Roller Kappatos: The success story from Gyzi, exporting to 15 countries
In an interview with Business Daily, the company’s owner, Theofilos Kappatos, explains how Roller Kappatos grew from Gyzi to reach 15 countries, outlines its investments, and shares its next goals.
The journey of Roller Kappatos, which started in a small space in Gyzi in 1971 and today has a presence in more than 15 countries, is described by the company’s owner, Theofilos Kappatos, in an interview with Business Daily.
With a turnover of €4.5 million, 70% of which comes from exports, Roller Kappatos has evolved into a strong player and a notable Greek success story.
Mr Kappatos explains how participation in international trade fairs from 2012, and especially the company’s steady presence at IFA Berlin, acted as a catalyst for building brand awareness for ROLLER and forming strategic partnerships.
He also refers to the relocation to modern facilities in Oinofyta in 2021, which marked a new era with investments in automation and increased production capacity. The company is active in OEM and private-label collaborations for white-goods accessories, as well as in custom solutions for DIY and home-appliance chains, with production, packaging, and logistics tailored to their needs.
Mr Kappatos emphasises that the company is implementing investments of €3 million through to 2030, aiming to “modernise equipment and integrate robotic solutions into the production line”. He notes that Roller Kappatos’ competitive edge lies in flexibility, reliability, and a customer-centric approach.
Vision for the next decade: to double the size of the company, with a strategic focus on innovation and quality.
From a small space in Gyzi in 1971 to today’s international presence in more than 15 countries: what put Roller Kappatos on a path of export growth?
Roller Kappatos started in 1971 from a small space in Gyzi, driven by a passion for innovation and the creation of reliable products. The company’s milestone year was 2012, when we began taking part in overseas exhibitions, opening the way to meaningful partnerships and an export footprint. In 2021, the year we moved to our new facilities in Oinofyta, Boeotia, where the company is headquartered, we carried out major investments in automation and advanced equipment and ushered in a new era of increased production capacity and outward-looking growth.
You are participating once again at IFA Berlin. What has your presence delivered so far, and what goals have you set for 2025?
Our consistent presence at IFA Berlin over the last three years has already delivered significant results, including the development of new partnerships in European markets and stronger brand awareness for ROLLER. For 2025, our goal is to build on this momentum, strengthen our presence in strategic markets, and present our new product ranges with an even stronger, more competitive value proposition.
How important is IFA Berlin for building strategic partnerships and strengthening the company’s international outlook?
For us, IFA is the leading meeting point for buyers, decision-makers, and strategic partners. Our participation is not only about showcasing new products, but primarily about building partnerships that create long-term value. IFA is a tool for international expansion that helps position Roller Kappatos on the same level as major global players.
You are in an investment cycle of €3 million through to 2030, with a focus on modernising equipment and moving into robotic assembly. How critical is this transition for your future competitiveness?
Our investment cycle through to 2030 focuses on modernising equipment and integrating robotic solutions into the production line. This is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Roller Kappatos’ competitiveness internationally. Automation enables us to reduce costs, improve precision, and enhance our production flexibility.
In an environment where competition is more intense than ever, technological upgrading is no longer simply an option; it is an essential prerequisite for sustainability and long-term growth. We believe technology does not replace people; it empowers them. And that is the key to a production model that combines quality, speed, and adaptability, in every market where we operate.
Competing with Chinese and Italian companies, under higher raw-material costs, is a daily challenge. What do you consider your competitive advantage?
We compete successfully with leading companies from China and Italy, in a demanding environment and under challenging cost conditions. Our comparative advantage is reliability, flexibility, and adaptability.
We produce high-quality products tailored to our partners’ needs, both through flexible OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) collaborations and through the strategic development of our own brand, ROLLER.
For us, customer service is not simply an obligation; it is a commitment. We offer rapid response, personalised support, and consistent reliability over time, building relationships of trust that last.
With turnover at €4.5 million, what is your vision for Roller Kappatos in the decade ahead? Will you focus more on strengthening existing markets or opening new ones?
With turnover at €4.5 million, our vision is clear: to double the size of the company within the decade. This goal will be achieved by strengthening existing partnerships and through a targeted expansion into new markets.
At Roller Kappatos, we steadily build the foundations to evolve into an international player, while maintaining our Greek identity and unwavering commitment to quality. With strategic thinking, reliability, and an insistence on detail, we move forward into the future.
Published at www.businessdaily.gr.
