Discover the features of the interactive European Business ePaper PRESENT YOUR COMPANY OR SERVICE IN OUR NEXT EPAPER NAVIGATION At the bottom of the ePaper, you’ll find the navigation bar. Use the icons to navigate through the ePaper. Give us a call! 0049 5971 921610 -> Previous page   -> First page   -> Share  -> Search -> Zoom  -> Next page  -> Last page Click the corners to flip pages. Click to zoom in  The picture gallery starts automatically. Click on a picture to zoom in. Start a movie by clicking on the play button. www.european-business.com 2 European Business ePaper Digital issues of European Business – easily accessible and always available. No matter whether it is a special or a regular issue, take advantage of additional digital features such as clicking on a company’s link or connecting with a business via email.

Cereals for a healthy lifestyle Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Healthy and fiber-rich foods are important for a good start to the day. Muesli bars and cereal have become the favourite breakfast for many people be- cause they can be prepared quickly and offer all the necessary nutrients. Cerbona Élelmiszergyártó Kft. based in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, offers a broad range of cereals, muesli bars and other products for a healthy diet and has become a leading brand in Hungary. Now the company is set to conquer the international markets. Cerbona Élelmiszergyártó Kft. The brand Cerbona was es- has been producing cereals for tablished in 1988. The name almost 30 years and has become is a combination of the two renowned for its high-quality prod- Hungarian words for cereal and ucts with natural ingredients and grain, and says it all. Over the a great taste. People in Hungary years, the Hungarian company even connect cereal bars with the has built up a range of muesli name Cerbona, and the company bars, cereals, and oat and grain has continuously launched new products which meet the trends products which have won over in the market and help people consumers. As of 2011, the com- eat healthy food. “We are con- pany’s products are also available stantly innovating our product in foreign markets. range; however, consumers can The puffed rice and wheat cakes are a suc- cessful new addition to the assortment always rely on the high quality our domestic market and in other price-performance ratio. For this of our products,” says Manag- countries in Europe.” In 2011, reason, we will continue investing ing Director Tamás Mészáros, Cerbona started its export busi- in the expansion of our business.” who has been working for the ness with a focus on Romania, company since the year 2000. Poland and the Baltic region. In Cerbona offers a broad range of “Today, we are a strong brand the future, the company plans to products with a high percentage in Hungary with a high accept- expand its international activities of grain and oats, which can be ance among our customers. Our into Scandinavia, Germany and part of a healthy diet. The portfolio aim is to develop our position as Austria. “We see a lot of potential comprises muesli bars, cereals, a premium brand further both in for our products in the Western puffed rice and wheat cakes, and Gluten-free dark chocolate-raspberry muesli European market,” states Mr. Mé- muesli, which are perfectly suit- száros. “Our product range meets able for a breakfast that creates an the demands of those countries ideal basis for a successful start in terms of quality, innovation and into the day. The Hungarian ce- www.european-business.com 4 N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Gábor Molnár, Commercial Director of Soós Tészta Kft. Hungry for pasta Pasta originated in Asia but do not tell a Magyar that. Hungarian egg noodles are an impor- tant part of the national cuisine. The sheer number of shapes available can only be rivalled by Italian pasta. Soós Tészta Kft. is one of the key names in Hungarian pasta manufacturing. The family company offers quality pasta that has won a number of prizes, including the dis- tinction of Hungarian Product Grand Prix and Product of the Year on a regular basis. While the focus of Soós Tészta’s difference and is in line with our production is on traditional Hun- strong adherence to traditional garian pasta, the company also pasta making.” This focus on qual- supplies modern Italian-type pasta. ity and the acquisition of all quality “We are often asked what makes standards have laid the basis for our pasta stand out in the market,” on-going success. says Commercial Director Gábor Molnár. “It is all about produc- Soós Tészta has earned