“Thirty years on, we believe quality isn’t just about materials—it’s about people. That’s why we’ve grown together, as a company and as a family.”
Milan Laube
Sabina den Brinker
František Laube
Three decades of experience, over ten million chairs and countless processed details. And we still have the enthusiasm to innovate, improve and deliver quality seating furniture to European countries.
ALBA’s founding era—building distribution networks and establishing new branches. These formative years shaped the bedrock of our corporate culture and commercial strategy.
1995
Founding of ALBA Trading
1995
Start of production in Prague-Xaverov
1996
Opening of production in Ostrava
1997
Showroom and branch in Brno
Milan Laube
Founder and Owner
“Looking back across three decades, I see a journey of discovery, courage, and yes—mistakes that became our greatest teachers. ALBA began as an audacious idea that, through sheer determination, has become the benchmark for quality seating. I still remember those early days, a small team crafting our very first chairs.
What brings me the most satisfaction? Seeing our products grace institutions throughout Europe. Yet our most precious assets aren’t the production facilities or the brand itself—they’re the relationships we’ve built with our people and partners. Without their talent and dedication, ALBA would never have reached these heights. It’s been a demanding thirty years, but worth every moment.”
First email orders, digitalisation of catalogues and modernisation of production processes. A period of strategic growth and building relationships with new partners in the Czech Republic and abroad.
2000
Slovak operations launch with local production
2002
Škvorec production complex breaks ground
2007
Corporate rebrand to ALBA CR
2008
Construction of new factory in Ostrava
Jana Mizerová
Operations Director
“ALBA has been my life for over twenty-five years. Since Mr Laube brought me into production planning in 1997, we’ve travelled an extraordinary path together. I recall those early days in cramped quarters before our move to Škvorec.
The memories that stand out? Presenting our chairs on TV Nova. Tracking our lorry’s journey to Georgia with bated breath. Watching ALBA transform from a modest enterprise into a respected industry name. I’m immensely proud to have been part of this journey from day one.”
Investment in new technologies, expansion of product ranges and implementation of digital tools for better customer communication. ALBA becomes a comprehensive partner for furnishing any workspace.
2016
Polyurethane component manufacturing launches
2019
Flagship Škvorec showroom unveiled
2020
ALBA Configurator goes live
2024
ALBA Seating GmbH opens in Germany
Vilém Hrček
Director of Ostrava Branch
“Twenty-five years ago, I joined ALBA as a salesman armed with technical knowledge and ambition. From day one, I’ve watched with pride as our chairs transformed schools, offices, and workspaces across borders.
Our Ostrava operation is built on uncompromising quality—the kind that opens doors to the most discerning clients. ALBA gave me room to grow, which is why I now create those same opportunities for my team. Because I know the real power of the ALBA brand lies in our people and their potential.”
ALBA chairs don’t just furnish offices—they’ve become television stars in their own right. At TV Nova, they’re integral to the morning broadcast, where presenters greet the nation each day from the comfort of our designs on ‘Breakfast with Nova’.
Czech Television has been choosing our chairs for years. During a ‘Good Morning’ feature, we had the privilege of demonstrating to viewers why ALBA represents the gold standard in comfort and durability for demanding daily use.
180,000 units sold
YORK has become synonymous with reliability and timeless design. This iconic chair is a perfect example of ALBA’s philosophy – functionality that never goes out of style. Its popularity across three decades confirms that quality design can be both practical and aesthetic. You’ll find YORK in ministry offices, at universities and at Prague Castle, where it reliably serves during important meetings.
650,000 units sold
This universal conference chair is one of ALBA’s longest-manufactured models and is still one of the best-selling. Its success is built on simplicity, durability and affordability – and thanks to these qualities, you’ll find it almost everywhere: in schools, offices, conference halls and waiting rooms.
Included in catalogue only to fill pages, but became a bestseller
ZOTA represents one of the most interesting stories of ALBA chairs. Originally, it was included in the catalogue only to “fill the pages”. No one expected this model to find its way to customers’ hearts and become one of the best-selling. ZOTA, which is no longer part of our range today, was proof that sometimes the best ideas come unplanned. It reminds us that customers often see potential where the creators themselves don’t expect it.
From police stations to IT offices
The DISPOS model was originally created as a bespoke order for the Czech police. The special construction with rich upholstery, flip-up armrests and a load capacity of 200 kg was designed for maximum comfort during long-term intensive sitting. However, it soon became apparent that the qualities of this chair are also appreciated in other demanding operations – dispatch centres, control rooms, call centres and programmers’ offices. DISPOS is an example of how specific requirements of one sector can create a product useful for many others.
Jindřich Póla
Sales Director
“Commerce thrives on relationships and trust, not spreadsheets. Yes, we’ve sold millions of chairs over three decades, but volume isn’t the story. Each chair has its own narrative, its own vital role. We furnish premier government institutions, educational facilities, and blue-chip companies nationwide.
My greatest satisfaction? Witnessing our products support people through pivotal work moments. ALBA taught me that success follows when you truly hear what customers need. They’re often the ones who reveal unexpected potential in models we might have overlooked.”
Without exaggeration, ALBA chairs can be found in many important places across Europe. They are used by ministry officials and members of the Czech army, firefighters rely on them during the planning of rescue operations. Important state meetings may even be taking place right now in their comfort at Prague Castle. You’ll also find ALBA chairs in the offices of major organizations such as Czech Post, Volkswagen, and Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Patients in healthcare waiting rooms appreciate the comfort of our chairs – from Thomayer Hospital to the Central Military Hospital and the General University Hospital in Prague. At prestigious universities like the University of South Bohemia, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, Brno University of Technology, and the Czech Technical University in Prague, students and professors alike sit on ALBA chairs. Wherever quality and comfort matter, ALBA chairs are the trusted choice.
For thirty years, we have been building ALBA on solid foundations of quality work, innovation and personal approach. Today there is a generation that actively participates in the company’s development, brings new ideas and determination to push our vision even further. Sabina den Brinker, the founder’s daughter, is one of those who today actively contribute to the company’s development and create its future form.
Sabina den Brinker
Managing Director
“When I joined ALBA ten years ago, I saw a company that had two solid decades of work behind it. As the owner’s daughter and simultaneously the company’s managing director, I feel responsible for ensuring that the ALBA brand continues to grow.
Our goal is to significantly strengthen our presence in Europe and bring quality Czech chairs to interesting projects across the continent. We want to be the partner that architects, interior design studios and project contractors turn to when they’re looking for quality seating furniture.”
