During the renovation of the VSB-TUO Menza (university canteen), a forgotten Berkel 115 E slicing machine was discovered in storage. It had been purchased for the needs of the “old” Menza sometime in 1971 for the then relatively high price of 35.629 Czechoslovak crowns (Kčs). It should be noted that the abbreviation Kčs is not a typo, but refers to the former currency of Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak crown.
The original purchase price alone suggested that this might be a rather interesting piece of equipment, which was subsequently confirmed by consulting historical sources. The designation Berkel Model 115 E refers to a slicing machine, commonly known simply as a slicer, manufactured by the Dutch company Berkel between 1952 and 2000, both at its factory in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and at production facilities in several other countries. The Berkel Model 115 E slicer was known for its highly precise cutting performance and, with a net weight of up to 129 kg, was certainly no lightweight. In catering facilities, it was usually installed directly on sturdy fixed tables, although an original optional stand was also available. This provided access to the machine from all sides, which was particularly useful during cleaning.
After assessing the technical condition in which the machine was found—non-functional and with significant surface damage—it was ultimately decided that the slicer should not end up as scrap. Instead, it could be exhibited in the VSB-TUO Menza. This, however, required a complete restoration, in this case with the aim of returning the machine to its original and fully functional condition. In 2025, the restoration work was entrusted to the Restoration Workshop at the Department of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VSB-TUO, with the project coordinated by the department’s internal Ph.D. student, Ing. Tomáš Navrátil.
The result of several months of work can now be seen at Menza No. 5 on the main campus of VSB-TUO, where the restored Berkel Model 115 E is on display. Those familiar with these machines may perhaps be surprised by one detail: the colour of the paintwork. The original machines were manufactured in either red or silver. In this case, however, the client’s request was respected, and a colour corresponding to the VSB-TUO visual identity was used.