Meopta Prerov traces its origins back to the year 1933 when the company Optikotechna was established in Prerov, Czech Republic. Initially, Optikotechna produced lenses and condensers but quickly expanded its product line to include enlargers, composite lenses, single optics, binoculars, riflescopes, slide projectors and of course the well known Flexaret range of cameras.

By 1936, Optikotechna established new facilities to accomodate the rapid expansion of its operations, necessary to meet the growing demand for its products. During World War II, Optikotechna was forced to surrender control of its production to the German army. This change effectively stopped the production of all non-military products.

After the war, the remaning company was renamed Meopta. A number of new and exciting products were designed and developed which helped to quickly establish an excellent reputation for the new Meopta brand on the world markets.

However, in 1971 production was again refocused primarily on military products and continued this way until it was abruptly ended in 1989. The sales of military products which had up until then represented about 75% of Meopta´s business, was reduced to zero.

In 1991, Meopta completed its first step toward privatization when it was established as a joint stock company. The company was formed by a single act in accordance with the founding plan of the state enterprise Meopta Prerov, s.p. On March 21, 1991, Meopta was registered in the companies register at the District Court in Ostrava.

Today, Meopta currently occupies a 135 000 m2 (1,450,000 sq ft) site. This built up area consists of 77 000 m2 (830,000 sq ft) of floor space, including 26 000 m2 (280,000 sq ft) of manufacturing area which include state-of-the-art , high quality, air conditioned, dust free environments. The Meopta team (2,400 employees) that exists today is poised to utilize its extensive experience in research, design, development and production to provide superior service on many different levels from raw concept to finished goods.

HISTORICAL MILESTONES
1933
Dipl.Ing. Alois Benes established company Optikotechna in Prerov. Dr. Mazurek constructed the first Czechoslovak enlarging lens.

1934-1937
Optikotechna focused on darkroom equipment (mainly enlargers and lenses).

1937
Optikotechna built new facilities for production in the suburb of Prerov.

1939-1945
Optikotechna was forced to supply military optical equipment for German army (rangefinders, periscopes, binoculars, riflescopes).

1946
Optikotechna renamed to Meopta national enterprise.

1947-1970
Meopta becomes one of the most prominent enlarger manufacturers worldwide and the only cinema projector manufacturer in Central/Eastern Europe.

1953
The Institute for Research and Development of Optics and Precision Mechanics was established in Prerov.

1971
Rapid increase of military production prompted by the Warsaw Pact (up to 75% of total turnover).

1988
Meopta renewed riflescope production, decreasing military production.

1990
Meopta's production of goods for the military is reduced to 0%, Meopta is divided into separate subsidiary joint stock companies.

1992
Meopta is fully privatized and remains the only optical enterprise in Czech Republic. Became a supplier to major optical companies wolrdwide.

2003
Meopta is reconsolidated into one single business entity.

2006
Amendment in legal form of the company from Meopta - optika, a.s. to Meopta - optika, s.r.o.