Getzner Magazine "Wir sind Getzner"

Wir sind

Getzner

Reflections

Moments Outlooks

2024

“Let’s take this momentum

into the new year and continue

to strengthen our teamwork

and the pioneering spirit

that defines us.”

Markus Comploj, Chief Executive Officer of GMC

Wir sind Getzner | Foreword

3

Foreword

Dear employees,

esteemed ladies and gentlemen!

Another eventful year is drawing to

a close. We can look back with pride

at what we have achieved together in

the Getzner Group. Every department,

every team and each and every one of

you has helped to keep our company

strong and ready for the future – which

is not a given in these times of great

change and uncertainty.

The world, and Europe in particular, is

currently in the midst of an economic

storm. Unfortunately, no-one knows

when this will pass: geopolitical

disruptions, access to clean drinking

water, migration, loss of trust in institutions

and much more are all issues

facing humankind. Unfortunately, the

supposedly simple solutions, that many

would like, do not exist. In our family

company values, it is written that: “We

focus on performance and expertise

and learn from our mistakes. In order to

come up with the best solution, we encourage

open and critical dialogues. We

pay attention to diversity and mutual

appreciation, and make every effort to

reach a consensus.” It would be good

for everyone if this approach was taken

outside the company too.

In this edition of our magazine ‘We are

Getzner’, we hope to give you an insight

into what goes on at Getzner and show

you a few projects that will shape our

future. You’ll also find some interesting

stories from colleagues, who bring

their commitment, motivation and

innovative spirit to work each and every

day. It is them that make Getzner a

special company.

Let’s take this momentum into the new

year and continue to strengthen our

teamwork and the pioneering spirit

that defines us. Together we can tackle

Markus Comploj, Chief Executive Officer of GMC

the coming challenges and continue to new year filled with health, happiness

build upon our success.

and success. I hope you enjoy reading

this issue!

With this in mind, and on behalf of our

shareholders, I wish you all a wonderful,

relaxing holiday season and a Chief Executive Officer of

Markus Comploj

GMC

4

Contents

‘Africa’: Pooling our strengths

Page 16

Out with the old

and in with the new

Page 6

The (value) compass

shows us the way

Page 40

‘Technical Textiles’:

Harnessing synergies

Page 32

Internationalisation

as a core strategy

Page 8

We’re shaping the future of textiles

Page 12

From a living room to an

ultramodern office building

Page 18

‘Shirting’: A business unit

under great pressure

Page 38

Building the future together

Page 42

The Works Council give it their all

Page 48

Wir sind Getzner | Contents

5

Health campus in a

historic villa

Page 30

‘Marketing’:

Reorganisation

with a clear aim

Page 24

Exciting projects in the

‘Mobility’ business unit

Page 44

Getzner Circular Technologies

for innovative recycling

Page 46

International commitment

Page 20

Personal and professional

development

Page 22

New chair, established work

Page 36

Cover image: The new health campus

6

Getzner, Mutter & Cie.

Out with the old and in with the new

In recent years, European industry has lost an important comparative

advantage, namely the stable, cheap and relatively environmentallyfriendly

supply of natural gas. It is also facing the biggest technological

transformation in history.

On the path to climate neutrality, bans

and cost burdens are sadly implemented

much faster than incentives

and support. As a highly industrialised

economy, Austria is disproportionately

affected by these two challenges.

However, we must also acknowledge

that Austria has profited from its large

industrial sector throughout many

cycles of boom and bust. Austria is

currently experiencing its longest

recession since World War Two. Our

innovative strength is crucial when

it comes to maintaining Austria as a

manufacturing base over the long term.

We need to work together to solve the

diverse range of current challenges. To

do so, we need to adopt the approach of

“out with the old and in with the new”,

said President Alexander Van der Bellen

in his speech on Austria’s National Day.

“We need to finally take action! These

challenges are new and there are no

easy solutions. But we can solve them,”

he rightly noted.

In the Getzner Group, we are already

taking action. This year has also seen a

The upcoming renovations to our power stations

call for excellent planning.

Wir sind Getzner | Getzner, Mutter & Cie.

7

lot of changes to our company. With a

good dose of tenacity and perseverance,

we have tackled the challenges and laid

the groundwork for the future.

In the GMC, we have been working

tirelessly on the renovation of our power

stations, investigated the options

for further company apartments and

backed it up with feasibility studies.

Furthermore, the development of the

‘Bertsch plot’ at the Nüziders plant

of Getzner Werkstoffe is being driven

forwards. Plant planning is complete

and we are currently carrying out

feasibility checks with the authorities

with the aid of architects ‘Marte.Marte’.

If the schedule can be met, demolition

work will start next March. Construction

is then set to begin in late summer

2025 and finish by the end of 2027.

The Bludenz health campus is almost

complete and began partial operations

at the start of December.

Our subsidiaries gave fantastic performances

once again. Getzner Werkstoffe

grew by investments in two further

companies and put in huge effort

to install a new SAP system. At

Getzner Textil, the structural work for

Finishing 6 is now complete and investments

have been made in PV systems

in Bludenz and Gera. Both companies

are currently adapting their organisational

structures to ensure future

success. Together, we are working on

our ‘ Corporate Social Responsibility’

reporting, so that we can present our

sustainable development in a legallycompliant

manner going forwards.

Everyone’s achievements have once

again been reflected in several prestigious

awards. I would like to congratulate

Getzner Werkstoffe for coming first

and Getzner Textil for coming second

in ‘Austria’s Leading Companies Award

Vorarlberg’. Another highlight came in

the form of the Austrian state award

‘Family & Work’, which was presented

to Getzner Textil as the most familyfriendly

company in Austria.

For the future of the Getzner Group,

it is important to concentrate on the

key megatrends and to consider how

our company can benefit from these

developments. The focal points here

are connectivity, greening and urbanisation.

Flexibility and adaptability

are decisive in a rapidly changing

world. Therefore, we need to think

differently and forge new paths while

strengthening the foundations of our

company. The future belongs to those

who have the courage to shape it.

“These challenges are new

and there are no easy solutions.

But we can solve them.”

Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria

The planning for the Nüziders plant is progressing well –

demolition is set to begin in early 2025.

8

Getzner Werkstoffe

Internationalisation

as a core strategy

Jürgen Rainalter, CEO, Getzner Werkstoffe

Internationalisation is one of our core strategies – while

simultaneously expanding our home in Vorarlberg, of course.

This allows us to support our major customers in their activities

around the world. The development of Getzner India into a

production site, the expansions in China and at our subsidiary

GSS in Stuttgart, the founding of the Brazil representative office

as well as the development of ‘Getzner Vibration Solutions’ in

Australia and strategic investments in ‘Isolgomma’ and ‘TecInn’

(see page 46 for more information) all play a role here. In parallel

to this, we have invested in modern production facilities at our

main site in Bürs and the nearby new ‘Nüziders plant’. The reasons

behind our international activities are clear: internationalisation

is essential for further company growth. In addition,

certain countries legislate that market access is dependent

on a domestic production facility. It’s exciting when different

structures and cultures come together in the company but it also

brings some significant challenges too. Our approach is clear.

In Vorarlberg we want to focus on core technologies. Internationally

we will pursue our market segment strategies, which

are based on customer requirements in the core markets. These

form the basis for new products, new materials, new services

and sustainable approaches, and will thereby secure our future.

“Our approach is clear. In Vorarlberg we want to focus

on core technologies. Internationally we will pursue

our market segment strategies, which are based on

customer requirements in the core markets.”

Jürgen Rainalter,

CEO, Getzner Werkstoffe

Wir sind Getzner | Getzner Werkstoffe

9

Alexander Herovitsch, CMSO, Getzner Werkstoffe

We want to launch the right innovations onto the market more

quickly and efficiently. The internal structures are in place

thanks to the reorganisation, which brought the segment

management, technical product management, and research and

development functions together under a common leadership.

In addition, the Sales department is to be organised into four

regions, to which the individual sales units are assigned. As part

of the ongoing internationalisation activities, we have founded

a representative office in São Paulo, Brazil, and reorganised the

management of Getzner Vibration Solutions in Australia. What’s

more, we are pushing ahead with our focus areas of ‘railway’

and ‘bedding of buildings’ in China. Thanks to the introduction

of the CPQ (Configure-Price-Quote) and an adapted CRM this

year, we are supporting independent work in the individual sales

units, shortening the response time, and creating more accurate

quotes. We have also rejuvenated the brand image, are positioning

statements more clearly and distinctly, and are focussing

our efforts on communicating sustainability. In parallel to this,

we are continually revising and developing our existing product

and service portfolio.

“We have rejuvenated the brand image, are positioning statements

more clearly and distinctly, and are focussing our efforts on

communicating sustainability.”

Alexander Herovitsch,

CMSO, Getzner Werkstoffe

Demand for our products is rising. Which is why two infeed

systems with space for up three rolls have been added to the

two beam cutting presses, to increase efficiency and avoid

idling. The moulded part plant in Bürs was upgraded at the

start of the year, expanding its capacity by 30 percent. This

project ran smoothly, which was also thanks to the excellent

teamwork with Sales when planning the machine downtime. In

the Nüziders plant, which is currently in the planning stage, we

will build the prototype of a moulded part plant, which will be

used at various international production sites for manufacturing

under sleeper pads. Only then will we be able to handle the

demand in large sales markets. Our site in Bürs will not diminish

in importance. There are two highlights to look forward to in

2025 in regard to production systems: the commissioning of the

new BAGI 4 strip casting line and the implementation of a new

plate cutting system.

Roger Höfle, CTO, Getzner Werkstoffe

10 Getzner Werkstoffe | Wir sind Getzner

We are working hard on our process excellence. The introduction

of the new SAP system posed a considerable challenge,

particularly in the first half of the year, however, as not only

did we need to switch over the system, but also the processes.

In the meantime, the efficiency figures have improved, but

there is still some optimisation work to do. We are particularly

pleased that vast parts of the company are undergoing LEAN

management training. There is a good atmosphere in the

company. We firmly believe that profitable growth is only

possible with highly trained employees. Therefore, we have

purposefully built up personnel and expertise in several areas

of the company and count on our employees as ambassadors

for Getzner. Our sustainable and successful activities as

a company were acknowledged with a very good Ecovadis

rating and 1 st place in ‘Austria’s Leading Companies Award’.

Christian Raich, CFO, Getzner Werkstoffe

“We have purposefully built up

personnel and expertise in several

areas of the company and count

on our employees as ambassadors

for Getzner.”

Christian Raich,

CFO, Getzner Werkstoffe

‘Austria’s Leading Companies Award’ presented to

Getzner Werkstoffe (1 st place) and Getzner Textil AG (2 nd place)

In terms of corporate development, we are currently

focusing on sustainability and recycling. Our aim is to keep

our high-quality raw materials in the product loop. This

year, we have put in place the technology and expertise for

mechanical recycling of PU and third-party materials with

the shares acquired in Isolgomma and TecInn. The first

granulate mats were presented in Berlin in autumn under

the name ‘Relomer ® ’ as part of the ‘InnoTrans’ trade fair for

railway technology. Thanks to chemical recycling, we are able

to recover valuable raw materials and are currently working

on new products for the three focal areas of under sleeper

pads, acoustic applications and light Sylomer ® types. In 2025,

we will be testing the first creations on a larger scale in our

in-house technical centre.

Christian Loretz, CDO, Getzner Werkstoffe

Wir sind Getzner | Getzner Textil

11

Getzner Textil

“It’s a match”

Sailing, hunting, skiing, cycling … Jonas Bemetz has so many hobbies, it seems

as if he has more than 24 hours in his day! “I’m not cut out for lying about,” says

the graduate chemical engineer. He has been the team leader at Getzner Textil’s

Development Centre for a year – and is definitely the right person for the job.

It’s rare that an employer’s range of

products corresponds so well with the

hobbies of its employee as it does with

Getzner Textil and Jonas Bemetz. If

you were searching for a partner, you

would say ‘It’s a match!’. And something

definitely clicked during his job search,

when Jonas returned to Vorarlberg after

a spending over year in Munich. “What

struck me right away about Getzner

was the range of products,” explains the

34-year-old. They combine his passion

for chemistry and innovation with his

hobbies – such as outdoor clothing and

sportswear or spinnakers for sailing.

From fabric remains to yarn

“In the Development Centre, we

are responsible for coordinating

and project managing development

projects such as the possibilities

offered by the circular economy in

the textile industry,” explains Jonas.

“We’ve recently enjoyed some initial

success in recycling web waste with

our subsidiary TFE. We recover a yarn

from the polyester waste, which can

be used to create the original product

again.” Innovation, energy aspects,

networking, patent rights and development

work are all also on the agenda, in

addition to sustainability. “No two days

are the same,” explains Jonas, adding:

“At Getzner, we have a lot of employees

with many years of experience and a

large amount of expertise. I love being

able to learn something every day,”

says Jonas, whose view of textiles has

changed considerably.

“What struck

me right away

about Getzner

was the range

of products.”

Jonas Bemetz,

Team Leader of the Development Centre,

Getzner Textil

Jonas likes to use his lunch

break to take his dog

Ferdinand for a walk.

12

Getzner Textil

We’re shaping the

future of textiles

How can we optimise processes which increase

quality and focus on our core expertise? These

were three of the guiding questions that

defined the past year. The answers to these

help us to pursue our aim: “At Getzner Textil,

we are actively shaping the future of textiles.”

Roland Comploj (RC): In 2023, we

were still able to increase turnover

despite the recession in Europe. This

year, we are experiencing considerable

cooling of the markets and an at times

strong decrease in demand; the global

economy is still in crisis and there is no

recovery in sight. We have used the last

few strong years to invest and move

forward in terms of technology. Now we

have swathes of modern machinery and

the latest infrastructure, leaving us a

stable and diversified company which is

also well placed to handle challenging

times. Nevertheless, we need to set

our course and make decisions about

our direction so that we continue

to play an active role in shaping the

future of textiles.

Martin Frick (MF): This past year is the

first year in a long time in which we

didn’t see a huge growth in turnover.

We have good liquidity, even though

there are challenges to overcome in

the individual divisions. This meant it

was necessary to make some structural

changes this year, mainly affecting

the ‘Shirting’ BU. By acquiring a stake

in ‘Feinjersey Colours GmbH’, we

are bringing together our strengths

regionally in the areas of pretreatment

and finishing. The contract

has been signed and will take effect

in January 2025.

Hannes Tschofen (HT): With forwardlooking

investments, we are safeguarding

the site for decades to come –

notably with the expansion in the form

of ‘Finishing Hall 6’. The purchase of a

new – 55 metre-long – stenter frame

also marked one of the biggest machinery

investments to date.

Looking back, I find it very positive that

we were able to achieve considerable

quality improvements. This was mainly

thanks to the excellent, cross-departmental

teamwork. In the ‘Technical

Textiles’ department, we are positioning

ourselves as a competent partner

and investing in new developments,

such as ‘getzspace’, an innovative,

three-dimensional fabric. Its initial

application as a seat cover attracted

a lot of attention at the ‘InnoTrans’

trade fair in Berlin.

RC: Something else that boosted

the public perception of our company

this year was the state award


13

The Management Board of the Getzner Textil Group (2024): from left to right, Martin Frick, Roland Comploj, Hannes Tschofen

‘ Family & Work’. We were presented

with this prestigious award, which raises

public awareness of our commitment

to being a family-friendly business, in

Vienna. As an attractive company, we

also launched our new employer branding

campaign ‘Unfold your potential’.

As testimonials, four employees talk

about their professional and personal

development at Getzner Textil.

In regard to our focus on process excellence,

our aim is to utilise the potential

of digitalisation. On this note, there are

two programmes worth mentioning this

year: the ‘Master Data Management’

and the ‘Maintenance 2023’ programme.

We were able to take huge

strides forward in both areas. Both the

rule-based system of the yarn material

masters as well as the switchover of the

“We are a stable and

diversified company

which is also well

placed to handle

challenging times.”

Roland Comploj,

CEO and Chairman, Getzner Textil Group

14 Getzner Textil | Wir sind Getzner

A milestone in the company’s history: The photovoltaic system was put into operation in November 2024.

maintenance processes to SAP will go

live in the first quarter of 2025.

MF: AI (artificial intelligence) also falls

under the remit of digitalisation. We

are actively assessing forward-looking

technology and investigating how this

might help us to optimise processes.

Together with the IT department, under

the new management of Oskar Eller, we

have been able to draw up an AI guideline

which specifies binding recommended

actions for our administrative

staff. We also held our first internal

training session on “Understanding AI”

in November.

RC: In 2024, we continued to systematically

pursue our sustainability

activities. With regard to CSRD (corporate

sustainability reporting), we have

got to the point where we can start the

first test run next year. We have also

been presented with the results of the

decarbonisation study for the Bludenz

site via the AIT (Austrian Institute

of Technology).

HT: One specific project relating to sustainability

this year was the installation

of the photovoltaic system on the roof

of the weaving plant, which we connected

to our power grid in November.

We were also able to connect two additional

customers to our district heating

system: the local primary school and

‘Bludenz Mitte’ kindergarten.

RC: Our aim is to come out of this

current economic slowdown stronger

and with a clear focus. To be specific,

this means that next year we will

demonstrate our full commitment to

the realignment of the Shirting BU.

In the Technical Textiles BU, we are

increasing our in-house production

and strengthening market cultivation

efforts. The main aims in the ‘Africa’ BU

are to ensure our highest quality level

and to round off our product portfolio.

In the Mobility BU, we want to make

greater use of potential synergies and

room for optimisation.

Only with the commitment of each

and every one of us can we shape the

future of textiles together. On behalf of

Getzner Textil, we would like to thank

you for your dedication.

“We are actively assessing

forward-looking technology

and investigating how

this might help us to

optimise processes.”

Martin Frick,

CFO and Member of the Management Board, Getzner Textil Group


15

Getzner Werkstoffe

Working together for

great results

This year, the moulded part plant was upgraded to meet growing demand.

The system was shut down for ten weeks so that the necessary work could

be carried out on a tight schedule. Ruth Altenburger was in the thick of it and

able to bring her experience working on the machine to the table.

It was my responsibility to support the

external companies who came in to

extend the moulded part plant. Some of

the elements needed were very big and

heavy, while the space is limited. This

called for careful planning. In the runup,

I considered the necessary steps and

which tasks I would need support with.

We started on the disassembly work

just before Christmas last year – and

that was just the start of a demanding,

but exciting time. In December, my

husband Marco Paterno took over

the project management from David

Kräutler, so we spent long days and also

Saturdays at work during the renovation

weeks. And then on Sundays,

we would discuss the next steps at

home (laughs).

Together with our colleagues and external

project stakeholders, we managed

it. The renovation went quickly and

without a hitch and we made important

improvements. In regard to occupational

safety in particular, we have

achieved a great deal with a new extraction

system and a new removal area.

We have also significantly increased

efficiency with shorter distances, easier

workflows and a clearly structured

environment. Another positive effect

is that we were able to increase the

machine performance by a third while

maintaining the same level of quality.

Personally speaking, this was a wonderful

experience. Organisation, cleanliness

and great teamwork are important

to me. I was able to bring my strengths

to the table and I’m also pleased that

I was able to assert myself on matters

to make work easier. I am proud that

everything went so well and that I was

part of this team.

“Together with our

colleagues and external

project stakeholders, we

managed it. The renovation

went quickly and without

a hitch and we made

important improvements.”

