Croatian fitness equipment in demand around the world

(Photo: Ferrodus)

A small company from the central Croatian city of Bjelovar is proving how innovation can be the key to global success.

What began as a modest family-run workshop crafting iron fences has grown into a global player in the fitness equipment industry.

Ferrodus, a company based near Bjelovar, now exports gym machines to nearly every continent.

Their equipment has found homes in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and even China – a country often considered the world’s factory.

“Innovation is what helped us stand out,” Vedran Presečki, the company’s owner, told HRT. “We’ve even exported to China, where our machines are used in exclusive gyms. Quality is what they want now, and we can deliver.”

(Photo: Ferrodus)

The company started its journey into fitness equipment by chance, when a family member running a gym needed to replace outdated machines. Rather than buy new ones, they built their own. The results were so impressive that they turned it into a business.

With only eight employees, Ferrodus produces around 100 different types of gym machines. Their robust, high-quality build has earned them a reputation as the “Bentley” of fitness equipment.

(Photo: Ferrodus)

“Our machines are solid, made from durable materials – not thin metals like some cheaper copies,” explains employee Slaven Sabolović. “That’s why we’re considered among the top three manufacturers in the world.”

Modern technology plays a vital role in their success. A state-of-the-art laser cutter helps speed up production dramatically.

“A pipe that used to take hours to measure and drill can now be cut with precision in just a minute or two,” adds Sabolović.

Ferrodus is a great example of how Croatian innovation and craftsmanship can thrive on the global stage – even from a small place like Bjelovar.