Adria Dom, the Črnomelj-based maker of mobile homes and glamping tents, was declared the 2023 ITM Exporter of the Year as the latest edition of the International Trade Management (ITM) training programme wrapped up on 9 November.

Organised by SPIRIT, the national entrepreneurship and investment promotion agency, in cooperation with ITM Worldwide Foundation and Swedish Trade Council since 2006, the programme combines academic and practical training. It is aimed at staff at export departments of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Adria Dom has so far manufactured more than 20,000 mobile homes and glamping tents. It exports to 30 countries. This year, it has produced more than 1,500 units.

Uroš Mavretić, the company's sales and marketing director, said Adria Dom focused on sustainability, with its products meeting strict environmental standards of the countries into which they are exported.

In picking this year's winner, the jury looked at the companies' 2022 business results and indicators for the next five years - their finances, efficiency, structure and international market shares, and recruitment.

The qualitative criteria included assessment of their activities in corporate culture, staff motivation, product development, innovation, education and proactive approach to international markets.

Adria Dom, which was shortlisted for the award alongside socks maker Intersocks and Elaphe, a specialist in propulsion technologies, stood out both in terms of business results and international business activities.

In September, the company's director Marta Kelvišar was named Manager of the Year by the Manager Association.

SPIRIT's acting director Rok Capl said encouraging internationalisation of Slovenian companies, including through the ITM programme, was the agency's key task, because it boosts exports and exports dispersion.

The ITM Exporter of the Year award was presented for the tenth year with the list of previous recipients including Seltron, Geneplanet, Xlab, Metra Engineering, Strip's, Špica International, Eurotronik, Termo Shop and Dewesoft.