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About us - Leading kaolin producer
Sedlecký kaolin was founded in 1892 and became a leading Czech producer of kaolin. Our most important quarry site is the Karlovy Vary region, where we mine kaolin of the highest quality.
Visions and values
We are proud to be a reliable supplier of first-class quality products. We want to strengthen this strong position and develop it further. Thanks to constant research and development of the most modern technologies, we can bring to customers an ever wider range of products. We could not do that without a team of satisfied employees. That is why we develop their talent and create a motivating work environment for them. In addition, as an ecologically responsible company, we want to work with respect for the environment and focus on reclamating the landscape of the Karlovy Vary region.
Quality control and certificates
The quality of our products is under constant control. We verify its highest standards by regular tests in laboratories.
ISO 14001
Company history
Over the course of three centuries, the method of mining and processing of the raw material has changed fundamentally. However, we still hold the position of a globally recognized producer of kaolin.
The first attempts to produce porcelain from local raw materials in the Karlovy Vary region and the beginning of kaolin mining.
Porcelain production in the Karlovy Vary region expands.
18th Century
19th Century
1892 / Foundation
Successful kaolin mining in the Karlovy Vary region and a flourishing porcelain industry initiate the foundation of Zettlitzer Kaolinwerke AG.
1892-1912
Aquiring the competition
The company grows by acquiring small kaolin producers – Zebisch & Pfeiffer, Lorenz and Mottl.
1924
International standard set
Zettlitz Kaolin is declared a kaolin standard at the IUPAC Congress in Copenhagen. The trademark has survived all subsequent organizational and ownership changes.
1927-1938
Dynamic growth
The ever-growing company acquires more and more plants, particularly in Saxony. In 1938, it already owns nine deposits, ten washing plants, two brickyards, a coal quarry and a porcelain factory (Merklín).
1945
Nationalization
After the demise of the company as a consequence of the war, all kaolin mining and processing in the Karlovy Vary region is nationalized. Activity is recommenced by the national enterprise called Sedlecko–Vildštejnské Kaolinové a Hlinné Závody.
1950-1967
Back above the ground
Some of the mining takes place in underground mines. The company reorganization results in its division into seven production locations – the Sadov, Božičany, Hlubany, Skalná, Provodín, Střeleč and Sedlec mines. The company changes its name to Keramické a Sklářské Suroviny, Sedlec u Karlových Varů.
1972 / Modernization
Kaolin production is modernized, and new products introduced to the market – plasters and paints.
1890
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990-1993
Privatization
Due to the political changes in Czechoslovakia, the company is divided into separate, independent (subsidiary) companies. In 1993, the company is privatized and renamed to Keramické Suroviny, Božičany, s.r.o.
1995
Tradition restored
The company is transformed into a joint-stock company and, as the direct successor of the original company, returns to its historical name of Sedlecký Kaolin, a. s. High-intensity, supra-conductive magnetic separation is newly added to the kaolin production process.
1997-1999
New plants
Sedlecký Kaolin, a.s. acquires Prototypa, a.s., a company from Brno, which develops weapons and sells Sedlecký Kaolin products. It starts to manage the Únavov plant, PKZ – Užitková Keramika a.s., Poštorná, which specializes in the production of construction, chemical, garden and sewerage system ceramics, and the Třemošná plant.
2003-2005
New products
The production of calcined kaolin is introduced in the Sadov plant. The new facility in Božičany introduces cat litter to the market, and the Poštorná plant begins producing sanitary ceramics.
2006-2007
More new plants
Sedlecký Kaolin purchases the Loket plant and acquires a new zeolite deposit.
2008
Modernization
Introduction of a modern, ultra-fine grinding technology at Sedlecký Kaolin.
2012-2013
Modernization
Sedlecký Kaolin, a.s. innovates the calcinated products and additives and introduces a new method of kaolin fluid drying. Moreover, it innovates porcelain production products and functional fillers for the automotive industry. It also introduces a magnetic separator.
2014
Entrepreneur Project of the Year Winner
In 2014, Sedlecký Kaolin, a.s. won an “Entrepreneur Project of the Year” award in Eco-Energy/Energy Savings category for building congeneratig unit for kaolin drying.
2016
Cooperation with THUN
Since 2016, we cooperate on Porcelánová zastávka THUN exposition.
1990
2000
2010
2020
Nature conservation
We care about mining in harmony with the environment protection. Therefore, we constantly invest in modern research and development of new technologies. They help us to work ecologically and to protect nature. We recultivate the excavated areas and return them to the landscape.
returned to nature
returned to nature
Surroundings of the Karlovy Vary region
