From Grey Mass to Aesthetic Diversity: Rethinking Concrete

Interview with Alexander Bauer, CEO of Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton GmbH

Materials delivered from the factory: A truck from Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton GmbH in front of the Kirchdorfer cement plant

With five ready-mix concrete plants, three gravel plants, and a fleet of trucks, Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton GmbH from the greater Linz area produces and delivers ready-mix concrete and aggregate materials for various construction projects in the central region of Upper Austria. In an interview with Wirtschaftsforum, CEO Alexander Bauer discusses the advantages of a building material often unjustly criticized.

Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Bauer, why does concrete have a bad reputation in society, and why is this reputation unwarranted?

Alexander Bauer: Concrete often has an image problem because it is perceived as environmentally harmful and aesthetically unattractive. Many people associate concrete with gray, dreary buildings and the notion that its production causes high CO₂ emissions. However, this perception is often unfounded. Concrete is an extremely durable building material that lasts for generations. This means that buildings and infrastructures made of concrete need to be replaced less frequently, ultimately saving resources and protecting the environment. Meanwhile, concrete also offers diverse aesthetic possibilities. Modern architecture uses concrete not only functionally but also creatively to create appealing and sustainable designs. It is important to highlight the positive aspects of concrete: when used responsibly, it represents an environmentally friendly and flexible solution for many construction projects.

Alexander Bauer, Managing Director of Kirchdorfer Gravel and Concrete GmbH

Wirtschaftsforum: What specific measures are you taking to actively improve the ecological footprint of your products?

Alexander Bauer: By reducing the clinker content in cement, which is fired at high temperatures and causes significant CO₂ emissions, we can decrease environmental impact. With the large volumes of concrete used, even small reductions can lead to considerable CO₂ savings. Our goal is to gradually reduce the clinker content in our mixes without compromising the quality and strength of the concrete. Secondly, we predominantly use regional raw materials to minimize transportation distances. Our gravel deposits are located in close proximity to our production sites, which not only reduces CO₂ emissions from transport but also supports the local economy. Furthermore, we invest in modern technologies and facilities that operate more energy-efficiently and use fewer resources. We continuously review our production processes for optimization opportunities and rely on innovative solutions to reduce material consumption. Finally, we are also engaged in research projects to develop new sustainable materials and techniques that further minimize the ecological footprint. Through these measures, we aim to ensure that our products are not only high-performing but also environmentally friendly.

Kirchdorfer Kies & Beton GmbH Ready-Mix Concrete Plant — Efficient logistics and high-quality materials from the ready-mix concrete plant ensure the optimal supply of ready-mix concrete for construction projects in the region

Wirtschaftsforum: What is the current market situation like, and what challenges are you facing?

Alexander Bauer: The economic situation in the construction industry is currently tense. Inflation and rising construction costs are putting pressure on the sector. In addition, there is an overcapacity in the market, which leads to a drop in prices. Despite these challenges, we have done our homework and are optimistic that the market situation will improve in the coming years.

Wirtschaftsforum: What can you tell us about the history of Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton GmbH?

Alexander Bauer: Originally, the company WIBAU was a cooperative founded by master builders to supply themselves with gravel and transport concrete. Over the years, the Kirchdorfer Group has acquired shares in WIBAU, and now 98% of the company's shares belong to Kirchdorfer Cement Works, which is part of the Kirchdorfer Group – an internationally active construction company with 1,700 employees in 14 countries. With the renaming of WIBAU to Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton in April 2025, we have taken an important step towards repositioning the company.

Kirchdorfer Gravel & Concrete GmbH Cement Plant — Tradition meets innovation: The Kirchdorfer cement plant symbolizes the transformation of the industry towards more sustainability, efficiency, and regional responsibility.

Wirtschaftsforum: What milestones are particularly important for the development of the company?

Alexander Bauer: A crucial milestone was the acquisition of two production sites from the Holcim Group in April 2025. This allowed us to significantly increase our capacities and we are now among the top 3 in the ready-mix concrete sector in Upper Austria. This acquisition not only signals our market strength but also our commitment to the future of the company.

Wirtschaftsforum: What are your goals for the future of Kirchdorfer Kies und Beton GmbH?

Alexander Bauer: Our goal is to continue to grow and strengthen our position in the market. We want to integrate not only the two new plants but also expand our locations in Upper Austria and beyond. Moreover, it is important to us to improve the framework conditions for the construction industry in Austria, so that we can remain competitive in the future.