When asked what he likes best about Cat machines, Marjan will tell you their durability and reliability, although the level of customer care he gets is a close second. "We know we're not Teknoxgroup's largest customer, but from the service we get, you would never know it. It really is second to none. There's an employee of theirs who actually lives nearby, who will pop over anytime we need a machine checked. And when we need spares, we never have to wait very long."

Rok Fabjan, MD and Marjan's son, is also very proud of his company's environmental credentials. "We own a recycling site near Novo Mesto, where construction waste is processed and reused. Since 2012, we've also had an environmental protection permit to process construction waste. It means we recycle as much as possible, from excavated rocks to asphalt, brick, iron and steel. In this region, we're the only recycling site. Slovenia has beautiful and clean nature, so it is also important for us to run the company in the most environmentally friendly way possible."

Another customer of Teknoxgroup benefiting from their new facility is Victor Energy d.o.o., a power utility and infrastructure contractor mainly working in the energy sector.  Krešimir Anušić is the director. "Although we're well established in the US and Canada, we've only been in Croatia for seven years. And now have 150 employees and a fleet of 11 Cat machines. We only have Cat machines. They're just so reliable and versatile. We also get the most fantastic support. Which gives us complete confidence that the machines will deliver on a job."

Right now, one such job is working on the most prestigious and largest job in the region, a bridge and road network that will connect the whole of Croatia for the first time. Victor Energy is tasked with overseeing energy supply, infrastructure, power supply and communication systems. With an estimated 50% of Croatia’s construction capacity working on site, it is a vast and complex process.

Elsewhere, in Sweden, they are also working on updating and replacing Europe’s oldest power line, which runs between Storfinnforsen and Midskog.

Another vital aspect of Caterpillar that cements its relationship with Victor Energy is sustainability. "Sustainability is a major concern for Victor Energy. For example, when a tender is published for construction works, you get extra points for lower fuel use, emissions, and biofuel use. Knowing Cat machines can meet all these fuel requests gives us peace of mind."

With companies like Victor Energy, Gradbena mehanizacija Marjan Fabjan s.p, Teknoxgroup and Caterpillar all working together, we can all feel that little bit more optimistic about the future.