Dijana Peskir, director of Stihl Serbia - Pursuing new goals as of January 2015

(Dijana Peskir)

Last Friday, Belgrade joined the big Stihl family consisting of 12,000 members in 160 countries world wide. This German chainsaw and lawnmower manufacturer opened its 33th regional office in the world in the Serbian capital, from which it plans to manage sales and service activities in Serbia and Montenegro.

The building of the Stihl Serbia company on Batajnicki Drum Road also includes a showroom where visitors can see the latest products of this company as well as a service and educational center where Stihl plans to organize training for its service and sales network that should be completely formed during the next year.

eKapija: This is Stihl's first regional office in the region. Why did you choose Serbia?

- Stihl very thoroughly considers every investment, and it is our assessment that Serbia and Montenegro represent the markets with the greatest potential in the region. The country has large forestry and agricultural capacities as well as diligent population. Also, we believe that local market demands are not fully met.

eKapija: Do you expect progress in the lumber and forestry industry?

- We expect the complete economy to develop in the years to come. Serbia is picked primarily because it is a market with a potential, but also because we believe in the future of this country.


eKapija: Your products have been present in Serbia's market for several years now, so consumers are already familiar with the Stihl brand. What will change with the company's arrival in Serbia?

- The very fact that we are now closer will allow us to offer our clients and distributors a better assortment of products and provide them with serious stocks of goods, constant training, and a higher-quality service. Constant training for our distributors will contribute to the better understanding of the innovations and quality of Stihl products and, in the end, the better advising of clients and the impeccability of our service.

eKapija: How does Stihl Serbia's business plan for the following period look like?

- Our first and most important task is to find a common ground with partners, stabilize the dealership network, and start pursuing new goals as of January 2015.

eKapija: What is it that distinguishes your products from the competition?

- The policy that guides us is that a good price can always attract buyers, but it is quality that keeps them in a long term. All those engaged in landscake management, forestry and agriculture know that "Made by Stihl" means the top quality and durability of products.

eKapija: How did Stihl grow from a small family firm into the world's No. 1?

- We are still a family firm that respects family values, but our family today consists of 12,000 people and over 40,000 specialized points of sale in 160 countries world wide. Our continuous development drives the passion for new technologies and deep understanding of our clients' needs. Also, the Stihl company invests over EUR 200 million every year to keep up to the expectations of its clients and remain the No.1 brand.

M.S.