To mark the occasion, the company organised an Open Day for employees and their families. It was a day dedicated to the people who have shaped the company’s story – those who were part of its journey in the past and those who continue to drive it forward today.
For one day, the production hall – a place many family members had previously known only from stories – opened its doors to employees’ families. Visitors had the opportunity to see first-hand where forgings for the automotive, agricultural and engineering industries are produced. Children enjoyed competitions, face painting and a variety of entertainment, while dance groups took to the stage alongside a musical performance by Bystrík Červený.
Employees Are the Driving Force Behind the Company’s Success
The anniversary celebrations also included speeches by the company’s management. Peter Špak, Member of the Board of Energy Group, reflected on the period following 2003, when HKS Forge became part of Energy Group. At the time, the company needed stabilisation, repairs, new processes and investment. Gradually, it attracted new customers and established partnerships with major companies such as Claas and Toyota.
In his speech, however, he placed particular emphasis on the role of employees.
“Our employees had to learn and develop, because without them, the machines simply cannot operate. Our blacksmiths, supervisors and technologists all learned and grew. And that is what drives the company’s development and success,” said Peter Špak.
He thanked all colleagues for their work and wished everyone an enjoyable anniversary celebration.
Respect and Cooperation Are Part of HKS Forge
Slavomír Gregor, CEO of HKS Forge, spoke about modernisation, new technologies and the company’s future direction. Every year, HKS Forge invests approximately €1.5 million in development, energy solutions and improving production efficiency. The company is also responding to new customer requirements and gradually expanding into additional market segments.
He too stressed that people remain the most important part of the company. He highlighted employee development, professional training, digitalisation and the culture of mutual support within HKS Forge. Through the EG Support Foundation, the company provides assistance every year to colleagues and their families who find themselves facing difficult life circumstances.
“Today, people of several nationalities work at HKS Forge, and I am pleased that respect and cooperation are a natural part of our company culture,” said Slavomír Gregor.
He described the company’s 40th anniversary as proof that dedication, craftsmanship and professional expertise continue to have real value today.
Employees Honoured for Their Contribution
As part of the programme, HKS Forge recognised employees who have made – and continue to make – a significant contribution to the company’s operations, development and stability: Bohuslav Koči, Miroslav Griflík, Alžbeta Pazderová, Ivana Kajanová and Milan Rambala.
The company also thanked former colleagues Miroslava Hercová, Ivan Ujlacký, Jozef Šulek, Ľuboš Hudzovič and Juraj Kapusta, who played an important role in the company’s transformation into the business it is today.
The honourees also included current employees whose work keeps individual areas of HKS Forge running smoothly: Peter Hanus, Ján Bažík, Patrik Toráč, Miroslav Hlúch, Zdeněk Hlavňovský, Igor Krajčovič, Michal Patzelt and Vladimír Šidla.
HKS Forge builds on the industrial heritage of the former Trnava Automotive Works. Production at the Trnava forge officially began in 1986. Today, the company is a major manufacturer specialising in closed-die forging, processing approximately 15,000 tonnes of steel annually and supplying its products to markets across Europe and overseas.
Forty years of HKS Forge is a story of technology, transformation and new challenges. Above all, however, it is the story of the people who keep production running every day and continue to forge the reputation and future of HKS Forge in Trnava.
DARINA KVETANOVÁ
