Interview with Mr. Nikos Kordakis
Attaching great importance to innovation and R&D studies, NIKO HELM HELLAS SA has been developing products for surface treatment industry for more than 50 years.
In the interview we held, Mr. Nikos Kordakis, CEO of NIKO HELM HELLAS SA, gave information about the products and services they offer.
Could you please tell us about yourself and your professional background?
In 2000, I obtained two bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering and Commerce from the University of Birmingham. I then pursued advanced studies in Production Management at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where I obtained a master’s degree.
My early exposure to our family-owned manufacturing business, where I gained practical experience in all facets of the production process, fostered my passion for the field.
I remember my 5 year old me, trying to assembly a small trolley with the help of my
father instead of assembling toy tracks... After completing my education, I began my career at NIKO, where I held various roles in the sales, marketing, and business development departments. As of 2020, I have been serving as the CEO and Vice President of NIKO Group.
Could you please give information on the history and areas of activity of NIKO HELM HELLAS SA?
NIKO was founded in 1972 and since then remains a family owned business focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing high quality sliding door fittings, handling
systems, power feed systems and fall arrest systems.
The company started its operation with direct export activity in the demanding market of Germany, allowing us to develop expertise and know how in such systems. Within the 50 years of our presence, the company has established a direct presence in 7 countries including Austria, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, China, USA and Greece and has expanded the network of its distributors to more than 70 countries.
Could you please give information on the products and services you provide? What are your target industries?
NIKO designs complete handling systems and produces more than 10.000 part numbers that are applied in industries such as automotive, steel and structure, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, food processing, chemicals, wood, agriculture, logistics, defence industry, textile, entertainment etc.
However, the recent years we have focused on evolving our overhead conveyors portfolio with bespoke solutions that respond to customer needs, especially in the surface treatment
industry. We strive every single day to exceed our clients expectations with emphasis on the productivity, high quality and durability of our products.
Could you inform us about your domestic and international activities in the fields of surface finishing and coating?
NIKO is in the position to provide manual or automated conveyor solutions, for the complete painting line process, starting from loading/unloading areas, to cleaning/drying and finally painting and curing products.
Depending on each customer’s requirements and restrictions, NIKO designs the most
efficient conveyor layout.
Concerning manually operated systems, the most common solutions provided, include crane wagons, for simultaneous multiple product transportation, between the painting booths and the curing ovens and also, pneumatic or manual turntables, for rotating products and changing directions of movement, between work stations.
Automated solutions, include powered chain conveyor sections, running through painting booths and curing ovens, in low speed, allowing each process to be carried out, without
operator interference.
Finally, the requirement of lifting/lowering products during loading/unloading or the spraying painting process, is facilitated through the use of Drop Lift Units.
Could you please give information on the environmental policy and sustainability approach of NIKO HELM HELLAS SA?
With the application of the international quality standard of ISO 9001, our company has developed the philosophy and infrastructure for the introduction of a corresponding Environmental Management System according to the international standard ISO 14001.
The continuous environmental goals are aiming to minimize the adverse environmental effects of the whole range of our activities according to European legislation, like minimization of harmful gaseous emissions, liquid sewage and solid waste with a constant effort to maximize their reuse and recycling materials and scrap, rational use of energy and natural resources, improvement of health and safety conditions at work.
Could you please inform us about the innovation and R&D studies conducted by NIKO HELM HELLAS SA?
We currently employ a high qualified personnel in the R&D dept., which includes a team of experienced mechanical engineers, specialized in evaluating and designing bespoke solutions for the production needs of the customer.
Many parts of the provided systems can be switched from manual to automatic function, or in many cases can be completely redesigned in order to maximize the efficiency of the system.
So, almost every project we undertake is about innovation in the current standard systems. In the last year, we have been developing semi-automatic conveyor systems in order to enhance our product offering.
What are the investment plans of NIKO HELM HELLAS SA in future? Could you please tell us about your priorities on investing?
We continuously invest in people, industrial equipment and services to improve our processes while develop new products and markets in the context of our strategy.
For the next two years, priorities on investing include replacement of equipment in several workstations of the plant and the expansion of manufacturing facilities in the headquarters.
With product quality and customer service being a pillar of company’s total efforts,
NIKO will continue to grow responsibly in the global market.