Another positive story of business success comes from Bijeljina, about one of the largest exporters of prefabricated houses, which are increasingly in demand on the international market year after year. Just last year, prefabricated houses worth more than 125 million BAM were exported worldwide.
From this plant in the village of Kojcinovac near Bijeljina, hundreds of prefabricated buildings have been shipped to Europe, the United States (U.S.), and Australia. Despite the challenging global situation, they have no problem finding buyers.
“We’re competing with companies that receive massive subsidies from their countries – we don’t have that – but I think we’re faster, better, and more resourceful, and we have no issues finding buyers and new markets. We work in Africa, in Australia, and now we’re starting a small plant near New York where we’ll assemble what we produce. We’ll assemble and deliver finished modular buildings there,” stated Milenko Stevanovic, owner of the prefabricated house production company.
In addition to houses, they also produce other structures, even entire buildings and hotels. Although most employers today struggle with a lack of workers, this company has a waiting list for employment.
“I’ve been at Steco for 12 years. I came on my father’s recommendation. He worked here for 25 years, retired, and I continued working here,” said Branko Savic, an employee.
“From the position of an ordinary helper, through CNC machine operator, to the position of production manager. An employer needs to pay attention to each worker individually, understand their needs, and support them in what they do,” emphasized Senad Hrustanovic, an employee.
Domestic manufacturers have a chance on the international market, they say. They have completed the production cycle, and their priority remains a trained and skilled workforce.
“We strive to train people through various courses. We’re launching our own Steco Academy where we’ll train craftsmen as CNC operators – all the professions closely tied to our industry. We try to make everyone see the company as their own, and the company gives back through bonuses, and we work to ensure that the work environment is at a certain level,” says Mihailo Stevanovic, director of the prefabricated house production company.
The most popular export markets for prefabricated house manufacturers are Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, and Austria.
