Stage 3: HENNLICH – A legacy of motion plastics in the heart of Czechia
Michael Poepke | 5. August 2025
On the third day of our igus:bike tour through the Czech Republic, we visited Litoměřice – a town that blends centuries of history with forward-thinking industrial spirit. Nestled in northern Bohemia, Litoměřice is not only known for its architecture and charm, but also as the home of HENNLICH, a company that has been a key igus partner in the Czech Republic for over 25 years.
A Warm Welcome at HENNLICH: Pavel Šumera’s Legacy
We were warmly welcomed by Pavel Šumera, founder and managing director of HENNLICH, who established the company over 34 years ago. Under his leadership, HENNLICH has grown into one of the most respected industrial technology distributors in the country. During our visit, Pavel gave us a tour of the company.
Innovation in Motion: The Electric Motocross Bike
But the day wasn’t just about looking back. As a motocross enthusiast, Pavel proudly introduced us to one of HENNLICH’s newest projects: an electric motocross bike. And yes — igus components are part of its DNA. Even in high-vibration, off-road environments, motion plastics play their role reliably and efficiently.
The igus Journey: From Steel to Plastic
HENNLICH’s journey with igus began more than two decades ago, when they first introduced plastic components into the Czech industrial landscape. Back then, convincing companies to swap steel for plastic was a challenge. Today, it’s the new standard. From factory automation to power plants, igus products — from bearings to energy chains — are now essential parts of countless Czech applications.
A Glimpse into the Readychain Assembly Facility
We also toured HENNLICH’s large assembly facility, where massive readychain systems are built and customized — similar to the impressive 615-meter-long energy chain operating at the Tušimice power plant, which we visited earlier during our tour.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Partnership
Our stop in Litoměřice wasn’t just a visit — it was a tribute to long-term partnership, trust, and a shared commitment to sustainable motion. With people like Pavel and the entire HENNLICH team, it’s clear that motion plastics have a strong future in Czech industry.
Our rider:
Tomáš Vlk
Tomáš (52 years old) has been working at HENNLICH as a product manager and a teamleader for bearings for over 20 years.
His hobbies include DIY, outdoor trips (especially with his dog) and cycling. That’s why he is very interested in the igus:bike.
Tomas doesn’t spoil any fun and thus portrays our mad scientist, Dr. Wolf in the company’s Christmas videos.
Map of this stage:
