President Milanović Visits Companies Specializing in Production of Military Gear
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović visited three companies in Međimurje County, which are part of the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster: “Šestan-Busch” d.o.o. in Prelog, “Čateks” d.d. in Čakovec and “Jelen Professional” d.o.o. in Belica. On behalf of the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster, its President Goran Basarac informed the President of the Republic about the cluster’s activities and plans for cooperation with the state, with the aim of supporting the 55 companies in the cluster.
After holding meetings and touring the companies’ production facilities, President Milanović said he is very satisfied with what he saw. “I am impressed with these helmets that are the best in the world, and the new model they are working on will be even better. This was created thanks to the intelligence and effort of the founders and associates,” said the President, adding that he was told that the French army bought the helmets, and not for the first time. “They are going to foreign markets. It is very encouraging for everyone seeking to engage in entrepreneurship, break through and reach new limits,” said President Milanović.
During a presentation, it was explained that the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster is a formal association of primarily industrial stakeholders whose activities serve to support the defense and security system of the Republic of Croatia and the EU. Its establishment has enabled the networking of the public, private and scientific research sectors in order to prepare and implement research and development and innovation projects of the Croatian defense and security industry, which indirectly leads to strengthening the competitiveness of the Croatian economy.
After a presentation of the business activities of the company “Šestan-Busch” d.o.o., the President of the Republic, accompanied by the firm’s General Manager Alojzije Šestan and Technical Director Božo Bujanić, visited its production facility, where personal protection products, primarily protective helmets, are made.
After his stay in Prelog, President Milanović visited the company “Čateks” d.d. in Čakovec – one of the oldest textile companies in Croatia – which specializes in the production of fabric, artificial leather, household linen and sports and recreation products. Accompanied by the company’s Director Davor Sabolić, President Milanović viewed three stages of the production process and in the company’s three production facilities. Mr. Sabolić presented the operations of the company to the President, emphasizing that it has a NATO certificate, makes fabrics and uniforms for the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense and exports to more than twenty countries.
In the community of Belica, President Milanović toured the company “Jelen Professional” d.o.o. together with the company’s Director Darko Pintarić. The firm produces work and protective footwear for the needs of the army, police and firefighters, and for other purposes. During the President’s tour of the production facility, Mr. Pintarić said that the company has obtained quality certificates guaranteeing quality in the system of management and environmental protection during production, and that the footwear is certified and meets all European standards.
Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense and National Security Dragan Lozančić and Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for the Economy Velibor Mačkić joined President Milanović on his visit to the companies and their production facilities.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas