In economically turbulent times, the company is focussing on sustainable innovations. For example, Hueck Folien is currently investing 8.6 million euros in a new high-vacuum vapour deposition system, which will not only further strengthen competitiveness, but also sustainability at the site. We talk to Dr Martin Bergsmann, CEO, and Manfred Durstberger, Managing Director Production & Technology, about this investment and the future of the company.
#schongenial: Dr Bergsmann, Hueck Folien is making such a significant investment in the midst of economically challenging times. Why now in particular?
Dr Martin Bergsmann: Our industry is developing at breakneck speed, and in order to remain competitive on the one hand and to secure jobs at the site in the long term on the other, we need to invest in forward-looking technologies. With the new vapour deposition plant, we are not only strengthening the Baumgartenberg site, but also boosting our innovative strength in the face of global competition. At the same time, this investment is a clear commitment to Upper Austria as an industrial location.
#schongenial: Mr Durstberger, can you tell us more about the technical side of the investment?
Manfred Durstberger: Of course. We are investing in a new high-vacuum vapour deposition system that has been specially developed for the metallisation of plastic films. This system enables us to precisely vaporise metals such as aluminium and apply extremely thin layers to our films - with a homogeneity that was previously almost impossible to achieve. At a production speed of 1000 metres per minute, we can keep the thickness of the metal layer constant at just +/- two nanometres. This corresponds to around 20 atomic layers, which illustrates the precision of this system.
#schongenial: What impact has this investment had on your production processes?
Manfred Durstberger: The new system will not only significantly increase the precision and quality of our products, but also the degree of automation in production and logistics. The system also consumes around 25% less energy than our previous machine. This is a huge step forward in terms of sustainability and efficiency. We are expanding our production area by around 400 square metres and connecting the new hall directly to our existing metallisation area, which enables optimal logistics.
DI Dr Martin Bergsmann: " Furthermore, it is a matter of course for us at Hueck Folien to take responsibility for our environment. Every investment we make is inextricably linked to the issue of sustainability. We know that we can only be successful in the long term if we also make a contribution to preserving our planet. This is an essential part of our corporate philosophy.
#schongenial: What is the timetable for this project?
Manfred Durstberger: The ground-breaking ceremony for the new hall took place on 20 September 2024, and we plan to put the new facility into operation in autumn 2025. Until then, we will build the production hall, install the system and integrate it into our existing production processes.
#schongenial: What does this investment mean for the Baumgartenberg site in the long term?
Dr Martin Bergsmann: This investment will secure our competitiveness and the Baumgartenberg site in the long term. It is a clear sign that we believe in our future and that of our employees, even in difficult economic times. Upper Austria remains an innovative location for us, and this new technology will enable us to further expand our market position and actively shape the future.
#schongenial: Dr Bergsmann, Mr Durstberger, thank you very much for the interview and the information on the current investment.
