About us
DRUPOL, a manufacturing cooperative, was founded in June 1935 as an association of small craftsmen. Members of the cooperative often had to deal with existential issues related to the economic crisis and the political situation of the time. The Protectorate period was particularly unfavorable for cooperatives, but DRUPOL managed to overcome these challenging times successfully. After World War II, the cooperative gradually resumed and expanded its operations.
Initially, the cooperative specialized mainly in the manufacturing of agricultural tools, which is reflected in its name DRUPOL – an abbreviation of the Czech words for "cooperative of agricultural tools" (družstvo polního nářadí). Over time, the cooperative expanded its activities to include wood processing and later metalworking. In 1960, the ruling regime forced the cooperative to transfer its facilities in Prague and outside Central Bohemia to newly established regional cooperatives.
Activity portfolio
In the 1960s, the cooperative produced what is now an iconic red DRUPOL desk lamp, which was later ranked among the top 100 icons of Czech design. In the following years, DRUPOL expanded its operations to include auto repair services as well as a garden and forestry equipment division. Today, the cooperative remains active in both automotive sales and repair services, alongside its metalworking operations.
In 1992, the cooperative was privatized and transformed into a member-owned cooperative. Currently, DRUPOL, výrobní družstvo employs over 50 workers in its headquarters and metalworking division, while its sister company, DRUPOL autodružstvo, employs around 60 people.
DRUPOL today
In recent years, all DRUPOL facilities have undergone modernization. The metalworking division moved to a new industrial facility in Městec Králové, allowing for expanded production capabilities. New technologies introduced include 2D and 3D fiber lasers, BLM electric 3D tube bending machines, robotic welding using the collaborative welding robot UR, ABB robotic cell, and Cloos microcell, as well as a 500-ton Helmerding press. These advancements enable DRUPOL to maintain high-quality production and service standards, fully adapting to customer requirements. The cooperative is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
In Zdice and Příbram, DRUPOL's car dealerships have been modernized, including renovated car wash facilities. In 2020, the automotive sales and service division was spun off into a separate sister company, DRUPOL autodružstvo. On November 1, 2020, DRUPOL, výrobní družstvo acquired a 100% stake in AUTO MASARIK s.r.o. in Beroun, further expanding its network of ŠKODA AUTO authorized dealerships and service centers in Central Bohemia. These dealerships are operated by DRUPOL autodružstvo.