MOTORI RASTA Ante Elez i Darijo Runjić

Guest Ante Elez i Darijo RunjićHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026

Ante Elez i Darijo Runjić

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

When a company celebrates a century of operation, the question isn't just about longevity, but about the specific decisions that made it possible. Končar, a Croatian industrial powerhouse, has built its reputation on manufacturing equipment for some of the most complex energy infrastructure in the world: hydroelectric power plants. Ante Elez and Darijo Runjić, leaders within Končar's core divisions, share how they've sustained this enterprise across generations. Their conversation reveals a business built not just on engineering prowess, but on a unique approach to client relationships, an "engineer-first" problem-solving philosophy, and the quiet power of products designed to last fifty years in a disposable world. You'll hear how a company maintains its edge by focusing on the enduring value of its output, not just its next sale.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Končar's equipment for hydroelectric power plants is designed to last 50 to 60 years — a stark contrast to consumer goods that are replaced every few years. Building long-lifecycle products on European soil requires a commitment to engineering and quality that defies the disposable economy.

When a contract goes sideways, Končar's first move is to send its engineers, not its lawyers. This "engineer-first" approach to problem-solving, exhausting technical solutions before legal ones, is what clients truly value and why complex, long-term relationships endure.

The trust Končar has built with clients means they expect problems will be solved, even if not "tomorrow afternoon." This certainty, rather than instant gratification, is the true mark of a reliable partner in projects that span decades.

Končar is currently negotiating a partnership agreement with Uniper, its largest Scandinavian client. When you've earned enough trust, the client doesn't just buy your product; they seek to formalize a longer-term strategic alliance to integrate knowledge and secure future capabilities.

Hydro energy is called "the only true renewable energy source today" because its environmental footprint is largely historical, making its continued operation and revitalization a perpetually relevant market. The focus shifts from new construction to continuous renewal, ensuring a stable demand for specialized expertise.

Having participated in building or revitalizing 375 hydroelectric power plants and producing over 700 generators, Končar's century of operation is not just history. These long-running installations serve as a living portfolio, proving that long-term performance compounds into a competitive advantage for decades.

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