itself the ing pasta according to authentic right to be called a Hungarian recipes that have been used in superbrand, offering its pasta port- Hungary for centuries. We are talk- folio to food retailers in Hungary ing about egg noodles, the pride of and beyond. “We have established Hungarian cuisine. They are made close links with the likes of Tesco, with flour and eggs. We adhere Spar, Metro, Lidl, Penny and to this traditional way of making Auchan, as well as with leading pasta.” Soós Tészta only uses fresh Hungarian food retailers,” points Soós Tészta has introduced a food truck with a complete kitchen unit used for roadshows. The popular truck is usually fully booked for events eggs that are supplied by reliable out Mr. Molnár. About 60% of the Mr. Molnár. “At the top end of the stresses Mr. Molnár. “We aim to re- farmers and exclusively processed company’s annual production of range is our Premium eight-egg main a strong household name in on site, as well as flour from a cer- 5,000 to 6,000 t is sold under pasta, which can be seen as a Hungary and Central Europe. We tified supplier. “While many com- private label, while the Soós brand mixture of Hungarian and Italian have the means, quality standards, petitors use egg powder, egg juice generates another 40%. “We have pasta. It has been our main spe- the know-how and the necessary or a mixture, we only process fresh divided our pasta into five catego- ciality up to now.” In addition, the eggs for our production,” stresses ries, depending on the quantity company produces an eight-egg Mr. Molnár. “That really makes a of fresh eggs in the dough,” says pasta that is popular with the con- drive to continue innovating a truly Hungarian staple like pasta.” ❙ sumer for soups and various other recipes. “In order to complete the portfolio, we also have a four-egg pasta and a pasta using the tradi- tional Italian durum flour, as well as a pasta entirely without eggs.” After last year’s large investment in its production site, Soós Tészta has been able to expand its capacities by 30 to 40%. “We have every op- portunity to boost production now,” Soós Tészta Kft. Almáskert út. 2 2220 Vecsés Hungary  +36 29 351350  +36 29 353977  soos@soosteszta.hu  www.soosteszta.hu www.european-business.com 6 Soós Tészta offers a wide range of egg noodles, using only fresh eggs which are processed on site, and quality flour from well-known suppliers N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Gábor Vass (left) and Balázs Kotányi, Directors of TMX Mobile Solution Szerviz Kft. Rapid, reliable repairs TMX Mobile Solution Szerviz Kft. provides repair services for mobile equipment, including smartphones, tablets and notebooks. It is one of the leading after-sales service businesses in Central and Eastern Europe and an authorized Samsung European Repair Center. The com- pany is also the official service partner for many other manufacturers of mobile devices such as Alcatel, Apple, Asus, Huawei, Lenovo, LG and Samsung. European Business spoke with the Directors of the company Balázs Kotányi and Gábor Vass, who both love what they do, which is developing a promising business in a fast-evolving market. The modern TMX repair center is equipped with the latest repair tools Balázs Kotányi: That is true. You cannot compare our business with that of ten years ago. Mobile phones are becoming smarter and smarter, and demands with regard to customer service and logistics have increased significantly. Short turnaround times are much more important today than in the past. The customer wants his mobile phone back as soon as possible. EB: Mr. Kotányi, you call your to 435. Today, we are the leading expansion. If the prerequisites are We even have replacement devices company the missing link between provider in Hungary. right, growth comes by itself. that are delivered to the custom- producers and consumers. er’s front door. Gábor Vass: Growth, however, is no EB: You are operating in a fast- Balázs Kotányi: Yes, we have 4,000 m2 of modern working space in value in itself. Reaping synergies evolving market with new players EB: What other services do you of- and working together as partners, and products emerging almost fer, apart from mobile repairs? Budaörs in the Budapest met- as we do, is more important than every day. How are you managing ropolitan area where we provide rapid repair services for any type of mobile equipment. EB: The development of your com- pany is an unequalled success story. Balázs Kotányi: You are right. Within the last eight years, we have grown from two million HUF in revenues to more than ten mil- lion HUF and from 30 employees N A E P O R U E business this rapid change? TMX offers Western European repair standards at Eastern European costs TMX employs over 400 technicians providing quality, rapid service www.european-business.com 8

