Hermi celebrates 20 years of business in Serbia

HERMI NEPRIMETNI GROMOBRANI, d.o.o., was established on 23 October 2006 as a subsidiary of Hermi, the Slovenian manufacturer based in Celje. Its beginnings in the Serbian market were modest. The first employee effectively ran the business from his car, equipped with a computer and relying primarily on personal recommendations and word of mouth. Today, Hermi Serbia employs eight people and offers customers throughout the country lightning and surge protection, cable trays and ladders, and mounting systems for solar power plants, together with professional, design and technical support.

»We built the company gradually, through considerable personal commitment, direct contact with customers and the trust we developed over the years. From the very beginning, our aim was to offer more than just a product – a high-quality technical solution and professional support. We are proud that, in Serbia, we have grown from a supplier of a single product range into a company that provides customers with comprehensive solutions,” emphasises Miran Rauter, director and owner of Hermi.

Over two decades, HERMI NEPRIMETNI GROMOBRANI has expanded its product portfolio and significantly strengthened its position in the Serbian market. Lightning protection continues to account for the largest share of sales, although the cable tray and ladder range is not far behind. Over the past five years, the company has increased its turnover by 267 percent, while the expansion of its product offering has also contributed to more balanced sales throughout the year.

Business growth has been accompanied by investments in logistics and improved working conditions. In 2024, the company moved to more modern office and warehouse premises in Zemun. Although it has relocated several times over the past twenty years, it has always remained in the Altina area, within a radius of approximately one thousand metres. The new premises provide around 1,000 square metres of combined office and warehouse space, while warehouse capacity has more than tripled. Improved transport accessibility, suitable access for trucks and the digitalisation of warehouse processes enable more efficient operations and faster responses to customer needs.

Hermi products and solutions can now be found in numerous buildings and facilities throughout Serbia, ranging from residential, commercial and industrial buildings to infrastructure and energy projects. The company works closely with designers, distributors and contractors. Its competitive advantage lies not only in its broad product portfolio, but also in the professional support it provides in the design and selection of appropriate systems. Customers also have access to digital tools for lightning protection design, risk assessment and cable route planning.

Hermi Serbia has maintained long-standing cooperation with universities and professional institutions. The company is a member of the Institute for Standardization of Serbia and works with the School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, the Faculty of Electronic Engineering in Niš and other technical faculties across the country. Its first New Year gathering with business partners was held in 2008 at the School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, with which it has developed a close partnership. Company scholarships also represent an important part of its investment in young people.

Despite digitalisation, personal contact remains an important part of the company's business approach. It regularly organises New Year gatherings, technical presentations, webinars and open days, and participates in the International Fair of Technology and Technical Achievements in Belgrade. The company also organises technical presentations in other countries across the region. These events provide opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience and strengthen long-term relationships with customer.

»In recent years, we have made significant progress in the cable tray and ladder segment, which has opened the door to many new projects. Today, we can offer customers considerably more than we could a few years ago – a broader selection of products, as well as greater technical support and experience. Every project matters to us, regardless of its size. It is particularly rewarding when a customer returns with a new project after the successful completion of a previous one. That is when you know you have done your job well,” says Nemanja Milutinović, director of sales and projects in Serbia.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further strengthen its team and expand its logistics and warehouse capacities. To mark the anniversary, Hermi is also announcing a sports scholarship for a young athlete from the local community. Through the scholarship, the company aims to support the development of young sporting talent and help recipients balance their sporting ambitions with their education. On the occasion of its anniversary, the company extends its gratitude to its employees, customers and business partners who have helped shape its twenty-year journey.