Investment & Fund Management
Fortis Maribor secured a loan guaranteed by the Slovene Enterprise
Full Credential Description
Fortis Maribor, a manufacturing company based in Slovenia, specializes in the mechanical processing of metals and the production of metal structures. Founded in 2011, the company faced challenges in upgrading its machinery to enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness in the metal processing industry. A critical issue was the need for advanced equipment, such as a new laser-cutter for thin-plate cutting, which was essential for the company's growth and operational efficiency.
To address these challenges, Fortis Maribor secured a loan guaranteed by the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF), which is backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Investment Plan for Europe. This financial support was pivotal; as General Manager Andreja Ahman Wargazon noted, without the SEFs guarantee, the company would have had to delay the investment by a year and seek a traditional loan, which could have hindered their growth trajectory.
The loan enabled Fortis Maribor to purchase new technological equipment, including a computer-numeric-control (CNC) drilling/milling center and an overhead crane, as well as to finance working capital. As a direct result of this investment, the company plans to expand its workforce by hiring additional engineers, developers, and production workers, thereby enhancing its capacity to produce advanced metal products. This strategic investment not only improved the company's operational capabilities but also facilitated job creation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the financial support received.