History
1992
KOVAR s.r.o. (Ltd.) was founded by three associates in 1992. At the beginning, the company was resided in demised premises and employed 34 staff members. Various steel structures and products for Nová Huť (Smelting Works) Ostrava were produced at that time. This production, however, soon ceased due to inhibition in metallurgical industry in Ostrava.
As a result, production of living and sanitary containers was started; these were used mainly as offices, living quarters, production places, shops and mobile homes. We faced considerable interest in these units, mainly because of good relation between price and quality. Further increase of production volume and staff was necessary.
1994
To ensure onward development of the company, the management have decided to purchase the originally leased production premises and machining. Herewith the company turned to be fully independent. In the years 1994 – 1996, KOVAR s.r.o. successfully participated in international building fairs.
1997
Mainly to reduce and diversify risks, production of steel palettes for Michelin, Opel and Volkswagen was launched. More than 40.000 pallets were manufactured in 1997.
1998
Due to continually growing interest in our special containers, a sales department (for direct contact with foreign customers) and an in-house design office were established. This further helped us in our focus on direct customers and on single-part production according to customer’s specific demands.
In 1998, the company has acquired the Certificate of Manufacturer´s Qualification for welding of steel constructions according to DIN 18800-7.
2001
In 2001, a new welding hall (2100m2) was built; a 250t folding brake, heavy load fork lift and other machinery were bought to facilitate the single-piece production of bespoke containers. The acclaimed Quality System Management according to ISO 9002 was introduced in 2001 and in 2004 the Certification ČSN ISO 9001:2001 was acquired. Since then, successful recertification has been taking place at regular intervals.
2007
Since 2004, an electronic information system has been gradually implemented to support the introduction of Environmental Management System ISO 14001, which was successfully introduced to our production in 2007. An International Occupational Health and Safety Management System according to OHSAS 18001 was implemented in the same year. Recertification takes place at regular intervals.
2008
Large-scale investments in production facilities were made especially during 2006-2008. These opened further space for growth in production volume and especially in labour productivity.
2009
Perhaps as a result of these investments and production modernization, KOVAR s.r.o. has won the 3rd place in a nation-wide competition of middle-large businesses for the title “Company of the year 2009”.
2010
Further financial means have been used to modernize various buildings, like welding hall I. and II., blasting cabin and change rooms). In welding hall II., an exhaust equipment has been installed to improve the working conditions. Kovar also acquired a new towing unit and thus became more self-reliant in the area of container transport.
2011
Another year full of improvements and investments: acquisition of machinery, transport means and software, as well as modernization of buildings.
2012
Our painting cabin has been widened, so as to provide for the painting of oversize containers. In the paint shop, a unique catalytic-oxidant combustion unit of pollutants has been installed.
At present, erection of new storage house is being prepared.
