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Tomáš Baťa

Stručná odpověď

Tomáš Baťa founded a shoemaking factory in Zlín in 1894, making it one of the world's first mass producers of footwear. Despite a severe financial crisis in 1895 that threatened the company with bankruptcy, Baťa personally took over management, streamlined production, and successfully eliminated the debts.



“Our customer – our master.”

The Factory’s Beginnings

Tomáš Baťa was a man who breathed life into the regional city of Zlín. The beginnings of his era date back to 1894, when together with his siblings he founded a shoemaking factory, one of the world’s first “mass producers” of footwear. A group of seamstresses and cobblers made shoes not only for their neighbours, but also for more distant traders. The early days of the business were harsh. Initially, they produced traditional Moravian stitched felt footwear. During production, they primarily used the work of home-based workers. They employed around 10 workers who had to work fixed hours, for which they received regular weekly wages. At that time, this was something very unusual and pioneering.

In the summer of 1895, a crisis struck. All assets were pledged against bills of exchange and instalments that could no longer be paid. Lawsuits began to threaten them. The Baťa family realised they had hit rock bottom. When Antonín, Tomáš Baťa’s brother, left for military service, Baťa took over the company’s management himself.

He tried to get rid of the debts. He became involved in the entire production process, finding a way that led to material savings. The debts were averted. Soon after, another disaster struck the company. The firm that held all their bills of exchange went bankrupt. Baťa didn’t give up and began making canvas shoes, which were cheaper. His sister Anna contributed to the company’s prosperity. She took over the finances and prevented unnecessary waste of the acquired financial resources. In 1897, the debts were paid off. Baťa built his first buildings, where he employed 120 people. Over time, he bought additional land in Zlín territory, where he began expanding the company infrastructure. The firm was flourishing.

Gaining Experience in the USA

Tomáš Baťa decided to travel to America to gain new experience with work organisation methods, employee payment systems, and storage of semi-finished products for shoe manufacturing. After six months, he brought back new plans for factory building construction and American management methods. He also ordered more efficient machinery. Requirements for employees were increased.

With the growing workforce, the problem arose of where to accommodate all the workers. Therefore, construction of the so-called Baťa houses began. Along with them, buildings were erected that still form the characteristic architecture of Zlín, such as the Zlín Skyscraper.

The War Period

At the beginning of the First World War, the company received an order to produce military boots. Hundreds of men managed to avoid conscription by working in the factory. Boots were manufactured mainly for the Austro-Hungarian army. A tannery was established. Their own production reduced costs. After World War I, Baťa devised a plan. He reduced shoe prices by 50%. The workers agreed to wage cuts and in return received food, clothing, and other necessities at half price. The bold move proved successful and Baťa began prospering through shoe sales.

The end of businessman Tomáš Baťa came in 1932, when he perished with his pilot in an aviation accident. The journey was to be made to Switzerland, where a new branch was to be opened. The flight took off from Otrokovice, where it was delayed by an hour due to fog. Baťa insisted on departure. Jan Antonín Baťa became the company’s successor.

Present Day

The so-called Baťa pricing is very well known, where the last digit is 9. The current European headquarters is in Switzerland. The Czech headquarters is again in Zlín. The Baťa company was designated as the largest seller and manufacturer of shoes. Near Peace Square stands a monument to Tomáš Baťa, which was built in 1933. The Baťa Canal is also well known.

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