Custom Concepts for Modern Office Landscapes
Interview with Karl Leitner, Managing Director of FLW Handels Ges.m.b.H
Flexible work environments, hybrid office concepts, and sustainable furnishing solutions – the requirements for modern work environments are more diverse than ever. FLW Handels Ges.m.b.H has specialized in the planning and implementation of custom office landscapes with comprehensive expertise. Karl Leitner, Managing Director and co-founder, discusses the success factors of the company, the impact of digitalization and home office, as well as the visions for the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Leitner, your company has a long history. Can you tell us about the founding and development of FLW Handels Ges.m.b.H?
Karl Leitner: We founded the company in 1989, initially focusing on office supplies for corporate clients. With the advent of online trading, we early recognized that the future lies in areas requiring more consultancy. Therefore, we specialized in the planning and implementation of individual office concepts—a step that has proven to be absolutely right to this day.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is the company structured today, and which locations do you cover?
Karl Leitner: Our headquarters are located in Wels. In addition, we operate a branch in Graz, another in Klagenfurt, and have a sales team in Vienna. This allows us to cover the Austrian market comprehensively. Our focus is on regional embedding combined with a high degree of personal support.
Wirtschaftsforum: How many employees do you currently employ and how is your revenue developing?
Karl Leitner: We currently employ around 30 employees. Our annual revenue is about 12 million EUR. Over the past four years, we have almost doubled our revenue – through both organic growth and acquisitions, such as our successful integration of a company in Klagenfurt.
Wirtschaftsforum: The last few years have been marked by major challenges. How did you experience this phase?
Karl Leitner: Of course, the pandemic was also a turning point for us. Home office and flexible work models have significantly changed the requirements for office concepts. Today, hybrid forms are prevailing – part in the office, part from home. That is why we are developing even more flexible spatial solutions that optimally support hybrid work environments.
Wirtschaftsforum: Topic of digitalization: What role does it play in your business?
Karl Leitner: Digitalization affects us on many levels. Especially in planning, it allows for realistic visualization today – individual, flexible, and to the point. Demands are increasing, but that's exactly where our opportunity lies: to address customer desires more precisely.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. How do you respond to this development?
Karl Leitner: The issue of sustainability has definitely become more important, especially in public tenders and with large corporate clients. We work with suppliers who focus on recyclability and certified materials. This allows us to offer our customers sustainable solutions without having to compromise on design and functionality.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you see the influence of artificial intelligence on your industry?
Karl Leitner: AI will certainly play a larger role in optimizing planning and production processes. Currently, our focus is still on individual consultation and planning, where personal interaction is paramount. However, we are closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing how we can meaningfully integrate new technologies.
Wirtschaftsforum: Your philosophy strongly emphasizes the human factor. How do you live these values in the company?
Karl Leitner: We are a family-run business where cooperation and cohesion are highly valued. Especially in times when individualization and consequently a certain egocentrism are on the rise, we consciously focus on team building and communal activities. This not only strengthens loyalty but also the enjoyment of work.
Wirtschaftsforum: Aside from operations within Austria: Are you also planning international activities?
Karl Leitner: Our focus is clearly on Austria – we rely on regional proximity, personal support, and short distances. At the same time, we collaborate with international manufacturers in procurement to offer a wide and high-quality product range. Thus, we combine global diversity with local service commitment.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally: What visions do you have for the future of FLW Handelsgesellschaft?
Karl Leitner: We aim to continue growing, both organically and through targeted acquisitions. At the same time, we want to further solidify our position as a complete provider of office furnishings in Austria. Trade fairs and events remain important platforms for us to detect innovations early and incorporate them into our concepts.