Biography
Zoran Tadic
About Neofyton
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Zoran Tadić
• Mr. Zoran Tadić, was born on September 10, 1969, in Novi Sad, Serbia
• Married, father of two sons
• Completed elementary school “Jovan Popović” and secondary electro-technical school “Mihajlo Pupin” in Novi Sad
• 1998 – graduated from the Faculty of Technology, Polymer Department, University of Novi Sad and holds the title of engineer of polymer technologies
• While studying at the university, in the early ’90s, he started working as a marketing manager in music, fashion, organizing of concerts, promotions and fashion shows in Novi Sad and Belgrade. In 1994, he started his own private business – a design and printing studio and production of radio advertisements
• In August of 1996, he accepted an invitation from a distinguished professor from the Faculty of Technology, Dragoslav Stojiljković, PhD, to join him at the “Poly” company, as a co-editor of a trade magazine “The World of Plastics and Rubber”
• 1998 – after graduating from the Faculty of Technology, he joined his father at Neofyton, to take over the management of the company as general manager, the post he currently occupies
• In the course of his career, he took a number of courses and training in the field of engineering, management, sales strategies and finance
• During 2011, he enrolled in the course “Oxford Program on Negotiation” at Oxford University, and in 2012 in “Oxford Finance Program for Senior Executives”. At the same University, in March of 2015, he completed post-graduate studies and received a master’s degree in Global Business from the “Saïd Business School”
- In 2018, Zoran Tadić completed “Oxford-Chicago Valuation program” jointly organized by Oxford University and Chicago Booth School. Next year, in 2019. he successfully completed a program at the London School of Economics and Political Science, “MBA Essentials program”.
• In 2020 he successfully completed Oxford Executives Leadership online program.
• Currently, he is in the final year of his doctorate studies in Finance and Banking at the “European Center for Peace and Development” (ECPD) in Belgrade
• In addition to enhancing his education, he spent time as an active sportsman (karate, skiing, cycling), pursued his interest in music, Hi-Fi and professional audio equipment, film, design, photography, architecture and sports cars
• Zoran Tadić is the regional Alumni Ambassador of Oxford University for Serbia (Belgrade and Novi Sad). Namely, within the University of Oxford in London business alumni network has been organised, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experiences in business, education and professional development.
• On March 23, 2021, the Consulate of Austria in Vojvodina was opened for the first time in Novi Sad, and Mr Zoran Tadić was appointed as honorary consul. Neofyton company and Mr Tadić have been successfully cooperating with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Serbia and Nigeria for many years, and Mr Tadić is also a member of the board for cooperation between science and business at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Consulate is to contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation between Serbia and Austria, and as Austrian consul, Mr. Zoran Tadić will play a very important role in the development of the economy and relations between people from these two countries.
Lion Clubs International nonprofit organization
From 2008 to 2012, Zoran Tadić was the chairman of the Lions Club Neoplanta and the Lions coordinator for Serbia and Montenegro. In this period, numerous humanitarian volunteer campaigns were organized within the Lions Club, which has existed since 1917. Their objectives were to understand the needs of the community and to serve it, to strengthen peace and promote inter-ethnic understanding through the Club’s activities.
One of the humanitarian campaigns of the Lions Club Neoplanta was a donation of information boards for the blind and vision impaired to the Health Center „Novi Sad“ which will help these citizens to find their way and move easily through the facility. The boards were installed on December 16th, 2011 in the „Liman“ facility of the Health Center „Novi Sad“ (Bulevar cara Lazara 77).
Source: Municipality of Novi Sad
Interview with Zoran on the occasion of Neofyton’s participation in the PROPAK West Africa 2019
What is the reason you have chosen to exhibit your products/ services at Propak West Africa 2018?
Last year I visited PROPAK and saw some of our customers there; both exhibiting or visiting the Fair. In addition, our supplier Piovan was already exhibiting in 2017. so we agreed to join forces this year and have common stand together with our Austrian supplier of high class Injection Molding Machines – company ENGEL.
Can you highlight any particularly exciting products/services you’ll be showcasing this year?
This year we will exhibit top class all-electric injection molding machine – ENGEL “e-motion 160”- producing food container using 4 cavity mold from high class Swiss mold-maker OTTO HOFSTETTER in cycle time of 3,5 seconds. That is 32 million pieces per year in 24/7 production run. This machine could use as low as 9kW per hour. Taking into account Nigerian challenges regarding stable electricity supply, this machine concept is the best solution for WA plastic producers.
This will be first time ever, somebody is exhibiting a running injection machine at Nigerian Fair. It is a sign of real dedication and trust of Engel and Neofyton in Nigerian and whole West African market.
Will you be offering any special exhibition promotional discounts for visitors?
Not really. We have decided to penetrate African market with very attractive price policy. That strategy is leaving almost no room for further Fair discounts.
What makes you stand out from your competitors? Why should a visitor pick your brand over another?
We have actually two questions here. First one is regarding our Fair presentation and our stand. Neofyton has always had a straight forward strategy during Fair presentations – meaning if we are at the Fair, we have to exhibit a machine in running conditions. Combining running high class equipment with attractive stand design and professional staff, we are confident our presentation will “steal the show” this year.
