As part of the selection process, experts evaluated the role of the factory and production processes in business success, the level of digitalization, lean and automated operations, cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence, care for people, and sustainability results.
Implementation of Iskraemeco’s strategy
The expert committee evaluated the entire value creation chain — from development and industrialization to serial production, quality, IT support, and sustainability impacts.
At Iskraemeco, they recognized consistent implementation of the digital transformation strategy, measurable results in operational excellence, and proven care for people and the environment.
Below are the key reasons that contributed to reaching the finals:
- Technological breakthrough: In our anniversary year, we launched one of the most advanced SMT and THT lines in Europe at our Kranj facility — a €3.5 million investment that boosts productivity and quality while reducing energy and nitrogen consumption.
- Digital factory: Digital twin, IoT, robotics, and advanced traceability — supported by more than 500 built-in barcode readers — enable adaptation to over a hundred product variants.
- Global reach and reliability: Iskraemeco’s smart meters operate in 85 markets, feature upgraded cybersecurity comparable to online banking, and are integrated with the Symbiot platform for network management.
- Measurable sustainability: Investments and process improvements reduce resource use and strengthen circularity — a criterion explicitly rewarded by the selection committee.
The significance of the finalist recognition for Iskraemeco
Reaching the finals is an important validation of our strategy of growth, innovation, and responsibility — and a clear message to the market that our approaches, from digitalization to sustainability, deliver measurable success.
We dedicate this recognition to all employees, partners, and customers. Regardless of the final outcome, we remain committed to continued investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, proprietary software, cybersecurity, and people’s competencies.
“Being among the finalists for Factory of the Year is a strong recognition and confirmation that the path we have chosen — toward digitalization, sustainable solutions, and investment in people — is the right one and competitive on the global market. Thank you to everyone at Iskraemeco — from production lines to support departments — as each individual contributed to this achievement.
We also thank the expert jury, organizers, and fellow finalists for their encouragement and for co-creating best practices. Being in the finals is an additional commitment to continue investing in technology, people, and sustainability.” Maks Prokop, Executive Director and Global Director for Legal and Compliance, Iskraemeco
“The finalist recognition belongs to all our employees who, with knowledge, dedication, and teamwork, contribute daily to our production success — from PCB assembly and production to final product packaging. With new lines that continuously integrate advanced technologies and through consistent implementation of manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement principles, we’ve achieved greater flexibility, repeatability, and quality assurance. This allows us not only to exceed customer expectations but also to build a strong foundation for planned production growth in the coming years.” Miha Kern, Director of Production and Production Engineering, Iskraemeco
“Smart meters today are no longer just measuring devices — they are secure communication hubs of the energy sector. Through in-house development of measuring sensors, embedded software, and cryptographic material, we ensure data protection and seamless integration into networks.
Our key advantage remains rapid customer responsiveness, a high level of automation, and excellent traceability — all convincingly demonstrated to the jury.” Mirko Šalej, Global Director of Engineering, Iskraemeco
“Our commitment to the ESG approach has proven successful in practice in recent years — we’ve significantly reduced energy consumption, optimized resource use, and increased the share of recycling. Being recognized among the best obliges us to continue enhancing positive impacts across the entire value chain with green technologies.” Dalija Delić, Sustainability Specialist, Iskraemeco
“Digital transformation is the central pillar of our operations — from digital production twins to security solutions comparable to the banking sector. This recognition shows that our focused development and IT infrastructure are not just supportive, but strategic.” Robi Zorman, Global Head of Information Technology, Iskraemeco
About the Factory of the year award
Factory of the Year is part of the Izvozniki.si initiative, dedicated to recognizing best practices in Slovenian industry. Companies progress to the shortlist based on questionnaires and evaluated responses (KPMG as a professional partner), and the winner is selected by an expert jury of experienced managers. Evaluation criteria include digitalization, automation, lean operations, sustainability, and business results.
