Case Studies 8/2026
Partners in Innovation
In 1994, we made the first packaging for Robe Lighting — polystyrene at the time, protecting the very first products to leave their facility. A decade later came the first professional flightcase. Since then, we have grown together from a garage operation into a manufacturer protecting lights on the world's biggest festival stages and in its most prestigious theatres. Read the story of a partnership with Robe Lighting that has lasted more than thirty years.
Local Roots, Global Vision (1994–2003)
The story of HaCase and Robe Lighting is a testament to the power of local partnership and shared ambition. It began in 1994, at a time when the founders of Robe were laying the groundwork for what would become a global empire in entertainment lighting. Back then, Milan Halašta Sr. provided the first essential layer of protection: custom styrofoam packaging for the very first products leaving their workshop.
As Robe moved into its own modern premises in 2001 and officially launched the ROBE brand in 2002, the complexity of their technology reached new heights. The world needed to see these lights, and these lights needed to travel safely.
The Garage Era: Precision Born from Grit (2004)
The true turning point came in 2004. Robe introduced the legendary ColorWash 1200E AT, a fixture that redefined industry standards. To protect this powerhouse, HaCase, operating from a family garage at the time, engineered its first professional flight case.
"We started with a sliding table saw, hand riveting tools, and metal templates. We cut the panels by hand and drilled every hole manually. Our ambition back then was modest—we wondered if we could ever produce 5 cases a day. Today, we produce 50."
— Milan Halašta Sr., Founder of HaCase
The early days were defined by overcoming challenges. While some hardware distributors were skeptical of a small-scale "garage" operation, the trust between HaCase and Robe’s leadership never wavered. Through mutual feedback and a shared obsession with quality, we sourced the best materials available to ensure that every case was as "tour-ready" as the lights inside.
Scaling Together: Innovation and Expansion (2008–2021)
As Robe expanded globally with subsidiaries in the UK, USA, and beyond, HaCase evolved into a high-tech manufacturing partner.
- 2008: The official founding of HaCase s.r.o. coincided with Robe's rapid technological leap.
- 2012: As Robe’s fixtures became more sophisticated, HaCase moved into its first purpose-built hall, introducing CNC technology and specialized IPUR (polyurethane) inserts.
- 2017: While Robe was setting new benchmarks with the MegaPointe®, HaCase opened its second production hall to support the massive increase in global demand.
From the early AT Series to the revolutionary FORTE® and PAINTE®, every major Robe milestone has been accompanied by a HaCase protective solution.
The Future: Sustainability and Digitalization (2021–Present)
Even during the global lockdowns, neither company stood still. While Robe developed its new generation of IP-rated products, HaCase utilized the time to plan its next expansion.
Today, HaCase employs over 60 people and operates a state-of-the-art facility. We are currently constructing a new production hall and administrative center focused on sustainability and digitalization—ensuring that we can support Robe’s innovations for the next 30 years.
A Message of Gratitude
Looking back at the journey from a modest workshop in 1994 to the world’s most prestigious stages today, we feel immense pride. We are deeply grateful to Robe Lighting for their unwavering trust and for the opportunity to grow alongside them for over three decades.
It is an honor to protect the craft of a company that remains true to its roots while leading the world. We look forward to many more years of innovation, friendship, and Valašsko-grown excellence.
HaCase s.r.o. Protecting the Light since 1993.
