Exemplary construction career wins prestigious award

Antal Bencze, CEO of „KE-VÍZ 21” zRt., was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit. The head of the Hungarian-owned family business received the award on 14 March from János Fónagy, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of National Economy.

Alongside the previous Lifetime Achievement and Entrepreneur of the Year awards, this one will also take pride of place

According to the text of the certificate, Antal Bencze received the award from the President of the Republic in recognition of his decades of professional humility as the head of a company that has been a key player in the Nyírség region, and his multifaceted support for the cultural and social life of the Nyíregyháza region.

According to the company's statement, the award has been placed in the main place in the showcase where the 1994 György Inczédi Lifetime Achievement Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award are already housed.

Forward thinking means a lot

The report also covers in detail the life's work of Antal Bencze, who started his career as a young Hajdúdorogian with manual work and moved to Nyíregyháza in 1966. He worked his way up the professional ladder, took an active part in the development of public utilities, and by the time of the change of regime had already been a construction manager for more than two decades, and was well known in the region among local government leaders. During the change of regime, state-owned construction companies went bankrupt, so he, like many others, started his business as a forced contractor.

The summary highlights his foresight, having known that he would have to open up to other areas as he became stronger in civil engineering. At the beginning, they were only involved in sewerage, drinking water and sewage pipeline construction, but then they started to receive more and more serious orders. They were satisfied with their work and wanted to be entrusted with other tasks in some municipalities. This is what gave birth to KE-VÍZ's entry into the building construction sector.

They emphasize that Antal Bencze took on the challenges with courage: "It is proof of his professional and managerial skills that over time KE-VÍZ has become significant not only in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, but also in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Hajdú-Bihar, and has grown into a regionally significant, Hungarian-owned family company with more than 200 employees," they write. "Many of the employees joined the company around the turn of the millennium and are still working here."

Starting from Nyírség, they also made their mark in Hajdúság and Borsod

As a result of the development described above, KE-VÍZ is now involved in infrastructure development, the construction of wastewater and stormwater networks, as well as flood protection systems. Road construction is also an important part of the company's work. Among its references are major works such as the construction of bypasses around Nyíregyháza, major road improvements in the county seat, major roads in Hajdú-Bihar County and busy intersections in Debrecen.

At the same time, the company is also increasingly making its mark in neighbouring Borsod: just think of the investments around Tokaj, the modernisation of the Serenc sewage plant, or the complete interior and exterior renovation of the former Teachers' Training College in Sárospatak, which will become the main building of the Tokaj-Hegyalja University.

They have played a major role in the construction of the region's landmark buildings

The report also points to the successes achieved in the field of building construction, highlighting that the company's name is almost intertwined with the Nyíregyháza Zoo, in the construction of which it has played a major role.

"The first in its category in Europe, SóstóZoo's attractions such as the Ocenarium, India House, Tarzan's Trail and Andean House all praise the work of KE-VÍZ. But they also include the Pangea Hotel, which has won prestigious professional awards, or the fountain with music and light, which is a unique tourist attraction in the Salt Lake Baths."

In addition to the references, they also demonstrate their social commitment, which is important for both Antal Bencze and the company. They emphasize that Antal Bencze and KE-VÍZ are key supporters of local culture, science, churches, sports, NGOs and health. "The prestigious VIDOR Festival, the University of Nyíregyháza, the Nyíregyháza Sports Centre, the Jósa András Teaching Hospital are among the permanent supporters, as well as many charity actions", the statement reads.

Even as a retired person, he still comes to the company every day

Another key issue for the KE-VÍZ is the generation change. Here, too, forward thinking prevailed.

Both sons of the CEO are graduates in engineering and both are members of the senior management team.

Third generation is already present at KE-VÍZ: Antal Bencze's grandchildren, Béni and Dina, are already working at the company while studying at university.

The CEO has been retired for more than a decade, but he comes to the company every day. "If asked, he will help and advise in any way. He can do so, as he has a wealth of life experience and professional knowledge," says the summary.

"We have had a tough and productive year"

The statement concludes with a quote from the CEO: "Although I received this prestigious award, it is not only my merit. Behind it is the recognition of the work of all our employees. We have more than three decades of hard work and achievements behind us, and I believe that, as in the past, all the employees of the company will do their utmost to ensure that this continues.

As always, quality and reliability should be the most important aspect, as this is the guarantee for our customers. We must not let this slip, not only because of the recognition we have received, but also because of the credo of our company, which has made us one of the leading companies in the region."

He added that an investment or a project is a multi-chain process, with all its members contributing to its success. "So we have to thank all our clients, without them we would not have our work and therefore we would not achieve success together. Of course, joint work is not without friction, but we all strive to make it stronger and more effective."