Our path to becoming a strong automotive partner
Brose began its journey in the Czech Republic in 2003 with the opening of a production plant in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. This was followed by the establishment of a modern manufacturing center in Kopřivnice, which has since become a cornerstone of our local operations. Over time, we expanded further with a shared services center in Ostrava, and most recently, we’ve been developing a new facility in Mošnov – marking another important step in our continued growth. Today, we are proud to be one of the region’s key employers and a trusted supplier to leading global car manufacturers. Our history is one of innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnership with Czech industry.
2003 - 2004
2003
Brose launched its operations in the Czech Republic in 2003, employing around 500 people at its plant in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. The focus at the time was primarily on producing locking systems for the automotive industry.
In July 2003, a major decision was made—Brose shareholders approved the construction of a new production facility in Kopřivnice.
On November 7, 2003, the foundation stone of the Kopřivnice plant was ceremonially laid, with Mr. Maxmilian Stoschek in attendance. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Brose’s history in Central Europe.
2004
After just ten months of construction, production at the Kopřivnice plant officially began in August 2004. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the facility enabled the manufacturing of seat adjustment components and locking systems. Automated processes such as stamping, laser welding, and coating of guide rails were introduced, setting new standards in efficiency and quality.
2005 - 2006
2005
On June 8, 2005, the Kopřivnice plant was officially opened. Brose invested approximately 45 million euros into production equipment, buildings, logistics, and IT infrastructure. The facility manufactures both manual and electric seat adjustment systems, side door locks, and rear cargo locks for nearly twenty global car brands and leading seat manufacturers. Most of the products from Kopřivnice are exported—to Belgium, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. The plant also supplies Brose’s sister sites in Coburg and Wuppertal.
Covering an area of over 100,000 m², this was the first Brose plant outside Germany to include both a stamping shop and a coating line for surface treatment of pressed parts. Today, around 960 employees contribute to the production of high-quality components for the automotive industry.
2007 - 2009
2008
A new, modern coating line was launched at the Kopřivnice plant, significantly expanding the site's technological capabilities.
2009
The first central team was established at Brose CZ—an IT department based in Kopřivnice that began providing global support to all Brose locations worldwide.
2010 - 2012
2010
Production of fans and electric motors was launched at the Kopřivnice plant. By the end of the year, Brose had a total of 1,800 employees.
2011
Lock production was relocated to the Rožnov pod Radhoštěm plant, optimizing manufacturing capacities between the two sites.
2013 - 2014
2013
A new logistics concept was introduced, featuring the integration of a highly automated high-bay warehouse. This system ensures efficient material flow and optimized storage processes. On average, around 2,400 employees were working across the Kopřivnice and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm plants.
2014
Brose invested in the Brose Kids Club—a modern center for education and leisure activities for employees’ children. This facility plays a key role in supporting work-life balance and contributes to employee satisfaction and stability.
2015 - 2016
2015
Brose CZ received the prestigious National Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, recognizing the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. That same year, a customer team for the seat division was established in the Czech Republic, further strengthening local support and technical expertise in automotive interiors.
2016
The National Institute of Public Health awarded Brose the highest level of recognition as a “Health-Promoting Enterprise,” acknowledging its systematic approach to supporting employee health and well-being. The workforce stabilized at approximately 3,400 employees, reflecting the company’s continued growth and long-term personnel stability.
2017 - 2018
2017
Brose CZ continued its systematic efforts to improve working conditions. As part of these initiatives, the company employed in-house doctors and physiotherapists who provide professional care directly at the workplace, helping to prevent employee health issues.
2018
Brose CZ successfully completed the certification process by the international Top Employer Institute and was awarded the title of Top Employer Czech Republic. This recognition confirms the company’s high standards in HR practices, working environment, and employee care.
2019 - 2020
2019
Brose CZ opened a modern Practical Training Center and expanded its cooperation with secondary schools by introducing a new study program—Mechatronics. The company also successfully renewed its certification from the international Top Employer Institute, confirming its status as a Top Employer for 2019.
Additionally, Brose CZ completed its first re-certification in the “Health-Promoting Enterprise” program, once again earning the Level 3 award—the highest possible recognition in this initiative.
2020
A new digital platform for seat back production was implemented at the Kopřivnice plant. This innovation is part of the group-wide PRIME project (PoweRed by Integrated Manufacturing and Engineering), which brings advanced manufacturing solutions across Brose locations.
At the 18th Brose Ski & Snowboard Championship in Lenggries, Germany, our Czech team from Ostrava shone brightly—winning 13 out of 21 medals and dominating six out of seven categories.
2021 - 2022
2021
The Ostrava location became one of Brose’s four global service centers, providing support in finance, controlling, purchasing, and IT. It also took over responsibility for global purchasing processes.
Following the devastating tornado in South Moravia, we supported the humanitarian organization ADRA and contributed to immediate relief and the recovery of affected communities.
2022
In response to the war in Ukraine, Brose launched a number of humanitarian initiatives across the group. Our employees, along with colleagues from Prievidza and the Polish Brose Sitech plants, actively participated in donation drives and aid efforts.
Brose CZ also successfully completed its second re-certification in the “Health-Promoting Enterprise” program, once again earning the highest Level 3 award – confirming the company’s ongoing commitment to employee health and well-being.
2023 - 2025
2023
In Ostrava, Brose CZ expanded its office space at the Nová Karolina location from 1,800 to 2,800 m². This expansion helped meet growing capacity needs and prepare the company for future growth.
2024
Brose CZ celebrated a major success at the Ostrava City Marathon, where our team won the 6×6 km relay race. In September, severe floods struck northeastern Czechia. Our employees organized a fundraising campaign, which was further supported by the Max Brose Hilfe Foundation. The full donation was given to the humanitarian organization ADRA to support families in flood-affected areas, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.