Decarbonization and Expansion: New Paths in Industry
Interview with Thomas Wimmer, Managing Director of TBP Engineering GmbH
TBP Engineering GmbH is a leading engineering service company specializing in the paper and pulp industry. In a year full of anniversaries, the company looks back on a total of 135 years of corporate history at three locations. Managing Director Thomas Wimmer discusses in the interview the current challenges of the industry, the strategic approaches to decarbonizing the industry, and the expansion into new business areas, while the company continues to focus on innovation and sustainability.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Wimmer, TBP Engineering is celebrating several anniversaries. What are they?
Thomas Wimmer: We are very proud to have been present with TBP Engineering in Austria for 75 years, in Poland for 35 years, and in Germany for 25 years. These anniversaries are particularly significant for us, as our last major anniversary occurred during the pandemic, and we were unable to celebrate at that time. This year, we would like to properly honor the successes of our locations and organize a company-internal celebration where employees from all countries can come together. It is a great opportunity to get to know the different teams better and to strengthen cohesion.
Wirtschaftsforum: What about the current challenges in the industry?
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the current challenges in the industry?
Thomas Wimmer: We are experiencing an economic downturn in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, which are core markets for us. The industry is largely at a standstill, and we are observing a consolidation in many sectors. Especially the large projects that we have realized in recent years are now less numerous. However, we have the advantage that we are flexible and not solely reliant on large projects. We are also dealing with smaller projects and studies to meet our customers' needs.
Wirtschaftsforum: What strategies is TBP Engineering pursuing to remain successful in these challenging times?
Thomas Wimmer: A key approach is focusing on the decarbonization of the industry. Companies are under pressure to reduce their CO2 emissions and increase their energy efficiency. We are actively working on solutions that help our customers optimize their energy consumption structures. One example is industrial heat pumps, which we are exploring to recover waste heat from processes and use it efficiently. This is particularly relevant in the paper and pulp industry, where responsible energy and resource management has been practiced for decades.
Wirtschaftsforum: How are you dealing with rising energy prices and the challenges of energy supply?
Thomas Wimmer: We are facing increased demand for electrical energy, and the question of where the electricity comes from and at what cost is becoming increasingly important. We rely on our decades of experience in planning factories and supply facilities to offer our customers comprehensive solutions. Cooperation with other companies, especially in the field of energy production and distribution, is crucial. We are working on entering into meaningful partnerships to develop innovative solutions that provide added value to our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are there any other interesting sectors for you?
Thomas Wimmer: We have successfully expanded our expertise to the food industry. After the financial crisis, we have built a stable business in this area, which now accounts for about 20 to 25% of our annual revenue. We see the opportunity to apply our expertise in other energy-intensive industries and gain new customers. This is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty, as it allows us to remain diversified and open up new business fields.
Wirtschaftsforum: What vision do you have for the future of TBP Engineering?
Thomas Wimmer: Our vision is to be recognized as a leading engineering service provider in the paper and pulp industry as well as in other energy-intensive sectors. We want to continue to offer innovative solutions that help our clients increase their efficiency and operate more sustainably. At the same time, we aim to expand our international presence and engage in closer cooperation with other companies to work together on the future of the industry. We are convinced that we can remain successful in challenging times through our flexibility and expertise.