automatic mopeds and due to the 

engine type that was by far overruled by 

time. The modern Honda and Yamaha 

gear engines have stolen all limelight 

from the Tomos engine. 

In the last few years, the total sales in the 

Netherlands dropped from 70,000 to just 

over 50,000 per year, whereby most of 

the time Tomos ranked fourth in the 

brand ranking. The long-lasting 

competition with Puch was definitively 

won in 2001, when Puch, limited to the 

sale of Piaggio scooters, disappeared 

even as trademark and Tomos surpassed 

Piaggio in volume on the Dutch market. 

At present Tomos is holding the enviable 

second place, immediately after the 

leading Peugeot. 

Peugeot covers a 25% market share, 

while that of Tomos has increased since 

1997 from 11% to over 20%. When in 

2001 Tomos Nederland managed to beat 

Piaggio on the market, we started to 

believe in the slogan: “If we can do this, 

we can do far more”. 

Since 1997, the Tomos Nederland team 

managed to increase the sales from 

around 6,500 mopeds annually to the 

historical milestone of 10,000 units in 

December 2001 and in 2002 the same 

milestone of 10,000 units just on the 

Dutch market alone was reached already 

in November. 

This success was not only due to their 

luck, it was the result of a total and 

dedicated teamwork of all involved in the 

Tomos Nederland company, from the 

painter to the salesman and from the 

truck driver to the General Manager. One 

of the prerequisites for such success is 

certainly our wish to remain at good 

terms with the dealers. We noticed that 

due to the booming business in scooters 

the holders of some other trademarks 

obviously felt superior and started to 

behave arrogantly. 

In the meantime, the scooter market 

scored a considerable decrease all over 

Europe, in 2002 by approximately 12%. 

As a matter of fact, the whole Dutch 

market became rather weak, but Tomos 

was one of the only two trademarks with 

increased volume of sales. 

Short before Tomos Nederland expected 

to sell its ten thousandth moped in the 

Netherlands in November 2002, they 

informed about 500 dealers of this result 

and promised them a VIP travel to Tomos 

in Slovenia, including a visit to Kenda 

Manor, to the mine in Idrija as well as to 

the Slovene Technical Museum. It helped 

again to promote the sales. 

To show the Tomos gratitude to all 

dealers, Henk Buiter, after reaching 

10,000 units, sent them a tart with a kind 

accompanying letter in which he 

expressed the Tomos thanks for the 

dealers’ contribution to the success and 

to the shown trust in the Tomos 

(Cont. on next page) 

3

Official awarding of the prize to the distributor of Tomos Nederland on the occasion of their sale of 10,000 mopeds 

in 2002 

trademark. The surprised dealers highly 

appreciated this unusual marketing 

gesture and were very much impressed 

such approach. 

The models marketed by Tomos 

Nederland differ from the Slovene 

models, for the Dutch requirements for 

models, colours, type names and graphics 

are a little bit different. In the 

Netherlands, the 25-Standard model, the 

basic version of the automatic line in 25 

Proud Japanese distributors 

4 

T h i s i s . . . 

km/h version and allowed to be used 

without a helmet, has been the bestseller 

for years. 

The annual production in the 

Netherlands fluctuates between 8,500 

and 10,000 mopeds. Including the 

mopeds produced in Koper, Tomos 

Nederland sells around 13,000 to 14,000 

mopeds a year. The largest quantity 

remains in the Netherlands, but they are 

also exported to Belgium, Great Britain, 

Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Japan. 

With the help of the respected Japanese 

distributor from Tokyo Tomos Nederland 

managed to export to Japan within 8 

years over 1,500 mopeds per year. 

The whole Tomos Nederland team 

includes about 30 persons. 

The proportion between the “white 

shirts” and the “blue shirts” is about 

fifty-fifty. As in his over twenty years 

long career with Tomos, Henk Buiter, 

General Manager, performed almost all 

the jobs by himself, the communication 

lines can be very short and the team 

spirit, the flexibility and the motivation 

are the key components for a good and 

efficient way of working. The fact is that 

this is possible in a relatively small 

company like Tomos Nederland. 

Henk Buiter started his career in Tomos Nederland in December 1982. An advertisement in 

the newspaper requested a person for a spare parts department of a moped and outboard 

importer. Henk Buiter decided to write a completely non-traditional application letter: 

“Gentlemen, you have the job I am looking for and I am the person you are looking for”. A 

week later he was already employed with Tomos Nederland. The fact that he felt at home in 

the moped factory was not surprising, for he got his first moped already at the age of 10, he 

built his own moped at the age of 14 and started to be a Tomos rider at the age of 16. After the 

moped period, his only means of transport for many years used to be a motorcycle: he changed 

from BMW to Honda, further to Yamaha and finally to Moto Guzzi. He made more than 

100,000 kilometers with his Moto Guzzi California T3. Even his choice of girlfriends was 

made among girls on 

motorcycles. His wife, too, was 

an enthusiast motor freak and 

only when children came they 

replaced the bikes with a car. 

One of Henk Buiter’s favourite 

slogans is that real 2-wheeler 

people have in their veins some 

fuel instead of the blood. 

Already in the seventies Henk 

Buiter’s international travelling 

on motorcycle brought him to 

Czecho-Slovakia, Hungary and 

Henk Buiter ∑ “stricken” with mopeds already at his age of 12 

Yugoslavia. In the seventies, it 

was not very common for Dutch 

people to travel there and when in the mid-eighties Henk decided to start learning the Serbo- 

Croatian, it often turned out useful om his activity for Tomos. 

A constructive and open way of communication with the management of both Tomos Koper 

and Hidria is appreciated and it is nice to see that in the Netherlands Tomos has been given 

enough room to maneuver and the results show that the way followed is the way of success, 

leading to good results. 

In the opinion of Henk Buiter, the Netherlands and Slovenia share a few similarities: they both 

are experienced in trading skills and show personal pride. 

Henk Buiter, Managing Director of Tomos Nederland

S t a f f s a n d C a r e e r s 

Goran Petek Moving to Hidria, Renato Krajnc Heading Tomos 

Goran Petek, who 

has headed Tomos 

since 1998, is 

going to assume 

new tasks on the 

level of Hidria 

Corporation that 

also includes the 

company from 

Koper. At his 

Managing Director’s position in Tomos he 

will be replaced by Renato Krajnc who 

has made his career in a big European 

group. 

In the recent years, the “Tomos” 

trademark, one of the rare Slovene global 

trademarks with a many years long 

tradition, already established on the 

worldwide markets of the U.S.A., Japan, 

Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, 

as well as recognized by large 

international corporations, such as BMW 

and Ikea, has strengthened its good 

reputation on the world markets through 

the clear strategy of Hidria Corporation 

Kristina Hafner Lapajne 

Head of Finance & Accounting 

Department of Iskra ERO 

Kristina Hafner Lapajne was born on 12 

January 1960 in Ljubljana. After finishing 

elementary school in ©kofja Loka she 

attended grammar school and in 1977 

ranked among 1,000 best students in 

Slovenia. She finished grammar with 

excellent marks and enrolled for the 

Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana. After 

graduation on the two-years’ level of 

studies in 1980 she got employed with 

EGP ©kofja Loka where she remained until 

1988, first active as Head of the Planning 

Department and later on in Exports and 

Marketing Research. In the meantime she 

continued and successfully completed her 

university studies for the Bachelor’s 

Degree at the Faculty of Economics. 

In 1989 she became Head of the 

Commercial Sector in Marmor Hotavlje. 

After two years she changed the branch 

and got employed as Counselor to the 

Director of Specific Finance Department 

with Slovenijales, an international trade 

company. Subsequently she worked as 

Head of Finance and Accounting 

Department in numerous subsidiaries of 

Slovenijales. in 1994 she got employed 

with GoriËane Papermill as Head of the 

Commercial Department and remained in 

this post until the year-end of 1996. Upon 

the establishment of a uniform tax 

authority she got employed with the 

Ljubljana headquarters of the Tax 

Administration of the Republic of 

Slovenia, holding the position of Advisor 

to the Government. At this position she 

and Tomos. Besides the company from 

Koper Tomos has a well-established 

production company in the Netherlands 

and it has established a distribution 

centre in the U.S.A. that has 

considerably increased the sales of 

Tomos mopeds on the respective market. 

In the last few years, Tomos launched to 

the key world markets new models of 

two-wheels among which the elegant 

“Revival” moped of retro style attracted 

most attention. In addition to the 

production and sale of two-wheels, Tomos 

is becoming progressively more 

successful in the production and sales of 

components for two-wheels and furniture 

industry. 

Tomos, in 1997 taken over by Hidria 

Corporation, has undergone the 

restructuring process that has recently 

required enormous efforts, but it has 

been worth while, because Tomos is 

again making positive results, building 

its good reputation on the global market 

as part of a powerful and fast-growing 

Goran Petek Renato Krajnc 

also belonged to the expert team under 

the Ministry of Finance that was in charge 

to assess Slovenia’s own sources of assets 

to be contributed by Slovenia after its 

accession to the budget of the European 

Union. This activity and attending 

numerous training courses at home and 

abroad have given her an excellent 

insight into taxes. Last December she 

started working as Head of the Finance 

and Accounting Department in 

Iskra ERO. She finds working in the 

commercial sector more dynamic and 

providing faster feedback on the 

efficiency of one’s work. She lives with 

her family in ©kofja Loka, in her free time 

she likes skiing, swimming and cycling. 

Recently she is busy building a house, 

which she finds a formidable challenge 

that she meets with great pleasure. 

Leon Koπir 

Technical Director of Iskra ERO 

Leon Koπir was born on 30 January 1968 

in Novo mesto where he also completed 

his studies at the Secondary School of 

Electrical Engineering. In 1992 he 

graduated from the Technical Faculty, 

Electrical Engineering Department with 

the University of Maribor, and in 1997, 

upon his part-time studies at the Faculty 

of Management & Organization in Kranj 

acquired the title of Bachelor of 

Organization. 

