Windows: Beacons of Light for Generations
Interview with Thomas Braschel, Managing Director of Gaulhofer Industrie-Holding GmbH
A modern architectural aesthetic often demands large glass areas that create light and transparency in interiors and nearly eliminate the boundaries between inside and outside. Gaulhofer Industrie-Holding GmbH has established itself as a leading provider of high-quality window solutions in this context. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, the company combines tradition with innovative approaches to meet the needs of the market in new construction, renovation, and historic preservation.
Gaulhofer Industrie-Holding GmbH, based in Übelbach in Styria, has a long history that began with its founding in 1919. Today, it is under the management of Thomas Braschel, who has been one of the two managing directors since 2019. "We focus on the German-speaking region because we are well acquainted with the market needs here and can react agilely to changes," explains Thomas Braschel about the current strategy. The company specializes in the production of wood, wood-aluminum, plastic, and plastic-aluminum windows and offers a comprehensive range of products including front doors and sun protection solutions.
Trends in Window Construction
The current trends in window construction show a clear tendency towards large glass surfaces and slim designs. "Customers want more light in their living spaces," says Thomas Braschel. Gaulhofer responds to these developments with innovative solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Wood in Trend
The demand for wood and wood-aluminum windows is increasing, and Gaulhofer has established itself as a pioneer in this area. "Wood windows offer a warm and pleasant living atmosphere and are excellent at absorbing moisture," says Thomas Braschel. "These properties make them not only aesthetically appealing but also functionally superior." Focusing on local woods such as spruce, silver fir, and the beautiful Alpine larch, Gaulhofer emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing, staying true to its clear line – no mixing of materials that are later difficult to separate. "We are proud that our windows not only meet the highest quality standards but also reflect the current trend towards using natural materials," adds Thomas Braschel. This combination of sustainability and appealing design makes Gaulhofer windows an increasingly popular choice for upscale construction projects.
Agile Leadership Style
Gaulhofer currently employs 270 employees and achieved slight growth with an annual turnover of about 52 million EUR in 2024, despite a challenging economic situation due to the difficult year. In this context, Thomas Braschel also emphasizes the importance of a modern and agile leadership culture: "We live principles at eye level. It is important that our employees have the competence to make decisions." This approach promotes a positive working climate and efficiency in collaboration with partners and customers. "The quality of interaction is crucial to achieving the best results," says Thomas Braschel further.
Investments in the Future
In recent years, Gaulhofer has made several significant investments to expand production capacities and improve quality. "In 2022, we invested in a new production facility for wooden windows and fully commissioned it in 2023. It is one of the most modern of its kind and enables us to ensure high reliability of supply with the best quality," reports Thomas Braschel. Such investments are crucial to be able to compete in a competitive market. Additionally, a company with decades of experience in historical window construction was acquired in 2022. Since March 1, 2025, it has been operating as Gaulhofer Manufaktur. Here, box-type windows and historical windows for building renovation in monument and ensemble protection are individually manufactured with the highest standards of customization and authenticity. Such investments are decisive to remain successful in a competition-driven market and to offer customers an even broader spectrum of high-quality solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite positive developments, Gaulhofer also faces challenges. Private house construction has lost momentum in recent years, which has affected the order situation. With a clear strategy built on four pillars, Gaulhofer has already consolidated its position by 2024 and compensated with high-quality timber construction projects. This diversification is an important success factor to remain stable even in difficult times.
With Passion into the Future
Gaulhofer actively shapes the future – innovative, sustainable, and with a deep understanding of its customers' needs. In addition to modern solutions for new construction and renovation, Gaulhofer also sets strong impulses in urban redevelopment, where the protection of monuments and ensembles places the highest demands. With the Gaulhofer Manufaktur (www.gaulhofer-manufaktur.com), the company offers individual solutions that preserve historical values and combine modern technology at the highest level. "Our aim is to be a partner that our customers can rely on – today and tomorrow," says Thomas Braschel. The consistent focus on market changes and a clear commitment to sustainable building shape Gaulhofer's path. "We are convinced that timber construction and its versatility will play a central role in the future of building – and that steadfast partners like Gaulhofer, who come with expertise, reliability, and a special quality of encounter, will make the difference," he adds.