Pavel Kovanda jr, Head of Production at Kovofiniš a.s., Ledeč nad Sázavou, Czech Republic
Interview: Heinz Käsinger
Approximately how many electroplating companies are there in the Czech Republic?
We have more than 100 companies in the electroplating industry. However, there are only a few large players in the commercial electroplating industry. However, there are also many small electroplating companies, which mostly cover the individual needs of local companies. The most popular and widespread is galvanizing. In recent years, the demand for zinc-nickel coatings has increased.
Is there an association comparable to the German electroplating associations DGO or the umbrella organization ZVO?
Yes, there is the Czech Association for Surface Treatment (ČSPÚ), which also organizes conferences and training courses in the field of surface treatment, among other things.
Who are the main customers, or the most important companies, for which Czech electroplaters coat?
The most important sector for electroplaters is the automotive industry. There are several car brands that have factories in the Czech Republic, e.g. Škoda Auto or Toyota, and there are many more first and second tier suppliers.
Are the companies also internationally oriented or do they only produce for the Czech market?
The large companies operate internationally, mostly as part of long-term projects for the automotive industry. In recent years, however, transportation costs have become a major problem, and we in the Czech Republic are no different from the rest of Europe. That's why everyone is looking for a local service provider wherever possible. The smaller plants have so far covered the needs of one region and are only active locally. But this segment is growing, as already mentioned, due to transportation difficulties.
Large companies, small companies - where would you place your company in this overall environment? In a few words?
Kovofiniš a.s. is the largest manufacturer of surface treatment technologies and wastewater treatment plants in the Czech Republic. We have been on the market since 1951, so last year we celebrated our 70th anniversary. We are focused on fully automated high-tech and large-scale projects with turnkey delivery of process equipment and waste management systems. Our focus is on environmentally friendly solutions and zero liquid discharge. Our territory is Central and Eastern Europe. One of our reference customers is BMW Motorrad Berlin, for whom we built a CDP plant with a ZLD system. Our most recent project was an electroplating plant for plastic parts (ABS) for KP Galvano. Our current projects are a wastewater treatment plant including vacuum evaporator for Continental AG in Slovakia and a phosphating line with wastewater treatment plant for Hutchinson in Poland, both to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022.
ABOUT THE PERSON
Pavel Kovanda jr. The most important customers of Czech electroplating companies are car manufacturers. There are also small coaters for local needs.
