It Can Be Tricky
Interview with Martin Tyroller, Managing Director of TYROLLER HYDRAULIK GmbH
When things get complicated, the experts at TYROLLER HY-DRAULIK GmbH are in their element. The family business based in Waidhofen specializes in hydraulic solutions – the more challenging, the better. Managing Director Martin Tyroller leads the company in its third generation. He spoke with Wirtschaftsforum about hydraulic solutions that save a lot of energy and his role in the company his grandfather founded more than 50 years ago.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Tyroller, let us first take a look at the history of your company. How has TYROLLER HYDRAULIK developed?
Martin Tyroller: My grandfather Johann Tyroller founded the company in 1970 as a one-man engineering office for hydraulics, systems, and hydraulic drilling technology in his private house. It then grew step by step and moved to its current location in the mid-1970s. In the 1980s, we entered into trade partnerships with hydraulic market leaders such as Sun Hydraulics and Danfoss, which still exist today. At the beginning of the 1990s, we opened a branch in Herzberg/Elster. This became independent twelve years later as Tyroller Hydraulik Herzberg and is owned by the Kurde family. By the mid-1990s, my father had begun to work in the family business. Unfortunately, he passed away very early in 2011, so the responsibility fell to me while I was still studying. Johann Nestler, the second managing director, introduced me to everything and we have been working successfully together since then.
Meanwhile, we have constructed new buildings at the location and have greatly expanded. In 2023, we received the research and innovation seal from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research for our innovative projects, which we are very proud of.
Wirtschaftsforum: What products and innovations does your company focus on?
Martin Tyroller: We specialize in complex issues in the hydraulic industry. Since the founding of our company, we develop and manufacture innovative, technically advanced, and energy-efficient hydraulic systems. We have specialized in the production of hydraulic power units, hydraulic cylinders, and control blocks. Our production range is complemented by our comprehensive hydraulic service, making us a complete system partner for hydraulic systems. In a major project, for example, we developed a system that can reduce energy consumption by 55%. Here, we have demonstrated what can still be achieved from older systems with the right solution.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does the company represent itself in numbers?
Martin Tyroller: We employ 55 people. We place great importance on training and retaining apprentices within the company. Currently, we have eight apprentices. In my opinion, one should not complain about the shortage of skilled workers if one isn't taking any action oneself. Our annual revenue in 2023 was EUR 11.5 million. When I joined the company, we were still under EUR 7 million.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is your personal hobbyhorse?
Martin Tyroller: On one hand, of course, technology, hydraulics. On the other, digital marketing with social media channels and our online presence. Right after my studies, I set up a new homepage. Developing in digital marketing is essential if you want to keep up in the market.
Wirtschaftsforum: What, do you believe, are the reasons for the success of your company?
Martin Tyroller: From my perspective, we are very successful because of our staff. We have a highly qualified team, where everyone is motivated and enjoys their work. This is partly because we develop challenging products, but also due to our company culture.
With us, there are flat hierarchies, a warm togetherness, and respectful interaction. Another reason is that we rely on long-term partnerships, both on the supplier side and the customer side.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you see TYROLLER HYDRAULIK in three to five years?
Martin Tyroller: I would not express that in numbers. Our goal is to continue to grow steadily and to manage the impending generational change well. This requires a successful transfer of knowledge to the next generation. My vision is for us to remain innovative and at the forefront of technology, and to continue to be specialists in hydraulic solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, can you share with us what personally motivates you in your work?
Martin Tyroller: As a father of two daughters, I want to be a role model in some ways and advance things. And of course, what drives me is to pass on what my grandfather and father have built to the next generation. Stepping into the shoes of my ancestors means to me to continue and improve the company. Here, the family aspect is very high on my list. But ultimately, as an engineer, I simply enjoy finding solutions to complicated problems.