The Holešov Strategic Industrial Zone is visibly transforming. Extensive construction works, heavy machinery, and newly constructed halls all indicate that Holešov is truly becoming a vibrant hub for business and high-value capital investment in the Zlin Region.
Construction on the Zone is now in the final stages for several investors simultaneously. Lukrom, building facilities for agricultural technology, and Plastix Trade, expanding its plastic processing capacity, have both entered the home stretch.
Another investor, Dinel, is approximately halfway through construction. Their new hall for sensor technology production and development is already taking concrete shape.
At the same time, one of the Zone’s most extensive infrastructure projects is under way — Phase 11 — involving major upgrades to transport and technical infrastructure that will significantly increase the location’s attractiveness for new investors.
“We are pleased that more companies are choosing the Holešov Industrial Zone. This confirms that we offer quality facilities, well-planned infrastructure, and a strategic location. Every new site means new jobs and a fresh boost for the entire region,” said Radovan Macháček, Executive Director of the Holešov Industrial Zone.
The current dynamism confirms that the region’s and municipality’s strategy is bearing fruit. The long-prepared space is transforming into an ideal place for business and employment development.
The Holešov Strategic Industrial Zone has welcomed another investor. Dinel, s.r.o., specialising in the development and manufacture of precision measuring instruments for process control, has begun construction of a new state-of-the-art production facility here.
In the newly built production hall, the company plans to produce sensors, control units, and accessories — specifically electronic level gauges, flow meters, and pressure gauges. The facility will also include calibration and testing equipment and workstations for machining, ultrasonic washing, and high-precision measurement.
Dinel is a well established leader among Czech industrial automation manufacturers, supplying customers both domestically and internationally. The investment confirms the company’s confidence in the Zone’s potential for modern technological industry.
“We are very pleased that Dinel has chosen our Zone for expansion. This project confirms the growing attractiveness of SPZ Holešov and brings concrete benefits to the region — new jobs, higher economic activity, and technological know-how,” said Radovan Macháček, Chairman of the Board of the Holešov Industrial Zone.
More information at www.dinel.cz. Illustrative photo: Dinel, s.r.o.
The planned transport corridor for cyclists and pedestrians in the Holešov Strategic Industrial Zone is taking shape. Construction of a new three-kilometre route continues, significantly expanding eco-friendly transit options and connecting key points within the Zone with the surrounding town. It will link Všetulská Street with the western zone of the industrial zone and run to the roundabout at Holešovská and Martinická streets, then continue north towards the former airport site.
The project includes public lighting, sustainable landscaping, and rest areas with 12 benches. Completion is planned for August next year.
The project forms part of the Zlín Region’s broader sustainable mobility strategy. The route will offer safe, eco-friendly commuting options and contribute to reducing emissions and improving air quality.
The path connects to a planned access road in the central sector of the Zone and will become a key part of its transport infrastructure, serving cyclists, pedestrians, and the Zone’s technical development.
Total costs amount to nearly CZK 47 million. The EU will contribute CZK 30 million, with the remainder funded by the Zlín Region.
Radovan Macháček, Chairman of the Board, states: “Connecting the industrial zone with the town via a cycle path is another step in cultivating the entire site. We want this space to be not only functional but also welcoming for everyday life — whether for company employees, students, or Holešov residents.”
Source: Regional TV TVS
British-Canadian entrepreneur and former professional ice hockey player Nick Rothwell is founding a mentoring and coaching startup, Re-Tribe, in Zlín with the support of the regional development agency ZRIA. Re-Tribe supports cultural change in both the sporting and corporate environment through values-based leadership. Although based in Zlín, it plans to deliver its specialised programmes not only in the Czech Republic but also internationally.
Nick has decades of experience in the sports world and strong ties to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), where he currently operates within its integrity programme. His vision extends beyond ice hockey to national and international sport in general and leadership in the corporate environment.
This Friday, he will speak at the player leadership seminar at the 2025 Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship, presenting the topic of integrity and values-driven leadership from a team captain’s perspective.
“It’s a classic case of an expat who can turn Zlín into a transnational project. We help with contacts, securing premises, and other practical matters. It is a textbook example of our Expat Centre, set up precisely to help foreigners who come here and can help elevate our region,” said ZRIA Director Petr Kubíček.
Nick came to this type of entrepreneurship after a successful career in sport and live broadcasting. He found the return from high-profile roles to everyday life difficult — an experience shared by many athletes and public figures. This personal experience motivated him to found Re-Tribe.
“I’ve been through a lot of challenges myself — and that’s precisely what motivates me to help others,” confirms Nick Rothwell. “ZRIA helped me enormously and made it easy to relocate from London to Zlín. They helped with company formation, contacts with potential partners and tech companies for app development. I really look forward to developing Re-Tribe in Zlín.”
