Ing. Jaroslav Markvart Blending Tradition with Technology at Wöhler Bohemia

Now leading Wöhler Bohemia and HTFilament, Jaroslav Markvart continues the family tradition of excellence with a focus on automation, efficiency and developing the next generation of engineers.

COMPANY: Wöhler Bohemia s.r.o.

LOCATION: Pelhřimov, Czech Republic

TITLE: CEO

WEBSITE: machinery.woehlerbohemia.cz/en

What year did you start in the industry and how did you get started?

My professional journey with Wöhler Bohemia can be traced back to my childhood. The company was founded in Pelhřimov in 1994 by my father together with Mr. Wöhler, so it naturally became a part of my life. Business challenges and opportunities were often discussed at home, so I was familiar with the industry from an early age.

I gained my first professional experience directly in the workshop, where I worked parttime during my studies. This hands-on work gave me valuable insight into the practical side of production and allowed me to get to know our products “from the ground up.” Later, while studying at university, I began helping in the design department, where I spent about five years contributing to the development of new products.

After that, I took a break from the family business to pursue a new challenge. I joined another company in the field of heating systems controlled by alternative energy sources. It was an invaluable experience that gave me the opportunity to see how processes function in a different environment. Thirteen years later, I returned to Wöhler Bohemia. For the last five years, I had the honor of working side by side with my father, learning from his experience.

Two years ago, my father retired, and I took over the leadership of both our companies — Wöhler Bohemia and HTFilament. I am proud to continue what my father and Mr. Wöhler started and to carry forward our family tradition.

What is your proudest career or company accomplishment?

When I think about our greatest accomplishment, I view it through the lens of the company’s entire portfolio. Today, Wöhler Bohemia operates in four distinct production and business areas: the manufacture of technical and craft brushes, our own metalworking, the sale of measuring instruments and the production of fully automated lines for brush and roller manufacturing.

The last of these — automated production lines — is probably the most prestigious but also the most challenging part of our business. I’m extremely proud that in recent years we have not only entered this highly specialized segment but also managed to succeed in it.

However, the greatest achievement for me is not the machines themselves, but the people behind them. I am proud that we have managed to stabilize and build a team of true professionals who make these complex machines possible. Our colleagues in R&D, design, programming and electrical engineering, as well as our production managers, are the reason we can push boundaries and remain competitive. It’s a team effort — and that is our biggest success.

What is your favorite part of working in the brushware industry?

To be honest, my favorite part of this job is the moment we commission and hand over a machine to a customer. That moment closes a long and demanding process that begins with initial discussions with the client, continues through design and engineering, and culminates in production. These steps are often stressful and challenging, but seeing our work come to life and help a customer in their operations is the most rewarding feeling for me.

What are the key challenges you are facing right now at Wöhler Bohemia and how are you solving those challenges?

Every new order is a challenge for us, because every customer requires a machine customized to their specific needs. We have never produced two identical machines. Although this is our greatest advantage, it also has a significant disadvantage. Each machine is essentially unique, which has a direct impact on price — our machines can be more expensive than those of our competitors, who focus on mass production.

Our strategic goal and greatest challenge is therefore production efficiency. We are working to streamline processes while maintaining the flexibility needed to manufacture unique machines. It is a constant and demanding task, but we believe that striking this balance is the key to our future success.

Are there any new products or initiatives for Wöhler Bohemia that you would like to share?

Yes, we are currently working on several exciting projects in close cooperation with our customers. A few highlights:

Finishing machine for long rollers: This machine can cut rollers up to 750 mm in length, clean them with a brush, and bevel the edges.

Ferrule manufacturing machine: Another significant development is a machine that produces metal ferrules for larger brushes (1/2” to 4”).

High-speed roller cutting machine with robot: This fully automated line uses two cutting units to keep up with the upstream roller winding (thermo-fusion) process. A robot is placed between the two machines to ensure full automation without the need for human intervention.

Recruiting skilled workers overall and also young workers has been stated as a concern in the industry. How do you think that is best addressed?

Recruiting skilled workers is indeed a major challenge in our industry, and I believe it’s not just an issue in our country. We actively address this in several ways. A key step is our cooperation with universities, where we participate in the development of new technologies. This allows us to show students during their studies that engineering is not just a traditional field, but also a field full of innovation and modern solutions. We believe that this approach helps build long-term partnerships with future experts and generates their interest in our work.

We are also involved in our local community in Pelhřimov and support young people. For example, we provide financial support to the local floorball club to show that we really care about the next generation. For us, this is an important part of our social responsibility.

What do you like to do outside of work?

With my busy work schedule, I don’t have much free time. The time I do have, I dedicate to my family. I have two young sons, and we spend a lot of time doing sports together. They play floorball and soccer, and I often join them — sharing tips and advice from my younger days when sports were my life. Outside of sports, we enjoy spending time outdoors at our family’s cottage.

What is one thing about you that people might find surprising?

People might be surprised that although I work with automated and precision machines every day, in my free time, I enjoy spending time on DIY projects and repairs at our cottage. This work has taught me that planning and systematic procedures are essential for achieving good results. As in engineering, if you want everything to work perfectly, every detail matters.

What have you learned in life or in the industry?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that every barrier is an opportunity for growth. I have faced many challenges throughout my career, but I have always found that perseverance leads to creative solutions. This experience has taught me that determination and persistence always pay off.

COMPANY PROFILE

CEO/President: Ing. Jaroslav Markvart, Ing. Jiří Vondrák

Headquarters Location: Pelhřimov, Czech Republic

Founded: 1994

Ownership Structure: Holding Company Member/LLC

Number of Employees: 57

Manufacturing Plants: One

Total Facility Square Footage: 4000 m2

Primary Product Categories: Machinery / Tools / Brushes

Key Industries Served: Manufacturers of machines of paint brushes and rollers

Major Markets: International

Sustainability Initiatives: Recycling/use of solar energy etc.