The earliest preserved privilege of the Hořice weavers' guild dates back to 1545. Already at that time, the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains were known as a region with deep roots in linen weaving and yarn processing. It is right here that the story of the textile tradition begins, a heritage that Mileta proudly carries forward today.

The mid-19th century brought the Industrial Revolution to Hořice. Mechanical weaving mills began to replace traditional hand looms, and textile production gradually moved from family households into larger facilities. At that time, approximately eight mechanical textile mills operated in the region. It was during this period that the foundations were laid for the industrial textile center that Hořice would later become. This era of expansion is closely tied to prominent entrepreneurial families such as the Goldschmidts, the Feuersteins, Karel Antonín Tuček, Rudolf Steinský-Sehnoutka, and the Menčíks.

By the early 20th century, six textile factories were already operating in Hořice. Production employed a significant portion of the population in the town and its surroundings, establishing Hořice as a major center of the cotton industry in the Czech lands. Textiles were no longer just a local craft. They had evolved into a powerful industry that shaped the character of the town and the lives of thousands of people in the region. Around eight mechanized textile mills were operating across the region at the time. It was during this period that the foundations were laid for the industrial textile center that Hořice would later become. The growth of the industry was closely associated with prominent families and entrepreneurs such as the Goldschmidts, the Feuersteins, Karel Antonín Tuček, Rudolf Steinský-Sehnoutka, and the Menčík family.

Weaving mills expanded, new production facilities were established, and textiles became one of the defining industries of the entire region. Mileta gradually became highly specialized in the production of handkerchiefs, exporting them to numerous countries around the globe. However, its product portfolio continued to expand. Alongside handkerchiefs, Mileta began manufacturing fine shirtings, batistes, damasks, table linens, and hotel textiles. It was precisely this mastery of working with extremely fine yarns and intricate weaves that laid the foundation for the company’s future specialization. A wealth of historical photographs from this period has survived, capturing factories, employees, and production itself and preserving the memory of an era of exceptionally rapid growth in Hořice’s textile industry.