One from the oldest construction companies in Serbia has carried out a lot more than 16.000 projects. We spoke concerning the beginnings, development and future plans of “Jadran” with its director Nikola Malbasa.
Do you know what is within common for hydro power plants “Derdap” and “Mali Zvornik”, University Library “Svetozar Markovi'c” or King's villa in Oplenac, Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, the “Meriot” hotel in Cairo or military bases in Baghdad? Craftsmen and engineers from “Jadran” company from Belgrade done each one of these buildings of economic, cultural and historical importance. Among the oldest construction companies in Serbia, that has carried out a lot more than 16.000 projects, celebrates big anniversary this month – the 70th anniversary of their establishment. We spoke concerning the beginnings, development and future plans of “Jadran” with Nikola Malbasa – company owner and director.
How come that “Jadran” was established in Belgrade? What did company beginnings seem like?
The story about “Jadran” had started on 29 June 1950. First, i was a part of the “Utility Construction Enterprise from the Town of Belgrade”, the famous “Komgrap”, therefore we became a completely independent enterprise for painting works. According to older colleagues, a lot of the employees came from Dalmatia and that's why the name “Jadran” was chosen. In the beginning, like other construction companies, we worked mostly in Belgrade, on facilities that were being built at the time or that had been damaged during the The second world war. Because the day one we dealt with making the city more beautiful or with allowing the new face from the city.
Nevertheless, you didn't stick only to painting works best for lengthy?
That's right. It was only a beginning. In the mid-sixties, we established a team for sandblasting and anticorrosion protection. Even back then we completed creates newly built Thermal Power Plant “Nikola Tesla” in Obrenovac, and also on Hydro Power Plant “Derdap”. Gradually, we started to deal with mounting works, and thereafter reconstructions, adaptations, and maintenance of infrastructure facilities.
You have been running “Jadran” since 2005. What were the biggest challenges? How changed is the company since that time?
At time when we entered the privatization process, “Jadran” would be a reputable company with serious projects, in the nation and Algeria, Czech Republic, Russia, Libya- We desired to strengthen that position additionally. We invested in to the most significant resource-people, plus construction equipment and mechanization. We have indicated that privatization may bring so much best to one company. With regards to the company itself, on one hand the method of work and internal organization did change, because we started to expand our business activities. However, we've continued that you follow the long established principles: optimum quality of services, respect for agreed deadlines and good relationship with investors. Even today, we stick firmly to the following slogan: “We build future and preserve tradition”.
You mentioned that “Jadran” expended its business activities in the past years. What is the company coping with today?
Apart from the fields by which we “built our name”, for example all sorts of final works in construction field, sandblasting and anticorrosion protection of construction facilities, “Jadran” deals with designing, revitalizing facilities and facades which are under the State protection, with concrete injection, i.e. repair of concrete constructions. In 2023, we established the Sector for Electrical Mounting Works, and we're authorized by the Secretary of state for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure for issuance of energy passports. Today, “Jadran” builds facilities. We're professionally and technically equipped for “design and build” system and we are one of the few companies on the market that provide the whole group of services within the construction industry.
Seven decades in almost any profession is a huge success. What are the plans for that company's future?
We built our success on foundations of effort and need to progress. All of our engineers, mounters and craftsmen continuously enhance their knowledge. Despite the fact that we say for ourselves that we are the “tradition that endures”, we're certainly oriented for the future and for the growth and development of new technologies. This is the best way to stay competitive in the market and also to continue building new dimensions.
