Tesnila GK (TGK) is a supplier of rubber parts and elastomer solutions. The company designs, develops and tests rubber parts and moulds in a fully automated process.
CCO Matej Tušar discussed the company’s environmentally friendly practices and future plans. Report by Antonia Cole.
With a 2023 turnover of €20.5 million, TGK is aiming to grow to a turnover close to €30 million by 2028. On approximately 8,000m2 of production floor, the company has 39 rubber injection moulding machines that produce around 90 million rubber parts a year.
TGK works on approximately 100 new projects a year, with an average total value of €1.5 million. The company has 150 employees and a portfolio divided into 70% automotive and 30% non-automotive to achieve these statistics.
“Since 1991, we have continuously worked to build and develop our company,” said CCO Matej Tušar. “We are always working to improve our sustainability by investing in new, more efficient technology and energy sources. Our operations are only becoming more streamlined, effective and high quality.”
Automation and innovation
TGK was one of the first Slovenian companies to acquire the ISO 9002 certification, positioning it as a leader of quality assurance in the country. The company later received the ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications. These confirm TGK’s ability to meet customer and stakeholder needs, as well as its dedication to continuous improvement, defect prevention and the reduction of waste in the automotive industry supply chain. The company led the way for new innovations within the industry in 2006, when it implemented automated control of rubber parts, followed later by the automation of the entire injection molding process. TGK’s automation allows stability of production parameters and ensures that rubber parts are of the highest quality. Automation also guarantees constant on-time deliveries as the
production line is controlled and defects can be recognised early, creating a more efficient manufacturing process.
The rubber parts in TGK’s production are camera measured and tested for leakage with the company’s internally developed and manufactured automated visual and mechanical inspection machines. TGK’s standards of quality assurance means that it receives high levels of customer satisfaction with the products and services it offers.
“We don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to supplying high-quality and reliable products for our customers,” explained Mr Tušar. “Our automation systems ensure that every rubber part that we produce is up to our stringent standards.”
Automation allows for increased energy efficiency within operations as industrial robots can act quicker and more accurately on production lines. TGK’s investments into new technology are, among other benefits, continuously improving the sustainability of operations.
Robotised injection moulding machines achieve greater stability in the production process, which leads to a very low scrap rate. The reduction of waste in operations leads to minimised carbon emissions from disposal systems.
The company supports customers through comprehensive R&D service, tool manufacturing at its own tool shop, as well as quality assurance with its i nspection process and quality laboratory.
Renewing rubber
TGK is working to be innovative in terms of sustainability by collaborating with suppliers to try to introduce recyclable rubber compounds into production. Recycling rubber conserves the plants that produce latex as well as reducing the amount of rubber that ends up in landfill. This process improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by using less energy to produce rubber and by farming fewer plants.
“Regenerating rubber compounds is maybe not the newest concept within
I am excited to see how the company will continue to grow, with our investments into technology and sustainability surely playing a key part
the industry, but it is being reinvented with the latest trends” explained Mr Tušar.
“We are hoping to set a new standard for sustainability in rubber production that we hope our customers will appreciate.”
The company has also installed solar panels to minimise reliance on unrenewable energy sources. TGK’s solar panels now generate clean and sustainable energy to be used in operations, reducing the company’s carbon footprint and supporting environmentally friendly practices. Integrating solar energy shows TGK’s dedication to creating higher standards for sustainability within the industry.
“Now more than ever, it is essential for us to recognise our impact on the environment, and we actively work to optimise our operation and establish sustainability as one of our core values,” said Mr Tušar.
“We are decreasing our dependence on traditional energy sources and supporting the global transition towards a more sustainable future.
Progressing prospects
TGK is a continuously growing company due to high-quality service and products. The standards set by the company not only encourage new customers but keep old customers returning for repeat business. Building these relationships not just with customers, but also with suppliers is important for TGK as it directly correlates to the success of the company. Being a reliable and responsible supplier is a central value within TGK’s operations and services.
“Our ability to deliver quality, flexibility and reliability to our customers is directly dependant on our suppliers,” explained Mr Tušar. “Therefore, our suppliers are so important to the success of our company.
We focus on building transparent, honest and healthy relationships with our suppliers in order to maintain our operations and ensure continuous success.”
Fuelled by this success, TGK is approaching its limits in terms of space and capacity at sites. The company is looking into expanding its current site and is considering development into other countries in order to maintain the success story.
TGK is investing in more ways to stand out within the market and become a global competitor. The company’s work in improving environmental sustainability is a step towards achieving this goal.
As well as developing sustainability measures, TGK is hoping to increase its non-automotive portfolio and expand into industries such as infrastructure, marine applications, home appliances and sanitary equipment, thus decreasing its dependence on the automotive industry. By distributing
to more industries, the company is less impacted by changes or disruptions to specific industries and is thus more stable and reliable in operations.
“I am excited to see how the company will continue to grow, with our investments i nto technology and sustainability surely playing a key part,” concluded Mr Tušar.
“I love how my job shows me something new every day and how my colleagues
and I can work together to identify issues and create effective solutions.
“As we continue to develop and expand, I am looking forward to watching the company reach further new markets, countries and industries. With innovation at the forefront of everything we do, the possibilities for us are endless.
I think the future of Tesnila GK looks very promising.”
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