Talking about brand quality, we as Neofyton have a lot of experience in running operations in foreign markets. Starting from our home market in Serbia back in 1998, then expanding into Bosnia and Hercegovina and Macedonia in 2001, starting our operations in Croatia in 2009, we learned how to operate at foreign markets. Opening our operations in Nigeria and Cameroon in 2016 were continuation of our expansion plans, this time not only into another country but to another continent as well. This should put trust into our respected customers in Nigeria, that we are here to stay, and that we carefully planned our activities that include not only sales and promotion but (even more importantly) after sales support and service.
Coming to Nigeria without proper offering would be a huge mistake, and therefore we are presenting ENGEL and PIOVAN equipment from machine side, but we are also offering OTTO HOFSTETTER molds for food IML and medical packaging and CORVAGLIA molds for caps and closures for PET bottles. All those brands have one thing in common – top class quality -. We are confident that only strategy for sustainable development is investment into top class equipment. Since CAPEX costs represent only 10% to 15% of final production costs of plastic part, it is obvious that production capacity per year, and energy costs are much more important factors than CAPEX. Only with very fast and energy efficient equipment, companies could expect long term development and profitability.
Just as a small example, difference of only 0,5 seconds in cycle time, let’s say from 3,5 sec. to 4,0 sec. would result in 4 million parts less produced per year. What if your final customer needs this 4-million part this year, and you are running your plant at 99% productivity? You would have to buy one more machine, one more mold and one more robot in case of IML, and employ 4 more persons to produce this extra capacity. You see, sometimes 15% more production capacity means 100% more CAPEX.
Are you planning to meet existing clients as well as potential new ones?
Generally, 80% of Fair time is used to meet existing customers, and show them respect for trust they put in you and your company; but nobody knows complete market, and It should be carefully considered, but advocating glass or paper as alternatives to plastic packaging is not really reasonable. That brings us to the point of recycling plastic waste. Mindful plastic waste recycling management policy would be beneficial for all market participants. For local communities it would mean cleaner and healthier environment where we all will live, for local governments it would mean new jobs and higher employment rates, and for plastic converters would mean more business with higher profitability since recycled raw materials are typically 25% to 30% cheaper than virgin materials. All that is achievable in Nigeria as well, but not in next 30 years, but rather in the next 3 to 5 years.
Why do you believe industry events such as Propak West Africa are crucial to the industry?
Fairs are bringing industry leaders into same place where they can meet, exchange ideas, rumours, and of course see new equipment that will disrupt current rules of the game, and accelerate future development and competitiveness of existing market.
In your opinion, are there any specific challenges you foresee for the global packaging market?
Not really. If there would be an industry segment that is “stress free” packaging market would be one of few. During previous economy downturn back in 2008-2009, only food packaging and medical segment of plastic industry were growing. Number of people in the world, and especially in Nigeria is rising at 2,5% pace per year. That means 2,5 million “new customers” are born in Nigeria every year. Almost half of Nigerian population is living in cities, where food products have to be prepacked and delivered to supermarkets. That is a strong indication of future growth potential not only in Nigeria, but in global market as well.
And more locally, what kind of potential do you see in the West African packaging market specifically?
I think most of the answer is already presented in Q7, but I would like to share one more idea. I strongly believe in WA packaging market, not only due to WA growth potentials, but even more for global market potentials. Thinking about Lagos as “Capital of Africa” is fine, but thinking of Lagos as the biggest city in the world in 25 years time, is something totally different. In addition, if WA producers would consider USA and Europe as potential export markets, it would change mind-set, strategy targets, and open new ideas for future development.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your brand or products to our exhibitors ahead of their visit in September?
Exhibiting for the first time at any exhibition is an exciting event, and we are investing a lot of time and energy into Propak 2018. I would like to invite all Nigerian and other WA business participants to join us at our booth and share this positive spirit with us.
What are you showcasing at the PROPAK FAIR 2019?
“On the Propak West Africa 2019 fair, we are showcasing one of the fastest and most energy efficient machines in the world. ENGEL e-motion 740/160 machine will produce plastic food container of 1200 ml, with 1- cavity mold and cycle time of only 4,5 sec. This is equal to 6.4 million pieces per year in
350/24/7 production run. This year we are exhibiting a similar e-motion machine as in 2018, but using food container mold this time. So, seeing the production process will be very interesting to all our visitors”, said Zoran Tadic, Owner and GM of Neofyton.
Taking into account Nigerian challenges regarding stable electricity supply, this machine concept is the best solution for WA plastic producers. Visitors will be able to see how precise the machine is, how flexible and how fast the mould movement are, and most importantly – consistency in part weight, cycle after cycle. In addition, Engel innovative clamp concept with absence of friction between tie-bars and platens, complete the great features of all ENGEL e-motion machines.
Will you be offering any special exhibition promotional discounts for visitors?
Not really. We have decided to penetrate African market with very attractive price policy. That strategy is leaving almost no room for further Fair discounts, but of course, some attractive special offers will be offered to all our PROPAK visitors.
What makes you stand out from your competitors? Why should a visitor pick your brand over another?
