Thanks to an automated production process and an expanded portfolio of musical instruments, a traditional, family-owned Czech piano manufacturer’s future sounds better than ever.
Innovative production makes Czech piano manufacturer more competitive
- 26 August 2020
The project helped the Petrof company update its production processes, allowing it to provide its customers with the latest edition of its grand and upright pianos. Thanks to these models, PETROF has been able to enter new markets, where it is now selling both new models and existing ones.
Petrof, in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, is the largest producer of acoustic grand and upright pianos in Europe. Renowned for its craftmanship and quality, their pianos are exported to over 65 countries.
To maintain this reputation, in 2017 the company designed a completely new line of pianos. However, before the pianos could be brought to market, Petrof first needed to update its production processes. With the support of this EU-funded project, Petrof has successfully implemented the state-of-the-art, automated production process it needs to maintain its competitive edge.
Craftsmanship and machines
Petrof built its reputation largely on the fact that its pianos are built by hand. Unfortunately, in some instances, even the most careful worker cannot match the precision of automated production. When it comes to pianos, a difference in the order of tenths of a millimetre will have significant repercussions on the quality of the instrument’s sound.
Thus, when it came time to launch its new line of pianos, the company had to strike a balance between the precision of machines and craftsmanship. To do this, this project oversaw an innovative update to the company’s production processes.
For example, historically the company used a three-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine for the rough machining of wooden parts and a drill for shaping iron castings. By replacing these manually-operated machines with modern, fully-automated CNC machines, the ratio of manual versus automated work has shifted in favour of the latter. As a result, the entire production process has been streamlined and the company’s new pianos meets the quality standard Petrof is known for.
An expanded product portfolio
In addition to the updated production processes, this project also saw the launch of four product innovations. The new Ant. Petrof 275 and 225 models represent a completely new direction for the company. The pianos’ patented design and specific technical features gives these instruments a unique sound. As a result, the company is confident that they will open new markets and increase sales.
The P122 N2 piano represents the next generation of musical instruments. Featuring a speaker, built-in cabinet, and a second crossbar, the P122 N2 offers a high quality sound at an affordable price. The 125 EGG, on the other hand, is a completely new design – it looks like an egg – that PETROF believes will position the company as a leader in innovation.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Production innovation to increase the competitiveness of PETROF, spol. s.r.o.” is EUR 388 626, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 136 019 through the “Enterprise and Innovation for Competitiveness” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Jobs, Growth and Investment”.