Ruth Altenburger,

Machine Operator, Getzner Werkstoffe

16

Getzner Textil

Pooling our

strengths

Loyalty and a strong sense of cohesion

between all employees shaped this

challenging year for the ‘Africa’ business

unit (BU) along with numerous highlights.

The situation for people in West Africa

is not easy: terror attacks, a prolonged

rainy season, various military coups, the

increasing separation from the West

and closer relationships with BRICS

countries have all defined the past year.

“Since the interim president Assimi

Goïta seized power, the power cuts

have increased, because the country’s

isolation severed relationships with

formerly trusted countries from which

we had been importing electricity. In

Mali, there’s something like two hours

of electricity a day,” explains Tobias

König, Head of the Africa BU: “The

necessary generators are expensive, the

cost of living is constantly rising, while

purchasing power has fallen dramatically.

Due to this difficult situation,

the delivery quantities have to be

adjusted,” says König, summarising

the effects on the Africa BU. “However,

these challenging times have also

shown us how strong the cohesion is at


17

Getzner Textil,” emphasises the head

of the BU and thanks his workforce for

their loyalty and willingness to adapt.

Better quality

Another example of the successful joint

teamwork is the increase in quality of

the damask – both at the headquarters

in Bludenz as well as in the weaving

plants in Russikon and Gera, where

high-quality Jacquard grey fabric is

created for the fine Africa damask.

Silvio von Pich Lipinski has managed

the weaving plant in Russikon since

July, after taking on the role of CEO

from Rolf Strassmann, who has left to

start his well-earned retirement.

New products from

traditional to modern

The varied product range also contains

new products. ‘Super Cool’ is a lightweight,

exceptionally comfortable

damask, with an impressively soft feel.

Getzner’s ‘Bogolan’ has traditional

roots, inspired by an ancient technique

from Mali. The original Bogolan is a

handmade cotton fabric, dyed with

fermented mud and characterised by

natural earth tones with grand or subtle

patterns. The word Bogolan means

“made with the earth” in the Bambara

language. The specific challenge

in making this product lies in the

translation and interpretation of the

traditional style in our damask.

From Dakar to Lustenau

The main highlights each years are

the photoshoots, showcasing new

designs, colours and developments.

“The photoshoot in the port of Dakar

was inspired by a music video, where

people clothed in damask were dancing

on container ships. I really liked the

link to our product, which reaches the

customer via the sea,” says König.

You can take a look on our Instagram

account ‘getzner_official’. “The

studio shoot in Lustenau is a great

opportunity to present new products,

designs and innovations in their

best light,” adds König. There were

over 30 different outfits, created by

customers from West Africa.

A focus on health projects

Following on from the maternity ward

in Bamako last year, this year’s focus

was the expansion of the health centre

in Bolokoro, over 200 kilometres away.

Here thousands of people have access

to faster and safer healthcare, from

which women and children in particular

will benefit. The new maternity ward

has a delivery room, three toilets and

numerous treatment and aftercare

rooms. A solar system and water pipes

to the nearest well provide the necessary

infrastructure.

“The studio shoot in

Lustenau is a great

opportunity to present

new products, designs

and innovations in their

best light.”

Tobias König,

Head of the Africa BU, Getzner Textil Group

Left: The team carried out the photoshoot in Lustenau over the

course of two busy days – here’s an initial snapshot.

Right: From the current calendar. The ‘Grand Marché’ in

Bamako forms the perfect backdrop for the fine damask.

18

Getzner Werkstoffe

From a living room to an

ultramodern office building

Getzner Werkstoffe Germany has continued to evolve over the years:

from zero to 50 million euros in turnover. Let’s take a look back at the

success story of our first subsidiary abroad.

If you talk to Sascha Kohler, CEO of

Getzner Werkstoffe Deutschland GmbH,

about the history of the German sales

office, you’ll learn a lot of new things

and feel his deep sense of pride in the

developments of the past few decades

and his continued enthusiasm

for the job.

What began with two employees in an

office in the living room of his grandmother

Martha Kohler (as a Gassner

by birth, part of the Getzner dynasty)

is now, 40 years later, a company

with three locations and around

70 employees in sales, production and

administration.

At the start of 1984, the first foreign

subsidiary began operations in

the aforementioned living room in

Grünwald near Munich. Under the

leadership of PU Sylomer pioneer

and long-distance commuter Dr

Karl-Albert Kohler, the company

looked after two major customers for

the Sylomer ® products: the ‘Munich

Metro’ unit and ‘Deutsche Bahn

Systemtechnik München’.

The head count rose to four people

with the arrival of Manfred Wenzl

and Manfred Schwaiger. Thanks to

pioneering construction sites and test

tracks, Munich was the linchpin for the

young company, which was then still

called Getzner Chemie. The office in a

private home provided the visitors from

Bürs with a family-like environment,

where their big plan to make railways in

the DACH region quieter, continued to

develop. The visits increased significantly

around the time of Oktoberfest

and Christmas in particular. “Purely

a matter of coincidence, of course,”

chuckles Sascha Kohler.

Over the course of time, Getzner won

further significant orders from national

and regional rail operators, adding

Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Hamburg to

their customer base alongside Munich.

When searching for sales partners, they

found exactly what they were looking

for in the ‘ Kooperationsnetzwerk

Lärmschutz’ (Noise Protection Cooperation

Network). One of the members

was the company Reinicke, which

would become Getzner Spring Solutions

many years later.

Due to the amount of orders from North

Rhine-Westphalia, a branch office

was opened in Düsseldorf for six years.

Likewise, Getzner was heavily involved

in UTVA (Environmental Technology for

Traffic Systems) in the form of Sascha

Kohler, who worked for the company

full-time from 1990 and has been

responsible for finance, personnel, sales

and advertising over the years. UTVA

worked on the development of a trackbound

ballast preparation with automatic

installation of under ballast mats,

resulting in the creation of Getzner Bau,

specialist in installation services.

The start of the 1990s marked the

end of the living room era with the

construction of the first office building

in Grünwald. Alongside ten employees,

the visitors from Bürs also had the

option to work from there – the beginnings

of today’s hot desking?

Following the early and unexpected

death of Dr Karl-Albert Kohler, who

by now had been awarded the title of

Kommerzialrat in recognition of his

contribution to Austrian business life,

Dr Roland Pfefferkorn took over the


19

The ultramodern office building in Oberhaching near Munich was completed in 2019.

management of Getzner Werkstoffe

Austria in 1995. The business developed

and expanded nationally and internationally.

In Germany, the employees

moved to a larger office building and

the subsidiary in Berlin was founded.

The expansion continued in 2004

with the acquisition of Reinicke after

the former owners retired. During

the negotiations, which took place

at a countryside manor, the foundation

was laid for the success of

Getzner Spring Solutions, which soon

began to flourish under Sascha Kohler

and Uli Habrom.

“Imagination, courage,

willingness, a sense of proportion

and humanity were the keys to

success in recent years. We should

begin to reflect on these things

more in the present day.”

Sascha Kohler,

CEO, Getzner Werkstoffe Germany

With Jürgen Rainalter, a realignment

based on a corporate and sales strategy

finally began in Bürs, focusing on

expansion and internationalisation.

An intensive expansion phase also

began in Germany, which ultimately

triggered the construction of a new

office building in Oberhaching. Sascha

Kohler’s brother Dominic also joined

the company in 2021. Both will put all

their efforts into keeping Getzner on

course for success.

20


International

commitment

2,121

employees worldwide

1

2

Brazil

In 2024, Getzner Werkstoffe

founded a new representative

office in Brazil. In autumn, the

team moved into the new office

building in São Paulo. They had

great success tapping into the

‘Heavy Haul’ market. In future, the

team will increasingly handle other

applications as well.

1

3

4

2

Gera

The ultramodern machinery at the Getzner Textil

weaving plant in Gera was extensively modernised

this year: 120 new Jacquard machines were

installed. These are used to manufacture the grey

fabric for the fine damask, which is very popular

on the African market. As of next year, a newly

installed photovoltaic system will sustainably lower

electricity costs. A new break room was also created,

which will provide the approximately 300 employees

with a place to relax.


21

660

20

206

million euros of annual turnover

locations and subsidiaries

years of experience as

industrial companies

5

3

Lustenau

The new online shop at

getzner-official.at enables

customers outside the African

continent to select and order our

fine damask online as well as in

the boutique in Lustenau. It was

successfully launched in 2024

and next year the focus will be

on adding functions and raising

awareness of the shop.

4

GMC

In December 2024, the new

‘Health campus’ was purchased.

Getzner, Mutter & Cie. is the owner

of the building, providing an interdisciplinary

team of doctors and

health service providers, who bring

their expertise together under one

roof to ensure the well-being of

their patients.

5

India

This year, Getzner India celebrated its 15-year

anniversary in Pune. Initially, the focus was on

railway projects, in particular relating to the

‘Metro’ segment. Today, its customers come from

the rolling stock industry and the field of building

acoustics. In addition to sales and engineering, Pune

is also home to a warehouse and assembly facility.

The next step is to build a production plant near

to Pune. The traditional Indian groundbreaking

ceremony took place in autumn 2024, operation

will begin in July 2025.


Getzner Textil

Personal and

professional

development

The personal and professional

development of our employees

has always been important to

us at Getzner Textil. This year, it

is all the more tangible with our

new employer campaign ‘Unfold

your potential’ and Getzner Textil

receiving the ‘Family & Work’

state award.

Top: The new employer

campaign ‘Unfold your

potential’ puts people

at the centre.

Bottom: Getzner Textil

has been awarded the state

award ‘Family & Work’.

“It’s important to me that we form relationships when we

work together. To do so, we need rules as a framework.

But above all, we need to be willing to collaborate, as

demonstrated by listening and talking to one another,”

explains Johannes Berger, who has been the head of HR

since March and previously worked for several major

industrial companies in Vorarlberg.

The most family-friendly company in Austria

Getzner Textil was presented with the state award

‘ Family & Work’ for its ‘Buntstiftle’ and ‘Buntspechtle’

workplace childcare facilities. This makes Getzner the

most family-friendly company in Austria in the category

of ‘Private enterprises with over 101 employees’. The

company is equally as proud to have been recognised

with the ‘Digital Future Award’ – an award which

acknowledges the innovative strength and technical

expertise of our Getzner apprentices. The Getzner Group

currently has 72 apprentices training in 12 professions.

We are also keen to promote employee health. Alongside

vaccinations and physical activity offerings,

Getzner Textil also offers numerous benefits such as

the ‘Digibon’ meal subsidy and supports ergonomic


23

working – a topic that has been expanded from the weaving

plant to include the finishing department as well.

The ‘family company’ re-imagined

“Getzner Textil is a family company that dates back over

200 years – and a place where we embody collaboration

and cultivate a collegial atmosphere. The term ‘family

company’ takes on a whole new dimension here,” says

Berger. “In 2024, we started to look at several central

topics such as leadership culture and communication in

depth, and will offer suitable tools in this regard. Above

all, we want to promote more dialogue in order to develop

common approaches.” The latest revised company values

reflect what matters to us here at Getzner Textil when it

comes to collaboration.

Strengthening our leadership

In terms of management, Getzner Textil uses programmes

such as the ‘Leadership workshop’, coaching,

and the ‘Leadership Day’. “More than ever, leadership

is about being authentic and transparent,” says Berger.

“Our aim is to support our managers, so that they can

establish relationships built on mutual respect.”

Unfold your

potential

The new employer branding

campaign from Getzner Textil

was launched at the beginning

of September under the slogan

‘Unfold your potential’. It is a call to

develop and grow and reach your

full potential. Head of Marketing

Ulrike Kraler explains what makes

the slogan so authentic.

‘Unfold your potential’ with Getzner Textil

With its ‘Unfold your potential’ campaign, Getzner is

raising awareness of its values outside the company.

Employees are at the heart of the campaign and explain

what makes Getzner Textil stand out as an employer,

such as opportunities for growth, both personally and

professionally. The Getzner Academy and a new learning

management system play a role here, with both supporting

ongoing development and this will remain a central

objective going forwards.

“It’s important to me that we

form relationships when we

work together. To do so, we

need rules as a framework. But

above all, we need to be willing

to collaborate, as demonstrated

by listening and talking

to one another.”

Johannes Berger, Head of HR, Getzner Textil

With ‘Unfold your potential’, we want to invite

potential – and also existing – employees to

develop and grow at Getzner Textil. The slogan is

specially designed to create a link to our product

– the material – and is therefore authentic and

not interchangeable. In one way or another,

everyone at Getzner Textil comes into contact

with our fabric. This sensory experience of

the material unfolding and spreading out is

unique to us and is how we are presenting

ourselves externally.

‘Unfold your potential’ brings to mind positive

words such as courage and strength. These are

all attributes that are reflected in our values. The

visuals are also aligned with our values. They put

people at the centre, confident and anchored in

the regional environment.

24

Getzner Werkstoffe

Reorganisation

with a clear aim

In autumn 2024, the three divisions ‘Railway’, ‘Construction’ and ‘Industry’

were brought together in the new ‘Marketing’ department. In addition to

Segment Management, as of October 1 st , Technical Product Management

and System Development have been led by Robert Summer as our new

Senior Vice President of Marketing. This reorganisation was the logical next

step in a strategy focused on internationalisation and growth.

“Our customers are global players,

their activities span the entire world.

To exploit global potential, we need

to focus on our seven core segments,

bring synergies together and multiply

our products and expertise in relevant

markets,” explains Jürgen Rainalter,

CEO Getzner Werkstoffe. “To do

so, we need to evaluate customer

requirements in the core markets and

develop innovative solutions from new

products, new materials, new services

and sustainable approaches. Having

an excellent understanding of our

customers’ requirements is essential if

we are to differentiate ourselves from

our competitors and create unique

Getzner added value.”

The right innovations –

quick and efficient

A clearly defined segment strategy,

based on careful analysis of the market

potential and clearly defined focus

markets are needed for this task. And

to carry it out, seven segments have

been defined as part of the reorganisation.

“In addition to ‘Transit’, ‘Mainline’

and ‘Heavy Haul’, we have ‘Building

Acoustics’, ‘Building Dynamic’, ‘HVAC’

(Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

and ‘Rolling Stock’,” lists Robert

Summer. “Our aim is clear: we must

be more efficient and faster on the

market. To achieve sustainable growth,

we need two things – new markets for

proven applications and innovative

solutions for established markets.

We’re working on both.”


25

Right: ‘Amtrak’ (USA) will use concrete

sleepers in future – together with under

sleeper pads from Getzner.

Left: Not only were the ‘Tren Maya’ project’s

railway lines equipped with Getzner products, the

floors in the trains have also been fitted with

elastic bearings for greater comfort for passengers.

26

Focal points from the seven segments

We pushed ahead with two new

products in the Transit segment in

2024. Noise is a huge problem in

day-to-day life, especially near railway

lines. Low-noise rail pads have been

proven to help reduce noise by up to

three decibels. Getzner is working with

railway operators to find an optimum

solution for the requirement in question.

Sustainability is also a big issue:

the first ‘Relomer ® ’ recycling products

from ‘Getzner Circular Technologies’ for

mass-spring systems were presented at

the world-leading trade fair ‘InnoTrans’

and we have already received a first

order for the regional public transport

network in Jena.

In the Mainline segment we are

involved in an impressive project for the

construction of a high-speed network

in Egypt. The government is driving

forward the construction of three

sections of track totalling 2,000 kilometres.

From 2026, these lines will

be operated by the German state rail

company ‘Deutsche Bahn’. Getzner

was able to supply elastoplastic under

sleeper pads, which reduce maintenance

needs. Another huge success is

that ‘Amtrak’ in the USA wants to build

new tracks with concrete sleepers,

which will be equipped with under

sleeper pads from Getzner.

Orders from Brazil bring momentum

to Getzner in the Heavy Haul segment,

making the years of sales activities

in the region worthwhile. Getzner

can impress here and the Brazilian

chairman of the International Heavy

Haul Association agreed to appear at

the ‘Heavy Haul Rail Conference’ in

Australia and highlight the uniqueness

of our solution.

In the Building Acoustics segment, the

acoustic floor mat product portfolio for

elastically separated floors is currently

being revised. In future, recycling

products made of PU and rubber will

also be used as well as the proven PU

mats. In addition, a recognised expert

has joined us as segment manager for

fitness studios.

The Building Dynamic segment has

and direct discussions with recognised

enjoyed huge success. In Yokohama, the experts such as Professor Hecht at

building bedding process is under way ‘TU Berlin’, we learnt a lot about the

for a 40-storey hotel and residential challenges in rolling stock and are

complex. The building is directly above able to develop new solutions in a

an underground line and is therefore targeted manner.

being mounted on almost 7,000 m 2 of

Sylomer ® , a first in Japan.

A strong team with a clear aim

Technical Product Management and

In the HVAC segment, the brand-new System Development are also part of

‘DZE 3D’ was exhibited at ‘Chillventa’, the Marketing department along with

the world’s leading trade fair for

Segment Management. “In future,

refrigeration technology in Nuremberg. the System Development department

For the first time, loads from all spatial will concentrate on fundamental

directions can be absorbed non-

research for new products. Technical

destructively. This ensures that anything

mounted on the DZD 3D always over the actual implementation until

Product Management will then take

returns to its original position and is not the product is ready for the market,”

damaged following the effects of high explains Robert Summer. “We have only

winds, earthquakes or strong accelerations

during transport.

since the start of October and need to

been working with the new structure

get used to working together as a team

Despite a number of successful projects, first of all. I’m sure that we will soon hit

a new case study from the Rolling Stock the market with collective force and

segment on the floating floors in trains impress with our solutions – unerring,

for the new ‘Tren Maya’ line in Mexico quick and innovative.”

was published this year. In technical

workshops with major manufacturers

“We must be more efficient

and faster on the market. To

achieve sustainable growth, we

need two things – new markets

for proven applications and

innovative solutions for

established markets. We’re

working on both.”

Robert Summer, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Getzner Werkstoffe


27

A rendering of

how the completed

skyscraper should look

The first full-surface bearing for a

skyscraper in Japan is currently being

implemented in Yokohama.


Getzner Textil

When a calling becomes a career

Silke Wachter was a self-employed florist for 17 years. Then she swapped her

business for a whole bunch of children and today she runs Getzner’s childcare

facilities ‘Buntspechtle’ and ‘Buntstiftle’.

Sometimes your calling takes a bit of

a detour. “After our two children had

grown up, we had another, and I wanted

to take time to be with her,” recalls

Silke. The florist gave up her business

and soon realised that “doing nothing

is not for me”. A job in holiday care and

as a childminder proved pivotal. “I had

time for my daughter and grew into the

role, which became a calling for me.”

She undertook training, specialised and

started at Getzner’s Buntstiftle in 2016.

Silke now manages the Buntstiftle as

well as the Buntspechtle nature-based

nursery with around 40 children. “The

most important thing for us is that

the children enjoy learning – without

drills or rote. Children don’t have to,

they can – and then they want to,”

explains the educational specialist.

A bird project, with quails in the

Buntspechtle, or an art project, where

the children themselves become artists

such as Klimt or Monet, are just two of

countless examples. And sometimes

the pony from Silke’s farm comes

to visit too. For her special support

programme, the facilities were awarded

the MINT seal of approval this year

and the ‘ Family & Work’ state award

was also presented to Getzner. “This

really touched me,” says Silke about the

award. “Work should be enjoyable –

and thanks to my team, the trust of

the parents and the support from

Getzner Textil, I have one of the most

wonderful jobs.”

