Domel opens the doors to the future on its 80th anniversary: Solemn opening of the new Trata 2 location

On Friday, May 8th, as the strains of the Slovenian anthem "Zdravljica" performed by opera singer Anton Habjan echoed over Škofja Loka, Domel did more than just look back at its history. With the official opening of the new Trata 2 production site, we formally entered our ninth decade—an era that will be defined by premium e-mobility and technological breakthroughs that push the boundaries of performance.

A Story That Began on the Nürburgring Track

Every great innovation is born from a challenge. Our story for the Trata 2 location began on one of the most demanding racetracks in the world – the Nürburgring Nordschleife. When a leading European manufacturer of sports vehicles lost a prestigious record, which serves as a symbol of technological superiority, they turned to Domel.

They were looking for a solution that would enable a return to the top: an electric motor for extreme conditions. At Domel, we accepted the challenge with full responsibility. An interdisciplinary team of more than 50 experts developed a high-performance eTV (Electronic Torque Vectoring) system, which allows for more precise torque control and incredible stability in corners. Today, this technology, which was once only a vision, powers prestigious vehicles from brands such as Audi and Porsche.

Trata 2: The Technological Heart of Premium E-Mobility

The new location at Trata covers 3,100 square meters, of which the e-mobility project has already occupied one-third. This is a highly specialized and "technically clean" production facility, where 22 employees currently work in a single shift. Due to market demands, we are already preparing to establish a second shift by the end of the summer.

Key Investment Data:

• €14.2 million invested in development, validation, and state-of-the-art production equipment.

• €10.7 million in estimated average annual revenue, contributing to 6% growth for the entire company.

• €80,000 in value added per employee, placing us at the very top of the Slovenian industry.

Honorary Speakers: A Tribute to Tradition and a Vision for the Future

The ceremony was enriched by the speeches and presence of those who built Domel yesterday and lead it today.

Mag. Matjaž Čemažar, President of the Management Board of Domel Holding, took us through 80 years of history—from 1946 and the founding of the Niko cooperative to today’s global player. He emphasized that it was the determination of the employees in the 1990s and the ownership shares held by those who work in the company that enabled the independent development and innovation we celebrate today.

With exceptional warmth and wisdom, we were addressed by Dr. Jožica Rejec, former President of the Management Board. As a person who paved the way for modern Domel, she sincerely congratulated the team on this new technological milestone and wished us a successful and, above all, courageous path forward, reminding us that visionaries are always needed for great achievements.

Ms. Vesna Nahtigal, General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), noted upon presenting the jubilee plaque:

"You can buy technology, but you cannot buy belonging and pride. This is built over years, and today, that is clearly felt here. Domel is not just a company; it is a community."

The Mayor of Škofja Loka, Mr. Tine Radinja, enthusiastically welcomed the fact that Domel is opening its third location in the municipality. He emphasized the importance of local knowledge, which writes Slovenia's name in capital letters among world innovators.

Employees – Those Who Move the Boundaries

Although we proudly showcased the new premises at the opening, the fact remains that walls do not produce innovations. Employees do. The Trata 2 project is the result of cooperation with the Nela Development Center, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, and partners in the GREMO project.

Thanks to the optimized design of our electric motors, we now use less copper and electrical steel while achieving higher efficiency. This is our contribution to the sustainability and safety of electric mobility.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting, performed by Vesna Nahtigal, Mag. Matjaž Čemažar, Miha Kern, Jaka Kavčič, and Tine Radinja, symbolically opened the door to a new, ninth decade of Domel’s "Excellence in Motion."

Thank you to all our employees who are part of this 80-year story. May Trata 2 be a place of new successes, unforgettable memories, and technological records!