This week, the Bolt technology platform officially launched its micromobility and ride-hailing services in Uherské Hradiště. Following Zlín, where it has operated since 10 September last year, residents can now access Bolt’s services in another major Zlín Region city. It also brings favourable conditions for drivers and those seeking work, including students. A significant number of independent couriers and drivers have already onboarded, giving the company good coverage of the new location. Expanding to district towns was planned from the outset, when ZRIA negotiated Bolt’s entry into the Zlín Region.
“We are pleased that our residents are interested both in using the services and working for the company, and it can expand as planned. This shows that bringing in a modern, progressive company was the right step,” said Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA.
Bolt is a global platform and European ‘super-app’ whose mission is to make urban transport more accessible, safe, and sustainable. It serves more than 200 million customers in 50 countries and 600 cities across Europe and Africa. Bolt aims to accelerate the shift from car ownership to shared mobility, offering ride-hailing, car sharing, electric scooters, and food and grocery delivery.
The Zlín Region continues to solidify its reputation as a region with robust labor market stability. According to the latest Czech Statistical Office data, unemployment stood at 3.70% at end of February 2025, corresponding to approximately 14,400 job seekers (around 4.1 applicants per vacancy) — the fifth-lowest rate among Czech regions.
District breakdown: Lowest unemployment was in Zlín at 2.96%, followed by Kroměříž (3.58%), Uherské Hradiště (3.67%), and Vsetín at 4.82%. The Kroměříž district is particularly notable, as it had the highest unemployment just a few years ago.
Demographics and Structure of Unemployment: By gender: women 47.9%, men 52.1%. By age: the 55–59 group is largest (13.7%), followed by 50–54 (12%) and 45–49 (11.8%). By education: 38.4% have secondary vocational education (without a school-leaving exam); 19.3% have primary or no education.
New opportunities and investments at SPZ Holešov: The local job market remains highly active — approximately 3,500 vacancies at end of February. Plastix Trade recently decided to expand its production facility in the Holešov zone.
“Expanding production capacity in the Holešov industrial zone is an important milestone for our region. Cooperation with investors like Plastix Trade enables us to create new jobs and improve long-term competitiveness, making SPZ Holešov very attractive,” said Radovan Macháček, Chairman of the Board.
Oxalis has also decided to build a new production and logistics centre in SPZ Holešov.
“We are very pleased to welcome such a strong partner as Oxalis. We believe their centre will be completed quickly and bring the zone not only a pleasant aroma but also new opportunities,” added Macháček.
Source: CSO
The strategic division of ZRIA has completed a year of intensive operation and strategic learning. Tangible results demonstrate that the strategy — built on developing the university and its international partnerships, connecting local and global business, and preparing quality infrastructure and attractive urban planning — is delivering real progress for the Zlín Region.
Based on ZRIA’s negotiations, the Zlín Region concluded its historical first framework agreement with Tomas Bata University in 2024, co-financing new study programmes in engineering, semiconductor materials, radiology, and paramedic services.
ZRIA established contacts with universities in Texas, New York, Seattle, and San Diego. The first definitive milestone: an official memorandum between TBU Zlín and Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, with specific exchanges of academics and students to follow.
ZRIA also concluded a strategic partnership with Opportunity Austin, one of the most successful American development agencies — uniquely at a regional rather than state level, making Zlín Region the first in Central Europe with such an agreement. “By leveraging the strengths of both regions, we will create a dynamic ecosystem supporting mutual investment, startups, talent exchange, and joint research,” said Roland Peña, VP for Global Investment and Innovation at Opportunity Austin.
Seven regional companies presented at SXSW thanks to ZRIA, gaining contacts, potential partners, and investors. Some presented in the historically first Czechhouse showcasing the best of the Czech Republic.
Expat Centre Zlín launched, serving foreign professionals in the region. In its first year, people from more than 22 countries used its services — housing, employment, documents, expat integration networking events. The Neelz AI chatbot for expats was also launched, with planned expansion into talent support and healthcare.
ZRIA facilitated Bolt’s entry into Zlín and Uherské Hradiště, improving mobility, creating dozens of jobs, and increasing cities’ attractiveness for young people.
The agency also organised 20+ lectures on Web3 and cybersecurity reaching 1,000+ secondary school students. The Algotrading course launched at FAME TBU, connecting students with real markets. ZRIA also served as main partner of AI Days in the Zlín Region, attracting 400+ participants and 30 experts.
The participation of Zlín companies at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, concluded with contacts established with specific partners for product development or U.S. market entry. The trip by seven companies Successfully met all strategic objectives. Business contacts, alongside the TBU–St. Mary’s University partnership agreement, were the clear conference results.
Zlín companies also attracted attention with competitive pitch presentations at the Czech House. Here too they negotiated with partners and potential investors, including venture capital investors.
“Our companies’ presentations were excellent and attracted great interest. We helped open doors and are now ready to help fulfil the opportunities that opened,” said Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA. ZRIA has agreed with Opportunity Austin on next steps: “We will bring Zlín Region companies wanting to grow in Texas; they will bring Texas companies interested in the Zlín Region, Czech Republic, and Europe. We have already started this process,” added Kubíček.
