The Akrapovič product brand, renowned among specialists for two decades, is now becoming known to a wider range of buyers. And there obviously won't be a lack of buyers in the future.

The company is building its international reputation with its recognizability and support it offers to leading motorcycle racing teams. Distinguished prizes have been won by almost 90 world champions on two and four wheels with the help of Akrapovič's exhaust systems. And the company hasn't only been reaping success in the area of high performance, but also in design. Proof of that is winning the Best of the Best Red Dot design award for the exhaust system of the Ducati 1199 Panigale evolution series.

The successful company, headed by Akrapovič, started out as a hobby. Today it employs 700 people: »We try reward those employees which work the hardest, which are capable and responsible. I am of the opinion that our successful team has also been built by rewarding and promoting our employees. We have responsible and right people at every position and they drive our company forward. On the other hand we also have to take care of sustaining the exceptionally fast and dynamic growth of our company. There will be some issues with us moving our production facility from Ivančna Gorica to Črnomelj, and we will have to keep people motivated.«

The company is in constant search of new people and new employees in all segments. »It's quite a big problem to find good experienced engineers. Young engineers who come out of universities need a year or two to get accustomed to our work. On the other hand our production also needs many welders, which is then a similar problem. You practically can't find them on the market. That's why we also organize trainings and then try convince people to come work for us. Otherwise with regards to our staff we are growing in all segments and we are investing in the future,« explains Mr. Akrapovič and adds that the company also cooperates with faculties. »Most of our engineers come from the Ljubljana faculty. We have none from Maribor, as almost everyone from there goes to Austria. Graz especially is a powerful industrial pool. We're a bit uncompetitive on the market because of the salaries and other difficulties we have in Slovenia. In the long-term we will have to make these things more comparable with our neighboring countries,« warns Akrapovič.

However despite all that the company will stay in Slovenia: »We will of course stick to Slovenia. If things don't change we will also have to consider alternative possibilities. It is true that basic work isn't too highly taxed or paid for in Slovenia. But engineer salaries are taxed exceptionally high. It's not a problem for us to move our production. However it would be much more efficient for us to move our development in a better environment. So in any case, I believe that our production will remain in Slovenia.«

»On top of that, what is more, I hope and believe that we will come to learn as a society that changes have to be dealt with without delays. The number of capable and educated young people leaving Slovenia is growing every year. In the long-term that could lead to a real catastrophe. That has already been experienced by other Mediterranean countries. I believe that a capable man which moves to another country and sets up a family rarely comes back,« also added the company manager.