Interview with Éva Hegedüs, CEO and Chairperson of GRÁNIT Bank Zrt GRÁNIT Bank is a digital bank, which prides itself on its industry knowledge and experience, innova- tion, and up-to-the-minute service portfolio The future of banking is digital For the banking industry, the golden days of huge growth and sufficient business for all are well and truly over. Today the sector is highly competitive, and to prosper, a bank must offer its customers something very special. GRÁNIT Bank Zrt in Hungary, a relative newcomer to the market, has already achieved remarkable success as a digital bank, which has found its niche through its innovative and up-to-the-minute online product range. European Business spoke with GRÁNIT Bank’s CEO and Chairperson, Éva Hegedüs. EB: Ms. Hegedüs, GRÁNIT Bank network. It was also obvious that a phone banking. This has proved to Éva Hegedüs: Our service is fast, was launched as a purely digital digital bank would be more cost ef- be the right decision; today mobile cost effective and easy to use. A bank in 2010. Why was this strat- fective. Finally, in 2010 the market phones are used for a huge vol- customer can open an account egy chosen? was already extremely competitive, ume of banking business. with us within six minutes. We and in that situation you need a have focused on creating a portfo- Éva Hegedüs: There were four key unique selling point to stand out. EB: Who are your target customer lio of innovative products. We were factors. I have worked in the bank- Based on these criteria, we opted groups? ing sector for over 20 years, and to create a business model based the first bank to launch a video bank service – GRÁNIT VideoBank my experience has shown that the on digital banking, with conserva- Éva Hegedüs: We have a good – which enables customers to internet has significantly changed tive credit politics and a decentral- track record in retail banking, and talk directly to an advisor in the the attitude and behaviour of ized deposit structure. Our goal in corporate finance for both SMEs comfort of their own home, using customers. Secondly, even in the was to establish an online banking and large corporates. a PC, tablet or mobile phone. We early 2000s, it was clear that there platform, not just for standard were also the first bank in Europe was no further potential for growth electronic banking but one which EB: What is special about the ser- to offer new generation mobile in offering customers a branch could also be used for mobile vice offered by GRÁNIT Bank? payment – GRÁNIT Pay – where N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 10

Interview with Márta Varga, Managing Director of TOLNAGRO Animal Health Ltd A responsible approach to animal health Responsibility has always been the keyword for TOLNAGRO Animal Health Ltd in Szekszárd. Responsibility has determined the company’s growth and its development as Hungary’s lead- ing representative of the veterinary pharmaceuticals trade. A product range that meets the needs of veterinarians, pharmacies, livestock farmers and pet owners has gained the TOLNAGRO brand a reputation that is second to none. Reliable high quality, convincing de- sign and efficacy proven in veterinary practice are characteristics that are beginning to open international markets for the company’s products. The aim to provide veterinarians, livestock farmers and animal lov- ers with the best possible support for med the foundation it all in the early 1990s. Two successful veteri- nary distributors, Tolnavet Kft. and Agrovet Kft., decided to get togeth- er, and established TOLNAGRO Animal Health Ltd in Szekszárd. “The original idea was to combine the services of a veterinary clinic with those of a veterinary phar- macy,” explains Managing Director and company owner Márta Varga. “My husband, Dr. József Varga, View of the modern TOLNAGRO works in Szekszárd, center of production and distribution fast and efficient. Customer orders are completed within 24 hours and delivered by the company’s own fleet of vehicles or a mail and courier service. Urgent deliveries are entrusted to contract partners and made within eight hours. “Shipment from our center in Sze- kszárd is easy and fast,” adds Ms. Varga. “We feel that it is important to have regular personal contact with our customers and keep them well informed, so they can rely on the support of our special service team.” started developing exclusive phar- has full responsibility for the op- maceuticals and niche products. erative business and the compre- With a total of 300 employees and a storage capacity of 7,500 m2, It is therefore hardly surprising He also had pharmaceuticals hensive product range marketed TOLNAGRO is the leading whole- that TOLNAGRO has experienced produced to his own specifications under the TOLNAGRO logo. “Rare saler of its kind in Hungary today. continuous growth. The former and proprietary designs.” Before pharmaceuticals, premium-quality The company offers its clients a veterinary pharmacy has devel- long, the distribution of veterinary products, proprietary designs, a full range of veterinary medicinal oped into a thriving business with pharmaceuticals became the whole family of antibiotics - all that products, vaccines, disinfectants, a turnover of 18.4 billion HUF in mainstay of the business. The ac- is part of his profession,” explains vitamins and biocides as well as 2016 and promising prospects in quisition of pharmaceutical com- Ms. Varga, who entered the family devices, dressings, instruments, neighbouring countries. Online panies in Hungary and abroad has business in 2007 and, since then, pet food and equipment. The sales started hesitantly at first ac- accelerated this development and has become responsible for its range is complemented by pet cording to the Managing Director, considerably enlarged the compa- organization. “We can purchase food and all kinds of equipment for yet are developing rapidly now that ny’s product range. Founder and almost everything and offer our domestic animals. Modern ware- the company is addressing the pet Managing Director Dr. József Varga partners fast and reliable service.” housing systems make distribution sector as well as vets and livestock N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 12

Interview with Sándor Zettwitz, Managing Director of 77 Elektronika Kft. A Hungarian force in medical diagnostics Lifestyle changes over the last few decades have been both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, we can celebrate vastly increased life expectancy. Unfortunately, improved access to processed foods and more sedentary living have also resulted in growing rates of diabetes, leading to demand for home blood glucose testing equipment. 77 Elektronika Kft. responded to this need and pioneered blood glucose meters for the Hungarian market. This remains among its key products today, which also include urine analyzers and consumables. produces devices for other OEMs, therapy accordingly.” This same as well. “In the meantime, we’ve service is available via the Internet. supplied 100,000 urine analyz- ers,” the Managing Director adds. The third generation of urine test- ers is making its debut while the 77 Elektronika continues to build fourth and fifth generations see on its original two pillars. Its latest continued research and devel- blood glucose meter does more opment prior to their respective than simply measure the glucose launches. “This kind of develop- levels in the blood; it stays in con- ment takes major investment,” Mr. nection with the doctor using Blue- Zettwitz says. “We’ve put in three tooth technology. “We save pa- billion HUF, about ten million EUR, tients hours of time normally spent to make it happen quickly. The in the waiting room,” Mr. Zettwitz next generations will bring even explains. “Our meters can send up more growth.” Development has 77 Elektronika is headquartered in Budapest József Lukács, a physicist, found- better devices. The company’s to 500 results, including the time proven to be one of 77 Elektroni- ed 77 Elektronika in 1986. At that blood glucose meters require just of testing, directly to the doctor so ka’s strengths time and again. “We time, there was no equipment in a drop of blood for analysis, and he or she can adjust the patient’s can make not only what the market Hungary to test blood glucose at its urine testing systems work us- home. After a neighbour – a doctor ing similar technology. “There are – showed him the kind of meters eleven important parameters that available in the United States, the determine the patient’s condition,” founder was inspired to produce Mr. Zettwitz explains. “Our first his own blood glucose meter. “It urine analyzer allowed doctors to wasn’t easy, but the measure- test those parameters within three ments were extremely accurate,” minutes with just the push of a says Sándor Zettwitz, Managing button. This small device filled a Director and brother-in-law of the gap in the healthcare market.” company’s founder. With the end Boehringer saw the tester and of communism in Eastern and requested its own model. 77 Elek- Central Europe, parts could be tronika developed the desired sourced from the west for even tester within six months and today The company offers a variety of models to suit the individual user’s needs N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 14

