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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 political changes in Czechoslovakia, the corporation was divided into separate independent (subsidiary) companies. In 1993, the company was privatized and renamed to Keramické suroviny, Božičany, spol. s r. o.
1995
Restoration of Tradition
The company transformed into a joint-stock company and, as the direct successor of the original company, returned to its historical name Sedlecký kaolin, a. s. High-intensity superconducting magnetic separation was newly implemented in kaolin production.
1997-1999
New Plants
Sedlecký kaolin, a. s. acquired the Brno company Prototypa, a. s., focused on weapon development and the sale of Sedlecký kaolin products. It also newly manages the Únavov factory, PKZ – Užitková keramika a. s., Poštorná, specialized in the production of construction, chemical, garden, and sewage ceramics, and the plant in Třemošná.
2003-2005
New Products
In the Sadov plant, the production of fired kaolins is initiated. The new operation in Božičany enters the market with cat litter, and the Poštorná plant begins the production of sanitary ceramics.
2006-2007
New Plants
Sedlecký kaolin purchased the Loket factory and acquired a new zeolite deposit.
2008
Modernization
The introduction of modern ultrafine grinding technology at Sedlecký kaolin.
2009
End of Mining - Důl Podlesí
Removal of damage caused by mining deposits and reclamation of the area.
2012-2013
Modernization
Sedlecký kaolin a. s. introduces innovations in calcined products and additives and a new method of fluid drying of kaolin. It also innovates products for porcelain production and functional fillers for the automotive industry and introduces a magnetic separator.
2013
End of Mining - Lom Hájek
Reclamation and remediation of the area after raw material extraction.
2014
Energy Savings
In 2014, Sedlecký kaolin a.s. became the winner of the Business Project of the Year in the Eco-Energy/Energy Savings category thanks to the construction of a cogeneration unit as part of the kaolin drying process.
2014-2015
New Plant Velký Luh
Opening of a modern plant with unique dry processing of raw materials. Completion of projects 'Innovation of Calcined Products and Additives.'
2016
Collaboration - THUN
Since 2016, we have participated in the Porcelain Stop THUN exhibition.
2016-2018
Increased Whiteness of Kaolin and Energy Savings
Optimization of kaolin production for better whiteness and more efficient energy consumption.
2018
End of Mining – Lom Kaolina
Reclamation of the area after kaolin extraction.
2019
Production Modernization
Innovation of production and packaging lines for the production of bentonite sorbent.
2020
Strengthening Magnetic Separation
Purchase of a second magnetic separator, which allows for higher quality and flexibility in production.
2022
New Companies for Energy Production
Establishment of companies SK Energy s.r.o., SK FVE H s.r.o., SK FVE O s.r.o., SK FVE P1 s.r.o. focused on renewable energy sources.
2022
130 Years of Sedlecký Kaolin
A significant anniversary of the company and its historical legacy.
2023
Kitty Care s.r.o.
Establishment of a subsidiary focused on premium products for cats.
2023
ASEAN Vietnam Ceramics
Participation in a prestigious exhibition in Hanoi, Vietnam.
2023
New Companies for Property Management
New companies for property management.
2023
Alpine Mill
Investment in the modernization of milling technology.
2024
100 Years of World Standard Kaolin
Expansion of production capacities for fillers in technical applications (plastics, seals, tires).
2024
UNICERA Turkey and ASEAN Vietnam Exhibitions
Presentation of products at international trade fairs.
2024
Renovation and Insulation of the Hostel Building
Improvement of energy efficiency and comfort.
2024
X-ray Diffraction and Furnaces in Loket
Improvement of energy efficiency and comfort.
1990
2000
2010
2015
2020
2023
2024
2025
2026
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
