We are celebrating 20 years in the automation market

CELEBRATIONS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PERIOD?

This April, we celebrate 20 years since the formation of our company. The celebrations of this anniversary fell on a challenging period, which put us all in a completely new situation. From one day to another, our priorities changed, and instead of investments, celebrations and growth, we had to find the most suitable solution to ensure the implementation of our projects in new conditions, stabilize the job posts of all our colleagues, and prepare economically for everything this year may bring us. The situation has tested our readiness both in terms of IT infrastructure and teams, and individuals. “When I see the commitment, solidarity, adaptability, and loyalty of my colleagues - I am grateful to them for that," says Igor Zahrádka, CEO of the company. Given the current situation, the celebrations will not take place in the spring.

We want to thank everyone who is in it with us. We appreciate the 20 years we spent together and all the long-term relationships we have built over these years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, business partners, and suppliers for their trust and cooperation. To our employees, for their commitment at work, and to their families, for supporting them. To our shareholders, for their trust and for having today the opportunity of being part of this company. You all, every day, play a part in the company we have become. In those twenty years, we have implemented thousands of management projects in technology, machinery, and devices on all continents except Antarctica. Together, we have gained extensive project management experience and know-how across industrial markets. Sometimes, we can already beat international competition and successfully implement really huge projects.

For the next period, I wish us all good health and rapid stabilization of the current state in the world. The circumstances have changed, but our values ​​last. I believe that we will deal with this situation with honor and come out stronger.”

Igor Zahrádka, CEO

3 ERAS, MANY MILESTONES

During the 20 years of its existence, the company has undergone development both in terms of identity and business. From a fast-growing and predatory company, we have grown through a period of economic recession to a stable supplier and employer, implementing projects around the world and having one of the largest automation teams in the Czech Republic. Most of the contemporary witnesses perceive the development of B:TECH in the following stages.

2000 - 2008 RAPID GROWTH UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ANTONÍN URBAN

The company was founded under the name Bohemian Technologies, and its first headquarters was located in a family house in Ostrov. It launched into the world under the leadership of the founder, like a rocket. In 2006, Ing. Antonín Urban was awarded the Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award, followed a year later by moving to the complex “U Borové”, which, until today, remains the company’s headquarters. 

2008 - 2010 RESTRUCTURING AND PERIOD OF MAJOR CHANGES

During the economic recession, the company was restructured under the leadership of a multi-member board of directors. We sold the division of switchboard and engineering production, and the company strategically focused exclusively on industrial automation.

2011 - 2020 MATRIX ARRANGEMENT, STABILIZATION AND FURTHER GROWTH OF THE COMPANY

In 2011, the current CEO, Igor Zahrádka, took the lead. In the same year, after the tragic death of the key manager Marek Lát, Mr. Zahrádka introduced the matrix management method we operate to this day. Under his leadership, the company got stabilized and prepared for its further growth. We invested in people and technology. We founded the Electrotechnical club for children and students from our region, and established an internal Automation Academy, whose mission is to develop the company’s know-how and popularize technical fields.  We entered 2020 as one of the largest automation teams in the Czech Republic and launched the first acquisition project, the acquisition of ZPA Industry.

A FINAL WORD OF THE COMPANY FOUNDER

“B:TECH is, in my opinion, a well-organized company full of great people. It has a healthy corporate culture and is ready for further growth. I firmly believe that it has the potential to become the leader in automation in the Czech market. Maybe that is why I have always rejected offers for selling it. Twenty years of building companies within the B:GROUP holding has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot, and I really appreciate everyone who has set out on this difficult journey with me. It is a great pleasure to work with smart, honest, and hardworking people. For the 20th anniversary of B:TECH, I would like to thank all employees for their great work, and customers for their trust. I wish B:TECH a lot of success on the next journey, and also that we always have a bit of luck with us,” Antonín URBAN, the company’s founder, wished to all of us all at the beginning of the year.

Who are the ones who have been with us almost from the very beginnings? What do they stand for, or how do they perceive the transformation of our company? We asked them to stop and share with us their thoughts that you can find in the photo gallery.