What Barbaric does

Barbaric GmbH is an Austrian, founder-owned manufacturer of vacuum lifting technology and automated material handling systems, headquartered in Linz and founded by Stefan Barbaric in 1995. The company serves the woodworking, furniture, glass, timber trade, prefabricated house construction, door manufacturing, and recreational vehicle industries, with named customers ranging from SMB carpentry shops to industrial enterprises such as Tiroler Holzhaus and DIPRO. Its product portfolio splits into two segments: manual vacuum lifters (UniWood UWL and UniGlass UGL series, plus specialty devices such as the NeedleGripper, SWL PlankLifter, and SafetyLifter series with integrated safety testing) and engineered automation systems (CSF panel storage, NST nesting picker, LCV feeding, LPS labeling, RTS return systems, PBX parts buffer, TMP/DRX door handling, SWS solid wood storage, and the WPC wall-mounted portal crane).

Underlying technology is proprietary vacuum handling with patented components, integrated safety architectures (vacuum/pressure monitoring, Eco-mode, mandatory pre-use tests with touchscreen logging), and in-house software that connects to customer ERP, CAM, RFID, and nesting-optimization systems via MySQL-based interfaces. The business model combines one-time hardware sales of custom-engineered systems and standard manual lifters, project-based professional services for system planning, construction, and commissioning, after-sales support and spare parts (organized via dedicated hotlines), and software licensing. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with stated customer amortization periods of under one to two years for flagship automation systems. Distribution is primarily direct via a technical sales team and regional sales representatives, supplemented by an international partner network and active trade fair presence at Ligna and Glasstec.

Name

Barbaric

Legal name

Barbaric GmbH

Website

https://barbaric.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Barbaric GmbH is an Austrian, founder-owned manufacturer of manual vacuum lifters and custom-engineered automation systems (panel storage, nesting, feeding, return, and door handling) serving woodworking, furniture, glass, and prefabricated house construction industries across the DACH region and beyond.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Material Handling Equipment and Automation Systems

NAICS

Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392), Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing (333923), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (33331)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)

akta.pro primary industry

Vacuum Systems & Components (Vacuum Pumps, Ejectors, Cups, Grippers) (IMAHAGAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Warehouse Automation Systems (AS/RS, Shuttle Systems, Vertical Lift Modules) (IMAHABAK), Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers) (IMAHABAI)

Keywords

• Vacuum lifting technology
• Panel storage systems
• Material handling automation
• Woodworking automation
• Glass handling equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Linz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vacuum Lifter Sales: Sale of manual vacuum lifting devices for wood, glass, and mobile applications. Products include UWL series for wood, UGL series for glass, and various specialty lifters. One-time hardware sales with optional accessories and custom configurations.
2. Automated System Sales: Custom-designed automated handling systems including panel storage (CSF), nesting pickers, feeding systems, buffer storage, and return systems. Individual construction for customer requirements with proven components and concepts.
3. System Planning & Engineering: Custom system solutions developed in close cooperation with customers. Planning, design, construction, and implementation services for complex manufacturing processes.
4. After-Sales Services: Technical support, spare parts, maintenance, and service. Hotlines for technical support (ext. 300), spare parts (ext. 400), and after-sales (ext. 500).
5. Software Solutions: Software solutions for digitization of processes such as inventory management of panel products through fully automatic storage systems or digitization of parts flow in production.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Barbaric GmbH manufactures and sells manual vacuum lifting devices and automated material handling systems for wood, glass, and furniture industries. The product range spans ergonomic single-worker manual vacuum lifters (UniWood, UniGlass, GML, IGL, SGL series) with load capacities up to 2,800 kg and fully automated systems including CSF panel storage facilities, NST nesting pickers with camera-based part recognition, LCV feeding systems, RTS return systems for edge banding machines, and SWS solid wood storage with laser scanning. All systems are custom-configured in close cooperation with customers and supported by proprietary MySQL-based software for ERP integration and warehouse management, with manufacturing and assembly performed in-house in Linz, Austria.

Product overview

Barbaric ist ein österreichischer Hersteller von Vakuumhebetechnik und Automatisierungslösungen für die Holz-, Glas- und Möbelindustrie. Das Produktportfolio gliedert sich in zwei Kernbereiche: (1) Manuelle Vakuumheber (UniWood für Holz, UniGlass für Glas, NGR NeedleGripper, RGH Lifter, SWL/SWL plankLifter, RWL rackLifter) sowie Zubehör wie Kran- und Schienensysteme (SSK, SSY) und das SafetyKit/SafetyLifter-Sicherheitssystem für Glasgeräte; und (2) Automatisierungslösungen (CSF Flächenlager, NST Nesting Picker, LCV Beschickung, LPS Labeling Printer, RTS Returnsysteme, PBX Teilepuffer, TMP Türenmanipulator/DRX Türenlagersystem, SWS Massivholzlager, DRX Kommissionierlager). Ergänzt werden die Produkte durch kundenspezifische Softwarelösungen mit MySQL-basierter ERP-, RFID-, CAM- und Datenbankintegration. Das Unternehmen operiert als Gesamtanbieter mit eigener Planung, Konstruktion, Fertigung und Montage für individuell konzipierte Anlagen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Barbaric: Main company brand for automation and handling solutions
• CSF (Plattenlager)
• NST (Nesting Picker)
• LCV (Beschickung)
• LPS (Labeling Printer)
• RTS (Returnsysteme)
• PBX (Teilepuffer)
• DRX (Türenlager)
• TMP (Türenmanipulator)
• SWS (Massivholzlager)
• WPC Wand-Portalkransystem
• UniWood (UWL)
• UniGlass (UGL)
• SafetyKit
• SafetyLifter
• GML (Glass miniLifter)
• IGL (ISO GlassLifter)

Products and services

• Manual Vacuum Lifters (UniWood and UniGlass series) Manual vacuum lifting devices for ergonomic handling of wood panels, glass, and windows. Includes the UniWood series for wood and UniGlass series for glass, with various configurations for lifting, rotating, and tilting, and load capacities up to 500 kg.
• CSF Flat Storage / Panel Storage System Fully automated flat storage system for warehousing and managing wood panels. Available as CSF Professional (trade), CSF Industrial (industrial with cycle times under one minute, speeds up to 150 m/min, spans up to 25 m), and CSF Multilevel (multi-story configurations). Integrated panel measurement, angle correction, and 90-degree rotation.
• NST Nesting Picker Fully automatic depalletizing system for CNC- and nesting-machined parts. Detects the actual position of individual parts via camera system with additional light sources, corrects shifted parts in software, and stacks sorted onto pallets or conveyor technology. Load capacity 60 kg, panel sizes 80 x 300 mm to 2,800 x 1,300 mm.
• LCV Performance Feeding System Fully automated panel feeding system for saws and CNC machines. Enables fast and gentle loading of production machines with simple, high-quality technology. Small footprint, amortization periods under one year possible. Interfaces to various saw manufacturers.
• LPS Labeling Printer Fully automatic labeling system for panel marking before cutting or nesting processing. Max 10 cycles per minute, application accuracy up to plus or minus 1 mm, panel formats up to 5,600 x 2,100 mm. Eliminates manual labeling and parts identification problems.
• RTS Return Systems for Edge Banding Machines Return and conveyor systems for edge banding machines (KAM). Includes RTS Compact (universal return), RTS Professional (intelligent return with stacking), and RTS Industrial (industrial return up to 100 kg load capacity, part lengths up to 4,100 mm). Optional dual function and part measurement. Vacuum suction technology for damage-free material transport.
• PBX Parts Buffer Buffer storage for parts in furniture manufacturing. Ensures a consistent parts flow in production and absorbs different processing times of individual machines with intermediate storage. Approx. 120 m^2 storage area in a small footprint, cycle times approx. 6 parts per minute.
• TMP Door Manipulator and DRX Door Storage System TMP: Fast and compact manipulator for CNC feeding and stacking of processed doors. Up to 6 cycles per minute, load capacity up to 80 kg. DRX: Fully automated door storage system for the wood wholesale industry with barcode identification, automatic commissioning stack creation, and ERP integration.
• SWS Solid Wood Storage / Rungenlager Fully automated storage for BSH, KVH bars, and solid wood planks. The special suction traverse can pick up to 5 bars simultaneously. The Rungenlager integrates laser scanners and stripping mechanics for fully automatic storage with edge recognition and surface photo capture. Load capacity up to 500 kg (optional 700 kg and 1,000 kg).
• DRX Commissioning Warehouse Automated storage and commissioning solution for panels, HPL, doors, frames, flooring, and plank packages in the wood trade. Barbaric acts as a full-service provider including steel construction, intermediate floors, conveyor technology, and software. Useable room height up to 3,200 mm at floor level.
• UniGlass Vacuum Lifting Devices Vacuum lifting devices for the glass and window industry with patented components. Includes the UniGlass series (UGL 1 to 5) for flat glass, ISO glass, and windows with load capacities up to 500 kg (up to 2,000 kg custom construction), as well as special lifters for photovoltaic manufacturing.
• SafetyKit and SafetyLifter Series Safety upgrade for vacuum lifting devices (SafetyKit) and integrated safety lifter series (SafetyLifter SFT 2S/2N/3/4/6). SafetyKit provides vacuum and pressure monitoring, weight measurement, Eco-mode, and automatic safety testing. SafetyLifter series offers touchscreen control, mandatory pre-use safety test, automatic logging, and optional WiFi transmission.
• GML Glass MiniLifter Compact glass lifter for fast handling processes. GML 1 and GML 2 with load capacity up to 150 kg, lifting speed up to 16 m/min, suction time approx. 2 seconds, 360-degree rotation (GML 2). Ergonomic design with bilateral handles and continuous hoist adjustment.
• IGL ISO GlassLifter Special lifter for vertical transport of ISO panes up to 6 x 3 m with hydraulic support feet. IGL ISO GlassLifter with load capacities up to 2,100 kg; IGL GripLifter with bilateral suction cup rows; EZL ISO EasyLifter as mobile battery-powered suction device up to 150 kg.
• WPC Wall Portal Crane System Wall-mounted portal crane system with crane installation fixed laterally to the hall construction. Enables a free manipulation area without support columns while allowing continued overhead hall crane operation. Crane track length approx. 45 m, 2 motorized booms each approx. 9 m, load capacity 200 kg per lifting device.
• SWL PlankLifter Special lifting device for moving posts, KVH, sections, battens, and rough-sawn boards. Delivery including chain hoist or for hanging into hall crane. Operating voltage 230 V or 400 V via transformer. Load capacity up to 1,500 kg. Optional with telescopic load guidance (1,000 kg load capacity).
• NGR NeedleGripper Lifting device with needle grippers for handling wood fiber, lightweight construction, and insulation materials. Equipped with needle grippers for wood fiber boards as well as suction cups for standard wood panels. Easy lifting up to 65 kg (needle gripper) or 100 kg (suction cups). Control integrated in the handling handle.
• RGH Lifter and RGH 2 Lifter Load-guided glass lifter with rigidly-guided load arm for precise installation of windows and doors in timber construction walls. Available as RGH 2 for installation up to 350 kg load capacity. Optional tilting and rotation function up to 360 degrees.
• SGL MegaLifter and SGL GlassRackLifter SGL MegaLifter: Special glass lifter for oversized glass panes up to 18,000 x 3,280 mm and 2,800 kg with five independent vacuum circuits. SGL GlassRackLifter: Manipulator for bulky glass racks with automatic gripping mechanism and 180-degree rotation, 200 kg load capacity. SGH ContainerWinch: Container loading aid with remote control for windows and objects from containers.
• UWL UniWood Series (UWL 1/1S/3/3S/3J/5) Manual vacuum lifters for wood handling. UWL 3: Standard lifter with 90-degree tilting mechanism and up to 250 kg load capacity. UWL 3S: Compact lifter for edge banding machines (up to 150 kg). UWL 3J: Large format lifter up to 500 kg with 90-degree tilting. UWL 5: Door panel lifter with 180-degree tilting up to 250 kg. UWL 1/1S: Standard lifter without tilting function.
• SWL gripLifter and RWL rackLifter SWL gripLifter: Gripping system for damage-free handling of workpieces at the frame (windows, doors, glass, metal, facade elements), clamping range 50 to 150 mm, load capacities up to 500 kg. RWL rackLifter: Manipulator for loading and unloading panels in rack areas and at vertical panel saws, max load capacity 100 kg, lifting heights up to 8 m, spans up to 12 m.
• SSK Column Jib Crane and SSY Lightweight Rail System Crane and rail systems from own production. SSK: Lightweight jib crane for all load capacities and boom lengths, also available for wall mounting. SSY: Lightweight rail system with steel bridges, effortlessly movable by hand, up to 8 m bridge length. Supplemented with 2D/3D aluminum truss bridges.
• Software Solutions (Warehouse Management and ERP Integration) Own software solutions for controlling all processes: order management, communication with ERP systems, warehouse and material data management. MySQL-based connections to customer databases, ERP systems, RFID, CAM systems, and optimization systems. Centralized safety PLC with online access.

Quantifiable outcome

• Single worker can move oversized panels with vacuum lifter, replacing 2-3 workers
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature15 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Tiroler HolzhauscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on custom automation solutions for prefabricated house construction. Development of specialized WPC Wall Portal Crane System for Hundegger WALLMASTER integration. Includes multi-level CSF storage system and solid wood handling solutions.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Festo: German global supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology, including vacuum generators, grippers, and handling systems. Broad incumbent in factory automation that competes for the same industrial handling budgets.
• Biesse Group: Italian-based global manufacturer of machinery and systems for processing wood, glass, stone, plastic, and metal. Broad incumbent whose panel processing and handling lines overlap with Barbaric's automated storage and feeding systems.
• Bystronic Glass: Provider of high-end systems and services for the architectural and automotive glass processing industries. Broad incumbent in glass handling and processing where Barbaric's UniGlass and SafetyLifter series compete.
• HOMAG Group: Leading global manufacturer of machines for the woodworking industry and cabinets shops, part of the Dürr Group. Broad incumbent offering integrated production lines where Barbaric's panel storage and handling systems are deployed as components.
• SCM Group: Italian industrial group manufacturing machinery for woodworking, plastic, glass, stone, and metal processing. Broad incumbent competing for the same furniture/woodworking factory automation budgets as Barbaric.

Direct peers

• Piab Group: Swedish provider of vacuum technology and gripper systems for industrial automation, material handling, and robotics. Direct peer in vacuum-based material handling components and end-effector technology used in similar applications to Barbaric.
• Schmalz: German-headquartered global leader in vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems. Closest direct competitor to Barbaric in vacuum lifters, suction cups, and vacuum-based material handling for wood, glass, and logistics.
• J. Schmalz (vacuum components): Already represented by Schmalz above; called out separately as the most direct vacuum-lifter peer in the SMB/SME segment that overlaps with Barbaric's UniWood and UniGlass product lines.

Others

• ANDRITZ Soutec: Austrian-headquartered global plant engineering group with exposure to timber processing and material handling automation. Thematically related as another Austrian industrial automation player, though not a direct competitor in vacuum lifting for SMB woodworking.

Regional players

• Felder Group: Austrian manufacturer of woodworking machines for trades, industry, and semi-professionals. Regional player serving overlapping European SMB carpentry and woodworking customers who also buy Barbaric's manual vacuum lifters and small automation systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BarbaricGmbH
• Facebookfacebook.com/barbaricgmbh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/barbaric-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/barbaricgmbh
• Xx.com/barbaricgmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Barbaric