He started gaining his experience in 

Revoz d.d. Novo mesto where he got 

employed in 1992 as Head of an expert 

team of electronics and in 1995 he was 

Slovene 

international 

corporation. In 

the future Hidria 

and Tomos plan 

an accelerated 

growth and 

development of 

the company 

from Koper. In 

accordance with the vision of Hidria 

Corporation, Tomos is going to make 

investments into the development and 

technology of new programmes, into the 

proficiency and constant training of its 

staff; moreover, it aspires to spread its 

global market network, to invest into the 

growth of the volume of operations and 

thereby into better utilization of financial, 

marketing, business and technical 

capacities. Tomos is going to pursue its 

goals under the leadership of the new 

Managing Director, Renato Krajnc, who 

is coming to Hidria from Sogefi, a large 

European corporation. Sogefi has been 

promoted to the post of Head of the 

Varnishing Department. Since 1999 he 

worked with Danfoss Trata d.o.o. as Head 

of the Production Sector, in charge of 

production, technology, maintenance, 

toolshop, storages, production planning 

and purchasing. Last February he got 

employed with Iskra ERO where he took 

up the job of Technical Director and 

assumed the managing responsibility for 

the whole company production, including 

the manufacture of spare parts and 

motors, maintenance, toolshop and 

assemblage as well as the accompanying 

technological services. In his free time he 

likes indulging in recreation, in 

particular skiing, swimming, badminton 

and dancing. 

Tomaæ Groff 

Marketing and Sales Director of the Two- 

Wheels strategic business unit of Tomos 

Tomaæ Groff was born on 1 July 1971 in 

Ljubljana. He grew up in Idrija and after 

finishing secondary school in his native 

town he decided to study Economics ∑ 

Banking & Finance at the University of 

Ljubljana. In 1997, after finishing his 

studies, he got employed with Rotomatika. 

He gained his first experiences by selling 

hermetic motors. After working for some 

more than one year in Spodnja Idrija he 

accepted the challenge to become 

representative of Rotomatika in the USA. 

Later on this representative office spread 

to the whole Hidria and developed into an 

independent company HT USA. After 

active almost on all continents of the 

world and its staff of 7,700 people makes 

an annual turnover of EUR 900 million. 

Until now Renato Krajnc headed the 

Slovene section of Filtrauto (the former 

Donit Filter) that operates under Sogefi 

and acts as car industry development 

supplier. 

Goran Petek, heading Tomos before 

Renato Krajnc, is going to assume his 

responsibility for one of the key areas 

where he is going to meet new challenges 

on the level of Hidria Corporation. As a 

matter of fact, Hidria has been on the 

search for creative new approaches to 

meet the issues of future competitive 

challenges. Therefore it remains loyal to 

its strategic choice involving strong 

decentralization, but on the level of the 

Corporation it combines the substances 

that endow its companies with new 

values. The branch, from now on headed 

by Goran Petek, will combine strategic 

alliance and establishment of a new 

Foundry Division. 

spending four years in the USA he 

decided to return to Slovenia. He got 

employed as Marketing and Sales Director 

of the Two-Wheels strategic business unit 

of Tomos Koper. 

Lea Kolar 

Head of Logistics of Iskra ERO 

Lea Kolar was born on 20 January 1954 

in Trbovlje, now she lives in Ljubljana. 

In 1976 she graduated from History and 

History of Art ∑ 2-years’ level, at the 

Faculty of Art in Ljubljana. In 1991 she 

took her degree at the Faculty of 

Economics in Ljubljana and ten years 

later another one at the High School of 

Management in Koper. In 1976 she took 

up her first job in Slovenijales ∑ Trade 

and subsequently in Iskra Delta. Since 

1992 she was employed with 

Avtomontaæa and since 1998 with A- 

Cimos d.d. In her successful career, Lea 

Kolar covered numerous fields of activity, 

ranging from the sale and maintenance of 

computer equipment, purchasing 

logistics for the needs of the manufacture 

of PCs and computer systems, 

coordination of the sales network in the 

republics of ex-Yugoslavia, to the 

organization of the business process in 

the production of bus superstructures as 

well as to the privatization & company 

restructuring project under Grant 

Thornton and At Kearney consultancy 

companies, also involved in marketing, 

leasing, commerce, economics and 

finance. At present she has found a new 

challenge as Head of Logistics in Iskra 

ERO. 

5

Janja KlemenËiË 

Director of Accounting, Finance & 

Controlling of Rotomatika 

Janja KlemenËiË was born on 10 January 

1957 in Ljubljana. After she passed her 

baccalaureate at the Jurij Vega grammar 

school in Idrija she continued her studies 

at the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana. 

Already during her studies she worked in 

Finance & Accounting Department of the 

Development & Project Centre in Idrija 

wherefrom she received a scholarship. 

She got employed with the then Iskra in 

Spodnja Idrija in 1982. Soon she 

changed her job from working in the 

Production Department to become a 

Bookkeeper and Project Manager. In 

2002 she was appointed Director of 

Accounting, Finance & Controlling of 

Rotomatika. 

Marko Korelc 

Director of Furniture strategic business 

unit of Tomos 

Marko Korelc was born on 30 August 

1968 in Ljubljana. In 1993 he graduated 

from the Biotechnical Faculty in 

Ljubljana and got employed with Iles 

Idrija one year later. In 1995 he moved to 

the Coast and got a job of accountant 

with Isomet Izola. In the same year he 

graduated from the Business School 

under the Faculty of Economics. Further, 

he gained his experiences in Bori KMO 

Seæana. In 1996 he took up his 

employment with Krasoprema Dutovlje 

and continued his professional career as 

Head of the Commercial Department and 

Member of the Management Board. Last 

December he joined Tomos as Director of 

Furniture strategic business unit. 

Rudi Kragelj M. Sc 

Director of Technical Ceramics profit 

centre of AET Tolmin 

Rudi Kragelj was born on 4 December 

1971 in RoËinj. After finishing grammar 

school in Nova Gorica he continued by 

6 

S t a f f s a n d C a r e e r s 

studying Electrical Engineering, Section: 

Automation. In 1997 he graduated from 

the Faculty of Electrical Engineering 

with the University of Ljubljana and in 

the same year enrolled for his postgraduate 

studies at the same faculty, 

where he also got employed as young 

researcher. In the meantime he obtained 

the academic title of Assistant, he 

published two scientific articles in 

international reviews and in the year 

2000 took his Master’s Degree. In the 

same year he got employed with Zaslon, a 

company that in the meantime became 

part of Hermes SoftLab Group. He took 

up the post of Project Manager and 

headed the project on the introduction of 

electronic banking into the largest 

Slovene bank. Since September 2002 he 

continues his career as Director of 

Technical Ceramics profit centre of AET 

Tolmin. 

Nebojπa RaziÊ 

Head of IMP Klima Division of Hidria 

Beograd 

Nebojπa RaæiÊ was born on 16 April 

1960. He is a Bachelor of Mechanical 

Engineering who used to act as Head of 

the Project Office and at last as 

Technical Director of PKB Corporation. 

Since December 2001 he has been 

representative of IMP Klima in Belgrade. 

He is married and has two sons. He 

expects that the foundation of Hidria 

Beograd may result in even better 

business results this year and in the 

years to come. 

Luka ©etina 

Director of Purchasing Department of Tomos 

Luka ©etina was born on 30 May 1971 in 

Trbovlje. After finishing grammar school 

in Celje he continued his studies at the 

Faculty of Economics, Section: 

Information & Management, with the 

University of Ljubljana, from which he 

graduated in 1997. Throughout his 

studies he practiced and gained 

experience in various computer 

companies. In 1996 he took up a fulltime 

job as Programmer and 

subsequently as Project Manager in 

Hermes SoftLab. In its subsidiary Zaslon 

he headed the Internet Banking 

Development Department. He has been 

continuing his career in Tomos where he 

has assumed his responsibility in the 

purchase of two-wheels. 

Gaπper Svetlik 

Director of Hidria UK 

Gaπper Svetlik was born on 24 February 

1976 in Ljubljana. He has spent most of 

his time in Idrija where he finished 

grammar school in 1994. In 1995, during 

his studies of International Relations, he 

already got employed with Hidria Trading 

in Spodnja Idrija, where he performed 

various logistics-related tasks in a 

pleasant environment all until the year 

2000. In 1995 he and his friends also 

founded the Ydria Sclabonica sports 

club, active and successful at present as 

well. Last year in March he took up his 

job in Iskra ERO Kranj, acting as Sales 

Department Manager, focused on sales to 

Hidria subsidiaries. Since June 2002 he 

participated at the Hidria UK foundation 

project and became its fist Director in 

October 2002. He is going to move to 

England in April this year. At the 

moment he is also active in connection 

with Hidria France that will start its 

operation in February 2003. 

»edomir TasiÊ 

Director of Hidria Beograd 

»edomir TasiÊ was born on 8 October 

1944. Being an economist, he worked 

with Generalexport in Belgrade as 

responsible for international trade on 

Mediterranean markets. In the period 

from 1986 to 1991 he worked with 

Jugoskandija Stockholm as representative 

of Generalexport in Scandinavia. 

Moreover, he gained plenty experience 

through his cooperation with various 

Slovene companies. Today he likes 

continuing this tradition as Managing 

Director of Hidria Beograd that belongs 

to one of the largest Slovene corporations. 

Egon Venko 

Director of National Institute for Air- 

Conditioning, Heating and Ventilating 

Egon Venko was born in Idrija on 24 July 

1969. He completed the Secondary School 

of Mechanical Engineering in ©kofja Loka 

and subsequently continued his studies at 

the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in 

Ljubljana. Upon graduation in 1995 he got 

employed with IMP Klima as developer & 

designer. Working in an inspiring 

environment, he was first promoted to the 

position of Head of the Measurement 

Laboratory and at last to the position of 

Head of the Product Development and 

Head of the Air-Conditioning Programme, 

the largest within IMP Klima. 

In the course of his activity he has lectured 

and provided training on the respective 

products and their application in almost all 

European countries. He realized that 

efficient team-work may bring about toplevel 

results, if individuals feel attached to 

their company and realize the importance 

of their business decisions. As a result of 

correct R&D management followed several 

national and international prizes obtained 

on fairs for innovation and technical 

perfection of the products developed 

accordingly. Through the integration of 

IMP Klima into Hidria Corporation he was 

offered a new opportunity to assume the 

management of National Institute for Air- 

Conditioning, Heating and Ventilating, a 

center of knowledge and strategic 

development for the needs of all 

companies belonging to Hidria KGH 

Division. There is a strong wish for the 

future to develop within Hidria 

Corporation, with the support of EU and 

Slovenian development funds, a KGH 

center recognized on the European level. 

