High-Tech Steel Belt Solutions for Every Industry
Interview with Gernot Binder, CEO, Berndorf Band Group
For over 100 years, Berndorf Band Group has been a leader in the production of high-quality steel belts and machinery, serving industries across the globe. With its headquarters in Austria and a presence in over 80 countries, the company is renowned for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach. In this interview, Co-CEO Gernot Binder shares insights into the company’s future goals, including its focus on expanding in the e-mobility sector through sustainable and cutting-edge technologies.
European Business: Mr. Binder, how did you start your career at Berndorf Band Group, and what path led you to your current position?
Gernot Binder: I joined Berndorf Band Group in 1996, starting in a training role for our service specialists. Over time, I built up the training center and gradually worked my way through production, product management, and ultimately into management roles. I also had two stints in the U.S., first in South Carolina as a technical product manager and later as managing director for our U.S. subsidiary near Chicago. Since 2022, I have been serving as Co-CEO alongside my colleague Alexander Leutner.
European Business: The company has a long history spanning over a century. Could you share with us some of the most significant milestones in the company’s development?
Gernot Binder: One of the first major milestones was the shift from cutlery manufacturing to producing steel belts over 100 years ago. Another important moment was the management buyout by the Zimmermann family in 1988, which allowed the company to leave the state-owned industry and become privately owned. Additionally, the launch of our first large-scale production line featuring steel belts around the year 2000 marked a significant step. In 2012, we spun off our engineering division into a separate company, Berndorf Band Engineering, to focus on developing belt systems innovations.
European Business: What makes Berndorf Band Group stand out from its competitors?
Gernot Binder: Our two main strengths are our commitment to innovation and our superior service quality. We consistently develop new products with our customers, offering significant value in terms of performance and efficiency. On the service side, we provide extensive technical support, from development to installation and maintenance, which sets us apart from competitors who often lack the same level of after-sales care.
European Business: You mentioned global markets. Which regions are most important for your business, and how do you manage such a broad market presence?
Gernot Binder: We are truly global, with operations in almost every region except for some parts of Africa. In Europe, for example, the construction industry is a major market for us, while in Asia, we serve industries such as film and foil production. The U.S. has a diverse range of needs, from construction to the wood and chemical industries. Having a decentralized structure allows us to be flexible and responsive to customer needs in these varied markets.
European Business: Could you tell us about some of the most recent technological advancements or new products that the company has developed?
Gernot Binder: A recent innovation we are excited about is a new coating for our belts, designed to prevent sticking in industries like food and chemical processing. This helps ensure cleaner, more efficient production lines. We are also heavily involved in developing applications for the e-mobility sector, where our steel belts play a critical role in the manufacturing process for components like battery cells and heat shields.
European Business: Sustainability is a key issue across industries today. How is Berndorf Band Group addressing this challenge?
Gernot Binder: Sustainability is one of our top priorities. We are working on new products such as steel belts designed for the continuous production of films made from renewable raw materials. This is particularly important for packaging and other industries that are looking to reduce their environmental impact. Our R&D center here in Berndorf allows us to test these new materials with customers and develop solutions that meet both quality and sustainability standards.
European Business: As the industry evolves, how important is automation and digitalization for Berndorf Band Group’s future development?
Gernot Binder: Automation and digitalization are important for our future growth, especially in terms of improving efficiency and reducing costs for our clients. We’ve already integrated advanced digital tools into our production processes, but we see significant opportunities to expand these capabilities further, particularly by incorporating artificial intelligence and more advanced data analytics. These technologies will help us optimize performance, predict maintenance needs, and offer even more personalized solutions to our customers. While we’re still a long way from full automation due to the complexity of our production processes, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
European Business: What are the long-term goals for Berndorf Band Group?
Gernot Binder: Our primary goal is to strengthen the integration between our steel belts and machinery, creating innovative solutions that give us a competitive edge, particularly against Asian competitors. We also aim to grow our market share in e-mobility and the chemical industries, where there are significant opportunities. Ultimately, we want to continue leading the industry in innovation while expanding our global presence, investing in sustainable production methods, and staying agile to adapt to shifting market demands worldwide.