Securing Mobility in All Conditions
Interview with Petr Spravka, Chairman and CEO of Silnice LK a.s.
Road infrastructure is only noticed when it fails, yet keeping it functional every day requires precision, speed and resilience. Silnice LK a.s., based in Jablonec nad Nisou, plays a central role in this demanding field in the Czech Republic, combining year-round road maintenance with construction, repair and operational services across a large regional network. In this conversation, Petr Spravka, Chairman of the Board and CEO, reflects on the company’s turnaround from crisis to stability, its structure and services, and the strategic direction shaping its future.
When Petr Spravka took over as crisis manager in 2020, Silnice LK was in a difficult position: the company was loss-making, cash flow was deeply negative, performance was weak, investment had been neglected and employee morale was low. “I was really focused on saving the company, building up new strategies and bringing it back on its feet again,” says Petr Spravka. As he puts it, he took the business “out of the bottom,” with the restructuring taking three to four years to restore stability. Since then, the company has undergone a fundamental transformation. Turnover rose from around 249 million CZK in 2020 to roughly 479 million CZK after five years (around 20 million EUR), while profit reached about 30 million CZK and the company’s value increased by 67% in four years. This growth was driven by improved business and production performance, new areas and centers, additional products and closer coordination with the regional government, underlining the company’s importance for maintaining the road network. Today, Silnice LK employs around 250 people and operates through eleven regional units that function like local companies, each with its own targets and responsibilities, including private-sector projects. More than 36.5% of total income goes to wages, with up to four bonus payments per year tied to performance. This reflects Petr Spravka’s management approach, built on clear goals, transparency and shared responsibility. The company focuses entirely on its domestic market where its close relationship with the regional government remains essential for ensuring infrastructure stability.
A regional market leader with year-round responsibility
Silnice LK describes itself as the largest company of its kind in the region and is responsible for around 2,450 km of roads, acting as a key operational partner for the region, state main roads, 2nd and 3rd category roads, municipalities and private-sector clients. Its activities are divided into two seasonal pillars. In winter, the company deploys around 130 vehicles, manages 56 service areas and ensures 24/7 operations from November to April in a mountainous region with extended winter conditions. In summer, the focus shifts to cleaning roads, cutting grass, repairing damage, maintaining bridges and fixing potholes across the existing network. “We are not doing the big new investment projects, but we take care of the whole existing road net we have,” says Petr Spravka. This clear specialization defines the company’s market position: deeply rooted in the region, operating from eleven locations and combining scale with strong local expertise and fast response capabilities. Competition is not purely confrontational, as some competitors also act as partners in specialized areas. According to Petr Spravka, the company’s strength lies in efficiency, visibility and reliability, delivering strong performance for good value while remaining focused on its core market. Its activities are also visible online, showcasing its work throughout the year and reinforcing its regional presence.
Digital processes, people-centered future
Alongside operational and financial restructuring, Silnice LK has invested heavily in digitalization and sustainability while addressing one of its key long-term challenges: attracting younger talent. In recent years, the company has introduced numerous applications, developed both internally and with external partners, to reduce paperwork, improve controlling, minimize human error and accelerate workflows. “If processes are handled digitally, they become faster and easier, and significantly reduce stress,” says Petr Spravka, noting that the transformation was carefully prepared over almost two years. Sustainability is another concrete focus: more than 30% of vehicles under 3.5 t are already electric or hybrid, solar systems are being installed on buildings and energy is stored in batteries for operational use where possible. Due to the company’s regionally separated service areas, smaller electric vehicles can be used efficiently for local routes, even though heavy machinery still relies on fossil fuels. At the same time, Silnice LK continues targeted investments, although some may be delayed due to volatile oil prices and market uncertainty. By 2026, the company aims to reach half a billion CZK in revenues and plans to invest around 130 million CZK in new buildings, while also converting unused properties into small flats for young employees and continuing cooperation with six middle schools. This is particularly important as the average age of the workforce continues to rise and the construction sector struggles to attract younger generations. Petr Spravka’s approach is both practical and personal. “I want colleagues, not employees. Our work has to show visible value – people can see what they have repaired and take real satisfaction in it,” says Petr Spravka. His five-year vision is not rapid expansion, but a more modern, stable and sustainable company, firmly positioned in the market and built for long-term success. “If you have good staff, you have to take care of them,” says Petr Spravka. This mindset shapes the company’s long-term approach.