Kolpa’s mission is meeting the needs and wishes of customers for top products for bathroom equipment and realisation of even the most demanding projects with the composite materials programme Kerrock.
Interview with Borut Šterbenc, General Manager of Kolpa.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities.
Borut Šterbenc: Innovation, boldness, modernity and top quality are the main strengths that build the international reputation of the company KOLPA, d.o.o. Metlika and are the trademark of our brand Kerrock. We are the largest solid surface producer in Europe. Kerrock material is the compatibility of aluminum hydroxide and acrylic-based polymer binder.
Composite, smooth, non-porous and homogeneous. The creator of aesthetics and functionality. Kerrock, brings a unique and captivating angle to the world of surface materials. Our unique selling proposition lies in our innovative approach, blending artistic vision with the best technology to create unparalleled, durable, and aesthetically versatile surfaces. With our advanced formulation and commitment to sustainability, Kerrock sets new standards for design excellence in the industry.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
B.Š: Our company brings a unique and captivating angle to the world of surface materials. The main activities of Kerrock encompass the production of panels in as many as 99 different colors, with a focus on interior and exterior design solutions. In the field of interior design, our emphasis lies in kitchens, bathrooms, hotels, medicine, caravanning, and wall cladding. We offer a wide selection of kitchen elements, including countertops that can be customized to various designs, as well as innovative solutions for bathrooms, such as sinks, shelves, and wall cladding. For the hospitality industry, we provide reception desks, wall cladding, and other elements. In the medical sector, we manufacture medical and ambulatory countertops and wall cladding that meet high hygiene standards. Catering to travel and camping enthusiasts, we offer tailored solutions for caravanning, including washbasin and kitchen countertops, wall cladding, and decorative elements. In the exterior domain, we focus on design solutions for facades, pools, urban furnishings (benches, loungers), lights, and finishing elements. Kerrock is committed to creating innovative materials that fulfill customer needs in both interior and exterior design, with an emphasis on a broad color palette and aesthetic appearance.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
B.Š: This year, we have continued our innovation streak with the introduction of Kerrock Freely. This innovative solid surface material will give your projects a 3D feel, while looking like stardust. It’s perfect for facade or wall cladding. Additionally, we have expanded our product range to include an array of contemporary terrazzo colors, further enhancing the aesthetic options available to our valued customers. In response to evolving design trends and customer preferences, we are thrilled to unveil our latest collections of washbasins and kitchen sinks, featuring cutting-edge designs and unparalleled functionality to elevate any living space.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
B.Š: Kerrock offers a comprehensive range of interior and exterior design solutions. Our product categories include kitchen elements like countertops, sinks, kitchen islands, shelves, and cabinets, as well as bathroom solutions such as washbasins, shelves, and wall cladding. We also provide tailored elements for the hospitality industry, medical and laboratory environments, and caravanning needs. On the exterior side, our offerings include design solutions for building facades, innovative pool cladding materials, urban furnishings like bench seats and loungers, lighting solutions, and finishing elements to enhance architectural designs. With such diverse options, Kerrock is dedicated to meeting a wide range of design preferences and project requirements for both interior and exterior spaces.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
B.Š: The German market is extremely large and competitive, with a large number of suppliers who have the same or similar material as us. In the current environment, where there is a lot of choice available to consumers, it is crucial to stand out and create a strong brand recognition.
Our strategy is focused on becoming a recognisable and trusted brand in the German market. We want to differentiate ourselves from the competition with our flexibility. What does this mean? For us, flexibility means being ready to adapt to the specific needs of our customers, to react quickly to market changes and to offer innovative and high-quality solutions.
Our aim is to ensure that our brand is a trusted resource and that our services and products are tailored to our customers’ individual requirements. We continuously strive to improve and upgrade our offer and to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
We recognise the importance of building long-term relationships with our customers, which we will achieve through the quality of our materials, the reliability of our service and by always providing that little something extra. By focusing on flexibility and adaptability, we are confident that we will be able to compete effectively in the market and attract and retain loyal customers.
Our vision is to become synonymous with flexibility, quality and trust in the German market. We want to build a strong brand that is unique in its offering and has a solid position as a leading provider in this market.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
B.Š: Market trends indicate a rising preference for eco-friendly materials, and kerrock aligns perfectly with this trend. Its non-porous and hygienic properties also make it a preferred choice for applications in healthcare and food service industries.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
B.Š: The most innovative products marketed by Kerrock are sheets, washbasins, kitchen sinks and countertops, and wall cladding. Our unique advantage lies in offering a wide range of colors and dimensions, allowing customers to create truly distinctive and innovative spaces. These products have been highly sought-after in the market as they add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to any interior or exterior design project. Whether it’s the stylish washbasins, functional kitchen countertops, or eye-catching wall cladding, Kerrock’s innovative products elevate spaces to new levels of sophistication and aesthetics.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
B.Š: We are working diligently to launch a new catalog that will showcase our latest and most innovative products. One of the highlights will be our brand-new collection of marble colors, which is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that we will be expanding our product range to include new and innovative washbasins. These washbasins are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing our customers with even more options to create unique and inspiring interior designs.
We can’t wait to unveil these exciting additions and continue to provide our customers with top-quality products and exceptional design solutions.