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Mapei - a trusted brand of the construction industry in Serbia for 20 years

Podeli

For two decades, Mapei has been shaping the construction scene in Serbia and setting quality standards. As a recognizable leader in the industry, it not only offers top products, but also complete system solutions that have gained the trust of experts. In a conversation with Nenad Cvetković, general manager of Mapei Serbia, we learn about the company`s key achievements during the first 20 years in Serbia and plans for the future.


In which segment of the highly competitive construction industry in Serbia is Mapei positioned?

- Mapei has successfully found a place in the upper segment of the construction industry, where it stands out as a leader in the production of high-quality and innovative solutions that meet the highest standards. Over the years, we have carefully monitored the market`s needs and focused on cooperation with professional users of our materials. We have built strong relationships with leading players in the construction industry and gained the trust of business partners. That is why Mapei is today in Serbia synonymous with a reliable partner that offers a wide range of solutions.

As for the future, I believe that we will further strengthen our position thanks to the technologically innovative solutions that are being developed in the corporate R&D laboratories in Italy.


In which area of ​​construction are Mapei systems and solutions used the most?

- In Serbia, our products are mostly used in high-rise construction, especially in residential buildings and large residential complexes, but we are not limited to those sectors only. We are active in all segments of the construction industry and open to cooperation with everyone who recognizes the value and quality of our products.


Where else are Mapei products successfully applied?

- We are present in various areas of construction with solutions that meet the different needs of clients and markets. In the interior project of the Vega IT business facility in Novi Sad, for example, our materials were used for laying textile coverings. As part of the Red Bull Half Court initiative, we participated in the reconstruction of several public basketball courts in Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, among them the KK Partizan court in Kalemegdan, with special acrylic coatings for sports surfaces. During the reconstruction of the Sava Center, our focus was on the rehabilitation of the concrete facade cladding with special materials that ensure durability and quality. On the Belgrade Tower project, for example, as many as 60,000 m2 of different types of waterproofing were applied, and for this work we were recently awarded by the headquarters with the Mapei Grand Prix award as one of the best global projects of the Mapei Group in the past year.

Renovation of the concrete facade cladding (Photo: Relja Ivanić)Renovation of the concrete facade cladding


Which solutions in your range are best received in the market?

- First of all, our offer of waterproofing solutions that includes a wide range of products, from roof and bentonite membranes, through synthetic membranes for underground parts of structures, to polymer cement and acrylic coatings. We are constantly expanding our assortment by adding technologically advanced products. We have also included waterproofing systems based on polyurea and polyurethane in our offer in order to provide the market with the highest quality and most reliable solutions. Grout compounds are distinguished by the largest selection of colors, and industrial floors have been successfully used in garages, health centers and production plants for years.


Mapei is very committed to the preservation of its architectural heritage, especially given its Italian origins and rich heritage. What are the main accomplishments in this field in Serbia?

- For many years, Mapei has been developing specialized products for the restoration of historical buildings, with the aim of preserving the architectural heritage, while respecting authentic materials and traditional techniques. With the support of our headquarters in Italy, we implemented important projects such as the reconstruction of the Hilandar Monastery after the fire, the reconstruction of Karađorđeva Street in Belgrade and the renovation of the Grand Staircase in Kalemegdan. Our products were also used during the decoration of the interior of the Church of St. Sava, where, since 2016, we have been providing solutions for finishing on the floors, walls and dome. We are currently working on the development of the Almaška region in Novi Sad, which we consider an important contribution to preserving our architectural heritage.


As part of Mapei Serbia, the Mapei Academy, an education center that offers practical training and improvement programs, also functions. How do you see its role in the success of the company?

- For years, through the work of the Mapei Academy, we have been showing that the professional training of associates and users is not just a formal obligation, but something fundamentally important. Through practical trainings, we help partners to acquire new knowledge and improve their services. In this way, we contribute to the development of industry expertise and help them better understand and properly apply our innovative products. When our products are used in the right way, the solutions become more durable and reliable, which improves the quality of all the projects in which they are used. Every year, about 200 clients pass through the Academy, and the number of professionals who meet Mapei through education and seminars is even higher.

Mapei AcademyMapei Academy


What impact does global Mapei support have on your success?

- The support of global Mapei enables us to continuously innovate. Mapei does not stand still, but continuously researches and develops solutions that not only meet, but also exceed the expectations of the market. We invest in technology and research to create products that are ahead of their time and contribute to the long-term sustainability of construction projects. We are also committed to ecology and social responsibility, which means that our products and processes always comply with the strictest environmental standards.


How do you plan to maintain and improve your leadership status in the construction industry?

- Our primary strategy is focused on building trust with professionals in the construction sector, and our team plays a key role in that. Over the years, this team has shaped the image of Mapei, which is well known in the industry today. When you ask our clients why they choose to cooperate with us, the answer is always the same: because of the reliability - and the team and the solutions we offer.

We are constantly working to strengthen our team through training, education and skill development to ensure that all members have the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. Thus, together we grow and improve our services, which further strengthens our clients` trust.


What makes Mapei a special choice for professionals in the construction industry?

- Mapei is a trusted brand, thanks to product quality, innovation and customer support. We do not want to be just a supplier, but a strategic partner that provides the solutions and support needed for long-term success in construction projects. Our goal is to create long-lasting relationships and ensure quality that lasts. That`s why associates in Serbia have been choosing us for 20 years.



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