Shining Examples – for the German Market as well
Interview with Alfred Huemer, Managing Director of HUBER Signage Austria GmbH
From sign painter to full-service provider for object branding: HUBER Signage Austria GmbH, based in Marchtrenk, Austria, is a prime example of a successful transition from a small family business to an award-winning international player. Managing Director Alfred Huemer discussed this and the challenges of today's times with Wirtschaftsforum.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Huemer, HUBER Signage has been part of your family business, now known as HUEMER Infomotion Group, HIG, since 1987. How has the company developed over the years?
Alfred Huemer: As a company specializing in advertising technology, we are now represented not only in Central Europe but also in Southeast Europe and the Arabian Emirates, with productions in Bosnia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia. We also have our own shop fitting company that sets up complete shops and supermarkets. HUBER Signage has developed quite broadly. In addition to sign and lighting advertising, we offer, among others, digital signage solutions, guidance and orientation systems, as well as outdoor advertising installations. In the digital field, we want to become market leaders in Austria, just as we already are with signage. We produce almost everything in-house and are therefore extremely flexible. We are currently focusing on AI specifications and consulting with external specialists. About 200 employees are now employed in the company. Our annual turnover is 32 million EUR.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are you also suffering from a shortage of skilled workers?
Alfred Huemer: We are not spared from it either. Young people only want to study, but nobody wants to work in services. We had to outsource our workshops and productions to Slovakia and Bosnia. There, the young people still think differently; they still want to earn money through hard work. In Austria – and also in Germany – we are speeding towards disaster. It will take years to teach our youth that we cannot maintain what previous generations have built with just work-life balance and six hours of work a day. With a 30-hour week, we cannot be competitive.
Wirtschaftsforum: There is a new government in Austria. Do you have any specific expectations for it?
Alfred Huemer: I am glad that we had the courage to establish a new government that hopefully brings new ideas. We have such high national debt that we need to justify ourselves before the EU. We cannot continue like this. We must also not senselessly distribute billions in subsidies that are not necessary or never reach where they are needed.
Wirtschaftsforum: Let's take a look into the future. What vision do you have for your company?
Alfred Huemer: At 65, the smooth transition to the next generation, my son and another managing director, is now a priority for me. They should have their own visions. In these times, it is difficult to develop strategies because we do not know what the situation will be like in two or three years. It is important to always be vigilant and manage the business in such a way that changes can be made at any time. One must remain flexible, monitor the market, and recognize new opportunities. The market is in transition. Shopping centers are declining. However, brick-and-mortar retail will continue to have its place. I think the online frenzy will eventually decrease due to logistics effort. Goods are being shipped from A to B and the streets are congested with delivery vehicles. In the future, companies will change their names and logos, and hospitals and airports will need new orientation systems. Thanks to our broad positioning, we look positively into the future – even though it will not be easy.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is your personal motivation behind your story?
Alfred Huemer: The responsibility towards our customers and our employees still drives me. Additionally, the challenge of continuously tackling exciting things and conquering interesting markets keeps me going.