Interview with Gyula Fazekas, Member of the Board and Sales Director of Nagykun 2000 Mezőgazdasági Zrt. With team spirit on the go for rice Around the world, rice is one of the most important crops. Especially in Asian countries, it is a staple and therefore the nutritional basis for a big part of the world’s population. As a mat- ter of fact, the largest portion of the rice produced worldwide comes from Asia as well as from the USA being one of the main exporters. Nevertheless, in the EU rice production is also gaining momentum, and not just because ‘gluten-free’ is the buzzword of the day. Within the circle of the traditional rice-producing countries in Europe like Italy, Spain and France, ‘new- comer’ Hungary supplies the EU markets with top-quality rice – 50% of which comes from Nagykun 2000 Mezőgazdasági Zrt. in Kisújszállás. with 1,530 of all in all 5,000 ha, ized in 2000. “It is always about rice production is definitely the fo- quality,” points out Mr. Fazekas. cus. The quality is excellent, as Mr. “Organic rice and conventional Fazekas proudly underlines: “Our rice must not be mixed during the rice as well as our organic rice that handling process. In 2008 we built we farm on 330 ha is of such good our first processing plant and in quality that it is much in demand 2012 bought the second. We have in Western European markets a drying system which makes sure like Germany, Switzerland, Italy, that the different sorts of rice are France and Spain, especially for not mixed. By this we could also baby food. Already in 2010, we address demanding Western Euro- had a turnover of 400 million HUF pean customers.” only from rice. In 2016 it was one billion HUF, which is a very prom- In 2013, Nagykun 2000 also start- ising development.” Today the ed a rice mill for the production As a rice salad ... ... or a tasty hot dish, rice is simply deli- cious in each and every form ‘Newcomer’ might not be the right Director. The company, which company covers 80 to 85% of the of rice flour dedicated to the local expression, though – in the 1980s, was formerly an AGR whose roots Hungarian production of rice. retail trade and food producers. Hungrary grew rice on more than date back to the year 1948, is “Rice is a valuable food,” points 15,000 ha of land. “But after Hungary’s biggest rice producer Investment has been ongoing out the Sales Director, who has the fall of the Iron Curtain, it was and with 5,000 t generates around since the former AGR was privat- more than 30 years of experience merely 4,000 or 5,000 ha, and 50% of the country’s annual rice when Hungary became a mem- production. Besides rice, also ber of the EU in 2004, the lowest cereals, sunflowers and corn are point was reached with only about grown, and cattle and pigs are 3,200 ha,” recalls Gyula Fazekas, bred as well – Nagykun 2000 is an Member of the Board and Sales all-round agricultural holding. Yet in the business. “It is gluten-free, a characteristic which today is very important because so many consumers suffer from gluten intol- erance.” N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 16

Interview with Győző Bendes, Chief Advisor to the General Manager at In-Kal Zrt. More safety through competence and integrity The world has changed profoundly. The impact of terrorism has increased significantly over the last couple of years, and the list of terrorist attacks is growing longer and longer. Against this backdrop, security service companies are increasingly in demand. In-Kal Zrt. is one of Hungary’s most prominent players of this booming industry. For good reason the company was awarded the International Diamond Star for Quality. “It is a matter of fact that security on highly professional security ser- access control systems, complex with In-Kal. The company counts awareness has changed due to vices related to property and insti- security technology, and property international hotel chains such as several terrorist acts within the tutions as well as important events. protection. European Union,” says Győző Sofitel, Merkur Hotels, Ibis and Novotel, the embassies of Great Bendes, Chief Advisor to the Gen- Services include 24-hour alarm In the past, many well-known poli- Britain, Spain, Germany, South Af- eral Manager of In-Kal Zrt. “We monitoring, transport of