A family business par excellence

From its origins in a sawmill and another small mill in Zell am Moos, Austria, FN Neuhofer Holz today numbers among the world’s leading companies supplying profiles and accessories for floors, walls and ceilings. The year 2000 saw Neuhofer Holz celebrate its 350th company anniversary. Franz Neuhofer senior took this opportunity to hand over management of the company to the next generation, so that it is today being run by Franz Neuhofer junior. In 2005 Neuhofer was already exporting to 80 countries and generating 80 per cent of sales abroad. By 2011, 87 per cent of its products were being exported to a total of 90 countries, with France and Germany its most important sales markets. Product deliveries break down into one-third each to the flooring industry, distributors/wholesalers and DIY stores. Sales amounted to € 41.1 mio in 2008. The company has meanwhile overcome the economic crises of the intervening years and, for 2011, is reckoning on a double-digit sales increase by comparison with the pre-crisis year 2008. The spectrum of 10 000 different products demands a sophisticated system of logistics for their production, warehousing and delivery. No end to this number is in sight since, with 150 patents in the company’s possession, its innovative capacity has not been exhausted by far. After the considerable amount of investment over recent years, for example in a production facility at the Zell am Moos location, Neuhofer is continuing to invest still further. Now FN expects that its fully automated cutting and planing machines will guarantee flexibility and short delivery times well into the future. These, in combination with the coatings and packaging equipment, result in an annual production capacity for profiles of approx. 110 mio running metres, according to information supplied by the company. The manufacturer’s answer to the increasing demands of the global market is based on the development and production of innovative products, as well as a service offer that comprises short delivery times and a customized logistics concept. All orders are processed and made ready for transportation in a logistics centre of 3 000 m², after which a worldwide network of partners makes it possible to distribute the goods by means of a delivery service that is both rapid and reliable. Download: