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About Us
Toza Marković Kikinda stands as a symbol of tradition and innovation for over 150 years. Founded in 1866, our company has grown into one of the leaders in the production of fired clay construction materials, maintaining its prestige as the oldest manufacturer in the region. We have gone through various historical periods, adapting and developing our business through the centuries, and today we are recognized as a symbol of reliability and quality.
Company History
- fine ceramics (floor tiles, wall tiles, and decorative ceramics);
- coarse ceramics (roof tiles, block products, and utility ceramics).
The main individual product of “Toza Marković” is the roof tile, primarily thanks to centuries of experience in crafting this essential protective part of the house.
The most important aspect of our production program is the quality of the final product. Responsible for this, in addition to experience, are highly trained personnel, premium raw materials – the famous Kikinda clay, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the use of eco-friendly materials, and care for nature.
Besides quality, quantity is also necessary for survival and success in both domestic and foreign markets. The industrial complex of “Toza Marković” spans 214 hectares, and the production capacities are impressive:
- 100 million pieces of roof tiles,
- 2 million square meters of wall tiles,
- 1 million square meters of floor tiles,
- 13,500 tons of ceramic frits and glazes.
Timeline
1886
Company Foundation
Mihael Bohn founds Toza Marković, laying the groundwork for brick and tile production in Kikinda.
1944
New Era
After World War II, the company is renamed “Toza Marković” and focuses on coarse ceramics production.
1972
Introduction of Fine Ceramics
The production program is enriched with fine ceramics and decorative ceramics obtained through third firing.
1985
Capacity Expansion
IGM TM employs over 2,400 workers, increasing production and exports.
1986
Construction of a New Factory
A new “Toza Marković” factory is built for the Ceramics department, Frit plant.
1988
Creation of a New Clay Pit
At the request of SAP Kosovo, a clay pit is built in the village of Landovica near Prizren.
1989
Increased Exports
Due to workers’ dissatisfaction with wages and management, exports to foreign countries increase.
1996
Technological Innovations
New technologies are introduced and new plants for decorative ceramic tiles and sintered floor tiles are opened.
1998
Status Change
The company becomes a public limited company.
2006
Privatization
The company begins operating under the name “Toza Marković” LLC. It becomes part of the private sector, with significant changes in management and ownership structure.
2017
Digital Printing
Introduction of a new production line for digital printing of ceramic tiles.
2022
Business Stabilization and Growth
Business stabilizes after a period of difficulties, with successful exports to more than 10 countries.
Development Strategy
In line with its comprehensive market approach and business policy, the company “Toza Marković” places great importance on development. Starting in 1996 to work on strategic development, the company entered a cycle of annual investments, from its own funds, without credit borrowing, in: new programs, new technologies, and product range expansion. That year, a new development strategy was initiated – a dynamic investment cycle, which significantly increases the company’s production competitiveness and export capability; strengthening its position as a leader in the Yugoslav construction materials industry.
So far, several major investments with an approximate value of 25 million euros have been realized within the program:
- 1996. – opened a plant for the production of decorative ceramic tiles using the “third firing” process;
- 1997. – opened a new plant for the production of ceramic sintered floor tiles;
- 1998. – opened a new plant for primary clay processing;
- 2000/2001. – launched two new automatic lines for roof tile production;
- 2000/2001. – acquired equipment for the production and packaging of ceramic tile composites;
- 2002. – launched a new automatic line for the production of large-format monoporosa wall tiles, worth 5 million euros
- 2008. – opened a new plant for the production and automation of ridge tiles and special roof tile pieces;
- 2008. – launched a line for automatic packaging and siliconization of roof tiles;
- 2009/2010. – launched two new lines for automatic stacking of roof tiles on wagons and dryers;
- 2009/2010. – expanded production capacities in fine ceramics for the production of large formats (25×50 and 30×60);
- 2010. – licensed production of new wall and floor tiles in collaboration with Italian and Spanish technologists.
Changes in Name and Legal Status
The company has changed its name over time:
- “Braća Bohn” until 1944;
- Brick and Tile Industry “Toza Marković” until 1959;
- Construction Materials Industry “Toza Marković” until 1993;
- Joint Stock Company “Toza Marković” until 1998;
- Public Limited Company “Toza Marković” from July 1998;
- Ownership transformation (privatization) was achieved in 2006 under the current law.
- “Toza Marković” LLC from August 2016 to present.
Awards and Recognitions as Confirmation of Quality
As part of the promotion of “Toza Marković” company, as a major producer of clay products, there is a wide range of market presence activities. “Toza Marković” company is present at construction exhibitions and fairs (Belgrade, Banja Luka, Bucharest, Timisoara, etc.), but also organizes numerous press conferences, presentations at warehouses, in ceramic showrooms, on the internet… Electronic and print media are available to users and buyers, a specially designed program for piece and financial calculation of required roof tile quantities for all types of roof surfaces, as well as catalog material with all necessary instructions for designers and contractors.
“Toza Marković” has received countless confirmations of quality from satisfied users. Awards are a confirmation of superior quality and a sign that we are moving in the right direction. Millions of satisfied users and numerous experts in juries have recognized the value of our company’s products for years.
Awards we have received:
- Gold Medal for Roof Tile Quality at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 – the first confirmation of the brand;
- Order of Saint Sava First Class in 2000 – the highest recognition of the Serbian Orthodox Church for the restoration of monasteries, churches, and dormitories;
- Absolute Quality Champion – Novi Sad Fair;
- New Vision and Grand Prix – Belgrade Fair;
- Golden Level – Banja Luka Fair;
- American Gold Award for Quality;
- Comite Cap Anamur – high recognition from the eponymous prestigious international humanitarian organization from Cologne in 1998;
- Business Partner 1996, 1999, and 2004;
- Rose of ZEPS – Zenica Fair;
- Green Leaf for contribution to ecology;
- Vuk’s Award – the highest recognition in Serbia in the field of culture;
- Ktitor – benefactor of the Memorial Church of Saint Sava in Vračar – recognition from His Holiness Patriarch Pavle;
- Quality Champion Cup – for consistency of quality and high achievement of clay products – the highest recognition of the Leskovac Fair;
- Golden Plumb – for the collection of ceramic clay products Mosaic;
- Golden Statue for Strategic Management – from the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina and Media Invest agency;
- 200 Largest Companies in Serbia – according to the ranking in the Economic Policy edition, based on data from ZOP and NBJ.
Social Responsibility
Awareness of social responsibility in the company “Toza Marković” has existed for decades, and is not part of new trends, but serious support for important elements of society. “Toza Marković” is not only an industrial giant but also a significant link in the social, cultural, sports, and humanitarian life of the community.
The company “Toza Marković” has always been aware of its role in society, not only as a collective that supports the development of the city of Kikinda and local areas through its own progress but also as a company that provides active support to society as a whole.
Fully affirming socially responsible business, the company has done and continues to do a lot in terms of charity, humanitarian activities, sponsorships, and support for projects of general good in the fields of culture, science, education, healthcare, ecology, sports, and religious communities, both in the local and wider community. We highlight some: host and patron of the International Sculpture Symposium Terra; sponsorship of the YU Olympic team “Barcelona 92”, “Atlanta 96”, Handball National Team at world and European championships, Water Polo National Team at the most important competitions, “Miroslav Antić” Memorial, Zmaj’s Children’s Games, “Dušan Vasiljev” Literary Award, construction of facilities for housing refugees…