Group LOTRIČ Metrology

Over 24 years the family business has developed into a laboratory for metrology solutions

Marko Lotrič, the owner and director, established the family business in 1991. In those early days the company offered inspection and testing services for measuring and laboratory equipment and subsequently, calibration of scales and weights for certification purposes. This was the first professional service developed in their laboratory. In those days metrology was fully regulated by the State, and penetration of  the market was a major challenge. Yet over the years, the company has developed into an integral part of the Slovenian metrology system, has actively promoted regulatory changes, and has made a very strong contribution to the development of metrology within Slovenia.

In 2002 the family business became the first privately owned Slovenian company to be certified by the Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia to independently perform legal certification of calibration equipment in designated areas. Only a year later a modern plant was constructed in Selška Dolina to house state-of-the-art laboratories and first-class equipment. Over a period of 24 years the company has developed into a laboratory specialized in metrology solutions. According to Marko, through innovation and continued development, they continue a tradition which has been rooted in the valley since 1923.

Internationally recognized, they are present and certified in 26 countries. They also participate in the QNet network of international partners in the Central and Eastern European region, as well as beyond. The company’s references include over 10,600 companies, cooperation with research institutes and universities, and to date the company has registered four patents. In addition to the parent company LOTRIČ Meroslovje, the Group is composed of two Slovenian subsidiaries, LOTRIČ Certificiranje and ISKRA LOTRIČ as well as subsidiaries in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Macedonia. In total, LOTRIČ Meroslovje employs 83 professionals. The Group performed 46,809 metrology inspections across the fields of technology, legislation and security in 2014, while generating €4.54 million of revenue, of which one third was achieved in foreign markets.  

Knowledge, quality products and development

“He has always been driven by the need to improve things.” says Mojca, describing her husband's entrepreneurial spirit. According to the Lotrič family, the keys to a successful business are knowledge, quality products and development. The family invests around 7% of their revenue in development, while in 2015, due to the marketing of their new product Exactum, this investment will be significantly higher.

The company boasts a strong organizational structure, built on the values of a family business and the love for metrology. Their work is founded on an understanding of what their customers are looking for. They proudly state that their customers often remark: “When we are faced with a problem, we call LOTRIČ Meroslovje, and no matter who answers our call, they immediately stop what they are doing and focus on resolving our issues - as if their sole reason for coming to work that day was to get us out of trouble.”

In addition to their family business culture, their commitment to metrology and good customer relations, the company is renowned for their strong ambition and commitment to growth - not only their own, but also that of their customers whose growth is accelerated by the services and products provided by LOTRIČ Meroslovje. “Will you ever slow down?” was a question posed to Marko, the Director. “Never!” was his answer.

The two Lotrič families

“Mojca and I have never forced any of our children to work in the family business.” points out Marko. However, while growing up they also learnt about entrepreneurship and inevitably joined in. Even the youngest, Maja, who is currently a student, is slowly and actively putting her mark on the company.

“This is our company. Not for a moment did I ever think of going elsewhere,” asserts Katja, describing her wish to be a part of the business. All three children did their placements in the family business learning about all the business processes.

The family business culture is ingrained throughout LOTRIČ Meroslovje - a culture developed in the same way as they raised their three children: by using praise and reprimand. “In my experience, you need to tell people when they have done something well but also point out things that could be done differently and better,” insists Mojca.

“I have two families: one of my own and LOTRIČ Meroslovje,” says Maja with a smile, adding: “They are both symbols of confidence and security, and I know it is my duty to take care of them as my own.”

Marko confidently adds: “Those who accept our values, become members of our family.” A family business demands a certain kind of thinking; it requires hard work and a strong sense of responsibility for its development not only for today and tomorrow, but in the long-term.

“Knowing that my family supports me makes my work away from the family environment much easier,” admits Mitja, head of LOTRIČ Certificiranje, which is located in Kranj.
A family business offers its advantages and benefits and it means a deep sense of loyalty and a large degree of commitment and interaction on the part of all family members. There is no separation between business and personal life; instead, they both melt into each other. And this includes numerous Sunday lunches when their family business is also one of the topics of conversation.   

Daily coffee meetings

The company’s commitment to precision, quality and development, filled with their love for metrology, has not gone unnoticed. They have received over 30 awards, including the Republic of Slovenia Award for Business Excellence 2012 and Chamber of Commerce Award 2012 for Entrepreneurial Achievements. That same year the company was also awarded Slovenia's BronzeGazelle award for rapid growing companies.

What is the key to their success? One of the most significant factors is compliance with  EFQM methodology, which they began to implement in 2006, and only six years later they were awarded the European 5-STAR Recognition Award.

The company provides systematic support for knowledge sharing between employees, and invests heavily in employee relations and communication. “Whilst we are all working hard, it is important we ensure good relationships between employees,” explains Katja.

This is one of the reasons why some years ago Mojca introduced a special routine for all employees at Selce – morning meetings while enjoying a cup of coffee: “so that everyone is kept up to date with all new developments in the company.”

Ambition to penetrate foreign markets

LOTRIČ Meroslovje has set rather ambitious goals: to expand into Western European markets. “Our strategic decision is to set up laboratories that follow the working methods we have pioneered and use here, in Selce, beyond the borders of Slovenia. We are a serious challenger in foreign markets,” explains Mitja.

According to Marko, they follow a very simple principle while pursuing their goal of penetrating foreign markets: “We are ready to enter the market when we have achieved a total €10,000 of turnover in a particular market. We welcome new people with new ideas and new approaches as it is important that we welcome new ideas no matter where they originate.”

They are not afraid that they may run out of challenges since quality metrology services have become increasingly sought after all over the world. This constant development in metrology drives increasingly higher customer demand. “You need to adapt to new developments, be in step with the times and invest heavily in development,” agree the Lotričs unanimously.

Maja's vision for the company extends to at least 2050 when, as she confidently points out: “We will be present all over the world as the leading family business with 1,000 family members - or more.”