Mateusz Komarec (CEO) and Marcin Nowotka (Advisor to the Management Board) talk about the quality that matters in extreme conditions, solutions for the defence market, and DEMARKO S.A.’s international ambitions.
How did DEMARKO’s history begin, and what was the company focused on in its early years?
DEMARKO’s history began nearly 40 years ago in Świętochłowice. From the outset, we built the company on a foundation of heavy industrial manufacturing and strong engineering expertise. We specialised in the design and manufacture of low-bed trailers for the transport of oversized loads, primarily for European markets, which for many years accounted for around 70% of our sales. Scandinavia was a particularly important destination – a demanding market where success is determined not by the lowest price, but by quality, durability and reliability.
From the very beginning, our designs were bespoke and developed in our in-house design office. We created trailers capable of transporting extremely heavy loads – up to 150 tonnes – for demanding sectors such as offshore energy and the transport of large steel structures. One thing was crucial: the equipment had to withstand extreme operating conditions, including salinity, extreme temperatures, intensive use and difficult terrain.
What products is the company best known for today, and what sets it apart from competitors?
We are still most closely associated with low-bed trailers for the civilian market, but the real breakthrough came around a decade ago, when we entered the defence sector as part of a new strategic direction. At that time, we proposed specialised low-bed trailers to the Polish Armed Forces for the transport of tracked vehicles, howitzers and heavy armoured vehicles. These solutions were designed from the ground up to meet specific equipment and operational requirements. Over the past ten years, we have delivered more than 1,300 military vehicles and trailers to the Polish Armed Forces and other NATO armies.
At the same time, we expanded into additional segments, including single-, double- and four-stretcher ambulances, also available in armoured versions designed to protect soldiers on the battlefield. These solutions respond to new operational realities and lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Today, our offering also includes specialised engineering structures such as platforms, frames and chassis for large-calibre missile systems. We are a certified partner of RTX and supply chassis for air defence systems as part of the Patriot programme. We are also developing solutions in line with the localisation of key components, such as a domestic version of 122 mm rocket launcher guides used in the Langusta programme, fully certified.
Our portfolio is complemented by transport vehicles for soldiers, food and ammunition; recovery vehicles capable of transporting damaged tanks; and vehicles equipped with HDS systems, enabling the rapid loading and unloading of heavy cargo in operational conditions. Another important area is armoured solutions, including modular container hospitals that allow the rapid deployment of fully equipped medical facilities in the field, compliant with NATO standards and equipped with independent power systems, including solar energy. All of these solutions undergo rigorous testing in military institutes and meet NATO standards.
What values define the DEMARKO brand today, and how do they translate into everyday operations?
At DEMARKO, our core value is close attention to the real needs of the end user. In military products, it is not enough simply to meet technical specifications. Competitive advantage, functionality and safety are determined by the details. That is why we also listen directly to end users: soldiers, medics and operators.
A good example is our military ambulance project. At the concept stage, we invited soldiers to share their field experience and insights into casualty transport. These discussions led to concrete solutions: additional handles, improved interior ergonomics, hydraulic and pneumatic systems that reduce physical strain on crews, and features that speed up evacuation. We respect the user and recognise that our solutions operate in extreme conditions and often directly save lives.
To what extent do individual customer needs influence the development of your offering?
Customisation is the foundation of our operating model. We do not offer catalogue solutions that are later adapted to customer requirements. Every project begins with an analysis of the equipment, infrastructure and operational methods of a given army, and only then do we design the product.
A good example is the trailers designed for transporting Abrams tanks weighing over 70 tonnes. Standard designs did not meet homologation requirements, so entirely new solutions had to be developed, going through a full design, testing and certification process. We work in this way not only in Poland, but also in Romania, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The ability to design from scratch for specific needs is our key competitive advantage.
Which international markets are currently most important for DEMARKO?
We operate across many international markets. Compliance with NATO standards enables us to cooperate with armed forces across the alliance. Our trailers are used not only in Europe, but also, for example, in Chile. We have maintained a strong position in Scandinavia for years, where hundreds of our vehicles remain in operation for 10 to 15 years – the best proof of their durability and quality. In the defence sector, Romania is particularly important, where for more than six years we have been executing a strategic project for the national army, delivering 70-tonne low-bed trailers with independent suspension. At the same time, Poland remains one of our key markets.
What are the company’s development plans for the coming years?
In the coming years, we intend to focus on further technological and product development, especially in the area of higher-capacity trailers and solutions addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the defence market. In this segment, not only quality but also speed – from concept to deployment – is critical, which is why we are expanding our engineering capabilities and streamlining the design process.
At the same time, we plan to expand into additional global markets. We view the defence sector from a long-term perspective as an area that will see intensive growth over the next decade, particularly in logistics, transport and operational support. Increasing defence spending in Poland and across Europe is clearly accelerating the development of this segment.
What underpins DEMARKO’s reputation as a reliable business partner?
DEMARKO’s reputation is built on three pillars: design quality, production control and a partnership-based approach to clients. Every solution is refined and certified, and most components are manufactured in-house using a modern machinery park and proprietary technologies. We also use advanced CNC machines designed specifically for our needs, ensuring high repeatability and consistent quality.
The second pillar is flexibility. We listen closely to the market and can adapt quickly to new requirements, including the preparation of prototypes within a short timeframe. This capability enables us to collaborate with global partners and carry out numerous cooperative projects within the international defence industry.
The third element is responsibility for the entire product lifecycle. We provide service support in every country where we operate, often in cooperation with local partners. Our competencies are confirmed by certifications, testing in military institutes and compliance with NATO standards. As a result, we are seen as a reliable, innovative partner, ready to deliver the most demanding engineering projects.
Today, we are also in the process of scaling our business and expanding further internationally. In the defence sector, there is no room for compromise, which is why the highest quality remains our absolute priority.
Thank you for the interview.