He believes that the support of his family 

is very important for his work. On the other 

hand he is aware of the scarcity of time he 

can devote to his three years old son Tine. 

Ivan Zaplotnik 

Head of Production in Iskra ERO 

Ivan Zaplotnik was born on 12 February 

1951 on Pohorje. Already as a young boy 

he came in touch with iron and steel in 

his grandfather’s forgery, which might 

have also influenced his career. He 

attended the Secondary Technical School 

in Maribor. In 1969 he got employed with 

the then Iskra and soon moved to 

Gorenjska region. Through his part-time 

studies he acquired the title of Bachelor 

of Mechanical Engineer. After working in 

Iskra for nine years he became Director of 

the Toolshop in Peko footwear factory. In 

the period between 1992 and 2002, he 

was a successful sole trader in the 

manufacture of mechanical parts, in 

particular Feruum driving systems, 

located at Kriæe. Since last August he has 

been employed with Iskra ERO. He 

sincerely believes to be able to achieve 

numerous goals in his career through a 

concentration of knowledge, capital and 

zeal.

F r o m t h e A c t i v i t y o f t h e C o r p o r a t i o n 

Fire Damaged the Foundry of Rotomatika 

and Destroyed the Storehouse of Tomos 

Although December passes for the most 

joyful month of the year, last December 

the two Hidria companies, Rotomatika 

and Tomos unfortunately had to cope 

with fires. 

In Tomos it started on the New Year’s Eve 

around midnight. In spite of the quick 

and efficient intervention of both the fire 

brigade and the Tomos staff, that 

prevented the fire from spreading to the 

production halls, the fire nevertheless 

destroyed the storehouse building and all 

the material stored in it. It caused an 

enormous damage. 

Immediately after the fire, the employees 

of Tomos started establishing the 

conditions for a new start of the 

production: they removed certain 

machinery from the hazardous area and 

Most consequences of the fire in Rotomatika 

have already been eliminated 

they re-established most of the 

infrastructure that had been damaged in 

the fire. However, although all employees 

could return to work in almost one week 

after the disaster, the production is still 

partly reduced. The fundamental 

principle followed by Tomos in the days 

immediately following the fire was “to act 

with reasonable care and diligence”. At 

this the extremely sympathetic response 

by all Tomos employees, by external 

experts, business partners and regional 

businessmen, contributed an enormous 

support. With their help Tomos was able 

to start the required works immediately. 

Although the consequences of the fire 

will, however, affect the Tomos operations 

for a long time, the company promises 

undisturbed and timely deliveries to its 

customers. 

On 13 December in the morning, a fire 

broke up in the foundry of Rotomatika. 

The fire started in the ventilation system 

above one of the foundry machines and 

subsequently spread to the roofing of the 

foundry. 

About 30 employees working in the 

respective hall at the moment when the 

fire broke out immediately started 

Fire destroyed the Tomos storehouse 

extinguishing the fire, also with the help 

of the fire brigade from Idrija and 

Spodnja Idrija that arrived in a few 

instants. None of the present was injured 

and the fire was mastered in about 45 

minutes. The management of Rotomatika 

immediately adopted adequate measures 

for the soonest possible re-start of the 

production. 

In the first weekend after the disaster 

The Minister and the State Secretary Visiting 

Hidria Companies 

In the last few months of the preceding 

year, the Minister of Environment and 

Space, Mr. Janez KopaË, and the State 

Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce 

and Trade, Mrs. Mateja Meπl paid a visit 

to Hidria. Both first visited IMP Klima 

where they got introduced to their host 

company, to the corporation where it 

belongs to, as well as to the newly 

established National Institute for Air- 


and to the Air-Conditioning, Heating and 

Ventilating Cluster. Upon the 

presentation Minister Janez KopaË 

expressed his pleasant surprise at the 

innovativity and courage, demonstrated 

by the corporation, by its Air- 


division as well as by IMP Klima. “The 

State is highly interested in the activity 

of National Institute for Air- 

Conditioning, Heating and Ventilating. 

For the time being Slovenia disposes of 

no such laboratory for acoustic 

measurements as will be arranged as one 

of the twelve laboratories of the above 

Institute in GodoviË. It imposes serious 

troubles from the perspective of meeting 

the requirements of the European Union. 

We as the State definitely need such 

laboratory,” said the Minister and 

promised to support this project that will 

be a unique scientific, research and 

educational centre in the whole East and 

South-East Europe. Further, the Minister 

approved the Institute’s development 

trend, probably also because the 

initiative for its foundation came directly 

from commercial companies. “It means 

that the investigations made by the 

Institute will be directly applicable in the 

commercial sector”, believes Mr. Janez 

KopaË. Moreover, he offered the support 

of the Ministry of the Environment and 

Space to the international education 

project referred to as UNEP ∑ United 

Nations Environmental Program, 

intended for the countries in transition. 

The respective Hidria division will also 

join the above programme because it is 

eager for the above educational 

programme to run in Slovenia. 

Likewise, the State Secretary and the 

State Vice-Secretary from the Ministry of 

Commerce and Trade, Mrs. Mateja Meπl 

and Mrs. Mateja Dermastija, who visited 

they managed to repair most of the 

damaged roofing and infrastructure. In 

the non-damaged part of the foundry, the 

production was possible already on 

Monday, 16 December. Two crucial 

foundry machines used for rotor sealing 

were provisionally recovered by 

Christmas, most of the remaining 

damaged equipment was ready in 

January. 

Hidria as well as its companies IMP 

Klima and Rotomatika last December, 

also paid most of their attention to the 

“National Institute for Air-Conditioning, 

Heating and Ventilating” project. Mrs. 

Mateja Meπl, State Secretary, stressed at 

the meeting that the Ministry of 

Commerce and Trade highly supports the 

above project. She labelled National 

Institute as “a centre par excellence” 

that sets itself very high R&D goals. 

According to her saying, in the future the 

Ministry will no more support the 

construction of new technological 

centres, but rather such excellence 

centres where individual research will 

get combined into continuous processes. 

She stressed several positive aspects of 

the National Institute project: very strong 

interest of the commercial sector in the 

arrangement of all envisaged laboratories, 

the Insitute will constitute the core of the 

knowledge that will influence the 

development of Hidria companies 

engaged in air-conditioning, heating and 

ventilating as well as of other companies 

that have already joined or are going to 

join the newly founded KGH Cluster. 

In the Secretary’s opinion, the 

establishment of the Institute will also 

significantly influence the progress 

of the region. 

7

8 


Hidria Corporation Fosters 

the Progress of Young 

Promising Staffs 

At the end of October, Hidria organized 

at Kenda Manor a three days’ seminar 

dedicated to its promising young 

employees. The third of altogether four 

modules of the “Let’s grow together” 

project offered to 19 young associates 

from the companies belonging to Hidria 

Corporation, thereof Managing Directors 

or Area Directors of the companies at 

home and abroad, a varied training 

programme, based on Managers’ 

lecturing, pro-active cooperation of 

participants and exchange of experiences 

among associates. 

Such courses that take place for the third 

year aim at strengthening the employees’ 

mutual cooperation as well as at 

developing some new knowledge that 

constitutes the company’s competitive 

advantage. The participants listened to 

Andra Krapπ-Rejc, Vice-President of 

Hidria, Nigel Buxton, Vice-President of 

Hidria, Iztok Seljak, Vice-President of 

Hidria, Duπa RadjenoviË Suπnik, Hidria 

Purchase Department Director, Andrej 

BoæiË, Managing Director of Iskra ERO, 

Æivko Kavs, Managing Director of AET, 

Under the new Pension Act the 

Government transferred the responsibility 

for social security upon retirement to the 

employees as well. The latter are 

supposed to start saving during their 

active period through payment of 

contributions to the voluntary 

complementary pension scheme. The 

purpose of such saving is to secure 

oneself adequate standard of living after 

the retirement. 

Duπan Lapajne, Managing Director of 

Rotomatika, Ivan Rupnik, Managing 

Director of IMP Klima, as well as to 

Aljoπa Domijan from Gambit Trade, 

assisted by Boπtjan Tuπar, in charge of 

Hidria IT. Their lectures introduced the 

participants to re-engineering, project 

management, strategic management, 

corporate purchasing, finance and 

financial strategy, competitiveness, 

industrial marketing, IT development 

strategy within the Corporation as well as 

to management of associates and teams. 

The seminar concluded in 

awarding of certificates that 

the participants received from 

the President of Hidria 

Corporation in the presence of 

the Management of Hidria 

companies. 

Voluntary Complementary Pension Scheme Available to 

the Companies of Hidria Corporation 

The voluntary complementary pension 

scheme involves gathering of funds on 

the personal accounts of the subscribers 

who have entered this scheme in order to 

secure themselves additional funds for a 

specific age or for other cases specified 

in the pension scheme. 

Students’ Arena 

Last October Hidria Corporation 

participated at the Students’ Arena 2002, 

the biggest education fair, dedicated to 

the young. At their stall, the associates of 

Hidria and its subsidiaries provided 

information on the possibilities of 

cooperation with over 30 members of 

Hidria Corporation at home and abroad. 

In this way Hidria introduced the young 

who visited the fair to the actual 

possibilities it can offer in terms of 

employment and implementation of their 

personal ambitions. 

In the opinion of numerous 

young visitors, the blue Hidria 

stall was one of the most 

attractive of the whole fair. 

By 1 January this year the following 

companies of Hidria Corporation signed 

the Agreement on the Access to the 

SKUPNA Pension Scheme: 

Alcan Tomos d.o.o. Koper 

Hidria d.o.o. Spodnja Idrija 

Hidria Trading d.o.o. Ljubljana 

Iskra ERO d.o.o. Kranj 

Rotomatika d.o.o. Spodnja Idrija 

Rotomatika Fans d.o.o. Spodnja Idrija 

Rotos d.o.o. Idrija 

In January all the above companies and 

individual employees already paid the 

first installment of the agreed premium. 

Other Hidria companies will enter the 

above Pension Scheme subsequently, 

after the access of 51% of employees, 

such as prescribed by law.


Anything New in the Field of Information Technology 

Companies belonging to Hidria Corporation pay a lot of attention to information 

technology. As last year Hidria implemented several interesting projects in this 

field, this issue of Hidria Gazette will dedicate some more space to this topic. 

