Management and Services Division
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am glad to report again a significant progress in fulfilling the vision of První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s. in 2008 - to be stabile and renowned world manufacturer of:
- small aircraft turbojet engines for pilotless planes and small aircraft,
- auxiliary power units for aircraft and helicopters,
- air conditioning systems for aircraft and helicopters,
- backup ground power units,
- precise castings, in particular turbine wheels, blades, defibering heads, for automotive, aerospace, glass, power industries and health sector,
- complex finished parts of electric motors, alternators, mammographs and wind power plants,
- decanting centrifuges for waste water treatment plants, i.e. for projects directly connected with ecology and environment protection.
In 2008 První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s. reached CZK 1.050 billion of sales, and historically the highest added value per employee and highest productivity in manufacture of goods.
On September 1, 2008 "On-the-Job Training Centre of PBS Velká Bíteš", a subsidiary of První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s. was established as an educational legal entity that provides on-the-job training of machinists for the needs of individual divisions as well as of PBS Turbo, s.r.o., including closely collaborating with the Jan Tiray’s Vocational School in Velká Bíteš, founded by the city of Velká Bíteš.
Aircraft Technique Division successfully sells all its basic final products: turbojet engines TJ100, auxiliary power units Safír, air-conditioning systems, ground power units. The several-years development of auxiliary power unit Safír 5L has been completed successfully by conclusion of the first contract for supply of these units for the new training aircraft L15. The establishment of a service centre in Kazan is very important for further growth on the Russian market. Aircraft Technique Division is taking part in several grant projects, both on national or European level. In 2008 the division got three new projects for the development of turbo-prop engine, air-conditioning system for helicopters, and high-speed generator for both ground and flight applications. All these are hi-tech products.
Metallurgy Division proved once more that it belongs to the biggest precision casting foundries not only in EU; it is able to compete successfully globally as well. In 2008 it delivered much more than 200 000 turbine wheels to the manufacturers of turbochargers. The division completed the modernization of the process of manufacture of shell moulds on the basis of aqueous binder, and created fully robotized workplace. Furthermore, it is able to manufacture heavier integral turbine wheels of turbo-superchargers and separate blades of gas turbines than before. The division has also got another grant project for the development of top-quality precise castings. In 2009 the division wants further invest in a new vacuum and annealing furnace.
Machine Shop and Tools Division is significantly growing in all lines of its business – cooperation and final products. It managed to win new customers from among global players, extend the sales of new products to existing customers. Decanting centrifuges or manufacture and assembly of machines for pressing paper fills are examples of successful products. The division is finishing the development of new decanting DO 450 of higher output.
The plating shop is traditionally known for excellent quality of surface finish of components, mainly for aircraft, automotive or textile industry.
The new computer-controlled flame-cutting machine bought in 2008, is very helpful in preparing material for both divisions and external firms.
We kept our traditional certifications according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS/EN 9100 and 9110.
In conclusion, allow me to thank to all of you who contributed actively to the fulfilment of all challenging objectives in 2008. I firmly believe that in 2009 we will keep the outstanding position of První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s. on both European and global market.
- Milan Macholán
- Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors