1950
The first tailor shop that made workwear, protective clothing, and aprons made of rubber- coated fabric – GumoTex, opens on January 9.
1953
Production of rubber-coated textile automobile roofing (Felicia and Velorex car models) begins. The number of employees exceeds 1000 for the first time.
1954
Significant expansion of the textile clothing production unit; coats made of rubber-coated fabric are becoming popular.
1955
Pilot production of foam rubber made from natural latex begins; preliminary testing in the production of inflatable mats made from coated fabric is also underway.
1956
The product portfolio expands to include inflatable sports equipment and fashion clothing.
1960
Synthetic latex is introduced in foam rubber technology; waterproof jackets have become a fashion statement; and the production of molded PVC toys begins.
1961
Massive construction is underway at the Břeclav premises, and the complex has become a huge construction site.
1963
Production of a soft lightweight polyurethane begins; the legendary MOLITAN brand is born; the construction of the toy production plant is completed.
1966
The production portfolio now also includes the technology used for the production of synthetic leather – Porethan. This new product turns a great many heads on the market.
1970
Production of fashion garments takes off, and a new tailor shop is opened in Kostice in addition to the one in Moravská Nová Ves. Fashion garments are gaining a lot of attention on the market and are becoming very popular.
1971
Production of molded PUR foam armrests for the Škoda Coupé and production of dashboards for the Tatra 603 cars are commissioned.
1977
Production of semi-rigid and cold PUR foam for shaped parts (sun visors, headrests) for Škoda cars begins.
1978
Production capacities for the automotive industry are significantly expanded.
1981
Our self-manufactured lamination line for the production of double-sided flame lamination is put into operation; a 120-meter-high boiler room chimney is built.
1982
The City of Břeclav officially opened its new cultural center, GUMOTEX being the main investor of the project. The line dedicated to producing panels for trucks goes into operation.
1983
Production of defrosting coatings for the aerospace industry begins; new lines for the production of inflatable mattresses, boats and cold foam are installed.
1985
The BEMA production line starts processing thermoplastics and rubber coatings.
1987
Production of low-density polyethylene – (thermally insulated) VYLEN – begins; production of shaped parts and products made from semi-rigid foam for Škoda Favorit cars is expanded.
1992
Production of sun visors for VW and AUDI begins.
1994
Parts production for Škoda Felicia cars as well as rescue systems for waterborne and air transport. The first inflatable mattress cores used in beds for the US market are produced.
1997
Production of rafts and motorboats using new modern materials begins.
2000
The two-member crew of an ultralight catamaran, whose floats were manufactured by GUMOTEX, crossed the Atlantic in 33 days.
2003
Introduction of the new UZC 420 inflatable lifeboat, the SUNIT emergency response suit, and the self-inflating mattress. Pulsar rafts are used during the World Rafting Championship taking place on the Vltava River near Devil’s Streams.
2006
An inflatable walkway for use in dangerous terrain as well as the new Porotex material suitable for use in firefighting suits are presented at the Interprotect 2006 trade fair in Brno (CZ).
2007
Expandia, Milestone Partners and Genesis enter GUMOTEX by buying shares from the original owners.
2008
The new GUMOTEX Rescue Systems program (including rescue islands, flood barriers) is introduced at the PYROS 2008 trade fair in Brno (CZ). Acquisition of the production plant in Jaroměř (CZ).Sale of block polyurethane (MOLITAN) production.
2011
Serial production of large PUR foam seats and supports begins.
2013
Production of sun visors for BMW begins.
2014
Acquisition of the production plant in Myjava (SK). Sale of the GUMOTEX MATRACE subsidiary.
2015
Introduction of significant investments into serial operation – SPUR line, KMB application line, Coating Division R&D center.
2016
The Expandia investment group becomes the sole shareholder.
2017
The technology for the production of expanded polypropylene, registered under the UPPEX® brand, is put into commercial operation in Třebíč (CZ).
2018
The new Thaya kayak receives a prestigious award at Europe’s largest watersports trade fair in Nuremberg. The DROP-STITCH material is successfully implemented into boat production.
2019
Back to Nuremburg, where the Rush kayak repeats the success of the Thaya boat.
2020
Investment into the second production facility for the production of UPPEX® – expanded polypropylene – material. Closure and sale of the plant in Most (CZ) and transfer of production capacities to the Jaroměř plant.
2021
Construction of a new R&D center is initiated, and modernization of the mixing room for rubber compounds production begins.
Rebranding of the GUMOTEX Group
