The evolution of ImageWell: From humble beginnings to modern challenges
ImageWell, a leading Slovak advertising producer and operator of a network of advertising spaces, has actively participated in supporting the "Made in Slovakia" project. In our interview, we discussed the importance of the project in the current social climate, their beginnings more than 20 years ago, current challenges, and innovations in the advertising industry. ImageWell emphasizes its efforts to support Slovak talents and provide positive examples that demonstrate things can be done successfully in Slovakia too.
What do you think about the project "Made in Slovakia" and why did you decide to support it?
We are one of the Slovak companies dedicated to producing advertising and operating a network of advertising spaces. This project greatly appealed to us, and we are pleased to support it through promotion, especially at a time when there is a prevailing sentiment in society that suggests people should leave and that there is nothing left to achieve in Slovakia. This project is remarkable because it showcases the talented and ingenious individuals in Slovakia, providing a beacon of hope and a positive example that success is attainable here. By advertising and promoting initiatives like this, we aim to contribute further and help elevate this project.
Do you remember the beginnings and the challenges you had to overcome back then?
Surprisingly, our beginnings over 20 years ago were quite simple. Back then, businesses could focus solely on their core activities. Today, as our company has grown with improved processes and better facilities, we can more easily handle the increasing demands. Initially, our efforts were simply about setting up production – in our case, printing – by acquiring machinery, hiring staff, and getting started. However, the challenges are greater now as we must adhere to a myriad of regulations and rules. These would be overwhelmingly challenging without the scale we have achieved. Looking back, the early days seemed easier when our focus was purely on production. Now, we recognize that our challenges lie more in administration and process management.
How do you approach innovations in the field of advertising in Slovakia and what do you do to meet the demands of your clients?
In the current era, innovation is paramount - our clients demand it from us more than ever. They seek enhanced efficiency, not only in production but also in implementing solutions similar to those we offered three to four years ago. We address this demand by upgrading our technology; for example, in printing, we now use water-based colours that are recyclable and free of toxic substances requiring special disposal. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the focus of innovation has shifted. Previously, it centred on discovering new materials and creative solutions. Now, it leans more towards increasing efficiency and simplifying the implementation of tasks as per our clients’ current expectations. Consequently, we have concentrated more on refining our internal processes to meet these demands effectively.
How do you see the future of ImageWell in the Slovak market? Do you plan to expand your services or products to differentiate yourselves from the competition?
We envision the future of business and the production of goods and services in Slovakia as increasingly customer-focused. At ImageWell, we are more than just a printing company; we believe our customers choose us not only for our products – like posters, stickers, and store window stickers – but for the reliability and dedications we bring to each partnership. This approach will continue to be our primary focus. Moreover, in the printing sector and other manufacturing industries, innovation though new technologies such as automation and robotization is crucial. We are actively exploring these advancements to stay ahead in the market.