About Litostroj
For over 80 years, Litostroj has stood at the forefront of global hydroelectric engineering. As the proud hydro division of the Wikov Group, we design, manufacture, test, and service state-of-the-art hydro-mechanical equipment for the world’s most demanding medium and utility-scale power plants.
Our mission and vision
Our Vision: To engineer the power of water into reliable energy that drives human progress.
Our Mission: We engineer the power of water into reliable energy by designing, manufacturing, testing, refurbishing, and servicing highly efficient, excellent-quality hydropower turbines and related equipment for medium and large hydropower plants.
We act as a global partner, trusted by our customers for generations.
Management
Global engineering leadership
Our executive team unites decades of heavy-industrial expertise with agile, forward-thinking project management.
Litostroj locations
EUROPEAN RELIABILITY. WORLDWIDE FLEXIBILITY.
Litostroj operates a highly agile network of engineering and manufacturing hubs designed to serve our global client base with localized turnkey expertise.
History
80 years of heavy industrial heritage
1848
The first mention of water turbine production in Slovenia dates back 170 years, marking the beginning of a hydropower tradition that continues to this day.
1903 - 1934
Professor Viktor Kaplan begins his research at the technical university in Brno. He collaborates directly with the predecessors of Litostroj´s current design team in Blansko to invent Kaplan turbine.
1914
The Tönnies factory in Slovenia produces its first Pelton turbine for the Zornica Hydropower Plant, expanding the region’s expertise into high-head hydropower technology.
1947
Several industrial companies merge to form the newly established Litostroj. A new chapter begins, bringing together manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise under one name.
1950
Following the nationalisation of Czechoslovak industry, ČKD Blansko becomes a state-owned enterprise. Blansko continues to develop as an important centre for hydraulic engineering, research and turbine technology.
1959 - 1976
Litostroj expands its manufacturing portfolio beyond hydropower, producing more than 2,700 lift trucks and mobile cranes over nearly two decades.
1960
Litostroj establishes its own educational centre, strengthening the development of technical skills and expertise for the next generation of engineers and specialists.
1975
Litostroj delivers Francis turbines to hydropower projects in New Zealand and the USA, marking another step in its international expansion.
1979
Two new factories are established, significantly expanding Litostroj’s manufacturing capabilities and creating capacity for increasingly complex industrial projects.
1996
The first SAXO turbine is produced for a hydropower project in Canada, introducing a new turbine concept developed for low-head applications and strengthening Litostroj’s presence in the North American market.
1998
Litostroj establishes Litostroj Hydro in Canada, creating a dedicated North American presence and bringing its hydropower expertise closer to customers and projects across the continent.
2006
ČKD Blansko Engineering becomes part of Litostroj Power. Two established hydropower traditions come together — Czech engineering and hydraulic research meet Slovenian manufacturing expertise. This creates the foundation of the Litostroj Group as we know it today.
2009
Litostroj strengthens its research and development capabilities with the development of a dedicated hydraulic research laboratory in Blansko. The facility enables hydraulic solutions to be tested on physical models before full-scale production, helping turn engineering concepts into proven solutions.
2019
Litostroj US LLC becomes part of Litostroj within the ENERGO-PRO Group, establishing a dedicated presence in Birmingham, Alabama, and strengthening Litostroj’s position in the U.S. hydropower market.
2024
Litostroj becomes part of Wikov Group, joining a strong European industrial group and becoming the foundation of its Hydro Division. Today, Litostroj continues its global hydropower activities through four companies: Litostroj Power, Litostroj Engineering, Litostroj Hydro and Litostroj US.
Sustainability
Eco-engineering and biological compliance
We engineer our heavy machinery to strictly protect the delicate ecosystems it operates within.
In modern hydropower, environmental compliance is just as critical as megawatt efficiency. Litostroj leads the industry in developing "Product ESG" solutions that safeguard downstream biological habitats and secure complex government site permits.
By pioneering 100% oil-free Kaplan runner hubs, water-lubricated main shaft bearings, and custom fish-friendly hydraulic profiles, our R&D teams ensure your powerhouse generates uncompromising clean energy with zero adverse ecological impact.
