Harvest Helpers for the Mountains
Interview with Heidi Lainer, Managing Director of Maschinenbau Otto Gruber GmbH
Although agriculture is carried out on a large scale today, in the mountains, tasks such as manure spreading or harvesting can become real challenges. The family-run company Maschinenbau Otto Gruber GmbH from Saalfelden in Austria is the right partner for alpine farmers, as it specializes in the production of loading wagons and manure spreaders for small and large farms in the Alpine region.
As a third-generation agricultural machinery manufacturer, Maschinenbau Otto Gruber has focused on feed-preserving incorporation methods. The milestone par excellence is the development of the push rod conveyor.
"Our machines are currently in high demand, as there is a clear trend towards organic farming," says Managing Director Heidi Lainer, who today leads the company together with Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Andreas Schweiger. "Important for GRUBER are all three product groups: loading wagons, body loading wagons, and manure spreaders, which ideally complement each other. Our products are especially at home in alpine terrain."
The company has taken a pioneering role with its charging wagon. At the location in Saalfelden, Gruber employs 40 staff and has a turnover of five million EUR. Farmers play an important role in daily supply. Thus, it is not surprising that Gruber has not had to suffer any losses in the industry due to the pandemic so far.
"Austria is a pioneer in organic farming and has been able to take advantage of this for the benefit of people, animals, and the environment. Due to Corona, farmers and indirectly we have gained a higher status," says Heidi Lainer.
Strong Trend Towards Digitalization
Gruber wants to expand its position in the market and reach new customers and territories. Currently, the company is active in Austria and adjoining neighboring countries. In the future, there will be an increasing demand for digitized machines, and this is also the direction Gruber is taking.
"We are at the forefront of digital transformation, because our farmers are very modern, and if new technology makes their work easier, then it quickly becomes widespread," explains Heidi Lainer. "We offer customized products, not off-the-shelf. This is what makes us successful. We want to maintain our course and increase our range of services."