KOVOHUTĚ HOLDING DT, a.s., division Kovohutě Čelákovice, launched an investment plan for the years 2000 to 2004.  

• In 2000, we made a number of investments. These investments were above all aimed at machinery for improving of the surface quality and testing of products.

• A coiler for winding wires into baskets was purchased from ASMAG in 2000 as an accessory to our Schloeman 25 MN press. The coiler can be used for winding pressed wire into baskets in diameters ranging from 6 to 40 mm. This machine essentially helped to improve the surface quality of pressed wire as well as drawn rods.

• An annealing, hood-type furnace HICON/H2 was purchased in 2000 from EBNER for bright annealing brass wire in a controlled atmosphere. The furnace is controlled by a high tech control system, which guarantees specified values for annealing material. The system provides data recording and annealing record printing. We have achieved a substantial improvement in product surface quality.

• An up-to-date combined draw machine was purchased for rod manufacturing with a flying saw, a rotary straightening machine, and rod-ends finishing. It is used primarily for manufacturing round and hexagonal rods from lead brasses in sizes ranging from 15 to 25 mm.

• A Spectrometer XRF 9800 was purchased from ARL for the analysis and testing of semi-products in the foundry. This equipment is able to find elements ranging from Al to U of the periodic system in low concentrations. Two analytical balances were purchased, too.

• We also purchased four automatic gates for the factory building and implemented a new gas heating system. Both of these investments helped save energy.

 

In 2004, we concentrated all investment projects on improvement of surface quality, increasing labor productivity and costs decreasing.

• Run-out of press 30 MN - The reconstruction of the press 30 MN started in 2003. In 2004, the installation of the run-out was done and the press was put into operation. This investment is aimed of quality improvement of extrusions in straight lengths.
   
• Degreasing line - The degreasing line was purchased for the improvement of surface quality. It is aimed at the removal of greasy dirt on surface of semi-final products that are tempered. Purchasing of the degreasing line is the first step in our project "Competitiveness increasing of of semi-final products in straight lengths". The socond step will be the investment in the pickling process in 2005.
   
• Pickling bath - For better quality of pickling of drawn semi-final products, we purchased a pickling bath for the second level of the pickling process.
   
• High-lift trucks - Investment in a complete renewal of the high-lift trucks has brought savings of costs of fuel, maintenance and repairs.