PALFINGER news

PALFINGER: Expansion to competence in Köstendorf

22.03.2021

To offer its customers and business partners highly integrated and future-proof overall solutions, PALFINGER is expanding its research and development capacities. Köstendorf is to become an important site in PALFINGER’s product development network.

Within the framework of its comprehensive investment program, PALFINGER starts the first expansion phase - costing around five million euros - of its research and development site in Köstendorf. “Our strategy is to work closely with our customers to develop holistic, sustainable solutions for their individual challenges. That is why PALFINGER in Köstendorf focuses on mission-critical customer solutions,” explains Andreas Klauser, CEO of PALFINGER AG.

 

Investing millions in the future

PALFINGER is participating in the increased COVID-19 investment bonus decided in 2020 by the Austrian government and will invest a total of around EUR 40 million in strengthening the site as well as in greening and digitalization projects. These include the expansion of the Lengau site, the modern PALFINGER Campus Training Center - and now the Köstendorf Technology Center. “We are combining these investments into a large, effective package to help us emerge from the crisis strong, fully prepared to accept the challenges of the future,” says Andreas Klauser.

Strong Salzburg site

“With this investment program, PALFINGER not only strengthens the site in financial terms, but also actively promotes Salzburg as a research site. This is a strong signal for the region and the industrial province of Salzburg, especially in such challenging times. Research and development are the basis for innovation and progress, which is why I am pleased that PALFINGER is committed to the Köstendorf site and provides high-quality jobs in our region,” says Salzburg’s Governor Wilfried Haslauer. Austrian Minister of the Economy, Margarete Schramböck, is also pleased: “Many companies are looking to the future with courage and investing their way out of the crisis. PALFINGER’s investment is a contribution to the modernization of the site at the same time as safeguarding high-quality jobs in the region. What Austria needs now is responsible entrepreneurship teamed up with visions for the location - and because PALFINGER embodies exactly that, I would like to express my sincere thanks.”


Cross-functional working

The expansion will see a flexible open space office concept with various work zones being created for more than 100 employees in Köstendorf. This concept supports the product development teams in cross-functional work. It means that teams can collaborate flexibly across all department boundaries, either in person or digitally, as needed. That is why the employees concerned are actively involved in shaping the details of the architectural concept. In order to ensure the performance, reliability and safety of the highly complex lifting solutions, the test laboratory for performing trials and building prototypes is also being significantly expanded.


Integrated all-in solutions

“With this expansion we are creating the best conditions to further strengthen our development capacity in important as well as critical competencies,” explains Andreas Hille, Senior Vice President Global Product Line Management. The main focus is on system engineering, project management, verification and validation as well as software development. Together, they contribute to the implementation of the PALFINGER Solution Strategy. “PALFINGER develops all-in solutions for its customers and business partners. Our solutions include the carrier vehicle and integrated digital functions and services. We offer a holistic, future-proof package. We are shaping the future,” summarizes Andreas Klauser.


ABOUT PALFINGER AG

PALFINGER is an international technology and mechanical engineering company and the world’s leading producer and provider of innovative crane and lifting solutions. With around 12,700 employees (without contract workers), 30 manufacturing sites and a worldwide sales and service network of around 5,000 service points, PALFINGER creates added value from the challenges of its customers. PALFINGER is consistently continuing on its course as a provider of innovative, complete solutions that deliver increased efficiency and better operability, while leveraging the potential of digitalization along the entire production and value chain.

PALFINGER AG has been listed on the Vienna stock exchange since 1999, and in 2023 achieved record revenue of EUR 2.45 billion.

 

QUERIES TO

Katja Pötsch | Head of Public Relations & Executive Communication | PALFINGER AG
M +43 664 889 69 065  | k.poetsch@palfinger.com