We have actually two questions here. First one is regarding our Fair presentation and second on our stand. Neofyton has always had a straight forward strategy during Fair presentations – meaning if we are at the Fair, we have to exhibit a machine in running conditions. Combining running high class equipment with attractive stand design and professional staff, we are confident our presentation will “steal the show” this year again. Talking about brand quality, we as Neofyton have a lot of experience in running operations in foreign markets. Starting from our home market in Serbia back in 1998, then expanding into Bosnia and Hercegovina and Macedonia in 2001, starting our operations in Croatia in 2009, we learned how to operate at foreign markets. Opening our operations in Nigeria and Cameroon in 2016 were continuation of our expansion plans, this time not only into another country but to another continent as well. This should put trust into our respected customers in Nigeria, that we are here to stay, and that we carefully planned our activities that include not only sales and promotion but (even more importantly) after sales support and service. Coming to Nigeria without proper offering would be a huge mistake, and therefore we are presenting ENGEL, SIPA, EUROCHILLER and TRIA, cooperating with PIOVAN, and since few months ago we started Exclusive Representation of High Class European Mold and IML Robots producer company “INMOLD”. All these brands have one thing in common – top class quality – We are confident that only strategy for sustainable development is investment into top class equipment. Since CAPEX costs represent only 10% to 15% of final production costs of plastic part, it is obvious that production capacity per year, and energy costs are much more important factors than CAPEX. Only with very fast and energy efficient equipment, companies could expect long term development and profitability.
Just as a small example, difference of only 0,5 seconds in cycle time, let’s say from 3,5 sec. to 4,0 sec. would result in 700.000 parts less produced per year. What if your final customer needs this 700.000, or even 250.000 pcs. this year, and you are running your plant at 99% productivity? You would
have to buy one more machine, one at least one more mould, and one more robot in case of IML, and employ 4 more persons to produce this extra capacity. You see, sometimes 15% more production capacity means 100% more CAPEX.
Are you planning on meeting existing clients or is your goal on meeting new and potential ones?
Generally, 80% of Fair time is used to meet existing customers, and to show them respect for putting their trust and time in us. But, knowing the entire market can be very difficult. So, these 20% we use to present our company to new and potential clients. This year we would be happy to host ENGEL President, Mr. Walter Jungwirth, and he will, not only support our customers at the stand, but he will also make a lecture on “High Performance Machines and Operational Excellence”. Our WA customers will be able to get most innovative insides on best procedures in high class/high speed production in packaging industry. In addition, Mr. Jungwirth will be ready to share his 30+ of experience of doing business not only in Europe, but in Americas, and Africa too. Most common mistake in our industry is when a businessman start believing that his problem is “very unique”, and that his boundaries are unbreakable – trust me they are not. Fairs like this, should be use to present best practices, from all over the world, and help local entrepreneurs to exchange opinions with colleagues from our profession, and to find solutions for faster and more rapid development.
In your opinion, are there any specific challenges you foresee for the global packaging market?
Not really. If there would be an industry segment that is “stress free” packaging market would be one of few. During previous economy downturn back in 2008-2009, only food packaging and medical segment of plastic industry were growing. Number of people in the world, and especially in Nigeria is rising at 2,5% pace per year. That means 5 million “new customers” are born in Nigeria every year. Almost half of Nigerian population is living in cities, where food products have to be prepacked and delivered to supermarkets. That is a strong indication of future growth potential not only in Nigeria, but in global market as well. In addition, if WA producers would consider USA and Europe as potential export markets, it would change mind-set, strategy targets, and open new ideas for future development.
And more locally, what kind of potential do you see in the West African plastic industry - specifically?
I think most of the answer is already presented in Q7, but I would like to share one more idea. I strongly believe in WA packaging market, not only due to WA growth potentials, but even more for global market potentials. Thinking about Lagos as “Capital of Africa” is fine, but thinking of Lagos as the biggest city in the world in 25 years time, is something totally different. In addition I would argue that “next big thing” in Nigeria will be Automotive industry. Again, taking into account 200 million population in Nigeria alone, or 360 millions in WA, that is similar to the population of USA. If we would include young, smart, motivated and skillful work force, it is becoming obvious that Automotive sector will search its production/assembly options in Nigeria.
Sustainability and recyclable packaging are extremely popular in the market at the moment, what do you think about this apparent trend and have you seen it personally affecting your audience?
It should be carefully considered, but advocating glass or paper packaging is not so reasonable. So, what do we do? We focus on recycling plastic waste. Taking care of the plastic waste on a proper level is crucial and it can benefit everyone. I recently presented an idea/initiative on LinkedIn called “Keep the Plastic, recycle the Plastic – save the Planet”. Uncritical banns on use of plastic, especially in food packaging in already taking its tall. According to UK “Mirror” paper published in few weeks ago, “Mc Donalds” internal memo admits that new “eco-friendly” paper straws are non-recyclable, while plastic ones, that were banned last year were 100% recyclable. Plastic packaging in not a problem, but wrong management of plastic waste is! Nigerian Government is already focusing in tackling this issue, and I am convinced that is very near future new regulation will be imposed, that would force people to sort the waste, and allow local communities to organize local Waste centers and convert plastic waste in new raw material.
