INTERIM MANAGEMENT SLOVENIA / CROATIA
In an increasingly dynamic and globalized business world, success in Slovenia and Croatia demands flexibility, expertise, and rapid adaptability. Our interim services offer tailored solutions to effectively overcome challenges and seize opportunities. With in-depth market understanding and local expertise, we support you in successfully advancing your projects, utilizing your resources efficiently, and achieving your business objectives in this diverse and growing economic region. Rely on our experience and precision – for sustainable success in Slovenia and Croatia.
Your contact at IQX:
Klaus Struc
+43 670 404 03 40
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The main industries in the region
The automotive industry is of paramount importance in Slovenia and Croatia and is a key driver of economic development. Slovenia has established itself as a major location for automotive production and supply. Of particular note is the Revoz plant in Novo Mesto, a Renault subsidiary that produces vehicles for the European market. Slovenia is also home to numerous suppliers manufacturing highly specialized components for the automotive industry, ranging from electronics and drive systems to lightweight materials.
Croatia, though less known for mass-producing vehicles, has made a name for itself in the niche of high-performance and electric vehicles. Rimac Automobili, based near Zagreb, has garnered international attention with its groundbreaking electric supercars. Rimac is not only a symbol of Croatia's innovative strength but also plays a key role in the global development of electromobility. The company collaborates closely with major automakers, supplying technologies that will be integrated into the vehicles of tomorrow.
Overall, the automotive industry in Slovenia and Croatia is strongly networked with the major European automotive centers in Germany, Austria, and Italy. This region benefits from its strategic location and its ability to offer high-quality products at competitive prices. The focus on research and development, combined with a well-trained workforce, ensures that the automotive industry in Slovenia and Croatia will continue to play a central role in the future.
Mechanical engineering and metal processing are traditionally strong industries in Slovenia and Croatia. These sectors have deep roots in the industrial history of both countries and are characterized by a high level of expertise and precision. Slovenia has established a reputation as a producer of high-precision machinery and equipment, which are exported worldwide. The production of machine tools, hydraulic systems, and automation technology, used in a wide variety of industries, is particularly strong.
In Croatia, shipbuilding plays a special role within the mechanical engineering sector. The Croatian coast, with its deep ports and long tradition of maritime trade, has made shipbuilding a significant economic industry. Shipyards such as the Uljanik Group in Pula and the 3rd Maj Shipyard in Rijeka have built high-quality vessels for decades, which are used worldwide. Although Croatian shipbuilding has faced challenges in recent years, it remains an important part of the industry and a symbol of the country's technical expertise.
Furthermore, both countries boast a large number of medium-sized enterprises specializing in metal processing. These companies produce everything from simple components to complex machine parts and contribute significantly to the region's export economy. Mechanical engineering and metal processing in Slovenia and Croatia benefit from a highly skilled workforce and a close link between industry and technical education, making the region a competitive production location in Europe.
The chemical and pharmaceutical industries are key sectors in the Slovenia-Croatia region, internationally recognized for their innovation and product quality. Slovenia has established itself as a center of pharmaceutical production, with companies like Krka and Lek (part of Sandoz, a division of Novartis) operating globally. These companies develop and produce a wide range of medicines, from generic drugs to highly specialized therapeutics, and export their products to over 70 countries.
The pharmaceutical sector in Slovenia benefits from a strong focus on research and development, as well as a well-connected higher education system that continuously produces highly qualified professionals. Proximity to key markets in the European Union and a stable regulatory environment make Slovenia an attractive location for pharmaceutical companies. However, the chemical industry in Slovenia and Croatia encompasses more than just pharmaceuticals. Both countries produce a wide range of basic and specialty chemicals used in various industries, including agriculture, food processing, and the automotive sector.
Croatia also has a well-developed chemical industry, with a focus on the production of fertilizers, paints, and coatings. The sector is characterized by a mix of large, established companies and innovative startups specializing in the development of new materials and chemicals. Both countries are increasingly committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly production methods, making them pioneers in the development of "green" chemicals. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries thus contribute significantly to the economic stability and growth of Slovenia and Croatia.
- Ljubljana and Central Slovenia
- Gorenjska (Upper Carniola)
- Savinjska (Lower Styria)
- Podravska (Drava region)
- Zagreb and Northern Croatia
- Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar
- Dalmatia
Ljubljana and Central Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is the country's economic and industrial heart. Numerous companies from diverse sectors are concentrated here, including pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Krka, one of Europe's leading generic drug manufacturers, is headquartered here and significantly shapes the region. The electronics industry is also strongly represented, with companies like Iskra, a leading supplier of electrotechnical components.
