The Polzela-based Odelo Slovenija, part of a group owned since 2011 by the Bayraktarlar Holding from Istanbul, is a leading maker of car lights and enjoys the esteem of car makers such as Mercedes, Audi in Porsche, said the award committee.

It explained that the winner of the award for the quality of products, services and management, was picked on the basis of criteria used by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).

Odelo Slovenija general manager Klaus Holeczek said that the model of constant improvement started to be introduced at the company almost ten years ago and that the goal is to preserve the present level of business excellence.

He noted that it takes between five and ten years for a company to achieve serious results, adding that many companies in Slovenia possibly expect results too fast and without the time and dedication needed.

Meanwhile, Veber said in his address that there are "still many organisations in Slovenia that are aware of the importance of being excellent and are basing their sustainable development on the EFQM model".

He added that this is also one of the answers to the economic crisis, since the EFQM puts strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, creativity and integrity.