Unique Propeller Innovation for Aviation
Interview with Eric Greindl, Vice President of MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
Modern propeller technology from Lower Bavaria - with this vision, MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has established itself as a leader in innovation in the international aviation market. Founded by aviation pioneer Gerd Mühlbauer, the company focuses on high-tech, depth of manufacturing, and global reach. Vice President Eric Greindl talks about technological differentiation, the success of the seven-blade propeller, and why consistent investments make the difference.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Greindl, MT-Propeller has made its mark in an international market with a few large players. How was this achieved?
Eric Greindl: Our strength lies in long-term, consistent investment – not only in buildings and machinery but also in know-how and independence. Since the 1980s, our founder Gerd Mühlbauer has pursued his vision of quieter, more efficient propellers. Initially, it was a tough fight against established manufacturers, but through technological differentiation and passion, we have established ourselves in the market.
Today, over 32,000 of our propellers are in use worldwide. The group achieves an annual turnover in the mid double-digit million range - completely self-financed, without investors or banks.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes your technology special?
Eric Greindl: Our propellers are based on a wooden core that is encased with modern materials such as carbon and fiberglass - a vibration-damping, lightweight yet powerful composite construction. This offers clear advantages over metal propellers. Thanks to our multi-blade technology - from five to eleven blades - we achieve less noise, lower consumption, and better performance. Especially the seven-blade propeller has become established worldwide. They are manufactured using state-of-the-art CNC technology from solid blocks - on machines that are almost unique in Germany.
Wirtschaftsforum: How extensive is your manufacturing setup, and how are your market segments distributed?
Eric Greindl: We produce approximately 2,200 to 2,500 propellers annually, distributed across 20 to 25 different models per week – this shows our enormous range. Currently, about 45% of our business is with OEM partnerships and 55% with the global aftersales market, with a growing trend in the OEM sector. A unique selling point: We conduct all certification procedures ourselves – with three in-house test pilots at the highest licensing level. This enables extremely short development and approval times.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your international presence look like in detail?
Eric Greindl: Eric Greindl: Aviation is inherently international. About 80% of our products are exported – particularly strong in the USA, but also to South America, Asia, Europe, or Africa. We have over 63 approved service partners worldwide and own another manufacturing site with our Czech subsidiary Avia Propeller. This subsidiary suffered a significant setback during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as a large portion of its customer relationships were in the East. Now we are focusing on rebuilding in the Czech Republic and new markets. Overall, about 300 employees work for our group, with over 200 in Atting.
Wirtschaftsforum: Aviation is facing a technological change. How are you addressing this development?
Eric Greindl: We are heavily investing in the future of aviation. A focal point is the development of propellers for hybrid and electric aircraft - with nine or eleven blades to achieve the necessary performance at lower speeds. The first test flights are already underway. Our manufacturing is well positioned for this: flexible, quick, and technologically leading. For us, sustainability means: less noise, lower consumption, and maximum resource conservation - without compromising safety.
Wirtschaftsforum: How are you dealing with the economic uncertainties of recent years?
Eric Greindl: While others held back, we invested. Three new halls in Atting, expanding our in-house production, and a warehousing strategy focused on supply security instead of just-in-time - this has carried us through the pandemic and the current supply shortages. We have been working with the same suppliers for decades - this creates trust and reliability. Moreover, we focus on maximum independence: We build, stock, develop, and test everything ourselves. This strategy has proven to be extremely robust.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see for the coming years?
Eric Greindl: I see the greatest challenges in political trade barriers, increasing export restrictions, and the shrinking number of private pilots. Private aviation is under pressure - due to rising operating costs, declining acceptance of airfields, and sometimes stringent regulations. And yet, this group is an important part of our clientele. As a family business, we stand for continuity and responsibility. Our goal is to remain technologically leading, to further expand new markets such as South America, and at the same time to create an attractive environment for our employees - for they are the key to our success.