Central Slovenia also benefits from a well-developed infrastructure and a high level of innovation, fostered by close ties between universities, research centers, and industry. This region is a hub for logistics and trade, further enhancing its appeal to international companies.
Gorenjska (Upper Carniola)
The Gorenjska region in northwestern Slovenia is known for its strong mechanical engineering and metal processing industries. The city of Kranj, the region's center, is home to major companies such as Sava Tires, a leading international tire manufacturer. The electronics industry is also represented here, particularly by companies like Iskraemeco, which produces smart meters and measurement technology.
Gorenjska is also strongly export-oriented, with the region's products primarily destined for Western Europe and the USA. Its proximity to the Alps and the associated tourism infrastructure complement the region's industrial profile and provide a diversified economic base.
Savinjska (Lower Styria)
The Savinjska region in eastern Slovenia, and especially the city of Celje, has a long tradition in the metal and chemical industries. Celje, known as "the city of princes," is a historical center of trade and manufacturing. Today, it is home to companies such as Cinkarna Celje, a leading producer of titanium dioxide. Plastics processing also plays an important role in the regional economy.
In recent years, the region has also established itself as a location for the automotive supply industry, which is facilitated by the good connection to the European transport network and the proximity to important markets in Austria and Germany.
Podravska (Drava region)
The Podravska region, with the city of Maribor at its center, is another important industrial area in Slovenia. Maribor, the country's second-largest city, has a strong mechanical engineering and electrical engineering sector. Companies such as Hidria, a leading manufacturer of automotive components, and Talum, a major aluminum producer, have operations here.
The region is also known for its innovative strength, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energies. Close cooperation between the University of Maribor and local industry promotes the development of new technologies and strengthens the region's competitiveness on an international level.
Zagreb and Northern Croatia
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is the country's industrial center. Many major companies in the mechanical engineering, chemical, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries are located here. Companies like Pliva, one of Europe's largest generic drug manufacturers, are headquartered in Zagreb and contribute significantly to the city's economic development.
The region of Northern Croatia, including the cities of Varaždin and Čakovec, is also heavily industrialized, with a focus on textile and electronics production. Varaždin is known for its textile industry, which boasts a long tradition, while Čakovec is a center for the electronics industry.
Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar
The Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar region, with cities like Rijeka and Pula, is known for its shipbuilding industry. Shipyards in Rijeka, such as the 3 Maj Shipyard, have a long tradition of shipbuilding and are major employers in the region. Pula, the largest city in Istria, also has a strong industrial base, particularly in the shipbuilding supply and metal processing sectors.
The region is also known for its tourism industry, which is an important source of income and closely intertwined with the local economy. This diversification makes the region more economically stable and resilient to global fluctuations.
Dalmatia
Dalmatia, with cities like Split and Zadar, is another important industrial center in Croatia. Split, the region's largest city, is a major hub for shipbuilding, the metal industry, and the chemical industry. The Brodosplit shipyard is one of the region's most renowned companies and boasts a long tradition of shipbuilding.
Zadar, another important city in Dalmatia, has developed in recent years into a center for food processing and tourism. The region benefits from its location on the Adriatic coast and its well-developed tourist infrastructure, which diversifies and strengthens the local economy.
Why IQX for Interim Management?
We know: Consulting often ends where the actual change begins. That's exactly why we do more than just make smart recommendations - we take responsibility and implement them. From our many years of experience as management consultants, we know the challenges that companies face when it comes to not only developing strategies, but also successfully implementing them.
This is where our unique approach comes in: We not only offer in-depth analyzes and tailor-made concepts, but also accompany you through the implementation as interim managers. As part of your team, we work directly in your company, take on operational responsibility and ensure that changes really take effect.
Our advantage? We already know your business from an in-depth analysis, know the details and have an unbiased view of the existing structures. This enables us to act faster and more targeted. While other interim managers still have to understand the context, we are already in the middle of the action - with the knowledge of a consultant and the determination of a manager.
Our combination of consulting expertise and operational leadership ensures that we don't just talk, but act. We create clarity, provide guidance and get things moving while at the same time setting the course for long-term success. The end result is a company that is not only more stable, but also emerges stronger from the change.
Our services for the Slovenia / Croatia region:
- Interim Managing Director / CEO
- Interim CRO
- Interim plant manager
- Interim COO
- Interim CFO
- Interim HR Manager
- Interim production manager
- Interim IT Manager (CIO)
- Interim Purchasing Manager
- Operations functions
- Interim project management
- Implementation-oriented consulting