What Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft does

Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft is an Austrian privately-held holding company headquartered in Berndorf, Lower Austria, that owns and operates a diversified group of medium-sized industrial businesses focused on high-precision metal processing and engineered machinery. Through its core "Berndorf Konzern" subsidiaries, the group produces steel bands (Berndorf Band), standard parts and hot runner systems for the plastics processing industry (HASCO, since 1924), industrial heat treatment systems for metallic components (Aichelin Holding, since 1868), press plates and decor data for the wood-based materials industry (HUECK Rheinische), stainless steel swimming pool systems (Berndorf Bäderbau, since 1960), adsorption/drying plants for air, gas and liquids (Silica Verfahrenstechnik), slip rings and rotary transmitters (Venturetec), and special-purpose automation machinery (TEUP). Adjacent interests include technical wire products (Joh. Pengg AG), industrial connectors (PC Electric), laser and Peltier electronics (Meerstetter Engineering), IT security services (Bee Security), digital spare parts search (Partium.io), satellite propulsion (GATE Space Innovation), and IT services (Online Media). Several subsidiaries claim world-market-leader positions in their respective niches.

The group's commercial model is B2B enterprise field sales of engineered-to-order capital equipment and niche industrial components, sold directly to manufacturing customers with technical sales support and engineering consultation. End markets span the wood and furniture industry, chemical and food processing, electrical industry, automotive supply, municipalities, and energy suppliers. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time equipment sales and aftermarket service; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. In 2024, 2,330 employees across more than 20 countries generated €575 million in revenue, with an export/foreign share exceeding 90% and approximately one quarter of the workforce based in Austria.

The group is in private ownership since 1988 with no public listing, ticker or institutional investor identified. Leadership is led by CEO Franz Viehböck; CFO Thomas Karazmann was appointed effective July 1, 2025, succeeding Dietmar Müller after 35 years at the company, signaling continuity-focused succession planning. The holding is actively expanding in digital and deep-tech adjacencies (satellite propulsion, IT security, digital spare parts) while maintaining its core industrial-niche strategy of holding focused market leaders in unrelated specialty manufacturing segments.

Name

Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft

Legal name

Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft

Website

https://berndorf.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft is an Austrian privately-held industrial holding that owns niche market leaders in high-precision metal processing, engineered machinery, and specialty manufacturing, serving global B2B customers across wood, chemical, food, electrical, automotive, and municipal end markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Manufacturing and Metal Processing

NAICS

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Industrial Process Furnaces & Ovens (3567), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products (3490)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Forming & Fabrication Machines (Presses, Bending, Shearing, Stamping) (IMAHADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Furnaces, Kilns & Thermal Processing Equipment (IMAHAEAE), Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB), Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)

Keywords

• Industrial metal processing
• Specialty steel bands
• Heat treatment systems
• Press plates machinery
• Stainless steel pools

Headquarters

HQ city

Berndorf

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial manufacturing and sales: Revenue generated from development and production of high-tech niche products and specialized machinery for industrial customers. The group manufactures products ranging from steel bands, swimming pools, special machines, standard parts, heat treatment systems, press plates, mechatronics components, and process technology equipment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft is a holding company that operates the Berndorf Gruppe, a constellation of industrial niche manufacturers serving B2B customers worldwide. Through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, the group develops and produces high-precision metal processing products, including high-tech steel bands, heat treatment systems for metallic components, standard parts and hot runner solutions for the plastics industry, press plates for the wood-based materials industry, stainless steel swimming pools, adsorption plants for drying and purification of gases and liquids, slip rings and rotary transmitters, technical wires, industrial connectors, and special machines and automation systems.

