Murtfeldt Plasty is a Czech subsidiary that has been operating in the Czech and Slovak markets since 1992. Since 2008, it has had its own production plant in Měšice near Prague, functioning as a manufacturing and sales hub for Central and Eastern Europe. The company specializes in machining technical plastics for engineering, automation and conveyor technology, the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and other sectors.
Murtfeldt is known for its materials with excellent sliding properties and resistance to wear. The strengths of the company lie in a combination of deep technical know-how, top-quality products, reliable service, and a strong tradition of stable leadership. Murtfeldt is focused on building long-term partnerships.
Interview with Ing. Libor Galatík, CEO of Murtfeldt Plasty s.r.o.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Libor Galatík: Custom Production: Precise machining of plastic parts based on individual customer requirements, from prototypes to series production. We also offer technical solutions using additive manufacturing (3D printing) and fiber composite technology.
Sale of Semi-Finished Plastic Products: Supplying sheets, rods, and cut-to-size blanks from various technical plastics such as UHMW PE, PE 1000, PA, POM, PEEK, PET, PETP, PVDF, PTFE, PPS, and more.
Production and Sale of Standard Products: This includes sliding profiles/guides for chains and belts, tensioning systems (e.g., Spann-Box and Spann-Boy), worms for the beverage and pharmaceutical industries, and product diverters for packaging lines.
Consulting and Application Technology: We provide comprehensive advice on selecting the right material and design solution for a given application, in collaboration with our in-house application department.
What’s the news about new products/services?
L.G: Recent innovations include an expanded portfolio with:
- “S” plus+® white ESD Material: A new material type (based on UHMW PE) that is white while also offering antistatic and discharge properties. This combination makes it ideal for applications where cleanliness is key and electrostatic discharge needs to be dissipated.
- “S” plus+® TLS Material: A new material type (based on UHMW PE) is a special technical plastic designed for applications that require reliability even at higher and sustained temperatures. It expands the possibilities of using plastics in areas where more expensive plastics or metal materials were previously required.
- Murylat®: A material (based on PETP) with extremely low water absorption and expansion, making it suitable for precision components and applications with high static loads. It is characterized by good dimensional stability and electrical insulation properties.
- Fiber Composites: Murtfeldt has expanded its portfolio in the area of lightweight constructions, a response to the growing demand for more efficient solutions.
What are the ranges of products/services?
L.G: The range of products and services is very broad and includes:
- Standard Products: Sliding profiles, chain and belt guides, tensioning systems, and product diverters.
- Semi-Finished Products: Sheets and rods made from technical plastics (PE, PA, POM, PEEK, PET, etc.).
- Materials with Unique Properties: Antistatic, antibacterial, heat-resistant, self-lubricating, with a low coefficient of friction, and approved for the food industry (FDA/EU).
- Custom Solutions: Machined parts based on drawings, including complex components like worms, gears, and format sets.
- Consulting and Technical Support: Assistance with design and material selection.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
L.G: Murtfeldt operates in a market that is strongly influenced by the need for innovation and optimization of production processes. The market requires materials that increase efficiency and sustainability, which is a driving force for the development of new products with better properties. In the field of mechanical engineering and automation, the market is stable and constantly growing. The automotive industry is affected by the overall situation of the industry, but the use of technical plastics is directed towards the area of plastic assembly, where the decline is minimal. In the food and pharmaceutical industry, cleanliness, chemical resistance and compliance with strict hygiene standards (FDA, EU). The requirements for materials with food contact certification are growing. Despite the positive trends of this year’s development, it is difficult to predict whether the EU-US customs agreement will negatively affect further development.
What can you tell us about market trends?
L.G: Digitalization and “E-Manufacturing”: There is a growing demand for custom-made parts based on electronic data, such as CAD/CNC files. Murtfeldt fully supports this trend and expects it to continue.
E-commerce: An increase in the B2B (business-to-business) sector for selling semi-finished plastic products through an e-shop with the ability to order semi-finished products online, including additional services such as cutting to precise dimensions, CNC machining, and 3D printing of prototypes. Important aspects include an intuitive interface, smart search filters (by material, dimensions, thickness, color, etc.), and clear product comparisons.
Sustainability and Energy Savings: Customers are seeking solutions that reduce energy consumption and machine wear. This is reflected in the demand for materials with a low coefficient of friction and longer service life, such as the “S” plus+ LF material, which can result in energy savings of up to 50%.
Individual Solutions: Customers are increasingly demanding custom solutions instead of standard products, which places an emphasis on manufacturing flexibility and high-quality consulting.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
L.G: The most innovative products include:
- Original “S” plus+® LF Material: This material, with its self-lubricating properties, has a 50% lower coefficient of friction than standard materials, leading to significant energy savings and reduced wear.
- “S” 8000® Material: The result of 50 years of development, characterized by increased wear resistance and excellent shock and impact dampening.
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Murtfeldt uses modern technology for the rapid production of prototypes and complex parts, allowing customers to get customized solutions in a short timeframe.
What estimations do you have for the second half of 2025?
L.G: Strengthening Position in Eastern European Markets: The expansion of our production capacity in the Czech Republic will allow us to more effectively supply other countries in the region, leading to an increase in business.
Expected Moderate Growth: We expect the plastics market in Central and Eastern Europe to grow at an annual rate of around 3-4% in 2025. This pace is driven not only by growth in key sectors such as engineering but also by the transfer of production by multinational companies aiming to reduce manufacturing costs.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: The emphasis on highly efficient and durable materials will likely continue, allowing the company to respond to market demands and secure new orders.
Intensification of E-Manufacturing: The company will continue to focus on the digitalization of processes and custom production based on digital data, which will lead to greater efficiency and customer satisfaction.