1833
In 1833, the foundry of cast iron goods, Novoměstská huť, was established here. It primarily produced stoves, cookers, and other cast iron products. The foundry Nové Město nad Metují is one of the oldest and most significant foundries in the Czech Republic. The company was likely founded earlier in the 1890s in Zákraví and was officially registered in Nové Město nad Metují from 1912. Its history thus dates back to 1912, when production of gray iron castings was launched by Rousek and sons, founded by Jan Rousek and his sons. Jan Rousek was born on January 24, 1858. In 1911, he built a house at No. 219 in Havlíčkova Street, which also served as a machine shop.
Structure
The company was structured such that, in addition to the main foundry, there was also a separate machine shop. This divided operation allowed the company to specialize in the production of various agricultural machines, such as feed grinders, pumps, and livestock waterers. They aimed to persuade farmers to switch to modern machines, and Jan Rousek thus became a promoter of new methods in agriculture. (Jan Rousek was originally a farmer and tried to trade grain.)
Expansion of Production Capacity
Over the years, the foundry gradually expanded and modernized, increasing its production capacity. The Rousek company was a modern enterprise that maintained a high standard of production and technological innovation. In 1938, production of ductile iron castings began, and the company employed 153 people. In 1948, the company was nationalized and associated with Stavostroj, and production of this range was never resumed.
Industrial Heritage
Overall, the history of Rousek and sons reflects the important development of industrial production in the Czech Republic, especially in the field of foundry work, and represents a significant part of the industrial heritage of the region. One of the descendants of the original founders continues to produce medical stretchers to this day under the name ROUSEK s.r.o.
Foundry Work in the Region
Today, the foundry continues the long-standing tradition of production in Nové Město nad Metují, having become one of the key players in the field of foundry work in the region.