Product overview

Berndorf AG is a holding company for a group of globally active, medium-sized industrial companies operating in niche markets. The group encompasses 8 business segments with operations in 20 countries and approximately 2,450 employees. The portfolio includes subsidiaries under Berndorf Konzern: HASCO (standard parts for plastics industry), Aichelin (heat treatment systems), Berndorf Band Group (steel bands and band systems), HUECK (press plates for wood industry), Berndorf Bäderbau (stainless steel pools), Silica Verfahrenstechnik (adsorption/drying plants), Venturetec Rotating Systems (slip rings/rotary transmitters), and TEUP (automation/special machines). The group also includes joint ventures: Pengg Austria (technical wires), PC Electric (industrial connectors), Meerstetter Engineering (laser/Peltier electronics), Bee Security (IT security services), Partium (spare parts search/Industry 4.0), GATE Space (satellite propulsion), and Online Media (webservices/IT security). Core products manufactured at the Berndorf headquarters include high-tech steel bands, swimming pools, and special machines. In 2024, the group generated revenue of 575 million euros with an export quota exceeding 90%.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Standard parts, hot runner solutions and custom components for plastics processing (HASCO) Standard parts, hot runner solutions and special customizations supplied to mold builders and plastics processors worldwide under the HASCO Hasenclever brand, in business since 1924.
• Industrial heat treatment systems for metallic components (Aichelin) High-quality industrial systems and services for heat treatment of metal components, delivered by Aichelin Holding GmbH since 1868 as an international technology leader.
• High-quality steel bands and complete band system solutions (Berndorf Band Group) High-tech steel bands and full steel band systems with a worldwide service network for production and transport processes across industries.
• Press plates, press cushions and decor data for the wood-based materials industry (HUECK Rheinische) Press plates, press cushions and decor data supplied as complete solutions to the wood-based materials industry by world market leader HUECK Rheinische GmbH.
• Stainless steel swimming pool systems (Berndorf Bäderbau) Stainless steel basins and complete pool systems for experience baths, hotel operators and private individuals, produced by leading stainless steel pool manufacturer Berndorf Metall- und Bäderbau GmbH since 1960.
• Adsorption plants for drying and purification of air, gases and liquids (Silica Verfahrenstechnik) Design, construction and building of adsorption systems for drying and purification of air, gases and liquids, delivered by Silica Verfahrenstechnik GmbH based in Berlin, Germany.
• Slip rings, rotary transmitters and complex mechatronic systems (Venturetec Rotating Systems) Development and manufacture of slip rings and rotary transmitters as well as components and complex systems for high-tech industry customers worldwide.
• Special machines and automation solutions (TEUP) Development, construction and manufacturing of special applications in automation, including jig construction, assembly systems, test benches, instrument construction, special processing machines and prototype construction.
• Technical profile wires and oil-quenched wires (Joh. Pengg AG) Highly developed technical wire products including profile wire and oil-quench tempered wires for the automotive, electrical and mechanical engineering industries.
• Industrial plug devices and small distributors (PC Electric) Industrial connectors and small distributors manufactured by PC Electric GmbH, with over 75% export share serving EU countries, Central Europe, Far East, South America and parts of Africa.
• Laser and Peltier electronics engineering products (Meerstetter Engineering) Specialized electronic products and engineering services for laser and Peltier applications, used in industry, medicine and research laboratories.
• Information security services (Bee Security) Information security strategy development, security audits, hacking workshops, training, phishing simulations, malware attack simulations and forensic activities for group and external companies.
• Spare parts search digital solution (Partium.io) Innovative spare parts search solution available on smartphone, tablet or desktop that helps users find industrial parts and components within seconds, supporting digital transformation and accelerating maintenance, aftersales and service processes.
• Innovative satellite propulsion systems (GATE Space Innovation) Development and marketing of innovative satellite drives based on patented technologies and environmentally friendly fuels by GATE Space Innovation GmbH.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary of Berndorf Gruppe, leading provider of standard parts, hot runner solutions and special customizations for the plastics processing industry. Headquartered in Lüdenscheid, Germany, since 1924. Enables the simplest way globally to build molds through innovation, agility and performance.
• Aichelin Holding GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary producing and servicing high-quality industrial systems for heat treatment of metal components since 1868. International technology leader with high heat treatment competence and proven process know-how. Headquartered in Mödling near Vienna, Austria.
• Berndorf Band GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary producing high-quality steel bands, offering complete solutions for steel band systems with a worldwide service network. Applications in production and transport processes across all industries. Headquartered in Berndorf, Austria.
• HUECK Rheinische GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary developing and producing press plates, press cushions and decor data. World market leader for complete solutions in the wood-based materials industry. Headquartered in Viersen, Germany.
• Berndorf Metall- und Bäderbau GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary producing stainless steel basins for experience baths, hotel operators and private individuals. Leading producer of swimming pool systems since 1960. Headquartered in Berndorf, Austria.
