- Zbelovo 49 b, 3215 Loče
- +386 3 757 28 30
- info@ko-lovec.si
History
The beginnings of KO-LOVEC d.o.o. date back to 1988. The founder and originator of the independent craft activity at the current location was the present owner and procurator, Mr. Ivan Lovec. At that time, the official name of the workshop was “Ključavničarstvo Lovec Ivan s.p.” The production program included the manufacturing of electrical cabinets, heating oil tanks, and lighter metal structures.
Due to the growing volume of orders and customers’ demands for higher-quality products, it became necessary to expand the machine park with dedicated machines and tools for bending and punching sheet metal. In 1996, the need for improved product quality and customer satisfaction led to the modernization of the paint shop, transitioning from wet coating to powder coating.
Beginnings
Establishment of the workshop “Ključavničarstvo Lovec Ivan s.p.” The production program included the manufacturing of electrical cabinets, heating oil tanks, and lighter metal structures.
Equipment Purchase
Purchase of a sheet metal bending machine, sheet metal punching machine, and newer welding units.
New Powder Coating Facility
Modernization of the paint shop (transition from wet coating to powder coating) and an increase in the number of employees in production and work preparation.
Electrical Cabinets
Increase in the production volume of electrical cabinets.
Company Transformation
Transition from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company under the name KO-LOVEC d.o.o.
Construction
Beginning of the construction of a new production hall.
Purchase of TRUMPF Equipment
Purchase of modern Trumpf machines for sheet metal processing: the CNC TRUMATIC 2000 R for cutting and punching, and the CNC TRUMABEND V 130 for sheet metal bending.
ALPETUR – FASTI
Start of cooperation with Austrian company ALPETUR – FASTI. Serial production of plastic granulate dryers (hoppers) began.
Certification Achievements
Certification of the quality management system according to SIST EN ISO 9001. Obtaining the green and golden SQ (Slovenian Quality) labels and CE conformity marking for our products.
Relocation
Completion of the new business section of the hall and relocation in September into larger and modern business premises.
Flood Damage
Severe damage occurred in production, affecting materials, equipment, and finished products.
Equipment Purchase
Investment in the purchase of a new TRUPUNCH 1000 punching machine, enabling the processing of more demanding sheet metal products and expanding punching services.
Recession and the “Svečomat”
The global recession affected our company as orders from the automotive industry sharply declined. Together with Jager d.o.o., we developed and patented a new product — the “Svečomat” candle dispenser.
Production Growth
Acquisition of a new customer for powder coating of automotive parts, which brought renewed growth and new jobs. In cooperation with GKN Driveline, we extended the pre-treatment line by approx. 15 m and added zinc phosphating and passivation. Meanwhile, our business partner Farragtech expanded their production of cooling technology and increased orders for hoppers. With these two programs, we achieved excellent sales results in 2011.
New Business Partner
Start of cooperation with Letalstvo Farrag d.o.o., a company involved in the production of gyrocopters. Our welders were certified, and we began producing stainless steel structures for gyrocopters.
Municipal Award
The company director, Mr. Ivan Lovec, received the highest municipal award — the Golden Coat of Arms of Slovenske Konjice. At the MOS Celje fair, we also received a gold award from the Slovenian Chamber of Craft for the overall presentation of our activities.
Replacement of the entire powder coating line and purchase of a new automatic Wagner painting robot. This improved quality, expanded coating capacity, and opened new development opportunities.
New Transformer Station
Installation of our own transformer station.
New Biomass Boiler Room
To reduce heating costs of production processes (washing, demineralized water) and facility heating, we switched to a cheaper energy source and built a biomass boiler room. With the purchase of a new blasting machine, we expanded our services to include blasting before coating.
Warehouse Expansion
Expansion of warehouse facilities for powder coating needs. Purchase of a CNC lathe and a band saw.
Warehouse Upgrade
Setup of a racking warehouse with a dedicated racking forklift.
Equipment Purchase
Investment in a new TRUMPF laser.
Real Estate Purchase
Purchase of new business premises at the location Zbelovo 33A.
Facility Renovation
Start of renovation of the business and production facilities at Zbelovo 33A and initiation of the implementation of an integrated quality and environmental management system.
Certification
Certification of the environmental management system according to SIST EN ISO 14001:2015.
CNC Machining
Acquisition of a new key customer in CNC machining.
Investments
Investment in digital modernization and upgrade of software systems.
Investments
Investment in and commissioning of a 136 kW solar power plant.