A company whose products are incorporated into the largest Croatian projects

In Coordination in the new edition of the column Notes he is a guest Vladimir Bartakovć general manager of the company Sika Croatia which will introduce us to the colorful world of building materials. Materials with which Sika is present on all major and significant construction projects in Croatia.

The company Sika celebrates 25 years of work in Croatia this year. What does this mean for Sika and of course, how will you celebrate?

Bartaković: Yes, this year marks 25 years in Croatia, even though Sika has been present in the world for the last 115 years, that is, since 1910. Before we officially came to Croatia, we were present on the Croatian market through some other channels, such as cooperation with individual construction companies.

Although we celebrate all year round, we are preparing a special event at the end of the year to toast the next 25.

Sika and its products are well known to everyone in the construction sector, especially waterproofing and sealing systems, however, you are also present in other branches…

Bartaković: In a way, we have become synonymous with products used on floors and roofs. It is the same with bathrooms and balconies. We are also present in shipbuilding on teak decks. Then glued glass on cars – Sika.

In other words, we have a very wide range of products for gluing, sealing, insulation, strengthening and protection – both in construction and in other branches of industry. Automotive industry, white goods, new technologies such as the production of batteries and electric motors and so on.

Have you participated in the construction of many important buildings in Croatia? Which ones would you single out and why?

Bartaković: We were present at all major and significant Croatian projects. I would highlight one of the last ones, which is the work on the primary and secondary envelope of the second tube of the Učka tunnel with our materials for strengthening and protection. In addition, complete waterproofing of the Pelješko Bridge.

We are also present in hotels – Rovinj’s Lone, Amarin, Zagreb’s Met Boutique, Rijeka’s Hilton Costabella. And finally, our new football stadium in Osijek, Opus Arena. I could go on for days.

How important is constant investment in product development?

Bartaković: It is extremely important for us because we started our business 115 years ago with one innovation. Our goal is to achieve added value for our contractors and architects and for end users.

In recent weeks, at various fairs, you have placed special emphasis on your solutions for floors and facades. What is it about?

Bartaković: We’ve had a lot of acquisitions over the last few years. Two years ago, we completed the acquisition of MBCC Group, a leading global supplier of construction chemicals. Before that, we bought the entire Parex group, which is very good in the part of powder materials, i.e. facades.

We have made a step forward in terms of floor products. I am not only referring to industrial plants, but also to decorative applications – in residential construction, in private houses, villas. And that is a new moment in our development and in our offer.

How do you comment on the current situation with prices and availability of materials on the market?

Bartaković: I think the situation has improved. As for the price of our products, I would say that we have stayed within reasonable and fair limits. This year, prices have risen three to five percent, which I think still remains at a reasonable level.

Č the fact is that we offer products from the foundation to the roof, and yet we participate in the price of the entire investment of a building with only five percent.

Another hot topic is the workforce. There are many young people among your employees. How to attract young people to the construction sector?

Bartaković: We currently have a combination of experienced employees and fellow beginners. And this year we will be part of the employees who are older. send him to a well-deserved retirement with us for a very long time. I think we have a good ratio of old and new employees.

I am glad that we are receiving satisfactoryć the number of young people does not leave me optimistic.

After the successful first 25, what next? You devote a lot of resources to green technologies…

Bartaković: The challenge before us is megatrends, and Croatia is included in them. We are facing climate change, urbanization, strengthening and further development of digital technologies that are coming to the construction sector as well.

Sustainable business is therefore unquestionable. Our goals therefore aim to become a “net zero” company. From the entire implementation so far, I would like to highlight our green mortars, which are devoid of cement and carbon dioxide, and instead contain raw materials from agriculture and similar industries.

I am optimistic about our next 25!

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