As part of the conference “Support to the Development of Centers of Competence” held in Zagreb, a ceremony took place where funding decisions were awarded within the public call of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts “Increase of the development of new products and services which supervene from research and development activities”.

AD Plastik was awarded a grant of HRK 19.6 million from the European Union funds for the project for research and development of interior parts painting technology. This makes about 30 percent of the total investment in the research of this technology. The project will last 45 months, and the funds obtained will enable the development of new technology within AD Plastik Group, which will become the generator of sales growth in the medium term.

„The funds obtained mean research and development of the new interior parts painting technology, which will enable the expansion of production capacities in the future, create new jobs, ensure revenue growth through increased exports and competitiveness improvement,” said Marinko Došen, President of the Management Board of AD Plastik Group.

Painting interior plastic parts differs significantly from exterior parts painting, customer requirements are specific and it requires different equipment and procedures. Painting technology in automotive industry is the niche with the highest added value, and it has been present in AD Plastik for 20 years now. Combining the manufacturing process of injection-moulded components and painting ensures a comparative advantage regarding customers.

Prior to the decision to launch a new project, market research showed the presence of customers’ interest and thus the ability to seal new deals. Particularly in the segment of painting smaller interior and exterior parts that are easily packed and whose price can withstand transportation at a greater distance. This project will enable the adoption of interior parts painting technology that ensures entry into the new production painting segment as one of the generators of sales growth in the mid-term period.

Deals for PSA Group

AD Plastik Group has sealed several new deals for different vehicle models for PSA Group in the total amount of EUR 4,8 million. In this way, the Croatian plants will produce camera supports and covers for Peugeot 508, PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) screens for Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 3008, air extractors for Peugeot 208 and glass run channels for Citroen Cactus. The start of serial production for all these vehicles is planned in 2018.

We experienced a long pause in cooperation with this customer, so the sealed deals are particularly significant for the company. “Our plan is to increase the realization for PSA Group by signing new deals, and this includes products and technologies that have not been represented regarding this customer so far,” said Almir Mahmutović, program manager.

The PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) screens are a complete screen assembly under the chassis and AD Plastik will produce a complete module and the air extractors will expand the enviable list of AD Plastik’s products. AD Plastik Group has also sealed new deals in the Russian market amounting to EUR 4 million. Injection moulded exterior parts for the Renault Logan and Sandero Phase 2 vehicles will be manufactured at AD Plastik Togliatti, and the start of serial production is planned for mid- 2018.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated at the conference “Croatia – a country desirable for business?”, held in the Croatian Chamber of Economy. On this occasion he presented the positive economic trends and Government measurements which, in his opinion, will help develop the business climate and strengthen the Croatian economy.

“If all three world credit rating agencies say that the prospects are not negative but stable, then this is a good message,” pointed out Plenković, adding that this is mostly the result of the work of Croatian entrepreneurs, those who produce and export and who are able to be competitive in their activities.

President of the Management Board of AD Plastik Marinko Došen participated in the panel discussion together with Assistant Minister and Director Geneal of the Tax Administration Zdravko Zrinušić, Assistant Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Dragan Jelić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts Nataša Mikuš Žigman, President of the Management Board of Dalekovod Alen Premužak and President of the Management Board of Elka Ruđer Friganović. Among other things, the possibility of using EU funds to improve the business of small and medium-sized enterprises was discussed. They discussed the business climate in Croatia and the impact of tax reform on the economy.

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Croatia Thomas Eberhard Schultze emphasized that many German companies contribute to Croatian growth and that he respects the cooperation between the German and Croatian Chambers, which will continue in the future.