Worldwide: Serbia

Winter sports at an altitude of 2,000 metres, vibrant cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, secluded villages, historical sites and extensive national parks: Serbia brings together lots of apparent contradictions. HANSA‑FLEX's operations here in the heart of the Balkans are as diverse as the country itself.

HANSA‑FLEX Serbia can look back on a history spanning almost 25 years. Founded in Ruma in 2001, in 2004 the company moved to Belgrade, where it still has its headquarters today. A period of dynamic growth began in 2011 under Aleksandar Pljevaljčić and Mile Tomić. New branches were opened in quick succession, with the result that HANSA‑FLEX now has a dense network of nine branches in Serbia. "Our declared aim is to serve the whole of Serbia with our branches and services," explains Aleksandar Pljevaljčić, Managing Director of HANSA‑FLEX Serbia. A highly demanding task, because the hydraulics market in Serbia is extremely diverse. "Our customers include companies of all sizes and specializations. From local businesses to mid-sized companies and the branches of international corporations, everything is represented here."

A special feature of the country's diversity is the large number of different sectors that Pljevaljčić and his team support. In the east of the country, the Niš branch serves mining companies that mainly extract copper in the region. Workshop containers installed at site ensure fast repairs on often extensive mining sits. By contrast, business with OEM customers is the main focus in Kragujevac, central Serbia. HANSA‑FLEX supplies both domestic and international companies such as RAPP and Siemens. Customized kits with hose lines, fittings and other hydraulic components simplify and speed up assembly for the customer. Even if individual branches have their specializations, HANSA‑FLEX is widely positioned in Serbia. "The focus for the customer is always on the best technical and cost-effective solution. In many cases we are involved in the development process right from the start, and can therefore provide our customers with the best possible advice," reports Pljevaljčić.

One highlight in Serbia is the company's own cylinder center. In addition to the repair and overhaul of hydraulic cylinders, new cylinders are also produced there. "We are able to manufacture hydraulic cylinders with a length of up to 3 meters with high quality parts which clearly sets us apart from our competitors " The cylinders are primarily supplied to the domestic market, but the cylinder center also sometimes serves customers from neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with HF BiH. That shows the real strength of global HANSA‑FLEX network.

"Our aim is to become the No. 1 when it comes to hydraulics. That's not easy, considering how strong Serbia is in this sector, but we are well on the way to achieving it," says Pljevaljčić, describing the company’s goals for the coming years. HANSA‑FLEX already has the most extensive branch network in Serbia, outstanding levels of product availability and a reputation for goods and services of consistently high quality. Equally important to Pljevaljčić and his team are reliability and an open, friendly approach to customers.

Another advantage, especially for customers who also operate nationwide: uniform standards mean that staff at all branches provide the same high level of service. To achieve this, HANSAFLEX specifically invests in the initial and further training of its employees locally. In Pljevaljčić's view, another recipe for success is the friendly and supportive atmosphere within the company. "I think one of my greatest successes is that our staff look forward to Mondays after the weekend," explains the Managing Director with a smile.

Our aim for the coming years is to cover the whole of Serbia with the required branches and services, so that we can be as close as possible to anyone looking for a solution to their hydraulics problem.