As regards informatics, the beginning of 

the year was not very promising ∑ on the 

New Year’s Eve the fire in Tomos 

destroyed an important part of the 

network installation that connected the 

central node and the computers of about 

one third of the hall. Fortunately the node 

itself remained intact, so that soon after 

the New Year the new part of the hall 

already had new wiring, which secured 

undisturbed operation of the factory. 

BaaN and IT renovation 

In 2002 Hidria Corporation faced two big 

turning points: Iskra ERO adopted the 

new BaaN ERP (BaaN 5) information 

system and Hidria adopted its internal IT 

renovation plan. There was made an 

inventory of all computer equipment and 

the related processes in individual 

companies, whereby the employees in 

charge of this field of activity detected 

some weak points as well as mutual 

synergies. As a consequence, they made 

up a huge document, some kind of IT 

Bible that will certainly be subject to 

frequent modifications and amendments. 

Essentially, the above document involves 

the transition to the universal Microsoft 

NET environment, the transition to 

electronic operation and standardization 

of technologies. The document was 

approved by the management of the 

companies, which means that the whole 

informatics was imposed a pleasant, but a 

hard and long-lasting tasks that probably 

will not be completed by the end of this 

year. The ultimate aim of the informatics 

is to achieve in a few years such level of 

infrastructure and services that will not 

only allow for efficient performance of 

individual users, but will also grant to the 

companies some competitive advantage. 

In order to be able to carry out this task 

correctly and reasonably, the informatics 

will carefully set out the projects leading 

to the respective aim. 

Plans 

This year Hidria is going to implement 

numerous vital projects. The first one will 

involve the installation of a common 

widespread communication network that 

will interconnect Hidria companies in 

Slovenia and abroad. To this purpose 

Hidria is going to install a central communication 

server that will bring numerous 

advantages and rationalization already 

within a short-term period. Last year the 

persons in charge discussed it with 

numerous potential contractors, but now, 

as they say, their ideas will become true. 

In bigger companies, the existing IT 

structure will be completed by new 

servers that will secure better 

performance both inside and outside the 

company, at long distances. This project, 

too, will be completed in the first half of 

this year. Besides, the users will undergo 

training for new features, in particular 

with reference to the Microsoft Outlook. 

Telephone systems 

Telekom Slovenije has been selling the 

Centreks and Geocentreks systems with 

great success. Centrex provides free of 

A group of experts on the occasion of installation of Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000 servers in Rotomatika 

Conference room of IMP Klima, equipped with a modern video conference system 

charge calls, based on dialling extension 

numbers in the same place, while 

Geocentrex allows for extension calls all 

over Slovenia. Centrex systems are used 

in AET Tolmin, IMP Klima and in 

Rotomatika, while in Iskra ERO and 

Tomos communications are established 

through telephone exchanges. 

Cellular phones are still in progress. This 

phenomenon is also reflected in Hidria 

Corporation that with its more than 200 

subscriptions ranks among the biggest 

Mobitel clients. Considering the fact that 

within two or three years one may expect 

commercial availability of UMTS services 

that will enable radio transmission of 

large data quantities (even video 

pictures), informatics are expected to 

have a lot to do in the future as well. 

Video conferences 

Video-conferences have been an 

established way of communication all 

over the world. Hidria Corporation needs 

this type of communication in particular 

for remote locations, scattered all over 

the world. Video conference systems are 

also used by numerous business partners 

of Hidria Corporation and its companies, 

which is one more reason for the 

introduction of this system into some of 

Hidria major companies in Slovenia and 

abroad. The above systems have been 

completed with presentation equipment, 

altogether creating modern conference 

rooms and perfect reference points. 

Renewal of web sites 

In parallel with informatics, the identity 

of the Corporation is also subject to 

renewal and completing. The two 

domains often complete each other and 

the Corporation identity includes 

numerous electronic elements. The 

project of renewal of its web sites ∑ the 

mirror of the company ∑ has been in full 

progress. 

Refurbished Kenda Manor 

Kenda Manor Hotel is now equipped with 

the following systems: digital satellite 

channels, a specific house TV channel, 

wired and wireless Centrex ISDN 

telephone systems, a new hotel-keeping 

information system, presentation system 

and wireless network interconnection. In 

the future, the conference room in Kenda 

Manor will also allow for videoconference 

services, whereas at present 

all rooms enable their guests to get their 

lap-tops connected to the Internet. 

Conclusion 

In the next issue of Hidria Gazette you 

can read about interesting novelties in 

the world of technology, about tools of 

business intelligence and about 

electronic inter-company operations; 

besides, you will find plenty advice about 

electronic safety. 

9

A Record Number of Participants 

in the Hidria Winter Games 2003 

On the first Sunday in February, the slopes of the Cerkno Skiing Centre hosted the Fourth Hidria Winter Games 

2003 that attracted a record number of participants in spite of the very low temperatures. 

Last year there were about 1,000 participants, but this year this number increased to as many as 1,700. They 

reached »rni Vrh above Cerkno from all Slovene locations of Hidria companies, but the representatives of Perles 

Switzerland, of course, made the longest way. 

As stressed by Mrs. Andra Krapπ-Rejc, Vice-President of the Corporation, in her welcome speech, these Winter 

Games pursue the fundamental aspirations of Hidria: the spirit of competition between sport teams, supported by 

family values, therefore they offer a good opportunity for strengthening the contacts between individual staff 

members. 

In the giant and snowboard competitions that opened the Winter Games 2003 the largest number of medals were 

awarded to the employees (and their family members) from Rotomatika companies 

who accordingly ranked first in the final classification. 

The competitions of the Hidria Winter Games 2003 were followed by the entertainment programme including the 

appearance of the Karmen Stavec as singer, Angels dancing group, the horn blowers from Domæale and the typical 

masks, referred to as “kurenti” form Ptuj. In the afternoon followed the publication of the winners in all categories. 

In the meantime, the youngest could enjoy playing snow-games. 

10 

F r o m t h e A c t i v i t y o f t h e C o r p o r a t i o n


Results of the Hidria Winter Games 2003 

Results by categories: 

GIANT 

Women under 55 years 

1. Milka Walland-Kendov dvorec 

2. Ida Kavs-AET Tolmin 

3. Zdenka ©turm-Hidria 


1. Vanda OgriË-IMP Klima 

2. Marija Rupnik-IMP Klima 

3. Sonja RogaË-AET Tolmin 


1. Sabina ©pehar-Iskra ERO 

2. Petra Borovinπek-Rotomatika 

Motors 

3. Simona MikoliË-Iskra ERO 


1. Anja Bukudur-AET Tolmin 

2. Bojana Menard-Rotomatika 

Motors 

3. Polona Pregelj-AET Tolmin 

Men above 55 years 

1. Zlatko Gorjup-Rotomatika 

2. Peter Greuter-Iskra ERO 

3. Martin Lazar-Hidria Trading 

Men under 55 years 

1. Brane Bukudur-AET Tolmin 

2. Ivan Zaplotnik-Iskra ERO 

3. Rado Menard-Rotomatika 

Motors 


1. Vlado Pisk-Rotomatika 

2. Miloπ Nagode-Rotomatika Fans 

3. Duπan Novosel-Rotomatika 


1. Samo Borovinπek-Rotomatika 

Motors 

2. Borut Mikuæ-Rotomatika 

3. Edi Erjavec-Rotomatika 


1. Simon Permozer-Rotomatika 

2. Martin Menard-Rotomatika 

Motors 

3. Martin Hladnik-Hidria Trading 

Final classification: 

1. Rotomatika Group (Rotomatika, 

Rotomatika Fans, Rotomatika 

Motors), 

2. AET Tolmin, 

3. IMP Klima Grup (IMP Klima, 

Rotos, Rovent, TKR), 

4. Iskra ERO and Perles Switzerland, 

5. Hidria and Kenda manor, 

6. Hidria Trading, 

7. Tomos and Alcan Tomos. 

Girls under 16 years 

1. Veronika ©emrl-IMP Klima 

2. Maja Æakelj-Rotomatika 

3. Tanja Æakelj-Rotomatika 


1. Æiva Rejc-Rotomatika Motors 

2. Tina »uk-Rotomatika 

3. Taja Deæman-Rotomatika 


1. Petra KavËiË-Rotomatika 

Motors 

2. Tadeja Æakelj-Rotomatika 

3. Kaja Erjavec-Rotomatika 

Boys under 16 years 

1. Miha Sedej-Rotomatika Motors 

2. Dejan Sedej-Rotomatika 

3. Luka Pivk-Rotomatika 


1. David Erjavec-Rotomatika 

2. Denis Mikuæ-Rotomatika 

3. Bojan KavËiË-Rotomatika 

Motors 


1. Nejc Jesenko-Rotomatika 

2. Davor Kacin-Rotomatika 

3. Æiga Groπelj-Rotomatika 

SNOWBOARD 

Adults 

1. Boπtjan Bratuæ-Rotomatika 

2. Jaka OgriË-Rotomatika Motors 

3. Danijel Cigale-Rotomatika 

Children 

1. Aljaæ Gnezda-Rotomatika 

2. Nejc Prezelj-Rotomatika 

3. Urban Bevk-Rotomatika 

11

In January, Tomos USA, located in 

Greenville in South Carolina, took part in 

the AMA (American Motorcycle 

Association) Fair in the Jacob Javits 

exhibition centre in New York, that 

hosted all leading manufacturers of 

motorcycles, such as BMW, Suzuki, 

Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, 

Harley Davidson and Triumph. 

In New York, Tomos USA made its first 

presentation of the new Tomos MC two- 

12 

T r a d e m a r k s a n d P r o d u c t s 

Climmy 3 Fan Convector 

IMP Klima has developped a new product ∑ Climmy 3 that has already turned out successful. 

The new Climmy amidst period furniture 

Why has IMP Klima decided to 

develop a new convector? 

Fan convectors show many advantages 

over other heating facilities, e.g. 

economical operation, independent 

control, big heating and ventilating 

power, good power utilization, 

independent heating and ventilating of 

individual rooms, air filtering, very fast 

setting of operation and adjustment to the 

room and environmental conditions, 

already existing installations for summer 

ventilating etc. For these very reasons 

they are more and more used in the 

buildings including offices, restaurants, 

hotel rooms, galleries, various business 

premises, schools etc. IMP Klima has 

more than ten years long experience in 

the manufacture of both fan and floor 

convectors. In order to meet the design 

and the technical requirements of the 

market, the factory decided for the 

development of a new fan convector ∑ 

Climmy 3. 

