After the experience at Pohodli near Litomyšl, we packed up the workshops in the fall of 2022 and moved to a new facility – the DUKOR complex in Litomyšl. It was the place where the serial production of the ELO 1 was born, where we honed quality and set production standards that accompany us to this day.
Production and daily routine
The main task of this period was the production of the ELO 1 model. Garage enthusiasm gradually turned into systematic work. Every day we looked for ways to simplify processes, make them more precise and, above all, to ensure that the result was stable quality for customers.
Improving quality and standardization
Experience from the first series taught us that production cannot be done without clearly set procedures. Therefore, DUKOR standardized production steps, which allowed us to unify assembly and inspection. Each piece of ELO 1 gradually acquired not only manual care, but also clearly measurable parameters.
Solving complaints as a way forward
Complaints were also part of learning. We took each one as an important source of feedback, not as a problem. Thanks to them, we were able to improve the products and gradually build customer confidence that our mowers have a future.
Space for innovation
In addition to production, we did not neglect development. DUKOR created a 3D printing facility, where we printed prototype parts, serial parts and assembly aids. This space allowed us to be flexible, to respond quickly to ideas and production needs.
Team trial by fire
This period was also a test of human endurance. The original team disbanded and there were only three of us left - Vojta Naiser, Zdeněk Štýbnar and me. Sometimes we were helped by temporary workers. It was challenging, but at the same time it showed who was willing to carry the project forward. The reduced team came together and proved that even in difficult times it is possible to continue and grow.
In the spring of 2024, there were only two of us left, Vojta and I. At that time, I underwent major hip surgery and production stopped for several months. There was no money, the obligations from the previous period were large. Everything was subsidized by our work without entitlement to a fee, and for the funds necessary for operation and materials, we drew advances and loans from the Greenkeeping company. It was a period when bread was broken. The end of 2023 was especially mentally very demanding.
The stay in the hospital probably benefited me, I came up with other ideas and regained the strength to continue successfully.
The end of a stage
We lasted in the DUKOR area until the fall of 2024. It was a stage that taught us discipline, patience and a systematic approach. The garage project in Litomyšl was becoming a serious production program that laid a solid foundation for the next steps.
Spring 2024 decided that I knew that production had to be where I am every day - that is, in Prague.