I was told yesterday that Skoda actually re-opened their old factory (now a museum) to manufacture a particular part for the Millenium Wheel, i just wondered if this could be confirmed by any of our more knowledgeable members ?

I was told yesterday that Skoda actually re-opened their old factory (now a museum) to manufacture a particular part for the Millenium Wheel, i just wondered if this could be confirmed by any of our more knowledgeable members ?

This is false. Before the 2nd world war skoda made everything from trucks to car and trains. During the second world war Skoda made military vehicles for the German war machine. At the end of the war when Skoda was nationalised by the Communist government the company was split into two. Skoda auto and skoda engineering. Skoda engineering or Skoda Pilsen is still owned by the Czech state and is a big producer of European trains and trams as well taking other major heavy engineering projects such as the middle part of the London Eye. I believe it was on of the few foundries in Europe that was capable of such work. Your can find them under www.skoda.cz

Edited 24 July, 201114 yr by Podhlaskem

Ah thank you for that info Podhlaskem, i was unsure about the facts and you have cleared that up admirably.

A few years ago, one of my customers who is an engineer, told me that he had seen the blueprints for the London Eye & it was powered by a Skoda static engine?

I've always wondered about the accuracy of that comment?!

The hub & spindle where made by Skoda Steel.

Cant find any ref on the motor.

On 24/07/2011 at 19:54, Podhlaskem said:

This is false. Before the 2nd world war skoda made everything from trucks to car and trains. During the second world war Skoda made military vehicles for the German war machine. At the end of the war when Skoda was nationalised by the Communist government the company was split into two. Skoda auto and skoda engineering. Skoda engineering or Skoda Pilsen is still owned by the Czech state and is a big producer of European trains and trams as well taking other major heavy engineering projects such as the middle part of the London Eye. I believe it was on of the few foundries in Europe that was capable of such work. Your can find them under www.skoda.cz

 

A correction to this.  Skoda Works was privatised in 1992. The Czech government sold their remaining 49% stake in the early 2000's.    

 

Since then there were accusations of financial irregularities as the company appeared to have been controlled by a number of shell companies once the state sold their stake.  Even the Czech police couldn't get to the bottom of who was ultimately controlling the company!  They sold Skoda Transportation in the early 2010's and it is now owned by a Dutch group (controlled by a Czech).  From what I can see they have also bought back some other parts of the former Skoda works.  They also now own the Skoda brand.

https://www.intellinews.com/petr-kellner-agrees-to-buy-skoda-transportation-for-reported-400mn-133111/

https://www.railwaygazette.com/business/ppf-sells-minority-stake-in-koda-transportation/48535.article

https://www.skoda.cz/en/about-company/skoda-investment/

 

The power generation (Doosan), nuclear (OMZ), steel, etc business were all sold off.  AFAIK its quite an embarrassment for the Czech government with a once great state enterprise sold off in bits to the highest bidder at considerable profit versus the price paid in the privatisation.  Whereas privatisation seemed to work well for Skoda Auto (and Karosa), it was arguably less successful for Skoda Works.

 

Škoda made the hub and spindle for the London Eye.  At the time it was supposed to be the only place in Europe capable of fabricating components of that size in a single piece IIRC.  I have a book about the construction somewhere - must dig it out!

Edited 21 June, 20205 yr by Tarby