Ishida Europe expands centre of excellence in Czech Republic to boost automation support

CZECH REPUBLIC – Ishida Europe has expanded its Centre of Excellence in Prague, Czech Republic, to address the rising demand for automation solutions in weighing, packing, and inspection across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).  

The new facility, located in Čestlice and covering over 1,000 square metres, aims to improve customer support by offering training, pre-delivery inspections (PDIs), demonstrations, and product trials closer to clients. 

For over 20 years, Ishida has served the CEE region, but until now, customers requiring PDIs for customised solutions had to travel to Ishida’s manufacturing centre in Birmingham, UK, or even to Kyoto, Japan.  

The expanded Prague site now enables “close-to-home” PDIs, reducing travel and accelerating project timelines. 

Wim Hermans, Regional General Manager for North-East Europe, highlighted the strategic advantage: “The new facility allows us to better serve European customers, reaching a market of 200 million consumers within a day’s travel from Prague. This expansion underscores our commitment to exceptional service and supporting business growth in the region.” 

The upgraded centre supports comprehensive PDI activities, product testing, logistics planning, and customisation for large-scale installations. It is conveniently situated next to Ishida’s existing Prague site and near major motorways, facilitating easy access. 

The facility accommodates Ishida’s full product range, including multihead weighers, filling and distribution systems, snack food bagmakers, batchers, graders, tray sealers, X-ray inspection systems, seal testers, checkweighers, and ancillary equipment. 

Site leader Petr König, overseeing the expanded operations, noted the extensive renovations: “With refurbished epoxy flooring, improved cabling, hydraulic lifts, and custom pallet storage, every detail is designed with customers in mind. We look forward to welcoming clients and partners to experience market-leading demonstrations, tests, and training.” 

Alongside the facility expansion, Ishida has grown its regional team to provide services such as X-ray product testing, proof of concept testing, machine demonstrations, PDIs, and repairs, reinforcing its position as a key automation partner in the CEE market. 

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