• Silica Verfahrenstechnik GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary specializing in design, construction and building of adsorption systems for drying and purification of air, gases and liquids. Core competence in plant construction for drying/cleaning applications. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
• Venturetec Rotating Systems GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary developing and manufacturing slip rings and rotary transmitters as well as components and complex systems. Recognized partner for globally located customers from high-tech industries. Headquartered in Kaufbeuren, Germany.
• TEUP – Technische Entwicklung und Produktions GesmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary partner for development, construction and manufacturing of special applications in automation: jig construction, assembly systems, test benches, instrument construction, special processing machines and prototype construction. Headquartered in Deutschlandsberg, Austria.
• Joh. Pengg AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture producing highly developed technical wire products for automotive, electrical and mechanical engineering industries. Core competence in profile wire and oil-quench tempered wires. Headquartered in Thörl, Austria.
• PC Electric GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial participation producing industrial connectors and small distributors. With over 75% export share, products are primarily sold in EU countries, Central Europe as well as Far East, South America and parts of Africa. Headquartered in St. Martin, Austria.
• Meerstetter Engineering GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss engineering company specializing in laser and Peltier electronics. Products used in industry, medicine and research laboratories. Also offers development services and collaboration in analog and digital electronics. Headquartered in Rubigen, Switzerland.
• Bee Security GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoung joint venture supporting companies within and outside the group in developing their information security strategies. Services include security audits, hacking workshops, training, phishing simulations, malware simulations and forensic activities. Headquartered in Schweinern, Austria.
• Partium.iominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovative spare parts search solution for smartphone, tablet or desktop helping users find industrial parts within seconds. Has been part of Berndorf Gruppe for 20 years. Supports companies in digital transformation and accelerates maintenance, aftersales and service processes. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• GATE Space Innovation GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelops and markets innovative satellite drives based on patented technologies and environmentally friendly fuels. Headquartered at Vienna Airport, Austria.
• Online Media Communications Design GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides technical support, maintenance, administration, programming and training services around websites, CMS systems and IT security. Headquartered in Guntramsdorf, Austria.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Andritz AG: Austrian industrial machinery group operating across metal forming, separation, pulp & paper, and feed/biotech—sharing Berndorf's Austrian heritage, diversified industrial machinery model, and global mid-cap industrial customer base. Both are privately-influenced machinery groups serving cyclical process industries worldwide.
• Bodycote plc: World's largest commercial heat treatment services provider, directly comparable to Aichelin's thermal processing business. Both serve automotive, aerospace, and industrial customers with heat treatment as a core competency, and compete for the same global industrial customers.
• Siempelkamp Group: German machinery group and global leader in complete production lines for the wood-based panels industry, directly comparable to HUECK Rheinische's press plate business. Both supply press systems and consumables to particleboard, MDF, and laminate producers worldwide.
• Seco/Warwick S.A. Polish-headquartered global supplier of heat treatment and metallurgy furnaces, overlapping directly with Aichelin's industrial furnace product line. Both design and manufacture atmosphere, vacuum, and specialized thermal processing equipment for similar industrial end markets.
• Ipsen International GmbH: German specialist in industrial heat treatment furnaces and atmosphere/vacuum systems, directly competing with Aichelin in metallurgical heat treatment equipment. Both serve automotive, aerospace, and tool-steel customers with comparable thermal processing technology.
• DME Company (a division of Barnes Group): Global mold standard parts and hot runner systems supplier, directly competing with HASCO in standard components for the plastics injection molding industry. Both serve mold makers with catalog and customized mold base, ejector, and hot runner products.
• EBNER Industrieofenbau GmbH: Austrian-headquartered industrial furnace manufacturer with a century-long heritage, directly comparable to Aichelin in heat treatment furnace engineering. Both serve steel, aluminum, and process industries with similar furnace technology and project-based delivery models.

Emerging players

• Mersen S.A. French industrial group specializing in electrical components and high-performance materials, with adjacency to Berndorf's industrial components businesses. Less direct overlap but comparable in serving process industries with engineered specialty products.

Broad incumbents

• SMS group GmbH: German plant engineering company for metal processing, with comparable metallurgical equipment and process technology offerings. Overlaps with Berndorf's process technology, steel band, and mechatronics segments but operates at much larger scale and broader scope.
• Voestalpine AG: Austrian steel and metal processing conglomerate with activities spanning steel production, automotive components, and special steel products. Overlaps with Berndorf Band and Pengg wire businesses in metal processing, but operates at significantly larger scale across a broader portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/berndorf-ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments1 record

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

Frequently asked questions about Berndorf Aktiengesellschaft