In the latest edition of the Business Club Plus podcast, the guest of the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, is Štefan Pavlinjek, Director of the Roto Group, a well-known businessman and entrepreneur, pioneer of rotational molding (rotomolding) technology in Central and Southeastern Europe, and a long-time aviation enthusiast. The discussion focused on the development of the Roto Group, the introduction of advanced rotomolding technologies for the production of polymer products, and its success in conquering regional and global markets.

Pavlinjek began his career immediately after graduating as a mechanical engineer, in a small craft workshop he founded in 1974. With the development of rotomolding technology and new products, he gradually purchased factories across the former Yugoslavia—specifically those that had been his competitors—laying the foundations of today’s international Roto Group, which now operates in four European countries.

Pavlinjek emphasized that Roto Group today has eight export-oriented production plants. Each plant is specialized in its own type of product: from wine barrels, tanks, and irrigation systems, to parts for tractors, yachts, motorcycles, and aircraft, and even complete production of boats, yachts, and kayaks. With rising environmental awareness, the Group is also making intensive investments in water-treatment equipment, which is developed and manufactured in its factories in France, England, and Slovakia.

Pavlinjek confirmed that the Group also has a factory in Vinica, North Macedonia.

He stated that the company, which initially operated exclusively on the regional market, now exports to around 70 countries worldwide. Expanding into the international market has significantly contributed to improved product quality and has required modern production technology, skilled labor, and the introduction of new business standards. “Our main objective is to retain our existing markets, but at the same time to create new products,” Pavlinjek stressed.

Aside from being a successful businessman, Pavlinjek is also an experienced pilot and co-organizer of international hot-air balloon championships. He owns a personal aircraft, which he considers an essential means of transport in an era of economic globalization, because, in his view, market presence and client communication are crucial. He compares piloting to running a company—you need to have a goal, a path to that goal, and the ability to manage risks.

In 2015, at Lovenjakov Dvor in Polana near Murska Sobota, he founded his own distillery, “St. Stefan,” for the production of spirits, liqueurs, wine, and rakija.

Pavlinjek is active both publicly and professionally: he is President of the Ballooning Section of the Aeronautical Association of Slovenia, Honorary Consul of the Republic of North Macedonia in Slovenia since 2014, President of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia (2002–2012), as well as Slovenian Wine Consul and Knight.

Among the many awards he has received, he singles out the 2016 EU Award for Excellence in Family Business as his most cherished recognition, which, as he says, is the strongest affirmation of his work and long-standing dedication.