Serbian business back from brink and facing brand new era

A business that was nearly wiped out by a fire at the beginning of the year has bounced back and is on the brink of entering a new era.

Dejan Plast, Serbia’s top supplier of plastic fishing products, has overcome a major blaze that caused around €100,000 of damage, putting the very survival of the business under threat.

However, through determination and grit, the business has pulled through and it enjoyed an encouraging show in Budapest. “After the fire, the biggest problem was that we lost the use of our two CNC machines used for metal working as they were situated in the warehouse which burned down,” explained Dejan Galic (left with his father), the company’s manager. “Production of plastic moulds was not affected and that kept the business going.

“It was a struggle to deliver product, but our customers were very patient. They understood the situation.

“We have since invested in new CNC machines and they were expected to be on track just after the show. Between November and January our sales are traditionally at their slowest and we have been able to fill up with new stock ready for the upcoming season.”

Galic added that its appearance at Angling International LIVE has provided a great boost for the business and given it hope for the future. “The reaction we have had from visitors to our booth has given us confidence that we can compete in the EU market. It has been confirmation of the next step for Dejan Plast.

“We are a small family business, but we knew that we had to expand into new export markets. We always knew that we would have to take this step, but were waiting for the right moment. This is a good time for us because we have the right products for the market.”

Galic said that its booth enjoyed a steady stream of visitors – particularly on the first day – and it received positive interest from the trade in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland and Romania with its plastic pop-up corn and rod holders creating the most interest.

”If we achieve what has been agreed we will be thrilled by the outcome,” he added.

Established in 1990, Dejan Plast began making fishing tackle six years later and is now a major maker of tackle boxes for twisters and floats and rod holders. It has also seen growth in demand for its aromatic pop-up corn and has become a supplier of fibreglass for the manufacture of floats which has become a popular addition to its business across Europe.