Serbian machine maintenance sector shifts to strategic, predictive approach

In Serbia, the repair and upkeep of industrial machinery is evolving from a simple service function to a core component of industrial strategy. Rising prices for new equipment and increasingly complex production systems are prompting factories to invest more in maintenance rather than frequent replacements. Companies are moving from reactive repairs to preventive and predictive maintenance, employing sensors and software to detect faults before production stops.

The sector, comprising 1,886 registered firms, generated approximately 10.5 billion dinars in revenue in 2023 and grew by about 20 % to 12.6 billion dinars in 2025. Profits rose to roughly 843 million dinars, a 13 % increase over the previous year. The leading firm is Naftagas‑Technical Services, with 2025 revenues of 3.2 billion dinars and profit near 120 million dinars. Rapid growth was also noted for LKY SR, which expanded from a micro‑enterprise to a medium‑size company within two years.

A critical challenge remains the shortage of qualified service technicians. The shift toward digital and sensor‑based maintenance demands new skills, prompting companies to train staff internally as educational institutions lag behind industry needs.