Recycling and Converting industries are second “Big thing”, that are going to happen in Nigeria in next 5-10 years. That would mean not only cleaner and healthier environment for all of us, but new jobs and higher employment rates as well. Our partners ENGEL, SIPA and TRIA, are fully focused on recycling. ENGEL in machines for “big” products such as pallets, crates and waste containers where even 20% to 30% of recyclable raw material could be used with same/very similar part quality. SIPA in using recycled PET flakes in production of new preforms, TRIA with latest most developed grinders, with
excellent quality of grinded material are the final integral part of our offering regarding Recycling and circular economy.
And now, one year later, what is the response from the Nigerian market and is the interest in the machines increasing?
The response from the Nigerian market is increasing significantly and companies show more and more interest in the equipment that we represent. From the previous Propak 2018 fair, we have sold 25 machines in total. We are very proud that the plastics market is recognizing the quality of the machines and their efficiency, and level of after sales support we are providing to our valuable Nigerian customers.
Is there anything else you'd like to highlight about your brand or products to our exhibitors ahead of their visit in september 2019?
We hope that exhibiting at Propak fair will become our tradition, and that Nigerian market and African market in general will become a successful business story for us and our customers. I would like to invite all Nigerian and other WA business participants to join us at our booth and share this positive spirit with us. Because Nigerian market is very exciting for us, we are extremely proud to welcome in our team two new colleagues that would be our representatives in Africa: Mr. Anyangbeso Kingsley Ebagbota (Sales Manager Africa) and Mr. Ogunleye Gbolabowale (Service Engineer Africa). The second thing we are very excited is that Neofyton company as ENGEL partner is the proud winner of Grand Prix of the 63rd International technology fair in Belgrade (Link). Also, we are the winner of the most prestige “Đorđe Vajfert award” for Socially responsible business awarded by Chamber of Commerce of Serbia.
The 18th Serbian Economic Summit 2018
The Neofyton company was honoured to be invited to the 18th Serbian Economic Summit which took place on Monday and Tuesday, October 22nd and 23rd, 2018 at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade. the gathering was attended by local, regional and international business leaders and decision-makers, representatives of the state authorities, most successful companies and other institutions.
The Summit dealt with the following contemporary topics:
- Integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union: where are the EU borders
- Conflicting EU visions
- Changes in global powers: how they affect the region
- Perspectives of sustainable fiscal consolidation
- How to solve the inequalities – struggle against poverty
- The fourth industrial revolution: technological drives, influences and security networks
- Serbian multinational companies and European competitiveness
- How to increase the competitiveness of the Serbian economy
- Key infrastructural projects
- Energy efficiency
The address of Zoran Tadić at the 18th Serbian Economic Summit
Zoran Tadić, general manager of the Neofyton company pointed out that innovations and quality are the only way for domestic products to find their place in the global market and that Serbia has to join in with industry 4.0.
Industry 4.0 is an all-encompassing matrix which joins people, businesses, innovations and funds together, which further facilitates an integrated system in which efficiency keeps increasing. Imagine drinking your morning milk and the mug tells you whether you are ill or not, or imagine you are washing your hair and the water from the shower fixture later shows a complete chemical analysis of your body, or you are sitting in a chair which can always tell your weight. This is industry 4.0 and Serbia should join in and make the maximum of it both for itself now and for the coming generations – Tadić said.
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
Interview with Zoran Tadić (2018, for ekapija.com) – there is no maximum efficiency and profitability without well-rounded equipment
Source: www.ekapija.com
Energy efficiency in industry is an increasingly talked-about subject in Serbia and enterprizes gradually but surely come to realize that if they disregard this aspect of business, efficiency and profitability cannot be on a satisfactory level.
The Novi Sad-based company Neofyton, the general representative of major world manufacturers of injection molding machines and ancillary equipment, is one of the pioneers in this field. With a tradition of over 25 years in the design of injection molding systems, they claim that their goal is to provide the highest standard of services and top-quality equipment, from one source, at all times.
With the owner and manager of Neofyton, Zoran Tadić, we talked about the importance of the principle of energy efficiency in industry, the savings potentials their machines give the customers, the development of industry 4.0 in Serbia, as well as about the future trends in this field we will have to face in the forthcoming period.
Is energy efficiency in industry only talked about or are its principles already being applied in practice?
– Energy efficiency is a concept which became important in our country by the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009, with the onset of the world economic crisis. Most business people had, until then, considered energy consumption mostly declaratively, as an essential item in cost analysis.
What is even more interesting – the impact of energy efficiency on the environment pollution was hardly considered at all. Neofyton was among the first companies in Serbia and the region to actively promote the significance of energy efficiency, both for purposes of simultaneous cutting production costs and raising profitability rate, and in order to increase awareness about resource limitations and to spread broader ecological principles. I am pleased to be able to note a sudden surge of interest in this topic among our customers in the past two years, for the above mentioned reasons.
What is the potential of energy savings by the use of your machines?
– Compared with our direct competitors in the area of injection molding machines, and by the use of standard hydraulics with integrated so called “smart” pumps, our machines consume up to 50% less energy. By the use of servo-hidraulics, there is a potential of savings up to 70%. We have a very precise power consumption measuring device which proves these figures.
