Meopta Industrial Park - Birkenast

Vision Statement Historical Overview
Meopta will build on it’s long tradition of quality opto-mechanical
and opto-electronical skills to develop and produce the
highest quality product by continuous improvement
through technological and managerial
innovation. We will strive to make Meopta
trademark a synonym of quality,
performance and responsibility.
Our goal will be to increase
profitability, shareholder value and
revenues while adhering to the highest
ethical and legal standards, as well
as environmental regulations.
We will accomplish this by establishment of strategic
partnership with suppliers and customers, whose reliance
upon our capability and know-how will be increasing for significant
mutual benefit. The capability of our associates is the key to achieving success. We will continually improve
education, performance and satisfaction of all members of our team, since their pride in Meopta is the formula
for our success. As a prominent employer and a partner of regional authorities, we will support improvement
of our community’s standard of living and will enhance a consciousness
about Prerov as the town of optics and opticians.
„A Better View of the World“
Meopta Prerov traces its roots back to the year 1933, when the Optikotechna company was established in Prerov.
Initially, Optikotechna produced lenses and condensers, but quickly expanded its product line to include enlargers, composite
lenses, single optics, binoculars, riflescopes, slide projectors and of course the well known Flexaret range of cameras.
By 1936, Optikotechna established new facilities to accommodate the rapid expansion of its operation necessary to meet
the growing demand for its products.
During World War II, Optikotechna was forced to surrender control of its production to the German army. This change effectively
stopped the production of all non-military products.
After the war, the remaining company was renamed Meopta. A number of new and exciting products were designed and
developed, which helped to quickly establish an excellent reputation for the new Meopta brand in world markets.
However, in 1971 production was again refocused primarily on military products and continued this way until it was abruptly ended
in 1989. At which time the sale of military products, which represented about 75 % of Meopta‘s business, was reduced to zero.
In 1991, Meopta Prerov completed its first step toward privatization when it was established as a joint stock company („akciova
spolecnost“). The company was formed by a single act in accordance with the founding plan of the state enterprise Meopta
Prerov, s.p. On March 21, 1991, Meopta was registered in the companies register at the District Court in Ostrava.
Meopta currently occupies a 135 000 m 2 (1,450,000 sq ft) site. The built up areas yield 77 000 m 2 (830,000 sq ft) of floor space,
including 26 000 m 2 (280,000 sq ft) of manufacturing area, which include state-of-the-art, high quality, air conditioned, dust free
environments. The Meopta team that exists today is poised to utilize its extensive experience in research, design, development
and production to provide superior service on many different levels from raw concept to finished goods.
Trade Marks
Meopta Prerov, a.s., is owner of total of 23 trade marks which are registered domestically as well as internationally. These
include: Meopta, Axomat, Proximus, Belar, Opemus, Magnifax, Anagon, Anaret, Meoplan, Meosix and Sport.
Milestones
1933 Building enterpreneur Alois Benes founded Optikotechna company
in Prerov, Dr. Mazurek constructed the first Czechoslovak enlarging lens.
1934-1937 Optikotechna focused on darkroom equipment (mainly enlargers and lenses).
1937 Optikotechna built new facilities for production in suburb of Prerov.
1939-1945 Optikotechna supplied military optical equipment for German army
(rangefinders, periscopes, binoculars, riflescopes).
1946 Optikotechna renamed to Meopta national enterprise
1947-1970 Meopta became one of the biggest enlarger manufacturers
worldwide and the only cinema projector manufacturer
in Cenral/East Europe
1953 The Institute for research and development of optic and precision
mechanic was established in Prerov.
1971 There was a rapid increase of military production for Warsaw Pact
(up to 75 % of total turnover).
1988 Meopta renewed riflescopes production, decreasing military production.
1990 Meopta military program decreased to 0 %, Meopta became separate
subsidiary join stock companies.
1992 Meopta fully privatised and remains the only optical enterprise in Czech
republic. Became a supplier of major optical companies worlwide.
2003 Meopta companies merged to one law, organization
and business subject again.