Entering a new market doesn’t take six months or even a year — it can take two to three years. It’s a massive undertaking.
That’s how the latest video by NV Media begins — a story entirely dedicated to our company. It’s a story of resilience and determination, showing how a Ukrainian manufacturer not only kept production running during the war, but also expanded, built a strategic export plan, and entered international markets.
Relocation: The Start of a New Chapter
In 2022, STIF Eastern Europe fully relocated from Kharkiv to Zakarpattia — just a few kilometers from the EU border. While initially a move for safety, it quickly became a strategic advantage and a launchpad for further development.
“We relocated just a few kilometers from the EU border — and realized that our business strategy needed to face in that direction.”
Despite the challenges, the team maintained production and, over time, expanded operations as part of a new business support project.
Joining the EU4Business Program: A Turning Point
In 2024, the company joined the EU4Business: Recovery, Competitiveness, and Internationalisation of SMEs program. This initiative opened the door to new opportunities for growth, transformation, and international expansion.
“We started with in-depth market research. With the help of an international expert, we developed a detailed export plan, identified a pool of potential clients, and gained a clear vision of what to do next.”
A New Production Line — Built Through the Project
One of the key outcomes of the project was the launch of a new production line — the fourth type of elevator bucket — tailored to meet the specific demands of international markets.
“This production line was created through the project. It wasn’t just an upgrade — it was a full adaptation to international client needs.”
Digital Transformation and B2B Visibility
In parallel, STIF Eastern Europe undertook a comprehensive digital transformation:
- Developed a multilingual website (English, Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, Slovak),
- Joined the international Europages platform,
- Created tailored marketing content for international audiences.
“We’re in the B2B sector, so being visible in the right places — and speaking the right language, both literally and figuratively — is essential.”
Watch the Video About STIF Eastern Europe
More than a company profile, this video tells an inspiring story of how Ukrainian business continues to move forward, even in the most uncertain times.
About the EU4Business Program
The EU4Business: Recovery, Competitiveness, and Internationalisation of SMEs program is funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany, implemented by GIZ Ukraine in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network in Ukraine. Its mission is to support Ukrainian SMEs in recovery, modernization, and expansion into new markets.