Ideas that Spark
Interview with Klaus Silber, Managing Director of Energie Technik Ing. Mario Malli Planning-GmbH
In an era where ecological responsibility and energy-efficient construction are increasingly important, technical building equipment is becoming the focus of sustainable architecture and engineering practices - evolving from a purely functional element to a key technology for a forward-looking, environmentally friendly building culture. Energie Technik Ing. Mario Malli Planungs-GmbH from Vöcklabruck, Austria, is an excellent example of this.
Comprehensive building technology solutions have long been the hallmark of Energie Technik. The company was founded in 1994, celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, has grown with its customers and their requirements, and today, with 22 employees, it is among the top 10 in the market – and still eager for new challenges. "We see ourselves as technical architects who accompany customers throughout the entire planning process, that is until the commissioning of a system," explains Klaus Silber, managing partner and owner of the company, with three equal partners. "As a planning firm for building technology, we cover all areas, which clearly distinguishes us from the market and is an important competitive advantage."
The Whole Counts
All areas mean heating technology, ventilation technology, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, measurement, control and regulation technology, electrical engineering, energy consulting, sprinkler systems. We plan a range of objects of various sizes - office buildings, commercial and industrial facilities, upscale apartments, or hotels. Supported by long-term partners, Energie Technik focuses on the DACH region. Currently, 7 major projects are being processed in Southern Bavaria alone. "We have been on the market for 30 years and are known for holistic solutions," says Klaus Silber. "Competitors usually cover only partial areas, just heating, ventilation, or only refrigeration technology. Thanks to our structure and our experience, we are very good at implementing integrative planning."
Well positioned for the long term
The past two years have been particularly successful economically; revenue amounts to 2.8 to 3.2 million EUR. Given the currently rather difficult economic situation, similar results are not expected in the near future. "Due to general uncertainty, projects are sometimes stopped: we see revenue declines, but no long-term problems," emphasizes Klaus Silber. "Our advantage is our broad positioning; we are at home in the metal industry just as much as in the chemical industry, the automotive industry, the food industry, or the hospitality industry, and can therefore better offset fluctuations. Overall, we are complaining at a high level."
The Word Counts
Energie Technik is looking forward with optimism despite uncertainties in the market, and is gearing up for new challenges. BIM has long been a topic; AI too, sustainability certainly - excellent sustainability. "It is important to us that sustainability is practiced in technology and that we take responsibility for the environment," says Klaus Silber. "For example, we have implemented well projects for a large Austrian company involved in industrial cooling or productive processes, which received an environment and state award." The lack of skilled workers is considered challenging; especially looking ahead. "We are a relatively small company and need to utilize various channels for recruitment," says Klaus Silber. "Our advantage is that we serve well-known industrial operations, are very well-connected, and can score points with an attractive location, 30 minutes from Salzburg or Linz, and surrounded by mountains and lakes. With a motivated team of young and old, we want to continue to grow healthily and face new exciting challenges. This is particularly important for young employees. They want to be challenged, dare to try new things, and be successful in a team. The most important thing to us is to be honest, fair, and correct. Our word counts."