Positive business development and expansion of international business: Getzner Werkstoffe increases turnover by 12 per cent

The global focus on expanding and improving rail networks ensures high demand in the railway sector at Getzner - not only for classic vibration and noise protection, but also for optimising the superstructure in terms of wear, maintenance and track availability. The industrial segment is stable and is benefiting from increased demand in the HVAC segment, for example for vibration dampers for heat pumps and air conditioning units. The construction sector, on the other hand, is only developing slowly in Europe, and is dominated by projects in metropolitan regions in Asia and the USA. "International projects such as the 'Tren Maya' railway line in Mexico are fuelling our growth and helping us to overcome the weakening economy in some markets," says Alexander Herovitsch, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Getzner. "We are continuing to expand our global presence, as our expertise and problem-solving skills are also being sought out on location."

The investment volume in the past financial year was around 11 million euros, particularly in the area of digitalisation. The complex conversion of all internal processes to the S/4HANA system was completed last year and rolled out at the turn of the year. "Digital change cannot be stopped, but we can actively shape it and use it to our advantage," says Chief Executive Officer Jürgen Rainalter, emphasising its importance for future growth. "Lean processes, improved capacity management, lower consumption of raw materials, less waste, optimised logistics - all of this brings us major benefits in terms of efficiency and sustainability. We do not simply want more, we want it better!"

Getzner's commitment to research and development earned it the Innovation Award of the State of Vorarlberg in June 2023 and a nomination for the Austrian State Award for Innovation. The focus here is on increasing railway track stability, a factor that is becoming increasingly important in times of climate change. The risk of heat-related track buckling can be significantly reduced by the specially developed elastoplastic sleeper pads, improving the safety and availability of railway lines.

When it comes to sustainability, Getzner sees itself on course; the company was recently awarded bronze status by the renowned sustainability rating "EcoVadis". Getzner already produces with zero emissions and solely utilises renewable energy sources. "We attach great importance to the further development of our portfolio, also in terms of sustainability," says Rainalter. "We see a lot of untapped potential, particularly with regard to the entire material cycle – both in the extension of utilisation cycles and in the recycling of materials."

Today, around 500 employees work for Getzner, of which roughly 370 are based at the main site in Bürs, Vorarlberg. Getzner expects to substantially expand its business in 2024 and is planning to recruit new employees in the mid double-digit range: skilled workers in production and logistics as well as in administration, product management and international sales. Information on vacancies can be found at www.getzner.com/karriere. Unsolicited applications or a casual conversation about opportunities are also possible at any time.