“Work should be

enjoyable – and thanks

to my team, the trust

of the parents and

the support from

Getzner Textil, I

have one of the most

wonderful jobs.”

Silke Wachter,

Manager Buntspechtle and Buntstiftle,

Getzner Textil


29

Getzner Werkstoffe

Making everyday work easier

Getzner’s quotation process was upgraded in 2024 with the introduction of

CPQ (Configure-Price-Quote) and the CRM system which was migrated to the

Microsoft cloud. Samuel Waibel was the internal project manager.

We have introduced a flexible, global

tool, which our external sales units

can also use without a connection to

our SAP system. The aim is to create

a quote for standard materials within

five minutes.

I was responsible for the technical

aspects of the CRM and CPQ as well as

the integration into the SAP system.

To do so, I had to understand the

requirements of the various specialist

departments, find the common

denominator and then find a solution in

the systems, taking data harmonisation

and the need for seamless integration

into account. It was a great opportunity

to learn a lot about the systems and

ensure seamless interaction between

the various tools. Customer data, which

is stored in the CRM, still needs to be

merged with product data, which can

be found in the CPQ, and prepared

for the SAP system according to

exact specifications.

I enjoy a good challenge. It is always

exciting when you can bring fresh

thinking, approach a topic with an

open mind and find solutions which

make everyday work easier and more

efficient. One particular challenge in

this project was bringing together the

right people at the right time, as the

various specialist departments often

have interdependent requirements. We

also collaborated well with our external

partners and this played a huge role in

the success of the project.

This project is definitely a win for

Getzner. We now have a high degree

of automation when submitting

offers and creating orders which

provides optimum support for our

employees. Overall, the applications

are very agile and we can take countryspecific

specifications and prices into

account in the CPQ.

“I enjoy a good

challenge. It is always

exciting when you can

bring fresh thinking,

approach a topic with

an open mind and find

solutions which make

everyday work easier and

more efficient.”

Samuel Waibel,

Demand & Project Manager CRM,

Getzner Werkstoffe

30


31


Health campus in an historic villa

The historic Gassner Villa in Bludenz has had two modern buildings added to it to

create a health campus for the entire region. Getzner, Mutter & Cie owns the villa,

so we can give you a few initial insights.

Dr Daniel Gfrerer, Specialist in Internal Medicine

and Cardiology:

When working in rehabilitation, I saw how collaboration

between different professions benefited patients. This led

to the idea of establishing a health campus in the outpatient

sector. Here we have a wide range of specialisations all under

one roof, which facilitates regular interaction with each

other. By working together, we can pursue our aim of helping

patients as quickly as possible.

When looking for a suitable property, we were lucky to

come across the Gassner Villa, which is currently owned by

Getzner, Mutter & Cie. Regional well-being is very important

to the company. Ferdinand Gassner, who once had a recreational

trail created on the Montikel for Getzner employees,

was a pioneer in the field of occupational medicine and

prevention. The respectful teamwork proves that we have

made the right move.

32

Our ‘acunic’ own brand acoustic fabric is also used in the new health campus.

Getzner Textil

Harnessing synergies

The ‘Technical Textiles’ business unit (BU) has come an impressively

long way in recent years in terms of market expansion and internationalisation.

The development and establishment of own brands was

as decisive as the opening of new representative offices in America,

Canada and Scandinavia.

Getzner Textil is expanding its international

reach while coming closer

together. While this might sound like a

contradiction at first, it is part of a strategic

process which focuses on pooling

our strengths within the Getzner Group.

The Technical Textiles and ‘Shirting’

business units have merged organisationally,

meaning even more synergies

can be utilised both in customer service

and product development, says a

pleased Gerhard Leitner, head of the

two business units. “The primary focus

is on shaping the segments in line with

market requirements so that we can

better meet our customers’ wants and

needs.” Just last year, we made the leap

across the pond with the ‘Performance

Days’ trade fair and exciting customers,

and this has been followed by further

leaps forward. “The focus is clearly on

market expansion and internationalisation,”

beams Leitner about the

numerous new representative offices

in America, Canada and Scandinavia,

which will pursue this aim.

Three own brands on

course for success

Getzner Textil’s own brands ‘acunic’,

‘Guardiantex’ and ‘getzspace’, which

were showcased at numerous international

trade shows this year, are also

performing well. “We are continuously

developing our extensive expertise

in our Development Centre and our

products are made in Europe with a

responsible use of resources,” says

Leitner. Guardiantex is a high-tech

special fabric for personal protective

equipment. It is used by the police,

military, forestry workers, motorcyclists

and firefighters. For architects and

interior designers, Getzner Textil offers

acunic solutions for functional acoustic

absorption by means of acoustic

textiles in the form of ceiling sails, wall

panels, curtains, movable walls or even

individual elements. The latest examples

are the Gassner Villa in Bludenz,

the ‘Traube Braz’ hotel or the Jupident

foundation in Dornbirn and Rankweil.

With getzspace, the bi-elastic 3D

technology, Getzner Textil is beginning

a new chapter in its innovative company

history. “What is so unusual about

getzspace is that the flat-woven fabric


33

The first-ever use of ‘getzspace’ was shown

at the ‘InnoTrans’ trade fair.

itself becomes the finished upholstery,

thanks to its three-dimensional

structure – and all of this without any

seams,” explains Walter Kikelj from

the product innovation department at

Getzner Textil. In this way, getzspace

opens up endless possibilities for

designers and product developers in

everything from the textile industry to

industrial applications. Visitors to the

‘InnoTrans’ trade fair in Berlin were able

to touch or sit on the getzspace when

Grammer AG’s seat cover for the rail

passenger seat ‘New Regio’ was shown

for the first time.

Focus on the circular economy

“The circular economy in the textile

industry is also an important aspect that

we are focusing on and we have already

had some initial success in the recycling

of web waste,” says Leitner about the

company’s innovative and sustainable

progress. “From the polyester waste,

we recover a yarn, which can be

used to create the original product

again.” In addition to the industrial

applications, there is also potential in

the mobility and personal protective

equipment sector.

“In 2025, we will also be looking at the

macroeconomic situation, delivery

deadlines, supply chains and energy

prices. A look at our production

portfolio, however, shows how

diversified Getzner Textil is,” says

Leitner confidently.

Increasing

added value

Michael Ulmer is passionate about textiles

with over 25 years of relevant experience

in textile chemistry. As the new ‘Head of

Product Management and Development’ for

the Shirting and Technical Textiles BU, he

wants to make sure Getzner is sustainably

ready for the future.

Getzner Textil brings highly-qualified specialist personnel

together with state-of-the-art technology to create specific

surface modifications. Technical textiles offers a very wide

field of possible applications: a simple polyamide fabric can

become a hot air balloon, while polyester fabrics can become

protective clothing for road traffic, construction sites or

military use. Michael Ulmer joined the Shirting and Technical

Textiles business unit in March 2024. His aim is to take

Getzner to the top as a provider of technical textiles. “We

will pool our strengths and bring the right people together to

position ourselves ready for the future,” he explains. In the

pursuit of economic success, Getzner Textil uses advanced

technology. Thanks to his many years of experience in

the textile chemistry industry, Michael Ulmer is optimally

equipped to implement this here at Getzner and increase the

in-house production of our products.

34 Getzner Werkstoffe | Wir sind Getzner

Getzner Werkstoffe

Persistence pays off in expanding

our presence down under

Getzner aims to continue its growth in the coming years. It’s important

that subsidiaries contribute a significant amount to this objective,

including ‘Getzner Vibration Solutions’ (GVS) in Australia, which has been

under new leadership since 2024 when Rajeev Nand took on the role of

Regional General Manager.

When I joined GVS the business appeared

to be ticking over but there was

no reliable data available to include

our customers in our growth plans. At

Getzner, we work with 5-year plans, so

one of my first tasks was to evaluate our

local situation. The industry business

seemed to receive a consistent flow of

inquiries and orders without needing

to drum up sales; this model could be

maintained for the next one to two

years without having a significant

impact. The same assessment revealed

that construction business has high

potential; however, our biggest challenge

was that Getzner was largely an

unknown entity. We have worked on this

and are now starting to see success – for

example we have delivered more swimming

pool insulation solutions in the

past eight months than we have for the

five years prior. We have also focused

on lightweight floating floors for

fitness applications and have witnessed

amazing results in this area. All these

successes come from analysis, experience

and understanding the market.

I have a high level of resilience and

perseverance. If I don’t win a project,

I want to know why so I can improve.

Being empathic and able to quickly

build rapport with people allows me to

have open conversations. I encourage

my team to be resilient and persistent,

too. You only lose a job when you have

exhausted all avenues, but make sure

you learn how to do things differently

next time … and that’s what we need to

do to be successful.

GVS is an important part of the Getzner

growth strategy. And we see high

potential in Australia. We want to be

regarded as the leaders in the field in

the local market and we are all working

hard to achieve this.

“You only lose a job when you

have exhausted all avenues, but

make sure you learn how to do

things differently next time …

and that’s what we need to do

to be successful.”

Rajeev Nand,

Regional General Manager,

Getzner Vibration Solutions


35

Getzner Textil

From lorry driver to team leader

in the piece dyeing shop

‘Velorex’ is not a newly discovered breed of dinosaur, but a classic car and

the hobby of Tomáš Holos, team leader in the piece dyeing shop here at

Getzner Textil. His motorized three-wheeler from 1963 is a real eyecatcher

on the streets of Bludenz.

“My wife’s always complaining because I spend so

much time in the workshop and can’t take the kids

out on a trip,” confesses Tomáš. It took him two

years to restore his Velorex. “Although I’m a trained

car mechanic, it was still a challenge for me.” After

completing his training, Tomáš worked as longdistance

lorry driver for a long time before moving

to Vorarlberg from Slovakia with his wife. He has

worked in the piece dyeing shop for over ten years

and is now the team leader. One of the reasons why

he decided to change career was that they wanted to

start a family. “As a lorry driver, I was sometimes on

the road for a month and then only back at home for

a week,” recalls Tomáš.