Which goals has IMP Klima 

achieved with the new Climmy 3 

convector family? 

The first goal was to improve the 

technical characteristics of the convector: 

- By replacing the fan they managed to 

obtain greater air flow and in turn 

additional pressure for overcoming 

pressure resistances in channels. The 

solution lies in the new pattern of the 

grid at the exhaust of Climmy 3 whereby 

the exhaust angle was increased and the 

grid was shaped in the way to secure as 

smooth air flow as possible. As a 

consequence, the hot air jet provided by 

Climmy 3 can be better directed into the 

room with a larger range. 

- The increased fan air flow and the new 

water heat transmitter with greater heat 

transmission surface provide for greater 

heating and ventilating power of the 

convector. The high capacity of the 

convector is expressed in its high heating 

and ventilating power. Better heat control 

New Line of Tomos MC 

wheels line, along with its already wellestablished 

models: Revival, Tomos LX, 

Tomos and Sprint. It is an off road line, 

particularly suitable for moto-cross runs. 

If judging by the interest shown by the 

young visitors of the fair, the presentation 

of such models as MC 36, MC 50 Junior, 

MC 50 Senior and MC 50 Senior Pro was 

more than successful, with large crowds 

gathering around the motorcycles. 

Another promising indicator of the future 

is due to the new version of three-port 

four-connection valves that are easier to 

assemble and to connect to the network. 

These valves are provided with on-off 

control electrothermal drives that 

respond according to the pre-set 

thermostats, built into the wall or in the 

fan convector itself. One thermostat can 

control at maximum three Climmies 3, 

which involves lower installation costs. 

Another aim was to offer to the 

user a product of attractive 

design in line with all 

fashionable trends 

Like other elements, the fan convector is 

often visible in the room, therefore its 

design is very important. IMP Klima 

listened to the users’ and designers’ 

advice and tried to follow the modern 

trends with rounded, natural lines. They 

managed to construct Climmy 3 as a 

small and narrow fan convector. At the 

same time they preserved all its top 

functional requirements and even more 

simplified its operation (temperature 

At the Aquatherm International Fair, Climmy was proclaimed the best product 

sale may be derived from the parents’ 

response to the prices that are 

proportional to the quality and to the 

unique inventions. The MC36, intended 

for young riders between four and seven, 

is fitted with side-wheels for those who 

still lack appropriate balance. The twowheel 

is also provided with a remote 

control for parents to stop it if their child 

approaches the road or any other 

dangerous area. 

control, changing and/or cleaning of air 

filters, directing of air exhaust). 

Which are the advantages of the 

new Climmy 3 convector group? 

∑ Possible fan r.p.m. control and water 

flow control. 

∑ As the well-being in the room is 

conditioned by the purity of the air, 

Climmy 3 is provided by a built-in filter 

that may be rinsed or simply replaced. 

∑ It is suitable for double-pipe or 

quadruple-pipe heating and ventilating 

systems. 

∑ Climmy 3 is suitable for remote control. 

∑ Economical feature: Climmy 3 is 

provided with built-in low-consumption 

fans, saving more power than any 

previous versions. 

∑ Additional fan speeds: although the 

ventilator preserved three standard 

speeds, the new ventilator also provides 

two additional speeds for air flow control 

along with noise and thermal power 

control.

NR 9 ∑ a Novelty in 

Iskra ERO Programme 

New router 

T r a d e m a r k s a n d P r o d u c t s 

KB 6000 ∑ New Angle 

Grinders 

In November, Iskra ERO started the 

manufacture of a new family of KB 6000 

angle grinders. The new grinders mainly 

differ from their predecessors by their 

power, endurance and technical 

improvements. In spite of its robust 

design ∑ an advantage of the new angle 

grinders being the robust steel 

gearwheels ∑ the tool managed to remain 

very functional thanks to the applied 

The development of the new N9 router 

was one of the major development 

challenges for Iskra ERO. The idea of the 

new router appeared already two years 

ago, although it became true as late as 

last year. As a matter of fact, the existing 

product by Iskra ERO has been one of the 

most successful products of this segment 

on the level of the whole European 

market (still covering more than a 15% 

Janez Petrovic, Head of the New Router Development Project 

“quick tech” technology. The new KB 

6000 tool family has been designed for 

professional application in trade and 

industry. Already the samples exhibited 

on fairs attracted a lot of attention. A 

comprehensive marketing and 

communication campaign on the KB 

6000 has been under preparation by 

Futura, an advertising agency working for 

Iskra ERO. 

market share). It has survived more or 

less unchanged for almost twenty years. 

With the new product Iskra ERO would 

like to preserve the existing market share 

as well as to achieve a better position on 

the market. It would be impossible to 

achieve through mere transforming or 

improvement of the existing NR 808 

router, therefore the comp0any decided 

for the development of a completely new 

product with numerous technical 

improvements in comparison with its 

predecessor: greater motor power, greater 

stiffness for more demanding users, 

higher handling precision, adjustable 

cutting depth, ergonomic handles, more 

practical saw-dust removal, additional 

guards and so on. 

The R&D and sales staff in Iskra ERO 

believe that the new NR 9 router could 

assume a place ahead of the best products 

on the market. 

President of Hidria, Mr. Edvard Svetlik, President of the 

Management Board, Mr. Goran Petek and Head of the 

Tomos Quality Assurance Department, Ms. Andreja 

Jesenko, on the occasion of the awarding of the Certificate 

Tomos, aspiring to acquire the 

environmental Certificate, was primarily 

guided by its concern for responsible 

attitude to our living and working 

environment. 

Tomos launched this project in April 

2001 under the guidance of Alenka 

Bombek. In February 2002, another 

ecologist, Elena Buæan, joined the project 

and headed it to the successful certification 

assessment on 12 September 2002. 

Tomos was awarded this environmental 

Certificate for the development, 

production and sale of two-wheels, motors 

and their components as well as for the 

components used in furniture industry. By 

acquiring the Certificate Tomos met the 

requirements of its biggest client ∑ Ikea 

that imposes on its suppliers the ISO 

14001 Certificate as the top standard. 

The awarding ceremony attended by all 

employees, guests from Hidria companies 

On the 9 th Aquatherm International Fair, 

held last November in Prague, Czech 

Republic, IMP Klima appeared under the 

patronage of its distributor, Hydronic 

Systems, and among others launched a 

new product, Climmy 3, described in 

detail under the “Trademarks and 

Products” heading. At the above fair, the 

new Climmy received an honorary award 

for the best product of the Fair. 

At the meeting of France Air suppliers, 

held in France last November, IMP 

Klima was proclaimed the supplier of the 

year in the quality class of products and 

services. The Director of IMP Klima, Mr. 

Ivan Rupnik, and the Exports Director, 

Mr. Erik Kogoj, received this award from 

President of France Air, Mr. Olivier 

Dolbeau. 

By proclaiming IMP Klima the supplier 

of the year in the quality class of 

products and services, France Air, very 

much concerned with the quality and 

professional relations, expressed to IMP 

Klima some great respect in front of other 

suppliers. Actually, France Air has over 

300 suppliers, besides IMP Klima almost 

all renowned European companies in the 

A w a r d s 

Awarding of the ISO 14001 Certificate to Tomos 

and other representatives of the 

commercial sector, was held on 21 

October 2002 in the Tomos premises. 

The Certificate was handed out by the 

President of the Chamber of Commerce 

and Industry of Slovenia, Mr. Joæko »uk, 

to the President of Hidria, Mr. Edvard 

Svetlik, President of the Management 

Board, Mr. Goran Petek and Head of the 

Tomos Quality Assurance Department, 

Ms. Andreja Jesenko. 

The Certificate awarding ceremony 

included the appearance of the Flip 

acrobatic dancing group form Piran and 

the signing by the Maestral-Tomos choir. 

The walls of the respective hall were 

decorated with drawings, made by the 

employees’ children with reference to the 

topic “How does my mother/my father 

care for the environment.” All children 

received Tomos tea-shirts and posters. 

By acquiring the Certificate, Tomos joined 

other Hidria companies that already hold 

such certificate: AET Tolmin, Alcan 

Tomos, IMP Klima and Rotomatika. The 

concern for the environment is one of the 

fundamental duties of Hidria Corporation, 

therefore its quality and environmental 

policy meets the requirements of the 

environmental legislation. After the 

takeover of each of its subsidiaries Hidria 

Corporation set itself as one of its primary 

tasks the improvement in the field of 

environmental protection. 

Climmy 3 ∑ the Best Product on the Fair 

IMP Klima ∑ The Supplier of the Year of France Air 

in the Quality Class of Products and Services 

filed of air-conditioning, heating and 

ventilating as well as companies from 

India and China. With its professional 

approach IMP Klima proved that being 

the sole winner of this year’s award in the 

quality class of products and services, it 

is a step in advance to its competition. 

13

14 

F r o m C o m p a n i e s a n d P l a c e s 

IMP Klima Sarajevo in New Offices 

President of Hidria and Director of IMP Klima were the 

first to enter the new offices. 

Last October, the President of Hidria, Mr. 

Edvard Svetlik, the Director of IMP 

Klima, Mr. Ivan Rupnik and the 

Directrice of 

IMP Klima Sarajevo, Ms. Dijana 

Kozadra, officially opened the new offices 

of the Sarajevo company. 

IMP Klima Sarajevo, till now active in 

rented premises, was founded in 2000, 

although more than one year before it 

operated as representative office of IMP 

Klima from GodoviË. The same as the 

company from GodoviË, IMP Klima 

Sarajevo, too, joined Hidria in 2001, 

which only strengthened its position on 

The new AET Hall 

The high-rack warehouse of Rotomatika 

changed its appearance. The former blue 

was replaced by a silver background with 

blue Hidria and Rotomatika logotypes. 

The new AET hall looks similar; with its 

high technology, automated operation, a 

lot of space and pleasant work in daylight 

atmosphere it is going to offer even better 

work conditions to its employees. 

This year, Iskra ERO is going to continue 

arranging and joining production and 

storage surfaces. They are going to buy 

2,000 square meters of production 

premises from Iskra stikala in building 

No. 11 ∑ next to the electro-plating plant, 

they are going to exchange a part of 

production premises between Iskra ERO 

and Iskra ISD in the production of spare 

parts and they are going to sell the former 

assembly room, measuring about 2,500 

square meters. 

Upon the exchange and purchase of 

additional premises, the production 

process will follow the technological 

the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The company has been engaged in 

trading the products of the Hidria Air- 


division, in particular air distribution 

elements, fire-protection systems, axial 

ventilators and other products with which 

it equipped numerous business premises 

in Bosnia and Herzegovina, like banks, 

insurance companies, hotels, institutes, 

business centres, factories, post offices 

and railway stations. 

Before long the company will change its 

name to Hidria BH, thus combining the 

two Hidria divisions active in airconditioning, 

heating and ventilating as 

well as power tools. 

Dijana Kozadra in her new office. 

New Hall of AET Tolmin and Rotomatika 

Warehouse Dressed in Hidria Colours 

New “dress” of the Rotomatika Warehouse 

Iskra ERO Continues Changing its Premises 

sequence from the new storage of metals 

∑ automatic turning, gear cutting, 

tempering, grinding machines etc. ∑ 

towards the present assembly room, hence 

through both second workshops in the 

building No. 8 and building No. 11 next 

to the electroplating plant. Moreover, all 

necessary activities at present on the 

location of the assembly room will also be 

transferred to the location of the buildings 

No. 8 and No. 11. Thereby Iskra ERO 

will achieve the highest possible 

concentration of its production and 

storage premises at Savska loka, without 

requiring any new construction works. 

Diesel Programme by AET Tolmin in 

Full Swing 

View of a part of the glow plugs line 

In the last ten years, the Ignition Systems 

profit centre within AET Tolmin, that has 

changed its name to Diesel Programme, 

can boast of a ten times increase in its 

sales volume, while in the last four years 

its sale tripled, which is a big business 

success. The above sales growth is due to 

intensive efforts in the field of marketing, 

such as achieved through acquisition of 

customers and by offering new products, 

although they are well aware that the 

achievements required an enormous 

contribution of the whole staff. 

Lately, the team, focused on the Diesel 

programme, has spread additionally. It 

regularly attends international fairs in 

order to exhibit its products and to keep 

in direct touch with anything happening 

in the field of Diesel motors. In a few 

countries, e.g. in Poland and Turkey, 

AET has its own agents, which has 

turned out an efficient way to the 

increase in the sale of spare automotive 

parts. 

Along with the growth in the number of 

customers and products grew also the 

number of new projects, in particular 

those relating to the glow plugs line. The 

“3 million glow plugs” programme and 

the “5 million glow plugs” programme 

have been successfully completed, the 

“7.5 million glow plugs” programme has 

been drawing to its end. These projects 

will be followed by constant investments 

into production equipment. All the 

existing equipment has been in full 

operation. 

Their excellent results would not be 

possible without their teamwork that 

holds the honorable first place in their 

corporate policy. As a matter of fact, 

Next to the new hall of Rotomatika Fans, 

until last November referred to as H&F, 

there was erected a new laboratory, 

dedicated to aerodynamic measurements 

of axial and centrifugal fans. The staff of 

Rotomatika Fans developed the above 

laboratory in cooperation with Prof. Dr. 

Peter Novak, an external expert. 

The laboratory started its operation last 

September. The measurement lines will 

contribute to faster implementation of 

development projects and to the 

launching of new fans. The laboratory is 

there is a strong tendency that all 

employees should be aware of the 

importance of teamwork and of the 

encouragement of creative team members 

for the development of products and 

processes as well as for acquisition of 

customers on the world market. They are 

going to pursue their development in 

such spirit. And what do they expect 

from the future? Brane KlemenËiË, the 

Head of the Programme, has a very 

positive attitude: “I’m quite optimistic. 

I’m sure that the whole programme team 

agrees with me. My optimistic approach 

to the future has been due to the market 

situation, to the past results and in 

particular to the trust in our own 

capacities ∑ every individual is 

important. Of course, nobody is perfect 

A part of the Diesel programme team. There are 

altogether 151 employees. 

everywhere and we also need a little bit 

of luck.” 

In the Diesel programme, new projects 

and new ideas will never cease to soar. 

They intend to complement the existing 

products with electronics, which will 

promote AET to become a system 

supplier to the automotive industry. In 

order to be able to make their brave 

plans true, they will, of course, require 

further investments into development 

equipment, production equipment and 

knowledge in all fields of operation. 

Rotomatika Fans Has Got a New Name, 

a New Hall and a New Ventilator 

Aerodynamic Measurement Line 

suitable for aerodynamic measurement of 

fans as well as for heating motors with 

external rotors, such as previously 

effected in the Ljubljana laboratory or 

even in Italy. The laboratory will 

significantly shorten the duration of 

measurements for development and 

quality purposes; besides, the modern 

equipment, that enables Rotomatika to 

pursue the development trends in fans 

and to develop high-tech products, will 

also increase the confidence on the part 

of the customers.


Rotomatika Organized its “Supliers’ Day” 

Last November Rotomatika organized its 

“Suppliers’ Day” and invited there all its 

key suppliers. 

“Stability and constant growth are the key 

characteristics of Hidria that also includes 

Rotomatika,” stressed the President of 

Hidria, Mr. Edvard Svetlik, at the 

beginning of the meeting. As also 

confirmed by other speakers, these two 

features of the corporation along with the 

possibility of long-term partnership 

guarantee its suppliers’ business growth. 

Hidria business partners that arrived to 

Spodnja Idrija from Sweden, Slovakia, 

Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, 

France, Germany, Luxemburg and Slovenia 

listened also to the Directors of Rotomati- 

Last October, AET Tolmin organized its 

Excellence Conference for the second 

time. It invited as the guest of the 

evening Mr. Alojz Bitenc, counselor, 

who had given the Company his 

professional support at the introduction 

of the requirements of the ISO 14001 

environmental certificate. At the 

conference he presented the OHSAS 

18001 standard, focused on safety 

and health at work and representing 

At the end of last November AET 

Tolmin organized its jubilee annual 

conference. Right before the end of the 

financial year, the staff of the 

Company listened to the Managers’ 

reports on the important events in 

2002 and learned about the 

Company’s future plans. 

Mr. Matjaæ VrËko from Biro Praxis 

business consultancy firm dedicated the 

central item of the agenda to the teamwork 

organization practice. 

Ms. Miriam Hvala, Head of Finance & 

Accounting Department, presented the 

Company’s operating results in 2002, 

followed by a short presentation of 

certain key projects. Peter UrπiË from 

Magneto Igniters profit centre presented 

the Integrated Starter & Generator (IZG) 

project for motorcycles, an alternative to 

ka companies and its strategic units, to the 

Director of Hidria Corporate Purchasing 

Department, to the Director of Rotomatika 

Quality Assurance Department and to the 

Head of Logistics in Rotomatika Motors. 

Along with the introduction to the 

business success and the daring plans of 

Hidria and Rotomatika, the suppliers got 

familiar with the purchasing strategy, with 

the business excellence as one of the 

company’s primary goals, with the 

planning and ordering system as well as 

with the guidelines with which 

Rotomatika would like to engage in a 

long-term partnership with its suppliers. 

Slovene commercial companies practice 

such Suppliers’ Days on the example of 

western companies and find it a modern 

and efficient form of business 

cooperation. Rotomatika has been well 

aware of its importance and shares the 

idea of its visitors that this Rotomatika 

Suppliers’ Day was a good opportunity 

for strengthening their business contacts, 

for making acquaintances as well as for 

exchange of ideas and experiences. 

Excellence Conference in AET Tolmin 

one of this year’s projects 

of AET. 

The Managing Director, Mr. Æivko Kavs 

spoke about the already implemented 

and about future goals of AET Tolmin, 

the Head of Quality Assurance 

Department, Mr. Franc Koren, prepared 

a brief survey of certificates that the 

Company has already obtained and 

presented those for which the Company 

is going to strive in the future. In 

10 th Annual Conference of AET Tolmin 

the traditional system. Alojz GaπperËiË 

from the Ignition Systems profit centre 

highlighted the history of plugs in AET 

from 1957 till the present day. Out of the 

currently topical projects of the Ceramics 

profit centre, Mr. David Rutar gave a 

presentation of the new water tap control 

set. 

Ms. Andrejka Kranjc, head of Human 

Relations Department, stressed the 

improving educational structure in AET 

Tolmin. Besides, she mentioned their 

widespread training activity and the lowrate 

of sickness leaves that has attained 

an enviably low level. 

“How do customers judge us?” asked the 

head of the Head of the Quality 

Assurance Department, Franc Koren. 

This question is, of course, very 

important because the customer makes 

the final judging of a product or service. 

Unfortunately we mostly know only the 

indicators of our own capacities but 

ignore the actual customer’s opinion. In 

the endeavourings for its business 

excellence AET shall also provide for the 

respective flow of information. 

Director Æivko Kavs swears by the 

Kobayashi’s slogan: “Faster, cheaper, 

IMP Klima Group ∑ A New Group of Hidria Companies 

The group of Hidria 

companies, from now on 

referred to as “IMP 

Klima Group”, was 

conceived last 

September. In 

accordance with their 

business concept, the 

companies belonging to 

Hidria Beograd 

Divizija IMP Klima 

this group are going to develop custommade 

products, components, devices, 

systems and services, all based on their 

own R&D achievements. Individual 

companies will remain specialized 

manufacturers with higher competitiveness 

in the fields of organization, human 

resources, technology and value added 

products (air-conditioning systems), while 

the group as a whole will continue 

developing its own sales network in 

Slovenia and abroad. 

The greatest advantages of such 

combination lie in the managers’ 

experiences, knowledge and skills in 

successful corporate management and 

control, in efficiently organized teams 

addition to the ISO 9001:2000, VDA 

6.1. and ISO 14001 standards, the 

company is facing two new challenges: 

ISO/TS 16949 technical specification 

that involves uniform requirements and 

good practice of all car manufacturers on 

the worldwide level, as well as OHSAS 

18001. 