The Engel company was the first manufacturer of injection molding machines to integrate in 2009, as a standard feature of the control unit, “Ecograph”- a page which shows the total hourly power consumption and specific power consumption per kilogram of processed plastic material (kWh/kg), based on the weight of each mold, in all cycles.
What is the way and the extent of contribution of the equipment you distribute to the environment protection?
– The contribution is manifold. Among the ancillary equipment, before all water chillers, supplied by our partner Eurochiller, which temper both the hydraulics and machine servo drives, as well as molds (tools) in which finished products are made, the chiller systems we sell facilitate the use of a new cooling concept, the so called „adiabatic effect“.
In summer, hydraulic components and servodrives in the injection molding machines require cooling with water at maximum 28°C. By using the so called “free cooling” device with the “adiabatic effect ”, cooling of process water is achieved without cooling compressors (which use freons for heat exchange). heat exchange, i.e. water cooling is achieved by ventilators only, which saves 6 to 8 times more energy compared to the use of traditional freon chillers. One of our customers has cut down power consumption for cooling, using the „adiabatic“ devices, by 1.400.000 kWh/year, i.e. saved about 70.000 EUR. An additional advantage is the eliminated risk of tube ruptures and consequent freon emissions to the atmosphere which can cause major environment pollution.
A similar calculation can be applied to our Engel injection molding machines, as well as the Piovan granule driers.
Is Serbian economy ready for digitalization and industry 4.0? What is the response to your offer of „smart“ machines, „smart“ factories and modern production in accordance with the highest standards of quality, productivity and energy efficiency?
– All our suppliers are very serious about digitalization and the „smart factory” concepts, enveloped under the term industry 4.0.
Before all, it holds true for our two of our largest partners, Engel and Piovan.
Back in 2013, at one of our largest customer’s plant – JCMM, supplier of plastic parts for Fiat in Kragujevac, we installed a remote control system for the operation of the Engel machines. This created a possibility not only for us as the authorized service company, but also for the employees of JCMM to supervise the operation of machines and detect downtimes and possible faults via an external computer or a „smart“ device.
Nevertheless, industry 4.0 is much more than that. Industry 4.0 enables cross-communication between machines and devices and performs self-adjustments, modifications and supplementary regulation of the process. Engel and Piovan have in the last five years gone the longest way in this direction. For example, customers are already able to see a complete serialization not only of parameters in an Engel machine, but also complete parameters of the Piovan ancillary equipment, by changing a mold in a machine, upon previous scanning of the relevant bar code of the mold.
The granulate dryer system, aspiration of granulates from central silos and the Piovan mold tempering devices are fully integrated with the Engel machines and comprise an optimal and efficient system. Certainly, an essential precondition is for the operator to perform initial setting and detection of optimum parameters. The once set parameters for the entire system are serialized after each scan of the bar code on the mold.
How did Neofyton perform in 2017? What are the results which have steered you into 2018?
– The previous year was one of the most successful years in the company’s history. During 2017 we marked 25 years since the establishment and made the largest investment in our quarter of a century long history. Last year, Neofyton moved into new building premises on Partizanska street in Novi Sad. The building covering an area of 1.300 m2, purchased with a financial support of Engel, will satisfy the main purpose of providing additional services to our customers. The motto of our company „Partnership for success” will gain more substance because we will use this building, already home to two new Engel machines and ancillary Piovan equipment, for presentations, trainings and testing of the state-of-the-art processes in the plastics injection molding industry.
We feel that the main problem in the future will be to find superbly trained work force. Serbia, like most of the countries in the region and Europe, is faced with the shortage of trained workers. An additional problem is a constant drop of birth rate, which will further aggravate the situation and pose new challenges.
This is why we decided to take another step – in cooperation with our foreign partners, we donated a fully equiped production unit made up of an Engel machine and a robot, the Piovan ancillary equipment and a TRIA grinder to the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad – Department for Machine Engineering.
The Department is expected to turn out 10 to 15 graduate engineers every year, trained and educated to take up responsibilities in plastics industry. It has been planned to renew this cooperation every three years, along with the replacement of the equipment with updated one. The Department for Machine Engineering also cooperates with the Polymer Department of the Faculty of Technology in Novi Sad.
We believe that all this will increase the competitiveness of Vojvodina and Serbia as a whole, and that we can offer domestic and foreign partners a further incentive to continue investing and help our country increase its cometitiveness.
How do you see the current situation in industry? How close or how far is Serbia and the region, in your branch of industry, from the developed European countries?
– I think that in the last 15-20 years, Serbia and the region passed through two important cycles. The first was the disintegration of the previously established industrial companies, which – unfortunately – meant shrinkage of the industrial and overall economic potential of the region. On the other hand, we witnessed an intensive strengthening of the private sector, which made a rapid progress and partly or fully compensated for the defficiencies which had ensued from the earlier cycle.
Our customers in the country and the region in the last twenty years or so embraced the principle of purchasing the highest quality and more expensive equipment and, by doing so, became participants of a small industrial revolution. This justifies my saying that the injection molding industry in the ex-Yu territory is on a similar level of development and efficiency as that of the most advanced economies of Europe and the world. Certainly, there is still room for improvement, but the initial steps have already been taken. Those in charge of development in plastics industry are well aware of the need to invest in the state-of-the-art technology.
