The winner of the 10th annual TPA Gentleman’s Firm of the Year 2023 Special Award is Beneš and Lát, a family company with a long tradition. The company focuses on the production of foundry semi-finished products, with a strong emphasis on innovation and the search for new solutions and technologies. for example – investing in 3D printing technology to significantly improve the parameters of the casting process. In addition, it pays particular attention to environmental and social responsibility issues. Beneš a Lát organises various educational programmes for employees, schools and interest organisations. Five years ago, Beneš a Lát established a subsidiary company, seva-czech s.r.o., which holds the status of a sheltered workshop and provides jobs for the disabled. The award was presented at the CZECH TOP 100 gala dinner held on 22 June in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle by Jiří Hlaváč, TPA partner, and Šárka Strachová, chairwoman of the Czech Fair Play Club, which is part of the Czech Olympic Committee. Jan Lát, co-owner and CFO, accepted the award on behalf of Beneš a Lát.
“We were very impressed with Beneš a Lát’s responsible approach to business in all areas. With responsibility towards future generations, they regularly plant trees in all areas and take care of the surrounding greenery. Few people would have expected that some of the premises include meadows for sheep or even a trout tank. All the sites are addressing heating and water heating from waste heat from the technology, and are also focusing on the development of electromobility. Benes and Lát is, in short, a prime example that even this kind of business can thrive in line with a responsible approach to the environment. The care and development of employees is also worthy of note. Important training programmes include the foundry academy, which has been running for 20 years, and the two-semester Master BL soft skills course. The attention is also directed to nurseries, schools and leisure organisations. Five years ago, they founded seva-czech s.r.o., which holds the status of a sheltered workshop and employs more than 50 people, 80% of whom are disabled in some way. This makes it easier for them to participate in everyday life.” said Rostislav Kuneš, Director of TPA and member of the Executive Committee of the Gentleman’s Company, justifying this year’s choice.
The traditional engineering company Beneš a Lát has been active on the market since 1934 and focuses on the production of foundry semi-finished products made of aluminium and zinc alloys. During nearly 90 years of development, the portfolio of technologies and capabilities has continuously grown to its present form. The company places great emphasis on innovation. For example, they are now focusing on investing in 3D printing technology to improve the parameters of the casting process and are also applying their knowledge to the foundry industry. Since the 1970s, it has also brought joy to children through its Seva brand, which focuses on the production of building blocks and toys. These repeatedly appear on the top toy charts of the professional public in the country.
“We were delighted to be awarded the TPA Gentleman’s Firm of the Year 2023 Special Award. As a family firm, we are building on nearly 90 years of history, defined by the fact that the firm has been headed by a family member for virtually the entire time – 3 generations almost without interruption. Given the values of our ancestors, our belief that business must be considerate and responsible, and that long-term benefit in the wider community is far more valuable than short-term profit, winning the Gentleman’s Company of the Year award is confirmation that our approach is viewed as the right one by those around us. Thanks to all our colleagues who share our values, help us to keep up with the times and dedicate their efforts to further development and innovation. It is to their credit that our values are not just empty platitudes, but are alive. Thank you,” said Jan Lát, co-owner and CFO of Beneš a Lát, sharing his first impressions of the award.
The traditional Gentleman’s Company of the Year competition has for 10 years been awarding companies that, in their successful economic activities, honour the principles of ethics, social responsibility, support for the development of science and research, ecology and long-term business sustainability, as well as care for their own employees by supporting their cultural, sporting and educational activities. Many interesting projects are submitted every year.