The Head of the Diesel Ignition Systems 

profit centre, Mr. Brane KlemenËiË, the 

sales executive of the Ceramics profit 

better and more”. Accordingly, AET will 

continue pursuing its vision of growth 

and business excellence with its strategy 

focused on the development and sale of 

ignition systems and components on the 

world market. Such strategy is the 

background of AET’s strategic objectives 

to become: 

The third biggest manufacturer of glow 

plugs, 

The second biggest manufacturer of 

magneto igniters in the world, 

An important manufacturer of ignition 

electrodes, 

The carrier of the electronics 

development and production centre in 

Hidria. 

Hidria electronics development 

centre 

At the AET conference, discussions also 

referred to the Hidria electronics 

development centre. It was Mr. Igor 

Dolenc from the Magneto Igniter profit 

centre who put forward the project. 

The demand for environment friendly and 

user-friendly products has led to a 

widespread application of electronics in 

Hidria Poljska 

Divizija IMP Klima 

IMP Klima 

Group 

IMP Klima 

GodoviË 

IMP Klima 

Sarajevo 

TKR d.o.o. Rotos d.o.o. Rovent d.o.o. 

KEIO 

Portugalska 

focused on marketing, sales, production, 

technology, mechanical engineering, 

toolshop, purchasing and quality control. 

IMP Klima Group is going to grow on the 

basis of the existing and new programmes 

and through integration of new 

companies from Slovenia and abroad. 

Today the IMP Klima Group consists of 

the following companies: IMP Klima 

GodoviË as the covering company, 

companies and/or divisions specialized in 

the sale and marketing of IMP Klima 

programmes (IMP Klima Saraevo, Hidria 

Polska - IMP Klima Division, KEIO 

Portugal, HIDRIA Beograd - IMP Klima 

Division) as well as production and/ or 

service companies (Rotos, Rovent, TKR). 

centre, Mr. Iztok Costantini, and the 

Head of the R&D in the Magneto Igniter 

profit centre, Mr. Vasja Tuta, spoke on 

the fields of their activities by invoking 

concrete examples from their practice. 

The Head of the Operations, Ms. Ivica 

Manfreda, presented the first of the 

twenty keys in support of the quality 

system. She explained how it is possible 

to keep order at one’s workplace by 

application of simple instructions. 

almost all industrial activities. In order to 

remain competitive both on the domestic 

and global markets, the 

electromechanical products from Hidria 

production shall be improved through 

electronics. In the next few years, 

successful sale of electromotors by 

Rotomatika, power tools by Iskra ERO, 

Diesel plugs and electronic igniters by 

AET will require electronics supported 

control. 

Last year, thanks to its experience in the 

development and production of 

electronic circuits, AET was offered the 

possibility to become the carrier of 

development and production of 

electronics for the needs of Hidria 

companies. According to a rough 

estimate of the actual and of the 

envisaged consumption of electronic 

circuits in Hidria companies it would 

be viable to invest into an electronics 

development centre that will offer new 

jobs for top professionals from R&D 

and production activities. Moreover, 

the technologically improved and 

better quality products will help 

Hidria companies to create more added 

value. 

15

Last year Iskra ERO acted as general 

sponsor of Elektriada 2002, a traditional 

professional & sports gathering of 

teachers in secondary schools of 

electrical engineering and in other 

technical schools from all over Slovenia. 

Such three-days’ meeting is primarily 

intended for an exchange of experiences 

and opinions on the progress and future 

development of this branch as well as on 

the adequacy of the training programm, 

while the informal part is dedicated to 

various sports activities. This year’s 

meeting, held in Umag, was organized by 

the Secondary School of Electrical 

Engineering and Mechanical Engineering 

from Kranj. 

As Iskra ERO has been related to this 

event either professionally or 


Iskra ERO ∑ General 

Sponsor of Elektriada 

2002 

IMP Klima Successful and 

Recognized in Belgrade 

Belgrade shopping center 

equipped with products by IMP 

Klima 

A few hundred thousand visitors attended 

the opening of the Mercator shopping 

centre in Belgrade, equipped with 

products by IMP Klima. This event 

enjoyed enormous attention in the media. 

The building represents an important 

reference for IMP Klima, actually, after 

two years’ operation of the IMP Klima 

technical office in Belgrade, this is the 

biggest project by IMP Klima on the 

respective market. They managed to win 

this project in spite of the keen 

competition. 

In the future, too, IMP Klima envisages 

successful growth on the above market, 

for it expects that by means of the newly 

founded Hidria Beograd it will acquire 

the projects and expand their sales 

network to some broader territory of ex- 

Yugoslavia more easily. 

HVAC Congress attended by numerous experts 

16 

traditionally, the Company decided to 

take part in the organization as general 

sponsor. From now on, the school will 

only use the tools from Iskra ERO, for 

the Company contributed its products 

and also prepared a workshop on the 

development of electronics in power 

tools, conducted by Mr. Anton 

TomaæeviË, an R&D expert from Iskra 

ERO. Upon an introduction into the 

Company, the participants discussed the 

possibilities of better cooperation of the 

Slovene industry in the training process. 

There the representatives of Iskra ERO 

and of schools shared the opinion that 

the first step could be made through an 

open-door-invitation. On such occasion 

the students could get introduced to the 

manufacture and R&D. 

Egon Venko lectured at the KGH 

Congress 

The ex-Yugoslav market offers to IMP 

Klima great possibilities for expanding 

its sales network as well as other forms 

of operation. Accordingly, they attribute 

great importance to the technical 

training and to the exchange of 

information, such as possible every year 

at the Belgrade Congress of Air- 

Conditioning, Heating and Ventilating. 

IMP Klima regularly attends this 

congress as well. In parallel with the 

exhibition its experts also give lectures. 

At the last Congress held last December, 

Mr. Egon Venko, Head of the R&D in 

IMP Klima and Director of the National 

Institute for Air-Conditioning, Heating 

and Ventilating presented the project 

with the title “Computer-Aided Design 

of Air-Conditioning in Accordance 

with the ISO EN 7730 Standard”. 

Kawasaki FS45N Robot 

Operating in Rotomatika 

Foundry 

About one year ago, 

Rotomatika Foundry installed a 

new technological acquisition, 

Kawasaki FS45N robot that 

together with the Bühler 

Evolution 53D foundry 

machine constitutes a foundry 

cell. The purchase of this robot 

was based on a contract with 

B/S/H, belonging to two big 

groups, Bosch and Siemens. 

By using this robot, the foundry 

machine and an eight-jig 

foundry tool, manufactured in 

Rotomatika, the Lamele & Rotor 

strategic business unit can produce 

annually 1.5 million alu rotors and 

stator packages. With the help of the 

robot the above figure can be 

achieved more easily because in 

comparison with manual casting the 

cycle is reduced by more than 10 

seconds and the person attending the 

machine has much easier work to do. 

He only has to fill the stacking box 

with rotor packages and to remove 

the cast rotors from the depositing 

tape. 

The robot without the respective tool 

weighs 650 kg and its carrying 

capacity is 45 kg. It consists of two 

parts: the mechanical part, driven by 

servo motors, and the driver, 

representing the robot’s brain. The 

mechanical part of the robot consists 

As until now the guarantee certificates 

used by Iskra ERO made part of the 

instructions for use, the customers often 

happend to lose them. But as in addition 

to the receipt, the guarantee certificate is 

the essential document for the 

enforcement of the guarantee, the 

company decided to separate the 

guarantee certificate from the 

instructions for use. From now on the 

of six axes and/or of free axis steps, 

whereof the main axes may turn by 360° 

and the auxiliary axes by 260°. The 

Kawasaki robot system is based on the 

Cartesian coordinates, pursued by the 

arm (six axes) and by the head (tool). it is 

operated from the multi-function console. 

The robot is driven by six servo motors of 

1 kW to 6 kW. The maximum speed 

available is 340°/second. 

At the start-up and precise setting of all 

operation parameters, they encountered 

quite a few problems, also due to the 

required higher precision of rotor 

packages, absolutely necessary for 

smooth operation. As a matter of fact, in 

the absence of the robot this operation 

would be almost impossible. It is a big 

step forward to further process 

automation and to the long-term 

competitiveness of Rotomatika in the 

supply of components. 

From Now on Products by Iskra 

ERO Provided with New 

Guarantee Certificates 

customers can keep the guarantee 

certificate, including a list of services, 

together with the receipt and with other 

important documents, and can use the 

instructions for use together with the 

product. Moreover, the former black and 

white print of the guarantee certificate 

has been changed to structured printing 

on a background that prevents from any 

fraud or copying.


Paloma Picasso Visited Kenda Manor in Spodnja Idrija 

Last October, Paloma Picasso, daughter 

of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, visited 

Kenda Mannor Hotel accompanied by 

several other respectable guests. Paloma 

Picasso, herself an artist and renowned 

for a perfume brand with the same name, 

came to Spodnja Idrija with a vintage car, 

Porche 911, from 1973. The sports 

vintage car, in which she travelled 

around Slovenia accompanied by her 

husband Eric Thevenet, was only one of 

the “car beauties” that we could admire 

on the occasion of the “Rallye de 

Slovénie Classic” in Slovenia last 

October. 

Rally Classic is an automobile event that 

gathers every year several influential 

businessmen, owners of castles and 

manors, lawyers and other people of good 

reputation from numerous European 

countries and other continents. Every 

year, the group chooses for this event a 

different country where it usually visits 

interesting tourist places, in particular 

the tourist gems, belonging to the chain 

of castles and manors, referred to as 

Relais & Chateaux. Last year they 

travelled around Slovenia, visiting in 

addition to Ljubljana, Maribor, Bled, 

Portoroæ and Opatija in the neighbouring 

Croatia, also the only Slovene hotels 

belonging to the Relais & Chateaux 

chain ∑ Villa Bled and Kenda Manor. 

After the integration into the prestigious 

Relais & Chateaux chain, visits by 

respected guests from all continents are 

becoming more and more frequent. The 

hosts from Spodnja Idrija also remember 

with pleasure the participants of the 

Rallye de Slovénie Classic, in particular 

Paloma Picasso who wrote in her 

dedication to the staff of Kenda Manor 

that she found the beautiful and 

hospitable Slovenia a big discovery. 

