At just 23 years of age, Gábor Honti took over responsibility for his family’s traditional company. Over the last two years, he has led EHISZ Zrt. into a new era. The Hungarian packaging manufacturer combines tradition with a consistent desire to keep evolving. The partnership with Progroup supports this pathway to greater efficiency and growth.
The start date was unexpected and much sooner than planned. Gábor Honti took charge of the family company at the end of 2022 following the sudden death of his father. At the time, he was in the middle of studying for a law degree. With very little time to prepare, he had to get to grips with his new role immediately. “You kind of go into survival mode a little bit. You just get things done and you don’t have any time to stop and question anything,” says the now 25-year-old in describing this period. What started out as a leap into the deep end quickly developed into an intensive learning process. Gábor Honti gradually grew into his new role and developed a clear understanding of how he wanted to lead the company going forward. He was helped not just by the experience of long-standing employees, but also by his willingness to make decisions quickly and take on responsibility.
EHISZ Zrt., which is based in the town of Eger, around 130 kilometres north-east of Budapest, was founded in 1992 and, with the predecessor company founded by his grandfather, it boasts a tradition stretching back 75 years. Today, the company produces up to 20 million square metres of 3-layer, 5-layer and 7-layer corrugated board products every year, supplying customers from a wide range of different industries. Its customers include both smaller regional businesses and companies that operate internationally. For Gábor Honti, this tradition is something to cherish and also acts as a driving force: “We need to preserve our values, but also adapt to the modern era.” Delivering a high-quality product, meeting deadlines and being reliable form the foundation for this, supported by a flexible approach and close personal relationships with customers and partners.
Efficiency and structure as keys to success
With around 70 employees, the company generates annual revenue of roughly 3.12 billion forints (around 8.9 million euros). The focus today is on having clear structures and efficient processes. Small teams, short decision-making paths and a high level of personal responsibility characterise the approach to work. Employees are encouraged to actively help shape the areas they work in and take responsibility. This approach is designed to promote the development and motivation of each individual in equal measure. And it is an approach that is paying off: In a challenging market environment, the company has recently managed to grow by more than 30 per cent. Looking to the future, EHISZ wants to establish itself as one of the leading family-run packaging manufacturers in Hungary. The company wants to achieve this not just with higher production volumes, but also by creating greater added value and more bespoke solutions for its customers. Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in the company’s economic considerations. EHISZ is embracing processes that save resources and investing in its capacity to generate its own energy through photovoltaic installations. The input of materials and processes are optimised continuously to reduce waste and make efficient use of resources. At the same time, issues such as recyclability and saving material are becoming an increasingly important topic in discussions with customers. Gábor Honti’s successes and efforts were recently also recognised when he received the “Manager of the Future” award from the Hungarian Managers’ Association. The jury gave particular praise to the rapid, groundbreaking changes he has introduced within the company.
Experiences that connect
Away from day-to-day business, a special tradition at Progroup is motorcycle trips together with customers, partners and friends of the company. The trips regularly pass through spectacular landscapes and combine a sporting challenge with close interaction. This year’s trip saw a group travel across Patagonia. This was the first time that Gábor Honti had participated and he found it to be a formative experience: “You get to know a completely different side to people. Riding for more than 4,000 kilometres can be challenging. This is exactly what creates a strong, lasting bond.” He found the interaction within the group particularly beneficial: “I was the youngest in the group. It was a great opportunity for me to spend time with more experienced people and get to know their perspectives on life and business.” The motorcycle trips therefore exemplify a network that extends well beyond the sphere of business. They are characterised by a sense of trust, shared experiences and real interaction.
Networks that connect
For Gábor Honti himself, networks have become a crucial factor behind his success. Especially when he first started in his role, it was really valuable for him to be able to engage with other business leaders. This engagement not only provided new perspectives, but often also delivered specific solutions to problems. One key element for him is his membership of the JHH Professionals Academy. The regular meetings and shared formats create space for open dialogue and practical insights. “I always come away from these meetings with new ideas,” he says. “Particularly in challenging situations, this kind of inspiration can be crucial.”
For him, the cooperation with Progroup is also a good example of a network that works well. The partnership is based not just on economic aspects, but is defined by reliability, trust and open engagement. It helps EHISZ to keep optimising its processes and consistently develop its own efficiency and sustainability standards. “It makes a real difference if you know the people behind the company,” stresses Gábor Honti. Just as he is keen to drive partnerships, he also wants to keep developing the company so he can continue the life’s work of his grandfather and father. It’s not just about growth, but also about preserving the company’s identity: “Ultimately, it’s not just the destination but the path you take to get there that counts,” says Gábor Honti. A path that has only just begun for EHISZ Zrt. with him at the helm.