This is the reason why I value highly the most recent initiatives of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce to allocate subsidized or irrevocable funds for the procurement of modern and efficient industrial equipment. I have suggested that tax relief be considered as well when invesments are made in new industrial facilities and equipment, because depreciation deductions are not much of an incentive. If tax loans were introduced, businessmen would be further motivated to invest in industrial facilities and equipment, which would certainly start a new investment and development cycle.
Neofyton represents the largest manufacturers of machines and equipment for injection molding, which meet the most stringent requirements when it comes to energy efficiency.Which products from your portfolio are the most desired?
– Initially, the Engel injection molding machines. However, once a customer grasps the potentials of top quality equipment, he endeavors to improve the other elements of his production process as well. To paraphrase an old Roman saying: „A horse-drawn carriage is only as fast as the slowest horse is fast“.
In the last five years, except for the machines, our customers have been massively investing in the state-of-the-art cooling systems made by Eurochiller, while most recently the focus has shifted to the central Piovan-made granulate dryers.
Maximum efficiency, in other words the company’s profitability, is not possible without a well-rounded equipment of similar quality. Undoubtedly, not all components influence efficiency to the same degree, but it is important, in not so distant future, to replace most or all of the existing equipment by new and efficient equipment.
Which are your most valuable references?
– We can thank our existence and success before all to our customers, and therefore they are the focus and target of all our activities. In the past 26 years we have grown, developed and moved forward together with our customers. Moreover, we have been lucky in chosing our suppliers, who have had the same vision of development and succcess as we have and who have been ready to share with us their skills and knowledge.
Our major references, in alphabetical order are: AD Plastika Split, Aling Conel Gajdobra, Bekto-Precisa Goražde, Drina-plastika Nova Pazova, Greiner&JP Nova Pazova, Grundfos Inđija, JCMM-Magneti Marelli Kragujevac, MA-COM – Mostar, Marquard Veles, Mecaplast/Nocares Zrenjanin, Peštan Aranđelovac, RPC-Superfos Gračanica, Sanja IPPI Nova Pazova, SCGM Kragujevac, Soylmez Žitorađa, Telur Zagreb, Tehnoplast Novi Banovci, Valdom Šid, Veritas Sarajevo, WIK Prilep.
In addition to the above listed ones, we have cooperated with another 250 companies or more. We are greatful to all of them for having tied their own development with Neofyton. We hope their trust in us has been justified and we will do our best to carry on our cooperation successfully in the future.
What are Neofyton’s plans for the future?
– The basic plan for this year is to carry out a reorganization aimed at a more successful response to the market reqirements. As I have already mentioned, the biggest challenge for all companies, Neofyton included, will be to find skilled and motivated workforce. In 2018 we will focus on permanent education and on-the-job training of our employees, coupled with a better coordination among them. Additionally, we will pay more attention to the sector of food and medical packaging, to the maintenance of our leading position in the automotive and electronics sectors, as well as to expanding the possibilities in the sector of technical plastic parts. With regard to our market penetration, we plan to balance our focus on all the former Yugoslav republics we cover, and to continue investing in the Nigerian market, where we have been present since 2016.
Top business projects of Neofyton and social responsibility in practice
HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION – JOY FOR CHILDREN – excursions for children and youngsters with cognitive impairment
Dear Zoran,
On this occasion, I would like to inform you that we have completed the second excursion. With a group of children, we made a visit to Silver Lake. To our great satisfaction and that of our little friends, I must admit this was one of the most wonderful activities we had.
Thank you very much once again for supporting us and being a part of the program „Let’s Get to Know Serbia“.
CIVIL SOCIETY PER.ART – participation in the inclusive festival in Tokyo, for children with cognitive impairment
Dear Zoran,
Once again thank you, on behalf of the entire team, and big hugs from our performers/actors Natalija, Jelena, Sneža and Marko.
Other recipients of Neofyton’s support and donations:
- Čika Boca association
- Children of the War Veterans
- YU karate club
- Federation of the deaf and hard of hearing
- Publication of a technical dictionary
- The Orthodox Church
- The 61st Zmaj Children’s Games
- Rotary Club Alma Mons in Novi Sad
- The Green Roof campaign
What is it that motivates companies to be socially responsible
Zoran Tadić, general manager of Neofyton speaks for the morning program of the RTV Vojvodina – on the 29th of May 2019, about their motivation to be socially responsible.
Social responsibility, not as a cost but as a benefit, is a motto of over 400 companies in Serbia, that have donated funds to schools, sports and cultural organizations in the recent past. It is to those companies that the Serbian Chamber of Commerce has for the last 12 years presented the National Award for Corporate Social Responsibility “Đorđe Vajfert”, and one of the winners this year is the Novi Sad company “Neofyton”.
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
Contribution to culture – the day of the Gallery of Matica Srpska in 2018
The Gallery of Matica Srpska marked the Day of the Gallery on 26th October 2018, with a festive gathering and opening of an exhibition – “Large size paintings ‒ witnesses of epochs”, on the occasion of the 171th anniversary of its establishment.
