A company based in the North-West Czechia spa town of Mariánské Lázně has expanded its operations and increased production capacity, thanks in part to an investment from the European Regional Development Fund. Bohemia Healing Marienbad Waters purchased a new technological line for its mineral water bottling plant, allowing it to bottle a greater amount and variety of waters. The modern line has a capacity of 5 000 bottles per hour. The project helped create 12 new jobs, split over two shifts.
- 22 April 2021
‘The reconstruction took three years. During this time, we drew on our experience for the reconstruction of the bottling plant in Mariánské Lázně. We wanted to expand our portfolio of healing spa springs. We were also a bit pushed by one of the foreign customers, who showed us that he would be interested in the springs of Mariánské Lázně. We had an idea of what we were getting into and there were a lot of unexpected things, but we solved everything.’
The company used the investment to make the most of the area’s rich mineral water resources. The technological line, plus related equipment, is being used to produce a bottled natural mineral water called Aqua Maria.
The company also bottles yield from the natural sources known as Rudolfův Pramen and Excelsior. The capacity at source makes it possible to drain 3 million litres of Aqua Maria water, 700 000 litres from Rudolfův Pramen and 200 000 litres from Ferdinand's spring per month.
EU investment helped the company meet demand for quality, low-mineralised natural water, which is made available in a lightweight glass bottle. The company’s product range has been expanded both for domestic sales and for export through verified business partners.
Rich heritage
Some years ago, BHMW resumed bottling local bitter waters. Company headquarters in Bílina has been bottling water since 1664. New bottling and marketing of contemporary products has restored the local waters to their traditional domestic and foreign fame, offering potential to new markets.
In the latter half of the 19th century, Mariánské Lázně attracted many famous people and European rulers to its carbon dioxide rich springs, which were well-known for their curative powers. The town is currently home to 13 000 people and is nestled in a mountainous area of North-West Czechia. It is known for architecturally significant houses and monuments, which are protected by law.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project "Development of Bohemia Healing Marienbad Waters CZ a.s. in Mariánské Lázně" is EUR 2 124 380, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 955 971 through the “Enterprise and Innovation for Competitiveness” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Development of entrepreneurship and SMEs competitiveness”.