Pavel Zingan in an interview with Sergiu Caldari, CEO and founder of Autehton, maib business customer.
Sergiu, hello! We should start the discussion by explaining to our readers what Autehton does.
Hello! Autehton is an engineering company based in Moldova. For 12 years, it has specialized in the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of refrigeration equipment. The company's name combines the words "autochthon" (local) and "technique," which translates to "local technology."
What led to the establishment of your own company in 2012?
It was a combination of completing my higher education, gaining extensive experience over the years, and a persistent passion for refrigeration and climate control technology.
What did you start with in 2012?
Initially, we provided installation and maintenance services for refrigeration systems. Since 2018, we have become a refrigeration system manufacturer. We handle the assembly of these systems in Chișinău, using components from European factories. After 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to develop our production further, as deliveries were delayed and it became increasingly difficult to import components. We now produce refrigeration units, chillers, and rapid-freezing devices. Our production and storage facilities span 650 square meters.
Who are your clients in the local market?
Refrigeration technology is present in nearly all industries, though the average user may not always notice it. Approximately 60% of the refrigeration systems we produce are for the agricultural sector. Moldova is an agricultural country, and in recent years, we have seen active development in this sector, reflecting the growing demand for our services. Agricultural producers turn to us for quality speed and customized solutions that meet their requirements.
Besides the agricultural sector, we serve virtually all areas related to the food industry, including dairy production, meat processing, confectionery, poultry farms, and fish production. Our clients include medical institutions- hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.
We also work with enterprises with production workshops where regulations require maintaining specific climates. In such cases, a simple air conditioner is insufficient, and a comprehensive cooling and ventilation system is necessary to keep the required temperature and conditions.
Do you provide servicing and maintenance services as well?
This is one of the most crucial aspects of our business, and no contract is finalized without it. Our company has a dedicated technical maintenance department. We have specialists, a fleet of service vehicles, and a sub-storage facility where all necessary maintenance components are kept. This department operates 24/7. We serve clients across the country and collaborate with small companies in remote areas. In emergency situations, we can quickly contact our nearby partners to resolve the issue promptly. If the situation requires, we dispatch a specialized team on-site.
The company's website has a contact address in Romania, in Brașov. How long have you been active in the neighbouring country?
The Romanian company was established in 2018, but our activities there began in earnest in 2020. We entered Romania at the invitation of our fellow nationals, who had started businesses there and, knowing our expertise in refrigeration technology, invited us as specialists. One of our advantages as a Moldovan company is that Moldova, being agrarian, leads Romania in terms of high-quality and long-term fruit storage. We are not as strong in the industrial sector as our neighbours, but we are valued as more experienced specialists who work according to European standards in the agricultural industry.
Another reason for the increased demand for our services in Romania is the lack of skilled labour in the neighbouring country. While Moldova also faces this crisis, it is less acute than in Romania, making our employees highly valued there.
In addition to our presence in Romania, we are already building our third facility in Georgia.
Despite your active entrepreneurial role, do you continue to work on projects as an engineer (consulting, design, installation supervision)?
Yes, and I have no intention of giving up engineering. Firstly, it is my favorite part of the job. Secondly, it is difficult to find a specialist to whom you can entrust all processes from start to finish. Thirdly, I am constantly learning, attending exhibitions and seminars, and gathering information from various sources to pass on new knowledge to our team.
A successful and long-standing presence in the market always involves a combination of many factors, one of which is a reliable banking partner. How long have you been collaborating with maib?
Initially, we partnered with another bank, but as our company sought further growth, we required additional funding. Maib provided us with a credit line and a comprehensive range of financial instruments, which were essential in expanding and solidifying our business. Since then, Autehton has become a committed maib customer.
What are the most valuable criteria for you when collaborating with a bank?
Punctuality and quality of services, as well as high qualifications and training of managers, help find individual solutions for specific tasks. Such cooperation allows our company to react quickly and professionally to our clients' demands.