CSIG group attracted great interest with its robotic dog, drawing attention to its main product — advanced drones. “We can develop something in the Czech Republic that is not currently on the market, and our dream is to get our drone into NATO equipment,” said Managing Director Michal Brida.
Participants were also impressed by SXSW’s friendly atmosphere, the abundance of talented people and companies, and above all the opportunities to advance their business.
“We established new contacts with companies offering advanced custom software development, key for our current project. We connected with experts who may help us expand to the American market. And most importantly — we found a potential software partner who could significantly accelerate our innovation processes,” said Daniela Minaříková from Fyscon, which focuses on nanoprinting, polymers, and materials.
Software company Business Logic returned with similar results. “We met AI industry leaders, heard the latest trends, and presented our new product to investors, confirming interest in it,” said co-owner Martin Dvořáček. “Czech House participation was good, investor pitch reactions were positive, and we received an invitation to a local accelerator.”
Martin Gazda from IS Produkce confirmed the conference exceeded expectations: “SXSW was originally just a scouting mission, but we bring back two key contacts that will advance our audiovisual work and the AI Worker project. This year we mapped the space; next time we will present our technology to the world.”
Zlín Region representatives also supported the companies. “This event lets us connect Czech companies with American investors and key players in the Texas market. That is also why ZRIA signed the cooperation agreement with Opportunity Austin last autumn,” said Deputy Governor David Vychytil.
Companies presenting at SXSW 2025:
• CSIG group s.r.o. – drones, advanced robotic systems, defence
• IS Produkce s.r.o. – media, marketing, and AI products
• Pirogy Studios s.r.o. – IT, animation, and gaming industry
• PRINCIPIA SOLUTIONS s.r.o. – IT, software
• Business Logic s.r.o. – IT, software, and AI
• Elixeum s.r.o. – IT, software, and data
• FYSCON s.r.o. – technology, nanoprinting, polymers, materials
The finalization of an partnership agreement between Tomas Bata University and St. Mary’s University in Texas is an important outcome pre-negotiated by the regional development agency ZRIA, connected with SXSW 2025. TBU Rector Milan Adámek, part of the Zlín Region delegation at the conference, signed the agreement on 8 March directly in San Antonio, the home city of the Texas university.
“We are pleased that after several months of negotiations we placed a meaningful agreement on the table that will bring new opportunities for students, academics, and both institutions. Connecting educational institutions, alongside building business partnerships, is our priority,” said Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA. The agency thus fulfils the mandate of its founder, the Zlín Region, for which developing the university and its international partnerships is a key priority. “We have been cooperating closely with TBU in recent years, supporting it financially, and we want to see student numbers grow and teaching become more internationalised. The agreement fulfils these intentions,” said Deputy Governor David Vychytil.
Cooperation will focus on student and faculty exchange visits, joint research projects, and certification programmes. Long-term exchanges are due to begin in autumn 2025, short certification programmes during summer. Cutting edge disciplines: software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital innovation. TBU already offers English-taught programmes in these areas, so no new fields need to be established.
“For us, this is another opportunity to advance the teaching of modern, rapidly developing fields. Cooperation with a university in one of the world’s most progressive regions is an ideal chance,” said Rector Milan Adámek. ZRIA also supported TBU in submitting a SAEG grant application (U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grants), a special U.S. Department of State programme supporting academic partnerships. “Our role was in brokering contacts, initiating the process, and supporting the application. If approved, the grant will help finance student exchanges, joint academic programmes, and technology certification expansion,” said Petr Kubíček.
In January of this year, one of the most significant investment projects of the coming years was launched in SPZ Holešov. The project “SPZ Holešov – Phase 11 – Technical and Transport Infrastructure within SPZ Holešov – West and Centre” will bring extensive modifications to transport and technical infrastructure, significantly increasing the location’s attractiveness for new investors.
Construction works include roads, cycle paths, and paths for better connectivity within the Zone and improved access to future production and logistics facilities. The project also modernises utility networks — water supply, waste management, gas, high-voltage electricity, and communication cables — and includes public lighting and comprehensive landscaping for ecological stability.
Total costs amount to approximately CZK 254 million excluding VAT. The project is partly financed by the Ministry of Regional Development under IROP 2021–2027, with additional support from the Ministry of the Environment through OPŽP 2021–2027 for greenery supply and care.
“The goal is not only to increase the Zone’s technical equipment, but also to create an attractive, accessible base for new business entities. Modern infrastructure is a key prerequisite for the Zone’s further development and attracting strategic investors,” said Radovan Macháček, Chairman of the Board of the Holešov Industrial Zone.
The project is being implemented by a consortium of EUROVIA CZ a.s., KKS, spol. s r.o., and SMO, a.s., with completion planned for May 2026.
This project represents another step in SPZ Holešov’s long-term development strategy, aimed at offering companies a modern, ecologically sustainable, and fully equipped business facilities. With ongoing infrastructure development, the Zone is becoming increasingly attractive to investors from various sectors, significantly contributing to the economic growth of the Zlín region.
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