The gathering started with an address by Dr. Tijana Palkovljević Bugarski, manager of the Gallery and author of the exhibition, followed by a speech delivered by an art historian, Dr. Igor Borozan. The exhibition “Large size paintings ‒ witnesses of epochs” was officially opened by a representative of the Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Danijela Vanušić, assistant minister in the Department for the protection of Cultural Heritage.
In the spirit of traditional friendship with the benefactors of institutions and individuals, the gathering ended with the presentation of acknowledgements by the Friends of the Gallery of Matica Srpska to those who participated in the Gallery’s programs over the past year and contributed to its successful work on the protection and presentation of national works of art.
On this occasion, Zoran Tadić was presented with a letter of appreciation for a special contribution to the development of culture and support for the Gallery of Matica Srpska.
Neofyton – winner of the Award for Corporate Social Responsibility “Đorđe Vajfert”
The Neofyton company is a winner of the prestigious Award for Corporate Social Responsibility “Đorđe Vajfert”, awarded by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Our company ranked second in the category of micro and small companies, for the project of a polymer laboratory donated to the Faculty of Technical Sciences of the University of Novi Sad. The Award was presented to the general manager of the company, Zoran Tadić, by the Minister of Environmental Protection in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Goran Trivan.
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
The 63rd International Fair of Techniques and Technical Achievements Belgrade 2019
Neofyton marked 20 years of exhibiting at the Belgrade Fair of Techniques and Technical Achievements.
The company exhibited two injection molding machines – Engel e-victory 170/80 and e-mac 180, as well as equipment and devices made by the Italian companies Eurochiller, Piovan, Tria and Sipa.
Dual education in plastics injection molding
Zoran Tadić – a guest in the „Morning in Novi Sad“ program on the Novi Sad TV, 1st March, 2019
Dual education is a key idea for the development of the entire industry in Serbia, including our sector, the general manager of Neofyton, Zoran Tadić said. The companies engaged in the production of plastic products have been getting ready for this step for three years now and this is why as many as 12 companies subscribed for the workshop at Neofyton. They employ 2,000 people and pay five million euros of taxes to the budget, every year. Together with Neofyton, the workshop has been organized by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Advantage Austria.
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
Neofyton youtube CHANEL
The 19th Serbian Economic Summit | Zoran Tadić – Panel FROM BRAIN DRAIN TO BRAIN GAIN
The general manager of Neofyton, Zoran Tadić, was one of the participants in the FROM BRAIN DRAIN TO BRAIN GAIN panel, on the 8th October 2019, which took place at the Metropol Palace hotel in Belgrade.
Besides Zoran Tadić, the other panelists were: minister in the Serbian Government Dr. Slavica Đukic Dejanović, director of the National Employment Service Zoran Martinović and a representative of the UNDP, Francine Pickup. The panel moderator was Miloš Tucaković, Managing Partner, Stanton Chase. The panelists analyzed the current situation and tried to provide answers to the question how to keep home the young and educated people who are leaving Serbia in increasing numbers.
Austrian Consulate opened in Novi Sad
The Austrian consulate, responsible for the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina region, commenced service on March 23rd 2021. The new Consulate will play a very important role in the advancement of economic, cultural and social relations between Austria and A.P. Vojvodina.
Mr. Zoran Tadic, the general manager of the well-known Novi Sad company Neofyton, was appointed as Honorary Consul of Austria in Novi Sad. Neofyton, whose most important partner is the Austrian company Engel- the world’s leading manufacturer of plastic injection machines, is a representative of the world’s leading companies in plastic industry. In addition, Mr. Tadic has been successfully cooperating with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Serbia and Nigeria for many years and he is also a member of the Council for Cooperation of Science and Economy at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
At the opening ceremony, in a welcome speech, Mr. Tadic thanked, first of all, the Ambassador of Austria to the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti, for the distinctive honor during the process of candidacy and final appointment to the position of Honorary Consul. Furthemore, Mr. Tadic pointed out that Serbia and Austria and Vojvodina and Austria have always been closely connected throughout history. ’Serbia and Austria have a lot in common, they are similar in size, they have a similar number of citizens, and throughout history the roads of these two countries have often intertwined. However, the most important natural link between these two countries is certainly the Danube. It was the strategically good position on the Danube that contributed to the Austrian court in 1692, starting the construction of the second largest fortress in Europe – the Petrovaradin Fortress. The soon-to-follow construction of the city of Novi Sad, the immigration of Serbs from Kosovo to Vojvodina, as well as the subsequent flourishing and development of Serbian culture, science and trade in Vojvodina in the 18th and 19th centuries, took place with the support of the Vienna court’, cited Mr. Tadic.
The event was also attended by Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs in the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Peter Launsky-Tieffental, Austrian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti, Novi Sad Mayor Mr. Milos Vucevic and the State Secretary of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nemanja Starovic.
In his address, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs in the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Peter Launsky-Tieffental, stated that Austria is a stable partner of Serbia on its path to the European Union. “The European Union is not only based on cooperation between countries, but also on cooperation between regions and, more specifically, between cities. We are pleased with the partnership that already exists between Vojvodina and the Austrian regions, or the connections that the city of Novi Sad already has with several cities in Austria. An important part of this cooperation is that Novi Sad will assume the title of European Capital of Culture next year, where the Austrian city of Linz (former European Capital of Culture) can certainly help. ” The importance of this Consulate is also shown by the fact that the arrival of Mr. Launsky-Tieffental at the opening of the Consulate, is his first visit outside Austria after 13 months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the visit to Serbia has not been chosen by chance.