In addition to the appreciations 

expressed by numerous satisfied guests, 

last October Kenda Manor received 

another prize ∑ the golden plate, awarded 

by the Tourism and Hotel-Keeping 

Association for exceptional quality of 

tourist and/or hotel-keeping services, for 

its contribution to the good reputation of 

its tourist activity at home and abroad 

and for its exceptionally successful 

operations. In the experts’ opinion, 

Kenda Manor, that has received the 

award on the proposal of the 

Chamber of Economy and Industry 

Paloma Picasso and Ivi Svetlik 

of Slovenia, enjoys the reputation of an 

ideal example how the local 

architectural, decorative and culinary 

Vintage cars in Kenda Manor courtyard 

heritage can be reflected in the tourist 

arrangements. By joining the Relais & 

Chateaux international association, 

Spodnja Idrija Hosting the Hidria New Year’s Get-Together 

Mid December, the managing staff of all 

Hidria companies attended the New 

Year’s get-together of Hidria, this time 

again held in Spodnja Idrija. After the 

concert in the Spodnja Idrija parish 

church, the guests attended a reception 

in Kenda Manor, where enjoying 

traditional dishes and exquisite wines 

Kenda Manor appeared on the map of the 

most beautiful and the best quality hotels 

worldwide. 

they wished each other a successful 

business year 2002 and the fulfillment of 

Hidria’s goals for the future. 

17

18 

From Companies and Places 

IMP Klima Invited its 

Business Partners to 

Fuæine Castle 

Mid December, the gallery of Fuæine 

Castle was the location where IMP Klima 

organized for its business partners a pre- 

New Year’s get-together under the slogan: 

“One should take one’s time for one’s 

friends”. Over 200 business partners, 

purchasers and sellers from all over 

Slovenia attended this meeting. In 

parallel with the meeting they prepared 

Rotomatika Invited the 

Retired Employees 

Before the New Year, Rotomatika 

organized a get-together of its retired 

employees that is supposed to become 

a traditional event. The lunch given at 

Kenda Manor was a good opportunity for 

a chat with one’s former associates and 

nice entertainment watching folk dancers 

from ©entjur near Celje. All guests 

listened to the speech given by the 

President of Rotomatika, Mr. Duπan 

Lapajne. 

Rotomatika Opened its Door 

to Visitors 

At the beginning of December, the 

companies belonging to Rotomatika 

group organized an open-door-invitation 

for its retired employees, family 

members, friends and acquaintances as 

well as for all citizens interested in the 

activity of Rotomatika. In front of the 

main entrance, children followed an 

entertainment programme with the Snow 

Queen, the Snow White and their friends, 

the youngest received Saint Nicolas’s 

presents. The visitors visited the refurbished 

and the newly built production 

an exhibition of paintings referring to the 

progress of IMP Klima with the title: 

Yesterday ∑ Today ∑ Tomorrow, along 

with an introductory exhibition of Hidria 

and a sales exhibition of paintings made 

by members of the Slovene Paraplegics’ 

Union who paint with their mouth and 

feet. Te event was accompanied by 

singing of Damjana Golavπek and the 

French restaurant Chez Eric provided 

delicious food. 

Mr. Edvard Svetlik, President of Hidria, 

and Mr. Ivan Rupnik, Managing Director 

of IMP Klima, addressed the guests at 

the opening ceremony, concluded by 

Darinka Slanovec, member of the 

Cultural Society of the Praplegics’ Union, 

who gave a recital of her poetry. 

premises, whereby they got introduced to 

the activities of Rotomatika, Rotomatika 

Fans and Rotomatika Motors. 

Joæe Velikanje was born in 1955 in an 

old Idrija family, to a miner and to a 

housewife who was taking care for a 

three-children family. 

He is a locksmith by education, therefore 

he found his first job in the then Gostol, 

whereafter ten years ago he got employed 

with IMP Klima as a fitter specialized in 

steel grids (spot welding). 

He started playing basketball already as 

a pupil and turned out an appropriate 

and skillful player also because of his 

tallness. Basketball filled up his free 

time throughout his youth. He often 

remembers the years when basketball 

was very popular in the region of Idrija. 

Then he coached teams of young girls 

and boys, played in the municipal 

basketball league, participated as judge 

at friendly and championship basketball 

matches on the level of Slovenia (all 

young generations) and he was a keen fan 

of the Idrija Basketball Club when it 

belonged to the 1st Slovene league. In 

P o r t r a i t 

Joæe Velikanje 

Many residents of Idrija would 

remember Joæe Velikanje as a 

coach of young basketball 

players, a kind man and at the 

same time a serious coach who 

managed to arouse in his crew 

the fighting spirit. Joæe, 

employed with IMP Klima, 

also remembers with pleasure 

the activity of the Idrija 

Basketball Club in the eighties 

and in the nineties 

the period between 1996 and 2002, the 

basketball activity of superior level 

unfortunately stopped. Nevertheless, Joæe 

is glad that new teams of young 

basketball players entered the stage, 

playing under the name of Idrija 2000 

Basketball Club. He particularly liked 

the years when the Idrija Basketball Club 

cooperated with the French twin-town 

Aumetz and they could spend a whole 

week in France. They played several 

friendly basketball and football matches. 

Today Joæe has been spending most of his 

free time bowling. He is member of the 

Idrija Bowling Club, competing in the 

Notranjska Regional League. Last year 

the members of his crew won the fourth 

place. Besides bowling he likes riding his 

Yamaha and experiencing various 

traveller’s adventures. In warm seasons 

he spends a lot of time hiking and 

mountaineering in the Slovene 

mountains. Between 1996 and 2000 he 

climbed the Triglav every year. After a 

short break in the last two years he is 

again making preparations for conquering 

the highest Slovene mountain. 

In the end Joæe mentioned his intention 

to remain employed with IMP Klima 

where he is surrounded with nice 

associates and friends.

Idrija Miners’ Brass Band Society Visited 

the French Aumetz 

Last September, the Idrija Miners’ Brass 

Band Society, since last year sponsored 

by Hidria, visited the French town 

Aumetz that has been twinned with 

Idrija. The main scope of this visit was 

to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 

band from Aumetz. 

The Idrija Miners’ Brass Band Society 

appeared at the Sunday festive concert 

E n t e r t a i n m e n t 

together with the Aumetz Brass Band. 

Moreover, their chairman, Tomaæ 

Vencelj, attended the reception with the 

local mayor and with the Slovene 

Ambassadress in France, Mrs. 

Magdalena Tovornik. 

The two brass bands from Idrija and from 

Aumetz made their first contacts already 

in the eighties of the preceding century. 

In the last two decades the bands 

exchanged several visits. The next visit of 

the Aumetz musicians to Idrija (where a 

few years ago a square was named after 

the above twin town) will most probably 

take place in three years’ time, when the 

Idrija Miners’ Brass Band Society, passing 

for the oldest active brass band in Europe, 

is going to celebrate its 340th anniversary. 

19

H i d r i a W o r l d w i d e 

Hidria Companies Constantly Growing in Number 

Hidria commercial companies and distribution centres 

In the last few months Hidria 

established another three 

companies: Hidria UK, Hidria 

Beograd and Hidria Dalmacija. 

The first two have already 

been in full operation. 

While Tomos is already running 

a successful sale to the 

markets of ex-Yugoslavia, 

Hidria Beograd will link and 

strengthen another two 

divisions – one by IMP Klima, 

for the second year present on 

the Serbian market through its 

technical office and the 

respective representative 

Nebojπa RaziÊ, and through 

Perles. Hidria Beograd and 

Perles Division are both 

headed by the Director 

»edomir TasiÊ. 

Last October Hidria founded its 

company in Great Britain. The 

registered office of Hidria UK is 

located at the Marley Way 

industrial property in Banbury 

(Oxfordshire), approximately 

150 km away from London and 

only 15 km away from the wellknown 

Silverstone. This 

location was selected due to 

good logistic connections, 

enabling prompt and efficient 

servicing of customers. 

At the moment the main 

Company’s activity involves the 

sale and the marketing of 

Perles power-tools, but in the 

future the Company will also 

sell products by other Hidria 

companies on the British 

market. 

After the initial activities 

establishing adequate 

conditions for work, Hidria UK, 

headed by its Director Gaπper 

Svetlik, started its marketing 

and sales activities. For this 

occasion they published a 

special catalogue, containing 

also a price-list of 

recommended retail prices. 

They decided to indicate the 

recommended retail prices in 

view of a more transparent 

positioning of Perles power- 

tools on the market. As a 

matter of fact, in the past the 

retail prices of Perles tools on 

the same market happened to 

differ significantly, as a result of 

different sales channels and the 

corresponding margins. At the 

moment the Company employs 

three people: David Carey, chief 

salesman, Sue Padington, chief 

clark and Liam Wells, 

warehouseman, but with the 

expansion of its operations its 

staff will grow as well. 

If you ever happen to pass by 

Banbury, the staff of Hidria UK 

is inviting you to stop for a cup 

of tea. We recommend you to 

announce yourself by phone to 

the telephone number +44 

1295 266 999. 

Another interesting fact: Did 

you know that the British use 

power-tools connected either 

to 110V or to 220V. The former 

are used in industry and the 

latter are designed as 

consumer goods. 

Published by: 

Hidria d.o.o. 

Editor-in- Chief: 

Helena Pregelj 

(helena.pregelj@hidria.si) 

Editorial Board: 

Spodnja Kanomlja 23 

5281 Spodnja Idrija, Eslovenia 

Phone: + 386 (0)5 37 56 457 

Fax: + 386 (0)5 37 56 470 

Authors of individual articles: 

Cvetka BatiË, Henk Buiter, 

Roman FilipiË, Majda Flander, 

Tomaæ Groff, Kristina Hafner 

Lapajne, Tanja Kenda, Nastja 

Klaj, Janja KlemenËiË, Lea 

Kolar, Marko Korelc, Leon 

Koπir, Rudi Kragelj, Renato 

Leoni, Bojana Pellis, Simon 

Permozer, Janez PetroviË, 

Nebojπa RaziÊ, Marko RoæiË, 

Barbara Rutar, Maruπa Slavec, 

Tanja Strel, Gaπper Svetlik, 

Luka ©etina, Jakob ©ink, Sabina 

©pehar, »edomir TasiÊ, Tanja 

Tominec, Boπtjan Tuπar, Egon 

Venko, Ivan Zaplotnik. 

Photographs: Records of Hidria 

and its companies, Janko 

Prelovec, Zdravko PrimoæiË, 

Boæo UrπiË 

Design: Arsenal d.o.o. 

Translation: Edita MavËiË 

Printing: Delo Tiskarna 

Edition: 350 copies 

Homepage: www.hidria.si

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