Every brand has its own story. Ours began in 2021 and leads from Litomyšl in eastern Bohemia to Prague. It is a story full of enthusiasm, trials, crises, and a persistent search for ways to move the product and the entire team forward.
Comfort near Litomyšl: the birth of an idea (2021–2022)
It all started with enthusiasm. In the summer of 2021, we rented part of the former RKS Litomyšl radio broadcasting center. Our first workshop was created among dozens of masts, which last broadcast in 2011. We converted the space into a welding shop, assembly area, warehouse, and electrical assembly workplace.
It was the cradle of the ELO brand. It was here that the ELO 1, ELO 2, and ELO 3 prototypes were created, as well as part of the first production series of ELO 1. In addition to mowers, we also worked on other technical projects – a 3D printer, photo machines for 360° imaging, and the GolfJet vehicle.
The atmosphere was charged with energy and the team grew. We had plenty of resources, ideas, and courage. But we had no idea that after just one year, we would be moving.
DUKOR Litomyšl: trial by fire (2022–2024)
In the fall of 2022, we moved production to the DUKOR premises in Litomyšl. This is where the real work began: serial production of ELO 1, standardization of procedures, quality control, and handling the first complaints. The premises were significantly smaller than those at Pohodlí, but we soon got used to them.
It was here that we learned that every step must have its own procedures and measurable parameters. We introduced standards, refined assembly processes, and built facilities for 3D printing. Every complaint was a lesson for us, thanks to which ELO 1 moved forward.
However, it was also a period of crisis. The original team fell apart and only three of us remained. Suddenly, we were faced with commitments, a shortage of people, and a lack of resources. Instead of euphoria, hardship and hard work set in. It was a period that tested whether ELO would survive.
Prague: a new beginning and expansion (from 2024)
In the fall of 2024, we decided to take a major step—to move United Stripes s.r.o., the company that develops and manufactures ELO, from Litomyšl to Prague. Specifically, we moved to the headquarters of Greenkeeping s.r.o., which has been providing sales and customer service since the beginning. For the first time, development, production, and sales came together under one roof.
Prague represents a new beginning. Modern assembly facilities and development facilities for ELO 2 were created here, along with better conditions for the team. Thanks to the proximity of sales and production, we are able to respond immediately to customer feedback and improve every detail of the product more quickly.
At the same time, we are opening up to the world – the first ELO mowers are already traveling from Prague to Germany, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. Despite all the crises and setbacks, we have reached the threshold of European expansion.
Lessons learned along the way
The story of ELO's three homes shows that the road to success is not straightforward. We started with enthusiasm and sufficient resources, went through a period of team breakdown and difficulties, and finally got back on our feet and found a new direction. But the most valuable thing remains: continuous product improvement and the belief that quality technology will find its place even in the most demanding markets.
We are not there yet
Our Prague base is definitely not the final stop. The premises are still very modest, but production is now running systematically, with clearly defined procedures and standards. We have laid a solid foundation on which to build. And it is this foundation that will enable us to move forward—toward greater capacity, further innovation, and even higher-quality machines for our customers at home and abroad.