“Those Who Stand Still Fall Behind”
Interview with Csaba Rosta, Country General Manager of OMRON Electronics Kft.
Europe is grappling with energy prices, fragile supply chains and an industry in transition. Csaba Rosta speaks about these challenges with remarkable composure. Having spent almost three decades with OMRON in Hungary, he has witnessed crises, technological leaps and changing markets firsthand. For him, automation is never an end in itself. It is about competitiveness, about people – and ultimately about how European industry can remain viable in the future.
European Business: Mr. Rosta, OMRON is one of the internationally recognized names in industrial automation. What makes the company stand out?
Csaba Rosta: OMRON was founded in Japan in 1933. From the very beginning, the company followed a rather unique philosophy: business success should contribute to solving social issues. That idea still guides us today. Of course, we develop technologies for industry, but behind every solution there is always the question of what real value we create. I believe that is what makes OMRON’s culture special.
European Business: What would you say are OMRON’s most innovative products and solutions?
Csaba Rosta: OMRON Electronics stands for innovative solutions in industrial automation. I would especially highlight our advanced data flow controllers as well as intelligent automation and AI-supported systems that help companies make their processes more efficient, sustainable, and productive. We also place a strong focus on digitalization, predictive maintenance, and energy-efficient solutions for the industry of the future.
European Business: How has OMRON developed in Hungary?
Csaba Rosta: Very dynamically. We were among the first companies to introduce modern automation solutions to the Hungarian market. Today, our industrial automation business operates from Budapest with a team of 26 employees.
European Business: What are the main challenges your customers are currently facing?
Csaba Rosta: Energy efficiency is clearly one of the key topics right now. Industrial companies are under enormous pressure to reduce both energy consumption and costs. At the same time, markets and regulations are demanding greater sustainability. Many businesses now realize that without automation and digitalization, this will hardly be achievable. On top of that, there are geopolitical uncertainties and the difficult situation in the European automotive sector. Naturally, that affects us as well.
European Business: Despite all this, you sound optimistic about the future.
Csaba Rosta: Yes, because change always creates opportunities as well. I often say: “Those who stand still fall behind.” Digitalization, AI and intelligent automation will fundamentally reshape industry. Companies need to react much faster today than they did in the past. Relying solely on old experience is no longer enough.
European Business: What role does artificial intelligence play in this transformation?
Csaba Rosta: A major one. Many people have only started talking about AI in recent years, but we have been working with intelligent systems for quite some time already. Predictive maintenance is a good example. Machines can identify potential failures at an early stage before breakdowns occur. That saves time, energy and costs. Personally, I find digital twins particularly exciting. They allow production processes to be simulated and optimized without interrupting real operations.
European Business: Which markets currently offer the strongest growth potential?
Csaba Rosta: Logistics, without question. Automated logistics is developing at tremendous speed. This is where we currently see many new applications emerging that are perfectly suited to our technologies. At the same time, investment activity is also increasing beyond the traditional automotive sector.
European Business: You have personally been with OMRON for 27 years. What still motivates you after such a long time?
Csaba Rosta: The company’s philosophy. That may sound unusual, but it genuinely still inspires me today. I have spent almost my entire professional life here, progressing from product specialist to Country General Manager. For me, leadership today means translating global strategies into something that truly fits our local market. And I also want to give something back. To the company, but equally to society.
European Business: How would you describe your leadership style?
Csaba Rosta: Strategic, but always close to people. In recent years, we have experienced very little staff turnover, and I am particularly proud of that. I firmly believe companies can only succeed if employees genuinely enjoy coming to work. That is why today I am not only looking for expertise, but also for personalities who embrace our culture.
European Business: And what defines that culture?
Csaba Rosta: Three things: social responsibility, the willingness to embrace challenges, and mutual respect. It sounds simple, but in everyday business it makes all the difference. Especially in difficult times, you can clearly see whether a corporate culture is truly being lived.
European Business: Where do you see OMRON in the coming years?
Csaba Rosta: We think long term. Our “Shaping the Future 2030” vision reflects exactly that. We want to develop technologies that make industry more efficient, more sustainable and more intelligent. Europe needs to strengthen its competitiveness again. We believe we can contribute to that and that is precisely where I see our role.