07.07.2026
Memories of Václav Polák, Product Specialist for Diesel Generator Sets
I joined ALTRON, a.s. in March 2001 as a short-term substitute – then for "about three months" – on Tonda Hemmer's team. At that time, I was working for KVR Technik s.r.o. in Hořovice.
Like most of my colleagues at the time, we shared a history at ČKD, then the only true manufacturer of diesel generator sets in the Czech Republic. Generator sets connected us all, and that's why, after the decline in production at ČKD in the mid-90s, we continued this tradition in Hořovice. We then manufactured our own generator sets under the PROGEN brand name.
ALTRON was initially a customer for KVR Technik, later a business partner, and eventually its new owner. I was one of approximately 35 people from Hořovice who gained the backing of a strong partner. At the same time, I was the first person directly affected by the move from Hořovice to Prague.
At that time, it truly didn't occur to me that my "temporary stint in Prague" would extend to more than a quarter-century.
ALTRON was already a traditional supplier of backup power technologies and delivered diesel generator sets from various manufacturers. However, by acquiring KVR Technik's know-how, it expanded its capabilities to include its own diesel generator sets, which continued to be manufactured in Hořovice.
This acquisition significantly strengthened ALTRON's ability to design and implement comprehensive backup power solutions. In addition to standard technologies, we began offering our own specialized generator sets for demanding applications.
With the growing scope of technical solutions, there arose a need to provide quality technical support to sales representatives and project teams. It was then that the technical support department was established under the leadership of Tonda Hemmer.
In addition to Tonda, the team included Jarda Špaček and Jirka Parkán. I joined as a product specialist for diesel generator sets. Later, Petr Ding (control systems), Petr Hrách (HV and LV power supply systems), and other colleagues joined us.
Our goal was to create a foundation that gave sales representatives and other departments access to all important technical information. We participated in preparing offers, introduced new technologies, and supported project implementation. The essence of this work has remained fundamentally unchanged for more than two decades.
Around 2003, Milivoj Uzelac came up with an idea: "We will build complete data centers as a general contractor."
My initial reaction was simple: "But we don't know how to do that."
Milivoj, however, had a clear vision.
Until then, ALTRON had primarily participated in the implementation of significant data centers as a supplier of power systems. Taking responsibility for the complete critical infrastructure was a huge challenge at the time.
Today, looking back, I consider this decision one of the most pivotal moments in the company's history. It was precisely because of this that ALTRON gradually became one of the leading system integrators for data centers in the Czech Republic.
As the company grew, so did the technical support department.
New colleagues, new technologies, and new ideas emerged. At a certain point, our work was far more than just technical support – we were increasingly involved in developing our own solutions.
New control systems, the Micro DC project, and the first containerized data centers were developed.
The first containerized data center was developed between 2007 and 2008, specifically under the direction of technical support. I still remember it being completed directly on the premises of ALTRON's current headquarters. In 2008, it became the main exhibit at a professional congress held at the former Hotel Praha.
When I compare that to the current facilities of ALTRON Modular in Buštěhrad, it's truly incredible how far we've come over the years.
The department's name has changed over the years, as has its composition. However, its mission has remained the same.
Even today, we provide technical support across the entire company, participate in acquiring new projects in the data center and energy sectors, collaborate on project implementation, and ensure the commissioning of technological units.
The current team consists of Karel Šebelík, Jiří Božek, Jiří Louda, Mirek Nedorost, and myself.
Still diesels. Of course.
But seriously, what I enjoy most are new challenges and projects that push not only us but the entire ALTRON forward.
Currently, for example, we are looking forward to implementing the first containerized data center for AI using IT liquid cooling.
It's precisely thanks to projects like these that I still enjoy my work, even after more than twenty-five years.
THE Art of Engineering
