Acquisition set to strengthen Komptech’s innovation drive

Austria – Hirtenberger Group, based near Vienna, has acquired an 80% share in shredder and separation technology specialist Komptech GmbH.

A global group with interests in mining, the defence industry, medical technology and automotive safety, Hirtenberger’s core competences are in metals and pyrotechnics. Ceo Stefan Odenthal describes the takeover as Hirtenberger’s first move into environmental technology. ‘Adding sustainable, environment-saving technologies was an important goal in expanding our business portfolio,’ he says.

Heinz Leitner, ceo of Komptech, comments that Hirtenberger’s involvement ‘substantially strengthens our equity capital base, so that we are well prepared for the future’. Komptech has its European headquarters in Austria, with locations in Slovenia and Germany. The company manufactures machinery to treat mechanical and biological waste and to convert wood waste into a renewable energy resource, and claims to have grown ‘steadily’ over the past years.

‘We have made large investments in the development of new products and the expansion of our production locations. Now we have to further roll out our innovative solutions to the world market,’ Leitner adds.