Piotr Markowski: We focus on the quality of the offered products and active response to the actual needs of the market

Interview with Piotr Markowski, president of CORAB S . AND.

Corab SA is a Polish manufacturer of high-quality photovoltaic systems, also offering comprehensive solutions from renowned producers in the renewable energy industry. for both commercial and individual customers. What were the beginnings of your company?

For three decades, Corab SA has been dedicated to the refinement of steel and aluminum craftsmanship. Initially, the company, based in Olsztyn, embarked on its journey in the electronics sector, crafting antennas for satellite television reception. Over time, the company smoothly transitioned into the realm of photovoltaic production, while still maintaining its presence in satellite dish manufacturing. These iconic satellite dishes can be spotted atop rooftops across nearly 50 countries.

At present, Corab SA stands tall as a prominent force in the European landscape, proudly wearing the badge of a leading manufacturer and distributor of top-notch photovoltaic systems. Beyond the borders of Poland, our installations, built upon our innovative systems, operate seamlessly in 20 countries around the globe. Renowned for their quality, swift assembly, and proudly bearing the mark of European production, our systems continue to win the trust of countless customers.

Our capacity is already 3.5 GW of photovoltaic structures per year . We are gradually expanding the company in all sectors. Are we investing in development – both in terms of production, logistics and technological capabilities – and, most importantly, we invest in people.

What are your company’s production capabilities? What has changed over these 30 years? What did your company’s production facilities look like in the past, and how does it work today?

Our current capacity stands at an impressive 3.5 GW of photovoltaic structures per year. As we continue to expand our presence across various sectors, our commitment to development remains unwavering. This investment extends beyond production, logistics, and technological advancements; it’s a dedication to our people. Through ongoing efforts, we refine our photovoltaic structure production, channel significant resources into research and development, and embrace the power of IT in this knowledge-driven era. Our energy independence is a cornerstone, fortified by our very own photovoltaic farm. This is especially vital for our production operations. Alongside this, we’re in the process of modernizing our machinery and enhancing production capacity, all orchestrated within a comprehensive, long-term development strategy.

Our robust performance in the previous year culminated in impressive revenues of PLN 1.5 billion. This remarkable achievement finds its roots in the rapid expansion of the Polish photovoltaic market, which has exhibited an average annual growth rate of over 100% in the last five years.

What was the year 2022 like for your company and what challenges did you manage to overcome during that time?

In the past year, Corab SA achieved an impressive revenue of PLN 1.5 billion. This remarkable success can be attributed to the rapid growth of the Polish photovoltaic market, which has been expanding at an incredible rate of over 100% year after year for the last five years. During this period, Corab SA took significant steps to enhance its ability to produce photovoltaic assembly systems and established four automated high-bay logistics centers.

In addition to distributing well-known brands in the renewable energy sector, our company also focused on developing our own range of products under the Corab Encor brand. This lineup includes inverters, PV modules, and various photovoltaic accessories. We also introduced the Corab One application, which empowers our customers to smartly manage and monitor their installations using the Corab Encor components.

Do you recommend investments in energy storage in addition to photovoltaics?

Rising energy costs combined with rapid inflation pose a significant challenge to businesses. However, there are effective solutions available that can help mitigate the impact of external factors. One such solution is photovoltaics. Companies can swiftly invest in renewable energy solutions without significant upfront costs. The energy generated can be utilized for internal consumption, with any surplus energy potentially being sold. This strategy is applicable to businesses across various industries.

By incorporating an energy storage system, businesses can safeguard themselves not only against rising energy prices but also against power supply disruptions. The adoption of renewable energy solutions can result in substantial annual savings on energy expenses, often amounting to several dozen percent. This substantial impact can determine the survival of a business. To efficiently manage these systems and stay informed about expenses and savings, utilizing appropriate IT tools like the Corab One application is advisable. This application provides real-time insights into energy production and offers monitoring and diagnostic capabilities for the entire energy system.

In 2022, Corab SA significantly increased its involvement in foreign markets, e.g. German, Scandinavian and Baltic countries. Our goal is to strengthen exports and consolidate the image of a proven partner and manufacturer of high-quality devices. I am optimistic about the development of photovoltaics in Europe, and Polish companies have a chance to become leaders in this field on global markets.

You operate on the international market. From which country in Europe do you have the most customers and orders?

In 2022, Corab SA made significant strides in expanding its reach to foreign markets, including notable progress in Germany, Scandinavia, and the Baltic countries. Our primary objective is to fortify our export activities and solidify our reputation as a trusted partner and top-notch manufacturer of high-caliber devices. I hold a positive outlook on the progress of photovoltaics across Europe, and I firmly believe that Polish companies possess the potential to emerge as frontrunners in this sector on a global scale.

Looking ahead to 2023, Corab SA is committed to further strengthening its foothold in key European markets critical for the company’s growth trajectory. These markets encompass Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania. This strategic expansion aligns with the promising growth prospects anticipated in these regions.

Please tell us in a few sentences what distinguishes your company on the market?

Corab structures come with a comprehensive long-term guarantee, ensuring their durability, safety, and reliable performance even in the harshest weather conditions. Additionally, I would like to emphasize our commitment to maintaining open and transparent communication with our contractors. We consider it crucial to remain by our clients’ side beyond the transaction, providing continuous support and assistance.

At Corab, our dedication to quality is unwavering, and we proactively adapt to the evolving demands of the market. Our products are crafted from certified materials, and our production process undergoes regular scrutiny by external certification bodies to ensure adherence to the highest standards.

What are your plans for the nearest future?

In our commitment to innovation, we’re not only introducing new photovoltaic structures, including specialized like those designed for agrophotovoltaics, but we’re also expanding the Corab Encor product lineup. Beyond photovoltaic modules, we’ve added a range of inverters and energy storage solutions. These devices seamlessly integrate with the purpose-built Corab One application, enabling comprehensive control and monitoring of renewable energy systems powered by Encor devices. This streamlined approach offers both convenience and cost-effectiveness while ensuring safety.

Our ongoing focus involves pushing the boundaries of digitization in our processes, bolstering our production and logistics capabilities, intensifying our developmental initiatives, and making strategic investments in areas like heat pumps. This holistic approach aligns with our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions and fostering a sustainable energy landscape.

---

Piotr Markowski brings over two decades of invaluable experience from the telecommunications sector to his role. During this extensive period, he has held various management positions within telecommunications companies. Notably, he served as a Partner at the esteemed consulting firm McKinsey, where his expertise spanned across commercial transformation, technology, and digitization. His advisory footprint extended to clients in more than 15 countries.

Markowski has been a distinguished presence in competitions and surveys centered around business, marketing, and strategy, often serving as a jury member. Presently, he serves as the President of the Management Board at Corab, a prominent Polish player in the photovoltaic industry. Corab is at the forefront of advancing European energy transformation, offering innovative solutions in the realms of energy production, management, and storage.

With a legacy spanning over three decades, Corab SA has honed its expertise in steel and aluminum production while venturing into the realm of renewable energy equipment. The company stands as a prominent European entity specializing in the fabrication of top-tier PV structures and serving as a distributor of cutting-edge photovoltaic solutions.

Professionals seeking to harness the benefits of a diverse product range can rely on Corab for not just exceptional offerings but also seamless logistics, comprehensive customer support, training, and robust after-sales services. Investors and customers in search of reliable photovoltaic contractors are encouraged to collaborate through Corab Partner—an alliance encompassing the finest installation companies in Poland.

Embedded within the largest Polish capital group, Corab SA operates alongside renowned brands such as Cersanit and Komfort, affirming the company’s unwavering stability and credibility.