From Jakob Hlavka’s factory to Instrumentaria: celebrating the 130th anniversary of the production of medical instruments and equipment in Croatia
Autori:
Stella Fatović-Ferenčić, Silvija Brkić Midžić
Sažetak
Summary
By the beginning of the 20th century, Zagreb had consolidated its position as the main economic center of Croatia and Slavonia. All the prerequisites for the industrialization of the city were met, including the transport infrastructure, the establishment of associations for the development and promotion of the economy, and the foundations for higher education in economics were laid. During this period, the First Croatian Factory for Surgical Instruments, Bandages, Orthopedic Devices, Artificial Prostheses, Bandage Goods, etc. was established in 1896, whose owner and founder was Jakob Hlavka. In this paper, we will present its foundation, development and part of the 130-year-long existence, continued through the work of the Instrumentaria company. Based on documentation and sources, primarily preserved catalogs and jubilee inscriptions about the development of the factory and its promotion, we will present its operations, the formation of business networks that resulted in specific innovations, and the final fate of Hlavka’s legacy. The work is a contribution to the knowledge of the less researched industrial heritage related to the medical sector, within which Hlavka’s production
represents pioneering aspects of its development, contributing to the strengthening of domestic production through the suppression of foreign suppliers.