History

The beginnings of the timber trade in the Upper Hron Valley date from the 16th century when colonisation in Slovakia increased interest in wood for mining supports, for construction and to produce charcoal, clapboards and panels. Timbering expanded significantly in the 19th century as what had been an artisan enterprise became more industrialised.

In the second half of the 20th century, on 1 January 1951, the state-owned Smrečina National Enterprise was founded in Banská Bystrica.

In the Company's second year of market operations, it began producing softwood fibre-boards using the wet process with thermo-mechanical wood pulping. In addition to the manufacture of wood particle-boards, moulding, floor coverings and safety matches, the Company's product range included softwood fibre-boards sold under the "Izoplat" name. (Today's double-layered Hofaplat Standard Natural 2).

In 1989, the state-owned enterprise was transformed into a joint-stock company. The product portfolio was slimmed down and, starting in 1994, the Company began producing Hofatex foam insulation panels. 1996 saw the introduction of another product, latex Hofafest UD. A new investor, SK INVEST, entered into the picture in 2003, bringing in new capital. The Company modernised its production facilities, which allowed for reconstruction and the launch of new production lines to manufacture softwood fibre-boards. Subsequently, the Company adopted the brand-name HOFATEX.

(Hofatex,insulate with wood)

There was further investment in 2005 in a fibre- cutting machine, increasing the quality of incoming raw materials. On 1 September 2005, the Company became a member of the wood-fibre-board manufacturing group Verband Holfaser Dämmstoffe and in 2008 proceeded to re-brand the firm.