Vladimir Milosavljevic, GM at Ralu Srbija - New investments in 2015

(Vladimir Milosavljevic)

Ralu logistika has recently started construction of a large distribution center in Rugavica at the entrance of Zagreb. The investment totals KN 150 m (EUR 20 m), and storage capacity of more than 12.000 palettes for goods in frozen and fresh regime will be constructed on 120.000 m2.

Apart from investing in storage space, this regional leader in cold chain invested in its fleet as well. The entire Ralu group bought 90 most modern truck tractors totaling EUR 6,5 m, which is at the same time one of the biggest transactions of this type in the region.

Serbia is a key market for this Croatian company. Ralu Srbija has recently taken over 32 MAN trucks which increased the number to 55, and as it was announced, local fleet will have 100 vehicles.

We discussed with Vladimir Milosavljevic, GM at Ralu Srbija, company plans in our country.

eKapija: You bought 32 MAN trucks. What were the reasons for this investment?

- The main reason is to have satisfied customers, quality and service safety we provide and which is what makes us recognizable as of the setup of Ralu both in the region and in Serbia. Therefore, there is a need to invest in car fleet every year. This year we decided to replace MAN EURO 5 fleet with EURO 6 motors.

eKapija: Despite the fact that majority logistics companies outsources transport services, you opted for your own fleet.

- We are aware of the fact that businesses develop rapidly, that business models and goods flows change every year. Through our own car fleet, we want “to keep situation in our hands ”which means faster and easier adaptation to new demands, fast information flow, better communication with driving staff (constant education, workshops, ets). In the entire supply chain, it provides customers that their goods will get to a destination under complete 24-hour monitoring and with the right information on time.

eKapija: What are specific plans when it comes to logistics?

- We have recently started construction of a logistics center with 12.000 pallet units in Zagreb. Parallel with that, we are planning a similar facility in Serbia. We have already been discussing the acquisition but at this moment it is too earlhy to communicate the information. However, we are optimistic about the fact that during 201t we will have our own logistics operations in Serbia.

eKapija: What are the most important jovs of Ralu logistika in Serbia?

- I can honestly say our customers are our biggest treasure. This way I would like to thank everybody for the support they provided us with and which they will, I hope, provide in the future as well. The first important project where we are investing a lot of effort and engagement is LTL - Less than truckload in cold chain. This is where we see huge potential to, with specialized car fleet (multi-chamber cold storages) offer customers an option and solution to transport smaller number of pallets faster and at more favorable terms than up till now.

The second project is a farm of divisions. Apart from that, Ralu logistika is a member of PLAN Europe which is a cooperation between logistics companies providing full logistic support to pharmaceutical industry in line with the latest GDP standards at the territory of the entire Europe. Ralu is in charge of SEE region where it will provide complete logistics operations to renowned pharmaceutical firms.

eKapija: To what extent are you counting on increased food export to Russia?

- Serbia as an agricultural country has plenty of demands for export of its products to the Russian market. We are real witnesses of increased demand for export of agricultural products at the territory of Russia from Serbia but at the same time we feel significant presence of East European transporters at our market. LTL is something we are pushing from Serbia to the Russian Federation with which we want to unite a number of small exporters with goods which requires different temperature regimes at one pave and to distribute their goods to final destinations at very favorable process which will enable them to be more competitive at more demanding Russian Federation market. We want to be support to our producers-exporters, regardless of the quantities they would like to export. We want to help them in getting the opportunity to deliver products to customers regardless of the fact whether they have 1 or 33 pallets of their products.

eKapija: What business results are you expecting in 2014 in Serbia?

- Every year we have a two-digit turnover and profitability growth. This year we are planning a profit of EUR 9 m in Serbia. Since we have been present for only three years in Serbia, it is an excellent result. We will continue in the same direction, engaged and committed in all fields which I hope will contribute to better results both of Ralu Srbija and the Ralu group.

M.K.