“The opposite shift

model helps my wife and

I immensely.”

Tomáš Holos,

Team Leader Piece Dyeing Shop Shift AI

Swapping the long haul for family life

In comparison, he enjoys very family-friendly

structures at Getzner Textil. His two children, now

nine and four years old, attend the company’s

own childcare facilities ‘Getzner’s ‘Buntstiftle’ and

‘Getzner’s Buntspechtle’. Tomáš also works with

his wife on opposite shifts. “My wife Lucia works in

the weaving plant. The opposite shift model helps

us immensely. I work eight hours on the early shift

and then I’m at home with the children – what more

could you want?” summarises Tomáš. The Slovakianborn

employee also makes use of the options

available at the Getzner Academy: “I increasingly

need to write emails as part of the job. People

always laugh when I write nonsense. It doesn’t really

bother me…” But it is important to be a role model –

especially as a father.

36

Getzner Werkstoffe

New chair, established work

Significant changes took place in the Works Council in 2024. At the start of

November, Reinhard Gantner handed over the chair of the Works Council

to Michael Gander. There were also some replacements in the rest of the

team. Nonetheless, the established activities were carried out once again

this year with great success.

Reinhard Gantner was a member of the

Works Council for almost three decades

and chair for the last 24 years. When

he retired on December 1, 2024, he

resigned from the Works Council and

handed the agenda over to Michael

Gander and his team. “We prepared for

this handover well in advance over the

last three years. As part of the Works

Council coaching, we discussed how

the Works Council should position

itself for the future, and jointly decided

that I would take on the role of chair,”

explains new chairperson Michael

Gander. As the handover of the chair

takes place during the current period,

there is no need for a re-election. “We

ran as a team at the last election and

were elected as a team. We will continue

our work in the usual manner.”

As a long-standing member, Martina

Brandstetter is also resigning from the

Works Council at the end of the year

after more than twenty years. “ Martina

is switching to ‘Getzner Circular

Technologies’ and so can no longer

work in the Getzner Werkstoffe Works

Council. Due to these changes, Kathrin

Schreiber and Melanie Keiser move

up as active members of the Works

Council,” says Michael Gander. And he

announced that: “We will work with

collective force for our colleagues and

continue to cultivate the good relationship

with company management.

During the last, difficult collective

negotiations, we found a reasonable

solution for both sides; the conclusion

was supported by our company, which

we very much appreciate.”

In mid-November, Reinhard Gantner officially handed

over his post to Michael Gander.

Creating memories together

The new Works Council team will

also continue the successful social

events. “We invited employees to

some great events this year too – from

group sledging with a mountain lodge

party, skiing day, a barbecue before

the summer holiday period, a hiking


37

“We invited

employees to

some great

events this

year too.”

Enjoying the joint skiing day, …

Michael Gander, Works Council

Chairperson, Getzner Werkstoffe

day, a trip to the popular Christmas

market and much more. Some events

were held together with the reinstated

health team. This year’s anniversary

celebrations in November were well

attended. We congratulated 30 employees

celebrating anniversaries

totalling 600 years of service,” says

the new chairperson.

Useful gifts for employees

As a special highlight, the Works

Council gave all employees at the

Getzner Werkstoffe headquarters in

Bürs a rucksack this year. “A few years

ago, we gave all employees here in Bürs

a rucksack full of perks, and last year

we realised that there was a need for it

again. As a team, we decided to act and

were able to distribute 400 rucksacks

in the company throughout the year.

Together with the redesigned Workbook,

we’re making the Works Council

visible in the company,” concludes

Michael Gander.

… tasting the popular doughnuts, …

… at the evening sledging event. Many more great

events were also on offer for employees.

38

Getzner Textil

A business

unit under

great pressure

The rapidly changing fashion

market and challenging times called

for a strategic realignment of the

‘ Shirting’ business unit (BU) towards

segments ready for the future.

With its new trade fair stand, Getzner Textil was able to impress at

international trade fairs such as the ‘Milano Unica’ in Milan.

“The only constant was change,”

summed up Gerhard Leitner, head of

the Shirting BU, in regard to the past

year in the fashion industry. After a

year of full order books and pent-up

demand, the markets are now saturated.

A heavy decline in consumption

and high stock levels for customers

led to a wave of insolvencies, which

also impacted the Shirting BU. “The

bankruptcies of many trade partners

and direct customers is painful

both economically and personally,”

stresses Leitner, stating longstanding

partnerships.

Realignment of the Shirting BU

To remain future-proof, numerous

measures were put in place last year.

The Shirting and ‘Technical Textiles’

business units worked increasingly

closely with one another, not just on

the market but also at an organisational

level. “Harnessing synergies”

is the magic formula, which applies

to the entire Getzner Textil Group. As

part of a strategic realignment of the

Shirting BU, the focus is on ‘corporate

fashion’, the basic range and individual

customers in the fashion segment with

close partnerships.

A professional look –

with Getzner Textil

In the field of corporate fashion, the

positive trend seen last year continues.

“Even this year, we were able to win a

lot of special projects,” beams Leitner.

“From ‘Swiss Post’ and ‘Lufthansa’

to the French and Swiss Police and

‘Mercedes Benz’ – they are all wearing

our high- quality shirt and blouse

fabrics.” In conjunction with Guido

Maria Kretschmer, the team is currently

working on a new project for ‘ Interspar’.

Banks, customs bodies or similar

institutions also turn to Getzner Textil

to ensure their employees look

professional.

Regenerative cotton

Sustainability is and remains a major

concern, not only to Getzner Textil, but

also to customers such as ‘Hugo Boss’,

‘Marks & Spencer’ or ‘Lululemon’.

“Getzner is a very sustainable

company,” says Leitner, referring to

the responsible use of resources in

production as well as the company’s

own hydroelectric power plant and

district heating system in Bludenz.

Sustainability is not limited to the

premises, however, but also extends to

the product portfolio. In the ‘Business’

department, the focus is therefore on

the ‘Regenerative Cotton Standard’


39

The new campaign impressively communicates the key aspects of

social responsibility, sustainability and design.

(RCS). This concept goes beyond the

cultivation of conventional organic

cotton and aims to actively improve

soil health, biodiversity and the

climate. Regenerative cotton projects

also promote fair working conditions,

fair pay and support for local communities

to ensure social sustainability.

The future of the textile industry

The fashion market is challenging and

therefore currently in a state of flux.

Despite this, with its new look and new

trade fair stand, Getzner Textil was able

to impress at international trade fairs

such as the ‘Milano Unica’ in Milan.

“In the Shirting BU, this period gives

us the opportunity to actively shape

the future of the fabric industry with

innovative and sustainable solutions

and in doing so combine creativity with

responsibility,” concludes Leitner.

“In the Shirting BU,

this period gives us the

opportunity to actively

shape the future of the fabric

industry with innovative and

sustainable solutions and in

doing so combine creativity

with responsibility.”

Gerhard Leitner, Head of the Shirting BU, Getzner Textil

40

Getzner Werkstoffe

The (value) compass

shows us the way

At Getzner Werkstoffe, everything is pointing towards growth. This is also

true for the ‘Human Resources’ (HR) department. In 2024, around 100 new

employees were hired and the headcount increased by a total of 40 people.

All the more important then to clearly define our interactions with one

another and the nature of our teamwork. With this in mind, our new values

campaign was launched in October 2024.

“It’s not just our expertise, but our shared values that bind us

as a team and hold us together like a magnet. They are what

makes us successful and our work special. They are both a

motivation and an obligation. These values apply to us as a

community,” said Jürgen Rainalter, Chief Executive Officer

of Getzner Werkstoffe. ‘MAGNET’ are the five letters which

represent the key values of ‘menschlich’ (human), ‘aufgeschlossen’

(open-minded), ‘gekonnt’ (skilled), ‘ nachhaltig’

(sustainable), ‘engagiert’ (dedicated) and ‘tatkräftig’

( energetic). “We processed the employee survey from 2019 in

an interdisciplinary team and re-defined our values. Over the

next six months, we will be tackling the value ‘Skilled’ in team

workshops and then turn our attention to the next value.

When doing so, teams should ask themselves “What can WE

do to embrace this value?” and draw up suitable measures

for themselves. At the end of 2025, the results from the

Our newly defined values hold the team together like a magnet.


41

workshops will be presented as part of a values fair,” explains

Andreas Sagmeister, head of HR.

Clear structures in place

There has been a lot of activity in other areas for which HR

is responsible too. “We were able to successfully launch our

new recruiting tool in the middle of the year. This allows us

to streamline the entire application process while ensuring

both maximum access security and excellent transparency

for managers,” says the head of HR. With regards to training,

the ‘genius training lab’ – the new learning academy from

Getzner Werkstoffe – was launched. The training catalogue

has therefore been revised and updated and over 70 videos

for online training have been added. “We have also defined

training plans for different roles, which can easily be

adapted by managers for their new employees,” stresses

Andreas Sagmeister.

A ‘new’

health team

Last year the successful health

team was reinstated. With a new

line-up and lots of ideas, this

year the team will be focusing on

‘ Eating for health’, ‘Exercise for

health’ and ‘Socialising for health’.

Continuing on with successful projects

Two activities that were introduced last year were particularly

well received. Over 70 bicycles were subsidised as part of

the bike leasing scheme. “In light of the company size, that’s

an impressive number,” confirms the HR leader. Last year’s

Christmas celebration, which took place for the first time in

the beautifully decorated auditorium and common area, also

went down well. “A lot of employees accepted the invitation

and enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere here. The Christmas

celebration will take place there once again this year and

we are delighted to be able to welcome lots of colleagues to

enjoy some pre-Christmas festive spirit.”

