Montelektro is a leading engineering company specializing in complex automation systems that integrate every part of the production plant—from process control systems and complete electrical design to power supply and ERP integration.
Over the years, the company has delivered advanced engineering solutions to industries worldwide, including brewing, food and beverage, cement, steel, pharmaceutical, and tobacco sectors. Its high-quality, tailor-made turnkey solutions are implemented in both small and large-scale, state-of-the-art production systems. These projects encompass industrial automation software programming, electrical engineering, cabinet manufacturing, power distribution, installation, commissioning, after-sales support, and consulting.
Montelektro employs over 220 professionals across its offices in Kastav, Sveta Nedelja, Slatina, and Pula, with more than 75% of the team specializing in automation, electrical, IT, and software engineering. Including its subsidiaries, Montelektro’s workforce exceeds 250 employees, reflecting the company’s continuous growth and commitment to technological excellence.
Interview with Albert Benčić, Director of Food and Beverage Division at Montelektro.
How do you define flexibility, and how is it reflected in the way you serve your clients?
Albert Benčić: We view flexibility as the capacity to quickly adapt to client demands and to respond appropriately to unpredictable and unplanned situations.
Montelektro is widely recognized as a flexible and agile team, which enhances our ability to provide services and solutions to our clients. While we have established business rules and policies, they are designed to be adaptable rather than restrictive, ensuring that we are always prepared to meet our clients’ needs.
Can you share an example of adapting to a client’s specific or complex need?
A.B: Our long-standing African client operates a dozen factories throughout the continent. They often change the priorities of individual projects within these factories. Because our company is agile and adaptable, we can align with our clients’ evolving business plans. When they identify an opportunity to achieve their business goals, we must react swiftly and offer suitable solutions.
What capabilities enable your team to respond quickly to client-specific challenges?
A.B: Our team is characterized by the extensive experience of our professionals, who have acquired a wealth of knowledge over the years. We are always ready to adapt to different requirements and changes. Few companies in the market can boast open-minded employees who are prepared to adjust to the frequent and often rapid changes that occur.
How do you balance flexibility with efficiency and cost control while still delivering value?
A.B: We are careful and responsible in managing all resources necessary for project execution. We also make it a point to alert our clients in advance about any potential issues that may impact financial, time, or any other defined parameters. Occasionally, we take on complex projects because we understand their future benefits.
How adaptable are your solutions to different client needs or industries?
A.B: As a client-focused company, we create solutions that adapt to the specific needs of our customers. Our solutions are modular, easy to understand, based on open architecture, and customizable to meet each client’s individual requests.
How do you collaborate with clients to understand their challenges and deliver results that drive their success?
A.B: We regularly monitor market trends and technological advancements to recommend solutions that drive improvements. Our guidance is grounded in over 30 years of experience, drawing from similar projects we’ve undertaken and taking into account the client’s current situation and business plans. After evaluating all options and comparing their advantages and challenges, we propose the most suitable solution. Additionally, throughout the project implementation, we offer ongoing adjustments and validations to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience.
What technologies or tools help your company stay flexible and client-focused?
A.B: In our daily operations, we utilize our internally developed project management system, Mendix, to plan and monitor project execution. Additionally, we use Mendix’s CRM module to oversee our client interactions by tracking offers, projects, needs, and requests.
How do you maintain high quality and compliance when offering tailored solutions?
A.B: We carefully analyse every request from our clients. Our previous experience with similar projects helps us ensure compliance with regulations. We invest significant effort in communicating with our clients, exchanging engineering ideas, monitoring market trends, and engaging in continuous education, research, and development.
Have you seen a growing demand for flexible, customised solutions to help clients stay competitive?
A.B: Of course we did! For instance, a factory is a complex system consisting of various production systems provided by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The main challenge was integrating these diverse production systems into a cohesive automation system that delivers high efficiency, low energy consumption, and optimized production.
Looking ahead, how will adaptability and client-focused flexibility shape your strategy for driving success?
A.B: From its very beginnings, Montelektro has been an adaptable, customer-focused, and flexible team. Our approach to clients proves to be a successful long-term business strategy that delivers positive results.
