History of the Manufacturing Cooperative in Žebrák

1950

The West Bohemian Autocompany in Plzeň establishes a branch in Žebrák, producing scooters, bicycle trailers, postal carts, and other metal products.

1951

“July 1, 1951 – self-contained: The ‘District Metal Cooperative ( Company ) in Hořovice’ is established in Žebrák and begins operating independently.”

01.01.1952

“Four branches: Headquarters in Žebrák (Branch 01) with 48 members, Jince (Branch 02) with 5 members, Komárov (Branch 03) with 11 members, and the newly established Vrňata Smithy as Branch 04 in Cerhovice.”

1953

“The number of members increases, the range of products expands, and profits grow. The cooperative incorporates the plant in Osov, a chromium plating facility in Beroun, and a repair shop and chromium plating facility in Prague. By the end of the year, the cooperative employs 188 workers and 107 technical and administrative staff (‘THP’ employees).”

1960

300 workers, establishment of new branches: Branch 07 in Hostomice and Branch 08 in Cerhovice.

1961–1971

Construction of an auto repair shop in Zdice, organization of company transportation services, and modernization of Branch 04 Cerhovice (smithy) and Branch 08 Cerhovice.

1981

Celebration of 30 Years Since the Founding of the Cooperative (Company)
A chronicle has been published in honor of its history. The cooperative operates a total of eight plants:

  1. ŽEBRÁK – Main program: Children’s wheelbarrow “BLESK II,” walker “Pavouček,” hot water boiler KŽ 4.
  2. JINCE – Main program: electrical components.
  3. KOMÁROV – Production of diesel pumps, oil coolers, and additional programs.
  4. CERHOVICE – Forging and hot metal pressing.
  5. ŽEBRÁK – Focused on heating systems.
  6. BROUMY – This facility specializes in carpentry work and, although not part of metal processing, serves to maintain company cottages, facilities, and the construction and residential equipment for the local population.
  7. HOSTOMICE – Production program: axles and complete steering wheels for DESTA forklifts.
  8. CERHOVICE – Production of manual transport carts “RAPID” and “POPULÁR,” including a semi-automatic painting line.

1992

Transformation, the cooperative (company) is consolidating production into three facilities: two in Žebrák and one in nearby Cerhovice. The Cerhovice facility specializes in hanging and mass galvanizing.

2011

The most well-known products are two-wheeled manual carts, which account for 20% of total production, as well as children’s scooters and tricycles. The product range is complemented by metal dispensers for toilet paper and hand towels.
The cooperative(company) also operates as a subcontractor. Its largest customers in cooperative services are Czech companies specializing in the supply of electromechanical components. For these companies, the cooperative manufactures cable trays, including accessories for industrial electrical substations, as well as components for tram and trolleybus traction lines.
Exports to Sweden, Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany represent approximately 12% of total turnover.

2023

One Production Plant, One Headquarters in Žebrák
The cooperative has centralized operations at a single production plant and headquarters in Žebrák. Modernization efforts include the implementation of the new Helios Orange iNuvio information system, integration of all corporate processes, reengineering of existing technological procedures, and optimization of production efficiency. Additionally, new company websites have been developed, and an e-shop has been launched.