200 Years of Impol: “200 Years into the Future”

For Business Partners: A Ceremonial Event Connecting Partnership, Community and People

With the event “200 Years into the Future,” Impol marked an extraordinary milestone – two centuries of knowledge, innovation and courage.
The evening brought together an emotional reflection on the past, a clear vision for the future, and heartfelt gratitude to our business partners and the community who have helped shape our journey.

Event Highlights

• The European Aluminium Perspective: Paul Voss, Director General of the European Aluminium Association, spoke about the role of aluminium in Europe’s green and circular transition and the importance of responsible, forward-looking industry.

• Impol Vision 2030: A joint presentation by Impol’s Executive Directors outlined a green, smart and innovative future — from digital product passports and advanced alloys to the expansion of the value chain, from resources to solutions.

• Round Table on the Future: Young innovators and technological leaders from Impol shared practical insights from their work in R&D, simulation, rolling operations and raw-material management, demonstrating how knowledge and collaboration drive progress.

• Connection with the Community: Artistic performances by the Slovenska Bistrica Music School and a dynamic showcase by the Impol Judo Club highlighted the shared values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance that link industry and community.

• Honourable Speeches and Recognitions: The event featured addresses by Dejan Židan, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport; Dr Ivan Žagar, Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica; Vesna Nahtigal, Director General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia; and Aleksandra Podgornik, Director of the Štajerska Chamber of Commerce, who presented a commemorative plaque.
  Marko Drobnič, President of the Management Board of Talum, also congratulated Impol with a symbolic gift, further underscoring the spirit of partnership that has long connected the two companies.

Impol Vision 2030 – From Resources to Solutions

Our strategy towards 2030 builds on global trends and our own strengths: sustainability, digitalisation, operational excellence and higher added value.

• Foundry Operations: Development of special and green alloys, digital monitoring of chemical composition, and efficient processing of secondary raw materials.

• Rolling Operations: Focus on niche applications such as pharmaceutical barrier foils, battery housing strips and coated products, combined with full digital traceability for every coil.

• Extrusion Operations: Production of complex profiles and high-strength, lead-free alloys, supported by numerical simulations and digital twin technology.

• Expanding the Value Chain: Transitioning from a material supplier to a one-stop-shop partner – offering mechanical and thermal processing, CNC services, welding, bending and assembly.

“Our goal is no longer to produce more – but to create more value. Impol 2030 represents a green, smart and innovative Impol that does not follow the future, but co-creates it,” was the central message of the company’s leadership.

Round Table: Young Innovators’ Perspective on Impol’s Future

One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was the round table with Impol’s young innovators, who shared their views on the company’s future – through knowledge, development, and people.
The discussion showed that Impol is not only building advanced technologies, but also fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and intergenerational responsibility.

Key highlights from the discussion:

• Dr Matej Steinacher: “At Impol, we master more than 250 aluminium alloys – this places us among the world’s leaders.”

• Uroš Kovačec: “Aluminium is light, strong and infinitely recyclable. More than one third of our aluminium comes from secondary sources.”

• Jure Stegne: “By developing high-strength alloys and digital simulations, we are building the path toward digitally supported development.”

• Dr Darja Volšak: “Our strength lies in mastering the entire chain – from casting to the final product.”

• Kristijan Kresnik: “Technology is important, but success is created by well-coordinated teams and the transfer of knowledge.”

• Matija Arzenšek: “With simulations, we eliminate errors even before production trials – that is true digital transformation.”

The discussion concluded with a thought from Dr Darja Volšak that beautifully summed up the spirit of the evening:

“Impol’s future is sustainable, connected and unbeatable – because it is created by people who believe in what they do.”

Community Voice, Power of People

Connection with our local environment is at the core of Impol’s identity. For two hundred years we have grown together with the people of Slovenska Bistrica – with their knowledge, creativity and energy. That is why we included those who best reflect our region’s values in the celebration: perseverance, respect, discipline and collaboration.
The Music School Slovenska Bistrica, enriching the cultural life of the town for over half a century, symbolically bridged art and industry – creativity and work, tradition and future. The Impol Judo Club, the oldest judo club in Slovenia, has for 65 years demonstrated that perseverance and teamwork lead to top results. Their performance was more than sport – it was a tribute to our shared roots and longtime partnership of sport, youth and industry.

Milestones

• 1825: Foundation of the story in Slovenska Bistrica.

• 200 years of uninterrupted development and investment.

• More than 250 alloys and formats in the foundry segment.

• Over one third of our input aluminium comes from secondary raw materials.

• EAA, GZS, local community: strategic partnerships for responsible and competitive development.

“Sustainable. Connected. Unbeatable.” – this is the future we aim to create.
Thank you to our partners, guests, colleagues and the community for shaping the future together with us.