Ryszard Kramarz: Sustainable development is a guarantee of success
An Interview with Ryszard Kramarz, CEO of IMEFY Polska sp. z o.o.
Imefy is a company with a remarkable 50-year history in manufacturing dielectric fluid immersed transformers, resin transformers, and power transformers. Could you share a bit about Imefy’s origins and the story behind its establishment?
IMEFY was established in 1973 due to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, Luis Fontecha Pedraz and Ramón Fontecha Pedraz. The initial journey was challenging yet exhilarating. It coincided with a period of significant transformation in the Spanish market. IMEFY commenced its operations by producing distribution transformers immersed in dielectric fluids, later transitioning to encapsulating them in epoxy resin. This strategic move allowed us to establish a presence in the market from 1982 onwards.
As IMEFY grew, so did our production capabilities. We expanded to become a renowned national and international transformer manufacturer, with a global presence spanning all five continents. This expansion has led us to serve over 3,000 clients worldwide. Our factories have produced nearly 200,000 transformers, and they continue to operate in more than 80 countries. Additionally, we’ve cultivated numerous partnerships along the way, contributing to our success.
What is the range of products and services offered by Imefy?
IMEFY’s continuous development extends across all types of transformers, whether they’re distribution transformers, high-power transformers, oil-immersed, or dry transformers. Our production capabilities reach a maximum of 160 MVA.
Our offerings include:
- Oil distribution transformers
- Dry transformers encapsulated in epoxy resin
- High-power transformers
In response to the recent growth in the renewable energy sector, we’ve also advanced our offerings to cater to photovoltaic projects. This includes both oil-immersed SOIT transformers and dry sCRT transformers, specially designed for photovoltaic installations.
How does Imefy approach innovation?
Competition within the market serves as a driving force for every organization, including ours. The growth of IMEFY in Poland owes in part to the presence of competition, which compels us to continuously evolve. One of the pivotal aspects in our pursuit of competitiveness is the concept of “innovation,” which has gained immense popularity recently.
For IMEFY, innovation during this stage of our progress has two dimensions: product and organizational. In the realm of products, it involves meeting market demands by offering transformers that serve a broader range of applications. This includes transformers from the distribution family, such as the OIT and CRT types, tailored specifically for photovoltaic purposes – namely, SOIT and SCRT transformers. We’ve also introduced a new product – a transformer equipped with smooth voltage regulation under load, intended for both distribution and photovoltaic applications.
On the organizational front, we’re presently implementing the PREMIUM approach in our client servicing strategy. This approach is characterized by flexibility, professionalism, and above all, comprehensive support extended to our clients and business partners. This orientation shapes our ongoing journey of development.
What were the biggest challenges faced by Imefy? How did you overcome?
The journey came with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most significant was establishing trust in both the company and its products. IMEFY Polska’s inception in 2010 coincided with a different landscape in the energy sector. As a new entrant, our beginnings were far from smooth. However, we held a strong advantage – our comprehensive range of offerings, spanning oil, dry, and high-power transformers, coupled with the exceptional quality of our products. Our unwavering determination and drive to succeed also played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.
What is the success of your organization?
At IMEFY, true success is embodied in a satisfied customer. Our perspective on success doesn’t revolve around the quantity of units we deliver, but rather the extent of our customers’ contentment and their positive experience working with us. This trust is the cornerstone upon which we build enduring relationships in the energy market, offering both parties a sense of security. To me, success is epitomized by our lasting collaboration with transformer station manufacturers in Poland, particularly our partnership with the industry leader, ZPUE Włoszczowa. Equally notable is our achievement in supplying transformers to the professional power sector in Poland.
Having operated in the Polish market for a significant span of time, I can highlight the compelling partnerships that have fueled IMEFY’s growth and product diversification. Among these, the pivotal collaboration with ZPUE Włoszczowa has enabled us to connect with a broader range of customers, showcasing our full spectrum of offerings. Partnering with an industry frontrunner brings multifaceted benefits – from product and organizational advancements to rapid responsiveness to market demands. This collaboration has also elevated the recognition of the IMEFY brand, adding to our prestige. However, the most impactful aspect of these partnerships remains the people – the individuals I’ve encountered who have inspired and motivated me to further propel the company’s growth.
What is your vision of Imefa’s development?
The future trajectory of our company is largely centered around ensuring transformer availability. To accomplish this, we’ve initiated measures aimed at reducing delivery times and streamlining transformer production. This strategy encompasses two main approaches. Firstly, we’re augmenting the inventory of transformers stored in our Polish warehouses. Concurrently, we’re enhancing our factory’s production capacity. Additionally, we’re expanding our factory warehouses to accommodate a greater supply of raw materials essential for transformer production, thereby ensuring a seamless and unhindered manufacturing process.
How do you see the future of the industry?
Our industry is poised for significant growth. Ensuring energy security for our country is of utmost importance, and Europe’s energy transformation is gradually becoming imperative. In this context, the production of transformers holds a pivotal role in shaping this trajectory. Despite the considerable challenges stemming from the current geopolitical landscape and the looming threat of war, I remain steadfast in my optimism about the future. The critical role our industry plays in these transformations fills me with hope and confidence.
IMEFY
Imefy Polska stands as a reputable distributor of dry and oil transformers, boasting 13 years of experience in the Polish market. The company is an integral part of the Imefa Group, hailing from Spain, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Imefa’s factories have collectively manufactured over 200,000 transformers, operating in 80 countries across all continents. This extensive five-decade presence in the industry has empowered us to build a proficient and dedicated team. Complementing technological advancements, our team’s efforts have earned us more than twenty awards and accolades. The recent years have witnessed Imefa’s dynamic growth, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Our accomplishments include delivering more than 1,500 units for photovoltaic investments.