From iron ore to fuel cells: A story of perseverance that moves boundaries

With the opening of the jubilee museum exhibition at the Železniki Museum Gallery on Friday, April 10, 2026, we officially launched the celebration of Domel's honorable 80th anniversary. The event, which brought together rich local tradition, proud employees, and distinguished guests, mirrored the incredible journey from post-war scarcity to the global peak of technology.

The exhibition, titled "From iron ore to fuel cells: A story of perseverance that moves boundaries," was created in the spirit of respecting the past while driving a clear vision for the future. It connects the shared roots of the two industrial pillars of the Selca Valley – Niko and Domel. Both companies originate from the same core, the Niko Metal Cooperative, established in 1946.

Three key pillars of the exhibition to inspire you

The exhibition at the Železniki Museum offers a unique and deep insight into the history that shaped the identity of our region and its people. Visitors can explore three main thematic sections:

• Hidden beginnings (the corner of unknown products): This section reveals the early, often forgotten products and experiments created while searching for the right business direction. They bear witness to the incredible adaptability, resourcefulness, and unyielding perseverance of our predecessors, who never feared failure.

• Timeline of success: A walk through eight decades of innovation guides you from the very first mechanism in 1946, analytical balances (1950), the first electric motor for a centrifuge (1953), and the legendary Niko vacuum cleaner (1959). Special milestones include 1974, with the launch of mass production for vacuum motors, and 1992, which marked the foundation of our breakthrough EC program.

• Invisible presence, visible power: The final part of the exhibition showcases the incredible diversification of Domel's modern portfolio. Although our products often remain hidden from sight, their power and advanced technology are present almost everywhere – in your home, automobiles, industrial applications, and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment worldwide.

We are deeply proud of every step taken by the generations before us. Through their knowledge and innovation, they permanently placed the Selca Valley on the global map of technological progress. This exhibition pays tribute to their heritage and serves as a solid foundation for our future growth.

Gratitude and invitation to visit

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all employees, partners, and the local community who shared this proud moment with us at the official kickoff of our anniversary celebrations. A special thank you goes to the Železniki Museum for their hospitality and excellent cooperation in bringing this memorable exhibition to life.

The exhibition will remain open at the Železniki Museum Gallery until Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the museum's regular opening hours. We cordially invite you to visit, relive this success story, and celebrate eight decades of creativity and innovation with us!

See more in the photo gallery below.

Photo credit: Simon Benedičič