"Digitalization Keeps Production in Europe!"
Interview with Eduard Zechner, CEO of zh-technologies Control and Automation Technology GmbH
What makes a mid-sized technology company from Carinthia a sought-after digitalization partner for large corporations? Eduard Zechner, founder and CEO of zh-technologies, talks about the history of his company, his own attitude towards work, the opportunities provided by digitalization, his views on the transformation of industry, and the importance of a small but excellent team for success.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Zechner, what exactly does zh-technologies specialize in?
Eduard Zechner: We are a comprehensive provider of automation and digitalization solutions in the industry. Our strength lies in software development – from the machine level to management reporting. The goal: to make processes more efficient, transparent, and flexible. Real-time data analysis, traceability, quality assurance – all of this is possible when you keep the entire chain in view. And that is exactly what we offer from a single source.
Wirtschaftsforum: For which industrial sectors do you work? Are there any particular focuses?
Eduard Zechner: Our customers mainly come from the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and paper industries. We operate across Europe – and sometimes beyond, such as during commissioning. Our clients range from medium-sized businesses to global corporations like Mars (Petcare, Royal Canin, Wrigley,...), Procter & Gamble, Syntegon, or Andritz. Additionally, we have established another pillar in the semiconductor industry. Together with partners, we develop machines for this sector, including for clients like Infineon, Halo, and ST Microsystems. That we are specifically expanding our skills here is a long-term investment in our future.
Wirtschaftsforum: What do you see as the drivers of digitalization, and how do you handle new technological developments such as artificial intelligence in this context?
Eduard Zechner: Digitalization is promoted firstly by the desire for efficiency. Secondly, it is driven by the pursuit of sustainability and individualization. Companies today need to know where and how a product originated. At the same time, consumers expect personalized products, and that as quickly as possible. To be able to accomplish all this, digitalization in production and administration is indispensable. A significant driver is also the shortage of skilled workers. Digitalization helps to master these complex challenges and therefore keeps production in Europe – or brings it back there. With regard to the integration of AI in processes, we are closely observing what is technically possible and sensible. AI can improve many things, but it is not a panacea. We integrate machine learning where it adds real value, for example in the form of additional modules for existing systems. Our strength lies in intelligently deploying and expanding existing platforms, such as those from Rockwell, Siemens, PTC, Inductive Automation, or Beckhoff.
Wirtschaftsforum: zh-technologies has been able to benefit from the increasing demand for automation and digitization solutions. How do you manage the strong growth of recent years?
Eduard Zechner: It is important to us to grow moderately – and above all with humanity, concerning our employees. We now have nearly 90 people, but we consciously do not want to grow too quickly, as our business thrives on trust, team communication, and customer communication. We are currently investing about 20% of our revenue in the training and development of our team, where not only technical skills count, but especially soft skills.
Wirtschaftsforum: Against this background, how would you describe your company culture?
Eduard Zechner: We work in a team where everyone meets each other at eye level, and we have flat hierarchies with a lot of personal responsibility, enabling us to respond quickly and efficiently to customer requirements. We want everyone to have the chance to do what they enjoy. That's important to us, because those who work with joy learn faster, contribute more – and also stay. The fact that we are successful with this attitude is demonstrated by our very low turnover rate – that speaks for itself. We see technical, cultural, and personal diversity in the team as an enrichment.
European Business: You co-founded zh-technologies and have shaped its history ever since. Look back with us and tell us what you see as the crucial factors for the success of your company.
Eduard Zechner: After some years abroad and at larger plant engineering firms, it was clear to me that I wanted to return to Carinthia. The initial spark for founding zh-technologies was a project with a local company. In 2005, we then established zh-technologies. What I think has characterized us from the beginning was our core team, which has almost continuously worked together since then. Many are still with us today. This consistency and identification with the company run like a red thread through our company history; both are key success factors. Furthermore, we are technically and technologically versatile and are known for our high flexibility. Both qualities are valued by our customers – we are very often recommended.
Wirtschaftsforum: What do you wish for your company in the future?
Eduard Zechner: It is important to me that the company remains independent and stable – even when I one day step back. We are already purposefully building up executives who have been with us for a long time and who will secure the succession someday. I hope we can continue as a team just as we have been. Then I have no worry that we will run out of ideas or customers. On the contrary: I believe the most exciting projects are still ahead of us.