Superior sanitary solutions Kolektor Liv

SUPERIOR SANITARY SOLUTIONS

‘The Beautiful power of water’ and ‘Wir Wissen Wie’ are the watchwords of Kolektor Liv d.o.o., a Slovenian company that has its focus on sanitary technology. The company’s sales director Mr Mitja Piškur talked us through its history, current activities and vision for the future. Vanja Švačko reports.

Kolektor Liv started as Metal Company Liv in the 1950s and was involved in casting, carpentry and metal processing. Its main strategy was listening to the needs of the market and developing its production according to the current trends. After some years of manufacturing wheels and castors, concrete mixers and hydraulic lifts for forestry, in 1961 the company for the first time tried its hand at sanitary technology, which was considered as a milestone in shaping its profile and future business orientation. Siphons and flushing valves were the first sanitary products, followed by flushing cisterns and eventually concealed cisterns a decade later.

“This was a strategic move into the development, manufacturing and marketing of thermoplastic products,” explained Mr Piškur.

Today the company’s main products are concealed systems that consist of various equipment for bathroom and sanitation facilities, flushing plates, no-contact flushing and exposed flushing cisterns, traps and toilet seats. The company boasts a strong development department. A large number of customers and a long list of references prove that Kolektor Liv uses the best materials, which along with simple installation and modern design comply with the highest environmental standards.

According to the latest data, there is a fine balance between the two product ranges (visible and concealed cisterns) when it comes to generating revenue. Although the company’s focus is on concealed systems because of the foreseeable future market demands, some European regions that Kolektor Liv covers still have not implemented concealed systems and require visible cisterns.

Independence within the group

In 2006, Kolektor Liv became a part of the Kolektor group, a half-century-old transnational concern comprising almost 30 companies and over 3000 employees, with its headquarters in Slovenia. The group concentrates on markets in Europe, Asia and USA. There are three main divisions that define its area of scope: components and systems, building technology and products for home, as well as industrial technology and energy.

Kolektor Liv takes care of sanitary technology and since 2012 has operated with two main trademarks: Schwab and Liv. “Both brands bring synergy and clear vision for the market, especially considering the more than a century long experiences of Schwab in the field,” continued Mr Piškur. While Schwab is mostly present in western European markets, Liv covers eastern Europe.

Emphasising green technology

Kolektor Liv has one production facility in Postojna. This location provides excellent logistic features such as proximity to the airports and highways, which is one of its distinguishing advantages. Apart from its closeness to the end consumer, good service, quality and design, the company addresses environmental issues very seriously, implementing an environmental management system in compliance with ISO 14001.

“The most important step from a market orientation point was the renewal of brand design for both sanitary brands – Schwab and Liv. “We have developed separate strategies for each brand, but both emphasize tradition, quality, innovation and green technology,” explained Mr Piškur. “Sanitary installation products combine contemporary

design, technical trends and natural materials. Distinguished by stylish design, highquality materials and simple installation, our products upgrade any bathrooms ambience and are created for living comfort.”

Kolektor Liv also holds certificates for quality management system, quality in the automotive industry and those generally required in Europe. The main products have the DVGW certificate and are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the EU Directive for CE marking. The company has also obtained attestations and certificates required for specific countries.

Small things that add value

Kolektor Liv finds itself confronted with evergrowing demands in the markets where its products are present. Apart from the European Union and the countries of the Balkan region, where the former Yugoslavia is one of the key importers of the Liv brand, recently the company secured a very high position in Romania and Hungary, next to Geberit, the European market leader in sanitary technology. “Although our core business remains developing and presenting sanitary products under our own brands, a significant part of the business strategy also cooperation with certain internationally well-known and successful ceramic producers such as Roca. From a product availability point of view, as

a supplier, we are present also in Germany’s leading DIY store chains.”

However, generating new ideas is essential work for those who want to stay ahead of the game. Kolektor Liv mainly invests in product improvement. “The sanitary business doesn’t have a rapid growth. Instead the growth is in development – while the base of the product remains the same, multifunctional and customised features, improved hygienic advantages etc are small things that add value,” stated Mr Piškur. “So what we do is to work on the product development every year. The main drive for the new product is design, so we develop it by following trends that provide us with new design features, mostly for flushing plates.” This kind of approach led to Kolektor Liv receiving the recognition of the ‘Innovative Company’ in the region for 2012.

With regards to general growth, the company’s strategy is to grow organically. No acquisitions are planned for now, unless some good opportunity occurs. Focusing on two brands, developing them and gaining market share is the key strategy for the future of Kolektor Liv. n

Visit: www.liv.si; www.sanitaer-schwab.com; www.kolektor.com