HANSA-FLEX worldwide: Estonia

HANSA‑FLEX Estonia is the hydraulic system partner’s most northerly subsidiary. The country’s dedicated team holds its own against strong competition and offers first-class hydraulic services even under challenging climatic conditions.

HANSA‑FLEX Hüdraulika OÜ was founded in 2006 by Ricardas Malaiška with his company Uždaroji akcine bendrove HANSA FLEX HIDRAULINES JUNGTYS. Since 2017 the company has been wholly owned by Hansa Flex International GmbH. In the same year, the current Managing Director Priit Gradov took up his post and has since been continuously driving the company's growth together with his team of 30 highly skilled hydraulic specialists. Gradov remembers that things were difficult at the beginning: “When I took over the management, the company mainly dealt in spare parts. In addition to HANSA‑FLEX there were three big players in Estonia that had been on the market for over 20 years, so the business was not very profitable.” HANSA‑FLEX Estonia had to find its own niche in order to successfully position itself on the market. There were plenty of spare parts suppliers, but hardly any competitors offering real expertise and hydraulic services – and that's what Gradov built on.

The climate in Estonia is anything but hydraulics-friendly. Winters last almost six months, with wind and weather constantly testing the durability of hydraulic hose lines. For forestry machines in particular, defects can mean long periods out of service, as they are often located deep in the forest on inaccessible terrain. The forestry sector is of great importance in Estonia, and the production of wooden houses by 140 companies is a key industry. Accordingly Estonia is the most successful exporter of houses in Europe. Customers in the forestry sector appreciate the services offered by the HANSA‑FLEX mobile service fleet all the more. This is because the service technicians are quickly on the scene anywhere, and get the machinery up and running again just as quickly. In addition to forestry, HANSA‑FLEX Estonia's services naturally also cover other important economic sectors, including industry, shipping, construction, agriculture, road building, heavy machinery maintenance and oil shale mining.

By focusing on services, the national subsidiary has successfully established itself on the market. Priit Gradov is very satisfied with developments: “When a customer needs a hydraulic service, a repair or technical support, HANSA‑FLEX is now the first choice in Estonia. Many customers appreciate us precisely because we can offer technical solutions and services. Our goal is to be the first choice for customers when it comes to repairing hydraulic cylinders, maintaining or repairing hydraulic systems and also designing such systems.” With four branches in Tallinn, Maardu, Tartu and Võru, as well as a fleet of six mobile hydraulic workshops, HANSA‑FLEX Estonia has grown well beyond its former role as a dealer in spare parts. This is due in no small part to the company’s highly motivated employees, as Priit Gradov emphasises: “Cylinder and hydraulic repair services can only be provided by efficient, qualified personnel. It all starts with the people. We couldn't be successful without our great team and the way we work together.” 

As part of the travel year offered by HANSA‑FLEX, German trainee Finn Schütt has been in Estonia since September. Gradov welcomes the international exchange: “I think the programme is great. We learn a lot from each other. The young people get to see new things as part of their training, and we also receive new ideas. Finn has a lot of analytical know-how and is a great help to us in our day-to-day operations.” During his stay Finn is getting to know the special features of Estonia. This includes the country’s natural surroundings, which are there to be explored, as well as the advantages of the country's high level of digitalisation. Estonia provides more than 2,500 digital services, and is the first country in the world to offer a cross-border digital identity, the e-Residency. This enables foreigners to complete official government procedures online and with ease. In the same way, HANSA‑FLEX management in Germany can digitally sign business documents and complete formalities without being on site.

Looking to the future, HANSA‑FLEX Estonia aims to expand its portfolio of services, increase its market share and focus on improving customer satisfaction. “Our commitment to quality and innovation remains at the core of our activities, enabling us to provide the best possible solutions,” says Priit Gradov.