Company Autostop Interiors was established in 2013 and specialises in manufacturing car floor mats and leather covers. These 10 years have been a journey of growth, innovation and dedication to excellence
The company’s Leskovac factory has already embarked on a strategic expansion initiative, marked by the addition of new projects and esteemed OEM customers to its growing portfolio. With the introduction of these new projects and partnerships, Autostop Interiors is not only diversifying its operations, but also solidifying its position as a leading player in the automotive interior parts industry.
How do you reflect on these first 10 years? We believe that you have plenty of reason to be satisfied.
— Reflecting on the first 10 years of Autostop Interiors fills me with immense pride and satisfaction. Since our establishment in 2013, we have worked tirelessly to become a leading manufacturer of car floor mats and leather covers. Our success over the past decade can be attributed to the unwavering commitment of our team. From our skilled designers and engineers to our dedicated manufacturing staff, every member of the Autostop family plays a crucial role in our achievements.
Looking ahead, the next decade holds immense promise for Autostop Interiors. We are poised to expand our product offers, explore new markets and leverage emerging technologies to remain at the forefront of the automotive industry. Together with our talented team and valued partners, I am confident that the best is yet to come for Autostop.
You often highlight that your main goal is to gain satisfied customers with quality products. Are your long-term customers the best indicators of the quality of your products?
— One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been the evolution of our products. We started with a vision to create high-quality car floor mats and leather covers that not only enhance the aesthetics of vehicles, but also provide durability and functionality.
Since our inception, we have made it a priority to create a supportive and nurturing work environment in which every member of our team feels valued, respected and cared for
Over the years, we have refined our manufacturing processes, embraced cutting-edge technologies and collaborated with industry experts to continually improve the quality and design of our products. I am today proud to be able to say that Autostop Interiors sets the standard for excellence in automotive interior parts.
You are a very unusual director and owner of the company, because – as your employees state – you are involved in the company’s daily activities. Is this because you are one of us? Do you have Serbian citizenship?
— Indeed, I am deeply involved in the daily activities of Autostop, and I take great pride in being hands-on within the company. I firmly believe in leading by example and being actively engaged in all aspects of our operations. This approach allows me to stay connected with our team, understand their challenges and triumphs firsthand, and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Yes, I can say that I’m one of you!
From the moment I arrived in Serbia, I felt a profound sense of belonging, and obtaining citizenship nearly five years ago solidified that feeling. Being part of this community has been incredibly meaningful to me, and it’s an honour for me to contribute to the growth and success of our company and community alongside such dedicated and talented individuals. As you probably know, Greeks and Serbs are Brothers and that’s a reality!
A few years ago, there were discussions about possible capacity expansion and the building of a new factory. Have negative global events slowed down your plans?
— While negative global events – such as the pandemic, wars, energy crises and inflation – have presented challenges, I’m proud to say that they have not derailed our long-term growth and expansion vision. It’s true that we’ve had to navigate uncertain economic times and volatility on the global marketplace, but we are also thrilled to announce that Autostop has already embarked on a strategic expansion initiative, marked by the addition of new projects and esteemed OEM customers to our growing portfolio.
With the introduction of these new projects and partnerships, we are not only diversifying our business, but also solidifying our position as a leading player in the automotive interior parts industry. These ventures represent exciting opportunities for growth, allowing us to leverage our expertise and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the market.
Autostop Interiors is a family company that has shown its care for employees from day one. Is it true that you are one of the few companies that have a daycare centre for the children of your employees?
— Indeed, at Autostop Interiors we pride ourselves on being a family-oriented company that values and prioritises the wellbeing of our employees. Since our inception, we have made it a priority to create a supportive and nurturing work environment, where every member of our team feels valued, respected and cared for.
One of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to our employees is by offering a range of benefits and support services designed to meet their diverse needs. Our employees are the heart of our company, and their health, happiness and work-life balance are paramount to us.
One aspect of our employee support initiatives that sets us apart is the provision of a daycare centre for the children of our employees. We recognise that balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging and believe that providing onsite childcare is not only a practical solution, but also a reflection of our commitment to supporting our employees’ personal and professional lives.
From the moment I arrived in Serbia, I felt a profound sense of belonging, and obtaining citizenship nearly five years ago solidified that feeling
Our daycare centre is staffed by qualified and experienced caregivers, who provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for the children in their care. By offering this service, we aim to alleviate the stress and logistical challenges that working parents may face, allowing them to focus on their work with peace of mind, knowing that their children are well cared for nearby.
Furthermore, we go beyond just providing childcare by offering a range of other benefits and support services, including flexible work arrangements, wellness programmes, professional development opportunities and more. These initiatives reflect our belief that happy and fulfilled employees are essential to the success and sustainability of our company.
We know that you are operating a second manufacturing Plant near Leskovac in the town of Bojnik… What exactly are you producing at this plant?
— Autostop proudly operates its second manufacturing facility in Bojnik, which is strategically located near Leskovac. This facility is dedicated to the production of high-quality PVC and PU leather and PU foam materials tailored specifically to the automotive and aviation industries. It is a unique plant and the only one of its kind in Serbia and across the Balkans.
We have assembled a team of highly skilled professionals at this cutting-edge facility, including an experienced research and development team and meticulously trained production members. This talented team collaborates tirelessly in order to pioneer innovative, advanced and sustainable PVC and PU materials that meet the stringent requirements of seating applications in automotive interiors and the aviation and rail industries.
Furthermore, our dedication to sustainability drives our efforts to minimise our environmental impact throughout the manufacturing process. Through continuous innovation and improvement, we strive to develop ecofriendly materials that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for the automotive and aviation industries.