Numerous projects have already been initiated.

Working together with the Works Council,

the team organised the ‘Getzner Olympics’

as part of the annual barbecue. The sanitary

bins, which can now be found in all the ladies

toilets, were also arranged by the health

team. And last but not least, their activities

can also been seen in the form of the stickers

on the staircases, which are designed to encourage

people to take the stairs more often.

As of this year, we have been able to train four new apprentices in the

careers of laboratory technician, IT technician and office administrator.

42

Work on the new Finishing Hall 6, with a construction period of two years, is right on track.

Getzner Textil

Building the future together

In a company as large as Getzner Textil, there is always something that

needs replacing, renovating or extending. Martin Zech has been involved in

many such major projects. Over 25 years ago, Martin’s and Getzner Textil’s

paths converged, with him ultimately spending ten as the departmental

manager for Technical Services.

With the reorganisation of the

Technical Services department and the

splitting of the agendas between two

department managers this year, Martin

began to look forward to a new chapter

in his life. “It feels good because I know

that the work is in good hands,” he

explains with a view to his upcoming

retirement next year. Until then, he will

be on hand to provide Getzner with advice,

drawing upon the vast knowledge

he has amassed in all his years working

as a technician, project manager and

technical manager.

A man for many tasks

“There was and always is a lot to do,”

recalls Martin, thinking about the

numerous projects relating to our

machinery. For example, there was the

procurement of the pad-steam-washing

system 24 years ago, which is still

in daily use today. Or the installation of

the first large calender, whose system

group is still, to this day, essential for

the damask business with Africa. “As

technician and project manager, I was

responsible for the project implementation,

organising maintenance work

and thus for reliable machine availability

in Finishing up until 2014,” sums

up Martin. Efficient system operation,

adherence to budgets and ongoing


43

“The renovation of the

weaving plant’s head-end

building, which dates back to

1870/71, was great fun.”

Martin Zech, Former Head of Technical Services Department, Getzner Textil

technical checks with suppliers were all

also part of his remit.

Construction is under way at

Getzner Textil: Finishing Hall 6

When he took over as the head of

department for Technical Services, his

remit was extended once again. There

was a lot of construction work going

on at that time. “The renovation of the

weaving plant’s head-end building,

which dates back to 1870/71, was great

fun,” enthuses Martin, talking about the

numerous new constructions and renovations

that took place. The biggest and

most significant plant expansions were

the construction of the hall for stenter

frames, the calender and the piece dyeing

shop in 2015, along with Finishing

Hall 6, which is currently under construction.

Taking around two years to

construct, this will be a hall for finishing

fabrics. At approximately 4,500 square

metres, it will also provide space for

offices, meeting rooms, logistics and

the warehouse. “December will see the

creation of the facade, the installation

of the roof insulation and the retention

basin along ‘Gerberstraße’. This will be

followed by extensive roof greening in

January, and after that the entire infrastructure

for the supply of energy, water

and steam, the heating system and the

waste water and ventilation system.

Then, as of February, the first stenter

frame will be set up in this new area,”

says Martin. Alongside the expansion of

the finished goods high-bay warehouse,

this will provide a further boost to the

main site in Bludenz.

There are also projects such as the new

build and renovation of the Technical

Services building, the expansion in the

weaving plant for the Technical Textiles

business unit and the expansion of the

district heating supply. Aspects such as

compliance as well as environmental

and employee protection have also

always been important to Martin.

New photovoltaic system reduces

electricity costs

“The energy supply and the efficient,

sustainable use of energy was and

still remains a fundamental and high

priority matter for Getzner Textil,”

says Martin in regard to major projects

such as the expansion of the district

heating supply and the new photovoltaic

system. “In parallel to the

ongoing energy-saving measures, a

PV system with a capacity of around

1,100 kWp was installed on the weaving

plant roof this year.” The system’s

output corresponds to the energy

requirements of about 300 homes and

is Austria’s biggest fully-optimised

PV system from the company Huawei.

A total of 2,344 modules and around

40 kilometres of cable were installed on

a module area of 4,688 m².

Martin always focuses on acting with

purpose. This can be seen, for example,

in the fact that Martin was a member of

the company fire brigade and therefore

fire prevention was also very important.

“I was able to help shape ‘a colourful

bouquet of flowers’,” says Martin

with gratitude. He already has big

plans for the time ahead and still has

a few things to organise. Retirement

is therefore out of the question, but

“Once you’re retired, you don’t need

to do what’s profitable, you can focus

on what’s worthwhile.”

44

Getzner Textil

Exciting projects

in the ‘Mobility’

business unit

From car brands such as Skoda and Cupra to cruise

ships and reusable ‘Waschies’ pads – the Mobility

business unit (BU) demonstrated its impressively

diverse range of applications during the past year.

“The situation in the automotive

market remains hard to assess and

challenging. So it is all the more

pleasing that we currently have two

exciting projects to work on,” sums

up Marco Kröll, who became the new

Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary

‘Herbert Kneitz’ (HKM) in August.

A focus on sustainability:

collaboration with Skoda

One of these big names is automotive

manufacturer Skoda, who, together

with HKM, is committed to sustainable

solutions for their new electric vehicle

‘Elroq’. HKM supplies fabric for various

interior components such as door

trims, dashboards, arm rests, knee pads

and seat covers. As part of the circular

economy, the materials are derived

from recycled plastic bottles, new PET,

and for the first time also from used

work clothing. HKM is also working on

exciting projects with the ‘Cupra Born’,

‘Cupra Formentor’ and ‘Cupra Leon’.

“Here we are offering a complete textile

solution for the first time with precisely

cut parts instead of rolled goods,”

reports Kröll, who is excited to be able

to offer customers in the automotive

industry a new product.

A comfortable journey with

the Mobility BU

“The ongoing crisis in the transport industry

seems to be over,” beams Kröll in

regard to the stable order numbers. The

team won an important order for 2025

for the Korean railway operator ‘Korail’

with a volume of over 30,000 running

metres. The subsidiary ‘E. Schoepf’ is

also a sought-after partner around the

world for the bus and rail industry. “At

the start of the year, we were able to

equip 400 coaches with interior trim,

overhead compartment trim and seat

covers for the Saudi Arabian company

Saudi Aramco – and all in an unbelievably

short period of time,” says Chief

Executive Officer Jochen Rieger proudly

of his team at E. Schoepf. In the Netherlands,

190 city buses are now equipped

with sustainable seat covers made of

recycled polyester – and therefore from

post-consumer recycled material. Two

hundred new city buses in the city of

Luxembourg and 100 double-decker

trains for the Baden-Württemberg

railway also now boast material from

E. Schoepf for comfortable travel. Although

demand in the offroad segment,

which includes vehicles such as forklifts,

tractors and excavators, has weakened

somewhat following strong years,

E. Schoepf has successfully supplied

John Deere with a new tractor seat.

International trade fair presence:

from Berlin to Miami

One particular highlight was the

company’s participation at ‘InnoTrans’,

the international trade fair for transport

technology, where products from

the Mobility BU attracted great interest

on the stand shared by E. Schoepf

and HKM. The team at E. Schoepf

travelled a little bit further afield for

the ‘Cruise Ship Interiors Miami’ trade

fair. “This renowned trade fair, which

specialises in the interior design and

renovation of cruise ships draws visitors

from all around the world,” says Rieger,

who is already looking forward to

next year. Upholstery fabric and wall


45

Wall panels and upholstery fabric, such as that found in the theatre of

the new cruise ship ‘Icon of the Seas’, were supplied by E. Schoepf.

The seat fabric in the new Cupra comes from HKM.

panels from E. Schoepf can already be

found on the ‘Icon of the Seas’ and will

soon feature on its sister ship ‘Star of

the Seas’ too.

New routes in the product portfolio

The flexibility of the Mobility BU can

also be seen in the new products: toiletries

bags and Waschies. “The toiletries

bag for ‘KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’

helps us to fill capacity which is now

available due to the market situation

in the automotive industry,” explains

Kröll. E. Schoepf can now also be found

in domestic bathrooms with Waschies,

which featured on the German version

of ‘Dragon’s Den’. These reusable pads

are an ecologically beneficial alternative

to disposable wet wipes and

cotton pads. “We’re currently working

with ‘CiCLO ® ’ technology to make the

Waschies biodegradable and even more

sustainable,” emphasises Rieger.

“In the ‘Cupra Born’, ‘Cupra

Formentor’ and ‘Cupra Leon’

electric cars, we are offering

a complete textile solution

for the first time with

precisely cut parts instead

of rolled goods.”

Marco Kröll, Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Kneitz

HKM helped Skoda with

the fabrics for the new

Elroq electric car:

46

Getzner Werkstoffe

‘Getzner Circular Technologies’

for innovative recycling

Using resources carefully and living sustainably – this is the key to a

worthwhile future. To do so, it is important to move towards a circular

economy, in which valuable resources are reused in new products.

Getzner Werkstoffe Holding has taken this idea to heart and founded its own

recycling company in the form of Getzner Circular Technologies. In future,

third-party recyclables will also be processed here as well as our own. This

service will soon enable further customers to close their material loop too.

Polyurethane (PU) was previously

regarded as difficult or practically impossible

to recycle. Thanks to intensive

research, two new processes have now

been developed which can be used in

future: Getzner Circular Technologies is

therefore focusing on both mechanical

and chemical recycling. Mechanical

recycling involves turning the PU

recyclables into granulate and then

pressing them into new mats. “As the

PU foam can be collected by type, a

targeted combination of different types

can be used to produce materials with

specific elastic and mechanical properties.

Depending on requirements,

these mats are used in various railway,

construction and industrial projects

as a new product line alongside our

tried-and-tested materials,” explains

Chief Executive Officer Christian Loretz.