The Ambassador of Austria to Serbia, H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti, said that consulates make an excellent contribution to closer connection of two nations, opening of new opportunities and foster better mutual understanding.
In his address at the solemn ceremony, the Mayor of Novi Sad, Mr. Milos Vucevic pointed out: “Congratulations to the Honorary Consul Mr. Zoran Tadic at the appointment and I am convinced that he will represent the country in the best way and be a solid, unbreakable link between the two countries.”
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Mr. Nemanja Starovic emphasized that ’The opening of another Austrian consulate in Serbia is a clear signal that bilateral relations between Austria and Serbia are on an upward trajectory, and it is very important that the new honorary consul, Mr. Tadic is a person with great experience in the field of economy who will be able to use his knowledge, experience, as well as business contacts in for further development of relations between the two countries.’
Apart from helping the residents of Austria who are at work or traveling in Vojvodina, the role of the Consulate will be to revive the economic, business and cultural connections between Vojvodina and Austria. The consulate will also contribute to better networking in the field of culture, art and education, said Mr. Tadic, at the end of the solemn ceremony.
The seat of the Consulate is located at 27b Partizanska Street in Novi Sad.
Opening hours: Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact:
Tel: +381 21 662 00 10
Propak 2020 Webinar – Circular economy in Afica after the COVID-19 pandemic, speaker Zoran Tadic
CEO of Neofyton, Zoran Tadić, was invited as speaker at the Propak 2020 webinar.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the largest and most important plastic and packaging trade fair in Africa, Propak West Africa wasn’t organized in a standard exhibition format, but innovations in plastic and packaging industry, as well as solutions to overcome the current market situation, are presented through a series of webinars.
Webinar topic: Opportunities for introducing a circular economy in Africa after COVID-19.
Date – 30.09.2020.
In addition to the Montgomery Group, the organizer of the September Propak webinar series is the renowned professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Belgrade Economic Forum 2020, panel: IMPROVING COOPERATION AND INNOVATION, Zoran Tadić
Director of the company Neofyton, Zoran Tadić, is this year’s panel participant at the Belgrade Economic Forum.
Topic of the panel – Improving cooperation and innovation.
The conference presents an annual overview of political, economic and business development, providing an analysis of Serbia’s role in the region and a platform for communication between political, economic and business leaders in the region of Southeast Europe.
In addition to Zoran Tadić, His Excellency Jahel Vilan, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia, Dr. Sanja Popović Pantić, president of the Association of Business Women of Serbia, and Kori Udovicki, founder and member of the board of directors of the Center for Advanced Economic Studies, also spoke on the panel.
The moderator of the panel is Aleksandar Medojević, a member of the board of directors of the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As one of the leading events in our region, the Serbian Economic Summit, which has now been renamed the Belgrade Economic Forum, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020. The summit was organized for the first time in May 2001 under the auspices of the late Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Successfully implemented dual education for the mechatronics technician high schoole profile
Organized by the Regional Chamber of Commerce of the South Bačka Administrative District, a promotion of the national model of dual education was held within which a new educational profile was presented – mechatronics technician, which was activated by the Regional Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Neofyton d.o.o. and Adecco d.o.o. from Novi Sad.
The promotion was held in the Neofyton business premises and attended by representatives of the most successful high schools in the dual education system and representatives of companies involved in the process of dual education in the South Bačka administrative district. Welcoming the present, the director of the company “Neofyton” Zoran Tadic pointed out that five years ago the representatives of that company in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce launched an initiative to activate dual education in several directions, believing that the future of Serbian industry is not only in new technologies but also in education of young and quality people.
You can read more about this event HERE.
Neofyton is in the top 100 small and medium enterprises in Serbia!
The conference-exhibition titled “MSP Serbia 2030: MSP100 Expo” was held on June 1, 2022 in MIND Park in Kragujevac. The one-day conference was organized by CEVES and MIND Park within the “Sustainable Development for All” Platform implemented by GIZ with the support of the governments of Switzerland and Germany.
The project aims to point out the development potential of the domestic economy through carefully selected 100 leading small and medium companies in Serbia selected according to international standards.
The company Neofyton as a regional leader in the distribution of machines and equipment for plastic processing was represented at the conference by the director and owner, Mr. Zoran Tadić, who had the opportunity to share his many years of experience in the field of industry, digitalization and technological innovation with other participants. One of the topics was raising capacity and quality standards in international markets, which is of particular importance for companies such as Neofyton, which operates in Europe (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, N. Macedonia and Montenegro) and Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon). You can see the complete conclusions from the conference and the set initiatives on the organizers’ website: https://msp100.rs
Among the panelists and moderators were: President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Mr Marko Čadež, representatives of the Serbian Development Agency, EBRD, Irish IDA, representatives of German and Slovenian entrepreneurship, as well as famous actors and directors – Rade Šerbedžija and Dragan Bjelogrlić.
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