money ticians, royals and actors such as rica and Kuwait, and multinational use our knowledge and experience and valuables, the installation, the Prince of Wales, Bill Clinton, companies like Magyar Cukor, to brief senior executives who need maintenance and operation of the Dalai Lama, Robbie Williams Dunaferr and Nestlé among its a realistic overview of the safety alarm systems, video monitoring, and Mikhail Gorbachev worked customers. Formula 1 pilot Lewis Hamilton ranks among the prominent clients of In-Kal Zrt situation of their companies or institutions. Subsequent to security awareness training, people know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. They are aware that their behaviour and reactions can significantly minimize security risks.” In-Kal Zrt. draws on the experience of many years to master the most diverse safety issues. The com- pany was founded in 1990 and has gone through an exceptional development since then. In 2010, due to a new philosophy, its activities were divided into two business units. While In-Kal Service is a specialist for event security, In-Kal Zrt. concentrates N N A A E E P P O O R R U U E E business business www.european-business.com 18

Interview with Ákos Pintér, Managing Director of Excel Csepel Kft. Not available anywhere else Csepel is a district of Budapest located at the northern end of Csepel Island on the Danube river. For many decades, the area was a cent- er of Hungarian machine tool manufacturing. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, many facto- ries had to shut down. One that has survived and developed is Excel Csepel Kft. The secret of the company’s success lies in its distinct focus on special-purpose machine tools that are not easily available anywhere else. Fully automated, flexible manufacturing system Excel Csepel is an old-established Excel Csepel employs a staff of tomer tells us what he needs and qualified people but we offer inter- Hungarian manufacturer of ma- 110 and generates a turnover of we develop a made-to-measure esting work where you can acquire chine tools. The company is situat- between 1.5 and 3 billion HUF, solution, produce it and put it into ed on the Manfred Weiss Industrial depending on the market situation. operation.” Excel Csepel supplies expertise and develop personally,” concludes Mr. Pintér. ❙ Park, the oldest and largest indus- The company covers the entire customers in the automotive, ener- trial area of Budapest in the district value chain, from design and engi- gy and mechanical engineering in- of Csepel. Its origins can be traced neering to manufacturing and as- dustries and ships many of its fully back to the year 1933 when the sembly, and offers a wide selection customized machines abroad, to first machine tools were produced of custom-made machine tools the USA, Russia, Western Europe, at the factory. In 1965, the first NC ranging from portal-type machin- India and many other countries. lathes and milling machines were ing centers, flexible manufacturing “We want to further expand our manufactured. In the 1970s and systems (FMS) and CNC lathes to international market position and 1980s, the first machining centers cold rolling machines, moving col- continue concentrating on custom- and radial drilling machines were umn machines and ultra-precision er-specific machine tools that offer developed and produced in large lathes. In addition, Excel Csepel added value for money,” explains numbers. “In 2005, we changed offers repair, maintenance, spare Mr. Pintér. Excel Csepel is also fol- our strategy,” says Managing parts, modernization and train- lowing current trends such as ad- Director Ákos Pintér. “Instead of ing services and also sells quality, ditive manufacturing and 3D print- focusing on serial production, we third-party machine tool brands. ing. “We see significant potential started developing special-purpose The speciality of the Hungarian in combining CNC milling and 3D machine tools designed to meet machine tool experts is turnkey printing,” states Mr. Pintér. While individual customer requirements. projects. “We provide solutions staying up-to-date in technology Our success lies in quality, reliable rather than just a machine,” says terms, Excel Csepel is dependent Excel Csepel Kft. Varrógépgyár u. 1. 1211 Budapest Hungary  +36 1 2785800  +36 1 4257605 machines that are hard to get any- Mr. Pintér, describing the philoso- on skilled labour, too. “It is becom- where else.” phy of the company. “The cus- ing more and more difficult to find  sales@excel-csepel.hu  www.excel-csepel.hu N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 20