As some precast concrete manufacturers are scheduling orders several months in advance, construction companies are increasingly facing longer supply lead times. Meanwhile, Gilesta Group, which recently acquired precast concrete manufacturer Sodbeta, says it currently has available production capacity and is inviting clients to get in touch today. The company is undergoing an operational transformation focused on strengthening quality control, processes, and customer service.
The Transformation Began with Acknowledging the Problems
Šarūnas Grigaitis, CEO of Gilesta Group, openly admits that the decision to invest in Sodbeta was based on the company’s potential, while also recognizing the challenges that would need to be addressed.
“It was no secret that Sodbeta had faced reputational challenges in recent years. Customers raised concerns about quality, delivery times, and communication. We were fully aware of this when acquiring the company, and that is precisely why we saw an opportunity. Our goal is not to pretend these issues did not exist — it is to solve them,” says Šarūnas Grigaitis.
During the first weeks following the acquisition, the company appointed a new CEO and launched a comprehensive review of its organization and processes. Gilesta’s quality specialists became actively involved in the plant’s operations, analyzing production processes, technological solutions, quality control systems, and occupational safety practices. The company is also strengthening its production management team, reviewing documentation, and implementing digitalization initiatives.
“The first step was to assess the situation honestly and openly. We do not hide the fact that there were areas that required improvement. Today, our goal is to ensure that customers no longer have concerns regarding delivery times, quality, or communication,” says Aivaras Preikšaitis, the new CEO of Sodbeta.
A Clear Message to the Market: We Are Accepting New Orders
According to A. Preikšaitis, competition in today’s market is no longer based solely on price.
“A few years ago, competition was often driven by pricing. Today, customers increasingly care about whether a supplier can deliver when the project actually needs the products. As some manufacturers schedule production months in advance, opportunities emerge for more flexible players.
We can say clearly today: we have available production capacity and are ready to accept new orders. We evaluate both standard and custom projects, and every case is reviewed individually,” says A. Preikšaitis.
According to him, the company can supply precast concrete products for residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
“If you are currently looking for a precast concrete supplier, I encourage you to contact us.
We will assess your requirements, production schedule, and project needs, and propose a realistic solution. Our goal is not to make promises — our goal is to deliver,” he says.
A Smaller Scale Allows Greater Flexibility
Although Sodbeta is not among the largest precast concrete manufacturers in Lithuania, its management believes this can become one of the company’s key advantages.
“We are not the biggest player in the market, and that allows us to make decisions faster and respond more flexibly to customer needs. When project requirements change, this flexibility becomes a significant competitive advantage,” says A. Preikšaitis.
One of the company’s notable projects has been the production of specialized reinforced concrete containers for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. According to management, projects of this nature demonstrate the company’s ability to manufacture not only standard products, but also highly specialized components that meet demanding technical requirements.
Long-Term Vision: Creating More Value Before Construction Begins
According to Š. Grigaitis, the acquisition of Sodbeta is part of Gilesta Group’s broader strategy to strengthen capabilities across the entire construction value chain.
“We see the construction sector changing. Whereas most value used to be created on the construction site itself, today an increasing share of value is created before construction even begins. Structures are designed, modeled, and manufactured in a controlled environment, reducing uncertainty on site. That is why strengthening our manufacturing capabilities is so important.
We see Sodbeta as an important part of Gilesta Group that will allow us to offer clients more than just precast concrete products in the future. We want to build a system where we can ensure the entire process — from design and manufacturing to delivery and installation of structures. The more of the process we manage ourselves, the better we can control quality, timelines, and the final result for the client.
Today, our main priority is to demonstrate to the market that we can operate differently than before. We are focusing on stabilizing operations, improving quality, and meeting deadlines. We want customers to choose Sodbeta not because they have no alternative, but because they trust our ability to deliver on our commitments,” says Š. Grigaitis.