One of the most impactful improvements is the installation of a new canopy for production of byproducts. This innovation enables the plant to grind and reintegrate material previously classified as waste directly back into the production process. As a result, the consumption of primary raw materials has been reduced and surplus waste effectively eliminated. The initiative directly supports the group-wide ambition of zero waste to landfill – a strategic objective of Xella Group. Kisovec has already aligned its processes with this vision, demonstrating how environmental responsibility and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.

Another significant advancement is the commissioning of a new wrapping machine. Beyond delivering a more refined product presentation, the system enhances load stability and improves safety during transport and on-site handling. Increased packaging stability reduces risk exposure for employees and customers alike, reflecting the plant’s holistic approach to safety across the entire value chain.

Environmental performance has also been strengthened through the replacement of the boiler room burner. The new system has dramatically reduced NOx emissions – by more than 400 percent compared to the previous installation – marking a major step forward in lowering the plant’s environmental footprint. This investment underlines Kisovec’s long-term commitment to sustainable production and regulatory excellence.

Looking ahead, the plant continues to explore opportunities in advanced energy management and automation. Electronic monitoring systems and data-driven analytics are expected to optimize energy consumption and identify inefficiencies in real time. At the same time, the automation of hazardous manual tasks will further improve occupational safety while increasing operational precision and productivity. Together, these initiatives aim to reduce operating costs, enhance sustainability performance, and create safer working conditions.

Regional cooperation and production excellence

The positive development of production capacity has enabled Kisovec to extend support beyond its domestic market. The plant currently supplies several thousand cubic meters of material per month to Italy, demonstrating both its performance capability and its strategic relevance within the regional network. Despite market-specific challenges – such as differing pallet dimensions – the team is confident that targeted investments will ensure full adaptability.

Cooperation within the SEE region is described as highly interconnected and dynamic, with frequent exchanges between plant managers and strong leadership alignment. This close collaboration fosters the sharing of best practices and ensures consistent standards across borders. The Kisovec team views itself as an active and reliable contributor within this regional framework.

A leadership philosophy rooted in safety

Since assuming the role of plant manager seven months ago, Mustafa Cajic has focused on building upon the plant’s strong foundations while reinforcing a culture centred on safety and responsibility. With a background in Quality Assurance and Engineering, he approaches leadership with both technical rigor and a people-first mindset.

From the outset, occupational health and safety has been his guiding principle. At Kisovec, safety is not treated as a compliance requirement but as a non-negotiable value that shapes every decision. All new projects are evaluated through two fundamental questions: How safe is this for our employees? And how will it impact the environment? This framework ensures that innovation and progress remain inseparable from responsibility.

Cajic emphasizes that effective production management begins with listening to operators and integrating their hands-on expertise with engineering-driven improvements. By combining practical experience with systematic optimization, the plant aims to make processes not only faster and more efficient, but also safer and more sustainable. Employee satisfaction is regarded as a key indicator of successful leadership, reinforcing the belief that operational excellence and workforce well-being are mutually dependent.

Stability, innovation, and long-term vision

The recent investments have also sent an important signal to employees: a message of stability and long-term commitment. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, this sense of security contributes significantly to motivation and engagement within the workforce.

Future priorities will continue to align with the plant’s core principles. Planned projects include further logistics optimization – such as the introduction of an additional transport system – to streamline regional material flows. At every stage, safety remains the starting point for innovation, followed closely by efficiency and sustainability considerations.

The transformation of the Kisovec plant illustrates how targeted investments, strong regional collaboration, and value-driven leadership can collectively create a resilient and future-oriented production environment. By embedding safety and environmental stewardship into every initiative, the plant not only enhances its competitive position but also strengthens its role as a responsible industrial partner within the wider network of the Xella Group.