Pavel Blata and Peter Clifford on the Blata mini bikes

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ABOUT BLATA

The origin of BLATA dates back to the late 1980s. This was when the former factory rider for Povážské strojírny and a participant in the International Six - Day Endurance Pavel Blata started thinking of designing and producing his own motorbike. He built the first motorcycle in 1991. Given the limited opportunities, he started with a mini bike instead of a standard bike. Thus he laid foundation for today's very successful BLATA mini bikes and scooters.

Pavel Blata started by manufacturing in his garage, where the first series of 50 units was built. Their design and quality workmanship was reflected in customers' demands for more products.

The public awareness of the new motorcycle range was significantly enhanced with the BLATA CUP – mini bike races on special circuits. 70 riders using BLATA machines exclusively participated in the series. Based on the racing experience, the development of a more powerful model began, and the new design was used in the open national mini bike championships.

The BLATA factory team first participated in international races in Ulm, Germany in 1997, and rider Jan Nemec won the contest. The demand for BLATA mini bikes grew so much that the participants in the Czech Republic GP, a MotoGP event, had BLATA mini bikes made in their colours in order to promote their teams.

The ever-growing interest in BLATA products called for principal investments – both in research and development and in the production facilities. In 1996 the company bought a CNC machining station and 3D design computer technology. This enabled analyses and calculations of the final parameters of individual machine components, as well as generating and transferring data to the CNC machines' control systems.

Subsequently, new scooter and mini bike engines were developed. The acquisition of up-to-date technologies for production and development significantly shortened the overall time of developing and producing a new engine. The new mini bike engine enabled BLATA team riders to score two European championship titles. Significant sporting and business success had to be used for further business development. A company development project was prepared. It has been divided into four subsequent stages in order to build a strong, production/development unit for producing single-track motor vehicles.

Multi-storeyed logistic and assembly facilities were built in the first stage. Two years later, another building was completed to house development, technologies, sales department, offices and the company's management. Development and technology resources were enhanced, and the production facilities grew significantly. The latest technologies were implemented.

The changes implemented in this period resulted in a new product, the ORIGAMI mini bike, a leading-edge product in its class. Immediately after its introduction, the product gained a great position at races in the US. This motorcycle model won the 2003 Excellent Product Award, the 2003 Excellent DESIGN Award and the Managerial Feat of the Year for Design award in a national competition.

During 2003 an investment project was prepared for the third stage of business development – the creation of a new BLATA, s.r.o. industrial complex, which became the pilot project for the newly built Blansko industrial park.

The visit of the President of the Republic, Václav Klaus, in November 2003 was yet another sign of appreciation of the business activities and results of BLATA.

Developing BLATA, s.r.o – the industrial park

BLATA is preparing further development of its business in relation to the newly built Blansko industrial park. New land lots in the area were commissioned for use in mid-2004. These have all been set up for industrial projects. Out of the overall area of approximately 13 hectares, BLATA secured 6.5 hectares for its development by means of a letter of intent.

The company intends to build an industrial complex for producing motor vehicles. The project is divided into two stages. The first is the construction of two facilities, a light alloy foundry and mechanical engineering complex bringing together other production activities. The second stage will see the completion of the entire production facility including logistics, office section and a test circuit. The capital expenditures of the first stage range between CZK 350 million and CZK 470 million; an investment incentive was offered for this project and BLATA will accept it. The project should be implemented between 2005 and 2007. BLATA, s.r.o.'s plans in this regard may change, though, due to the prepared WCM–BLATA joint venture; this would entail accelerated construction of other facilities intended for the implementation of the venture, and BLATA would like to win the support of EU funds for this.