From Garage Project to Global Player
Interview with Werner Steininger, Managing Director of WesttecH Maschinenbau GmbH
WesttecH Maschinenbau GmbH is more than a manufacturer of forestry and tree care machines - it is a pioneer in the development of simple but highly effective solutions for global challenges. Founded out of the necessity to use wood economically, the company has developed into an international player with a broad product range. At its core is always the solution of specific problems - an approach that has always shaped the company.
WesttecH Maschinenbau GmbH was created out of the necessity to process wood efficiently and economically. Werner Steininger, founder and managing director of the company, recognized the potential to revolutionize biomass management through mechanical solutions. 'The original problem was to make wood easier to use. This was the starting point of our company history,' explains the enthusiastic tinkerer. The first step was the development of a mechanical wood splitter, which was created as a prototype in his garage. This device enabled significantly faster and less labor-intensive wood processing than traditional methods. The high demand for this solution led to rapid growth of the company and laid the foundation for the later expansion of the product portfolio.
Simple solutions for complex challenges
A central principle in the development of WesttecH machines is simplicity. "Our machines are essentially very logical and simple to construct. They contain little in the way of electrical or electronic components, which gives us the advantage that they can be used worldwide without any problems," says Werner Steininger. This simplicity makes the machines particularly attractive because they can be operated without extensive training. "It's comparable to a printer that you simply connect and use without having to set up complex systems. This plug-and-play functionality has made our machines very successful."
Multifunctionality and Customer Proximity
Over the years, the product portfolio has continuously expanded to meet the growing demands of the forestry and tree care industry. "Today, we not only offer wood splitters, but also specialized machines for various applications in forestry and tree care," explains Werner Steininger. Key product categories include tree care equipment for urban areas, specifically designed for safe felling and pruning of trees in urban environments. "These devices allow for precise work in cramped conditions and near infrastructure," elaborates Werner Steininger.
Climate Change as a Driver for Innovation
Climate change presents a special challenge that spurs the company to new innovations. "Unfortunately, climate change is a reality that strongly affects our environment. Trees and plants are heavily stressed by drought, storms, and other extreme weather events," says Werner Steininger. "We offer solutions for the gentle felling of these trees. Our technologies help minimize risks when working with unstable trees." Particularly noteworthy are the multifunctional attachments. "Our universal devices can be used both for felling and for transporting wood," explains the managing director. "This versatility allows our customers to efficiently combine various operations."
Internationalization and Commitment to Location
Despite its international orientation, WesttecH remains loyal to its location in Upper Austria. "We produce all our machines at our site in Austria. From development and construction to manufacturing – everything is done locally here and then shipped ready for use to our customers," emphasizes Werner Steininger. The company focuses on sustainability, producing with biomass and solar power. "We use biomass to heat our buildings and produce solar power, which we consume 100% of."
Future-Oriented and Customer-Focused
For the future, WesttecH plans to continue developing innovative solutions for forestry and tree care. "Our goal is to develop solutions for our customers so that they can perform their tasks optimally," Werner Steininger summarizes the company's goals. With an annual turnover of just under 20 million EUR and an export share of 90%, WesttecH is well positioned to meet future challenges.
Strengthening Europe as a Community
In conclusion, Werner Steininger emphasizes the importance of a strong European community. "Europe has about 360 million residents in the EU. Often, we are influenced by other markets such as the USA, which also have a large impact with 330 million residents." He advocates for Europe to act as a community, to have a greater weight on the global stage. "It is necessary for Europe to act as a unit to play a significant role in political and economic issues."
Visionary Problem Solving
WesttecH Maschinenbau GmbH stands for innovative, simple, and sustainable solutions in forestry and tree care. With a clear customer focus and a strong international orientation, the company is well positioned to be successful in the future. "We continuously accompany our customers and develop solutions tailored to their specific needs," confirms Werner Steininger. "We solve problems." This principle remains WesttecH's commitment for the future.