Businessman Peter Slatnar told Radio Slovenia that his company took over Elan’s manufacturing facilities, including their employees. Demand for Slatnar’s new line of jumping skis has meanwhile exceeded expectations.

Even though ski jumpers using Elan skis were told by Slatnar that they can’t expect bonuses for top finishes, the athletes will not switch to other brands. “All ski jumpers using Elan skis will stay with us. What’s more, other ski jumpers expressed interest in competing for us. I think there will be a selection process determining who will ultimately compete for us,” said Slatnar.

According to the businessman, this success is due to the fact that his company has been manufacturing ski bindings for the best ski jumpers competing in the World Cup. Slatnar’s ski jumping boots are also set to be rolled out shortly. Slatnar believes his company could become a key player in this niche, and he maintains that the country has the necessary expertise to manufacture such products.

“We used to go abroad to buy all that expensive gear. Now we can sell those products to a global market and bring some of that money back to our country,” said Slatnar.

Production to remain level
The jumping skis will continue to be manufactured at the Begunje plant. “We’re currently renting Elan’s facilities, machines and workers. The next stage is to buy the machines so that they become our property,” said Slatnar.

The number of units manufactured in Begunje is not expected to grow for the time being. This year, the plant is expected produce about 250 pairs of competition jumping skis and just shy of 1000 pairs of jumping skis for junior categories and clubs. Slatnar, who believes in the success of his brand, said that his company could significantly increase production in the future. Globally, there are only three manufacturers who produce more than a few thousand pairs of jumping skis per year.

T. H., Drago Balažič/Radio Slovenija; translated by D. V.