The production stages for the manufacture of a PU granulate mat


47

“When it comes to chemical recycling,

we bring our many years of experience

in the chemical recycling process and

recover valuable raw materials from PU

recyclables. These are extremely high

quality and can be fed back into the

loop for the production of PU.”

‘Relomer ® ’ – The new product range

The first products produced by mechanical

recycling have been available on the

market since autumn of this year under

the name Relomer. “We presented

our products to a wide audience at the

‘InnoTrans’ in Berlin in September and

will be doing so again at the upcoming

‘BAU’ in Munich. In the railway sector,

they are used as side material and as a

filler material in mass-spring systems,

which, for example, are often used for

track construction in tunnels. In the

construction sector, they are suitable as

side mats for the bedding of buildings

or for impact noise solutions,” explains

Christian Loretz. Sales partners will

also be offered the Relomer products,

which are currently available in

three stiffnesses.

Strategic acquisition of shares for

quicker market launches

“There is a huge amount of interest

in our recycling products. To meet

requirements as quickly as possible,

“There is a huge amount of interest

in our recycling products. To meet

requirements as quickly as possible,

Getzner Werkstoffe has invested in

mechanical recycling this year and

procured the necessary know-how

and production capacity.”

Christian Loretz, CDO, Getzner Werkstoffe

Getzner Werkstoffe has invested in

elastic solution for a range of requirements.

Isolgomma also has the ability

mechanical recycling this year and

procured the necessary know-how and to produce heavy PU granulate mats.

production capacity,” says Christian “This has massively sped up our development

process for Relomer.”

Loretz. With its shares in ‘TecInn’,

Getzner has boosted its expertise in

mechanical recycling. TecInn has many The next step is to integrate the

years of experience in the circular

new products from Getzner Circular

economy and has state-of-the-art

Technologies into the product portfolio

production systems. By acquiring

and identify suitable applications.

shares in ‘Isolgomma’ in Italy, we can “There will be a lot going on next year.

expand our material base to include

There’s never a dull day!” concludes

rubber and offer customers the right Christian Loretz.

48

The Getzner football tournament was an exciting sporting event,

not least thanks to the new Getzner shirts, which looked fantastic.

Getzner Textil

The Works Council give it their all

The newly formed Works Council can look back on an eventful year, shaped

by elections, intensive collective negotiations and numerous valuable

discussions with employees.

2024 was the year of elections – and not

just from a political perspective. After

Renate Moosbrugger was elected the

new chairperson of the Works Council in

November 2023, the 500+ employees at

Getzner Textil AG in Bludenz also went

to the polls in March 2024. The voter

turnout of over 75 percent showed how

important the Works Council, which

is chaired by two women – Renate

Moosbrugger and Filiz Akin – is to the

employees. “As the Works Council, we

strive daily to ensure that the concerns

of the employees are heard and their interests

are protected. We want to create

a fair, respectful working environment,”

they both stress.

By apprentices for apprentices

One month later the election for the

Youth Council was held. This takes

place every two years and is specially

for the concerns of apprentices and

young employees. “We’re here for the

apprentices – no matter whether it’s

a professional or personal problem,

whether it’s about internal networking

or planning events for apprentices such

as the apprentices trip with stand-up

paddling,” summarises the new Youth

Councillor Lian Pfefferkorn.

Much has been achieved

Once again, there was no time for

the members of the Works Council to

get bored this year. “The collective

bargaining, on an equal footing, was

once again challenging. So we are

all the more pleased that we were


49

“As the Works Council, we

strive daily to ensure that the

concerns of the employees

are heard and their interests

are protected. We want to

create a fair, respectful

working environment.”

Renate Moosbrugger and Filiz Akin,

Works Council Chairpersons, Getzner Textil

Works Council members drop off chocolate dressed up as Father Christmas.

able to make so much progress, such

as the long-requested and soon

to be paid day off of December 31

in addition to December 24,” say

Moosbrugger and Akin.

Giving it their all at the

football tournament

A sporting and visual highlight came

in the form of the traditional Getzner

football tournament, which was

colourful this year in the truest sense of

the word. For the first time, the twelve

teams competed against one another in

the specially-created Getzner football

shirts in a wide range of different

colours. “Gib Stoff” (Go on) was

emblazoned across the back – and the

players and excited spectators didn’t

need to be told twice. The team Getzner

United emerged victorious, closely

followed by the Getzner Textil teams

‘Zwölferschicht’ and ‘FC Stillstand’.

“We’d like to give special thanks to the

management boards for their incredible

collaboration – events like these would

not be possible without their support,”

said the Works Council members.

Close to employees

directly to employees – even if we are

The attention the Works Council paid dropping off chocolate dressed up as

to International Women’s Day or the Father Christmas for example,” explain

Vossen sales, where high-quality

the two women. “And who doesn’t

Vossen products could be purchased at enjoy getting something from the

favourable prices, also made for a good Advent calendar,” they add.

atmosphere. “Activities such as these

are a straightforward way for us talk

Works Council Chairpersons Renate Moosbrugger and Filiz Akin (from left to right)


Getzner Textil

With heart and humour:

Ersan’s path at ‘TFE Textil’

This past year has not been easy for Ersan Simsek. He spent five months of

it on sick leave following an accident at work. With his positive attitude and

humour, he is an essential member of the team at TFE Textil GmbH.

Therapy and visits to the doctor still

define Ersan’s day-to-day life; since

the accident, he no longer has full

use of his left arm. Ersan now works

mainly in the office, plans orders in

production and organises the shifts.

In the Shearing department, where he

previously spent around half of his time

at work, Ersan is responsible for aspects

such as quality control. To ensure that

the production machines run around

the clock, everything also needs to run

smoothly in the team: “Sometimes it’s

a challenge keeping the three-shift

operation going with just six people.

I’m happy when we all pull together and

can rely on one another. We have a good

working environment. I always say that

we are a family business,” says Ersan

with conviction. And not only because

his brother Ersin works at TFE GmbH.

For the love of the game

At home in Ludesch, Ersan finds it

important to be part of the community.

He was active in the local council in the

youth and culture committee for a long

time. His children’s hobby eventually

became his too: “I was often at the

football pitch and at some point the

coach asked me if I would like to train

children too,” recalls Ersan. Today he

is the coach of the ‘U11’ team and is

in the hall with the children twice a

week. “For me, it’s all about having

fun – whether it’s in your spare time or

at work. If something doesn’t bring me

joy, I let it go,” says Ersan.

“I’m happy when we all

pull together and can

rely on one another.

We have a good working

environment. I always

say that we are a

family business.”

Ersan Simsek,

Department Manager Warp Production,

TFE Textil GmbH


51

Getzner Werkstoffe

Developing a market

In 2024 a new subsidiary of Getzner was established in São Paulo. It

was the obvious next step after a long period of steady development.

Joao Marcos, the new Regional Sales Director in Brazil, built up the

business there from scratch.

When I started in 2013 in Brazil we had a turnover of

62,000 euros there. We’ve grown a lot over the last decade,

reaching almost 9 million euros, and further growth is

expected. ‘VALE’ is our biggest customer and the second

biggest mining company worldwide. They now equip all

their railways with our products. In the heavy haul sector our

products are a perfect fit, and a lot of other customers rely

on us, too. The last few years have shown that we need more

than just one person in Brazil. I moved with my family to

São Paulo, worked from home and built up a company here.

We are now a team of four.

won’t make any business deals if you don’t speak Portuguese.

As I grew up in Madeira, Portuguese is my mother tongue,

which helps a lot. The biggest challenge I face now is being

a manager and team leader. But I’m sure, we’ll continue the

Brazilian success story we’ve written so far.

Although we are now seeing significant growth, it took a

lot of work to get to this point. And we must continue to

increase demand for our products – also in other applications.

Over the last few years I’ve built up a network – being

able to do this is one of my biggest strengths. And people like

me. Brazilians love to socialise; they invite people into their

homes not long after meeting them. I often play tennis or

have drinks with customers and gain valuable hints and information

for business talks there. And maybe they take me

more seriously because I’m not a Brazilian! I have often felt

during technical discussions that they trust in my role as an

expert. At the same time language is a key argument – you

“Brazilians love to socialise;

they invite people into their

homes not long after meeting

them. I often play tennis or have

drinks with customers and gain

valuable hints and information

for business talks there.”

Joao Marcos,

Regional Sales Director, Getzner Werkstoffe

52 Wir sind Getzner

Wir sind Getzner

53

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Getzner, Mutter & Cie. GesmbH & Co KG

Katharina Hagspiel, Simone Rinner, Martina Schönherr

up! consulting ag, Ruggell

VVA | Vorarlberger Verlagsanstalt GmbH

Photo credits: Marcel Hagen | studio22 (front and back cover, S. 3–5, 11–14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30–33, 35, 42–43, 49, 50); Foto Lerch (S. 4, 6–7);

F r toni (S. 4, 17); Grammer AG (S. 4, 33); Markus Gmeiner und Karin Gmeiner | MATAK STUDIOS Fotografie&Film OG

(S. 4, 8–10, 40); Cupra (S. 5, 45); Luis Leon | Pexels (S. 5, 25); Getzner Circular Technologies (S. 5, 46–47); Guenther Peroutka

(S. 10); Patrik Graf (S. 19); Claudia Göpperl Photographie (S. 19); Hanno Mackowitz (S. 22); Harald Schlossko (S. 22);

Alstom (S. 24–25); iStock.com (S. 27); Sumitomo Realty & Development (S. 27); Weber, Mathis + Freunde (S. 38);

Sofia Zambon | ippo Production (S. 39); Alexander Rudolph (S. 44–45); Reinhard Gantner (S. 48); Flomotion Florian Kraler (S. 49);

privately provided; Getzner Textil Gruppe; Getzner Werkstoffe

Getzner Magazine "Wir sind Getzner"

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