Hrvoje Kireta, Director of Hörmann Croatia: The New Business Space Brings Hörmann Closer to Partners and Customers in Croatia and the Region

In mid-September, Hörmann Croatia moved to new business premises in the industrial zone in Zaprešić, thus marking twelve years of operations in Croatia. The business space includes a showroom and a central warehouse from which products are distributed throughout Croatia. The Director of Hörmann Croatia Hrvoje Kireta believes that the move to a new and larger business space was necessary for the company’s growth and development to ensure all necessary services for the distribution network from architects, construction engineers to end customers. The plan, he said, is to be even more accessible to customers in the region, particularly including Bosnia and Herzegovina, to further strengthen the market position and get even closer to Croatian customers.

What has business been like in the past twelve years in Croatia?

– Revenues have grown double digits every year after the crisis years of 2012 and 2013. Stable growth has enabled us to develop new sales channels and introduce new products from the Hörmann group to the Croatian market. With the opening of the Hörmann Croatia representative office, both sales and distribution have significantly strengthened, and financial growth and market share increase have been recorded every year. The first Hörmann products on the Croatian market were garage and industrial doors. We always strive to understand the needs and demands of clients and provide solutions that best meet them. Our relationship with them and providing support play an important role in our business. For us, sales begin the moment a customer starts using our products, which means that our success is largely due to the sales staff, especially in service. Hörmann truly values its employees and promotes team spirit, cooperation, and development, which is crucial for successful business operations and achieving goals.

How much do you invest in employees?

– Hörmann, like many successful companies, recognizes the importance of the role of employees in achieving goals and sustainable growth. The strategy for employee growth and development, as well as the development of team spirit, plays a key role in the company’s long-term success. We invest in training and development of employees so that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs. We also organize mentoring and training programs to assist employees in their personal and professional growth. We place great importance on a culture of teamwork and continuously promote cooperation and joint work among employees. We also support a balance between their work and private lives, which contributes to their well-being and satisfaction.

How do you maintain product quality?

– Our products are manufactured in highly specialized factories using modern technologies and meet the strictest standards of quality, innovation, safety, and design. All products leave the factory only after rigorous quality testing. The end customer receives a multi-year warranty for the safe operation of Hörmann products, and we guarantee the delivery of spare parts. To ensure the functionality and safety of products and extend their lifespan, we offer end users a comprehensive range of maintenance and repair services. Our team of certified service technicians specializes in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all Hörmann products. Our service team is always ready to assist customers – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

How will you strengthen the partner network?

– Within the new business facility, there is also a modern showroom, an educational salon whose primary purpose will be to support the partner network and showcase new products. In this way, we will support partners in marketing, educating them so they can offer customers the appropriate product and install it properly. With an understanding of the market and transparent communication, marketing support for partners helps us promote products and attract new clients. This includes marketing materials, advertising strategies, and support in digital marketing.

What innovations have been most important for Hörmann’s development?

– The cornerstone was laid in the 1950s with the industrial production of modern garage wing lifting doors by Berry. The future development began in the 1960s with sectional doors for garages and industrial facilities. The product range has systematically expanded since then. Today, it includes not only well-known classics but also roller doors, sliding and high-speed doors, residential and interior doors, frames, door drives, fire and smoke-resistant doors, loading systems, and access control systems.

Is the Croatian market special in any way compared to others in Europe or the world?

– A high level of quality is the standard set in Hörmann’s operations. Everything is subordinated to the needs of customers. In the Croatian market, this is sometimes a challenge because a lower price for domestically produced doors does not necessarily ensure the stability and quality emphasized in our products. To bring these standards closer to customers, we have exclusive offers from Hörmann’s home program and its most sought-after products such as sectional garage doors, residential entrance doors, and interior doors.

What new products can we expect on the Croatian market?

– We strive for innovations in our products and technologies because improving and developing new solutions helps us remain competitive. Soon, products for access control such as parking barriers and rising bollards, as well as garden sheds or tool storage, can be expected on the Croatian market.

How did the company Hörmann originate, and what were the main points of development?

– Hörmann is a German company engaged in the production and sale of garage and industrial doors, access control systems, and other related products. It was founded in 1935 by August Hörmann in the German city of Bielefeld. Initially, in 1950, it was involved in the production of wooden doors and windows and was among the pioneers in the development of automatic garage doors, which was a significant step for the company and the industry as a whole. Between 1960 and 1970, Hörmann began producing other types of doors, such as industrial doors and doors for residential and commercial buildings. Since 1970, the company has started expanding its operations beyond Germany and has penetrated the international market. It has opened many branches and factories around the world. After that, Hörmann introduced advanced technological innovations into its products. For more than a decade, the company has been paying attention to sustainability and ecological responsibility in the production of its products, which has become an important issue in the industry. This includes reducing the environmental impact of production and using materials that do not pollute the environment.

What are the most important corporate values?

– Hörmann Germany and all its subsidiaries, including Hörmann Croatia, operate based on key values to successfully conduct business and meet the needs of their customers. These values are quality, innovation, safety, sustainability, customer focus, and, most importantly, people. Hörmann Croatia was established in 2011 by acquiring the family company Sika, which has been an authorized Hörmann partner since 1994. We chose Hörmann precisely because of the family approach and long-standing business tradition, high product quality, aesthetics, and safety.

*Content created in collaboration with Hörmann Croatia