AustroCel Hallein pushes ahead with site modernization

November 2024

Investing in the industry of the future

Despite economic uncertainties, AustroCel Hallein is investing strategically in the future. In addition to the construction of a new production plant for hydrogel granules, the site was modernized during the plant shutdown. The aim is to strengthen the market position, increase safety and create sustainable solutions. In total, a sum in the double-digit millions is being invested in modernization.

Hallein, 4.11.2024 - “We are taking advantage of the global economic challenges and looking to the future. Right now, it is crucial to invest in the future and drive the transformation forward,” emphasizes Dr. Wolfram Kalt, Managing Director of AustroCel Hallein. “The current modernization of the site and the investments in hydrogel production are part of our long-term strategy. In this way, we want to remain competitive even in difficult times and create sustainable solutions for the markets of tomorrow and an industry of the future,” continues Kalt.

Modernization of machines and systems

During the current plant shutdown, key systems were inspected, modernized and in some cases replaced. In total, several million euros are being invested in modernizing the site. “This is how we are driving forward the transformation, increasing the production rate and improving the safety of our systems,”

Dr. Wolfram Kalt

CEO

Investment in hydrogel as a forward-looking solution

The new hydrogel granulate, a patented innovation from the start-up company Agrobiogel GmbH, which is sold on the market under the brand name Retentis® and is primarily used in agriculture, offers great potential for tackling both economic and ecological challenges. It will expand AustroCel Hallein's portfolio and represents an important step towards sustainability.

“With the construction of the new hydrogel production plant, AustroCel Hallein is strengthening its own market position as a modern biorefinery in a high-growth market segment and contributing to the sustainable transformation of the industry. These investments will not only increase our competitiveness but also preserve and create regional jobs. In this way, we are reinventing the pulp industry. Our ambition is nothing more and nothing less,” continued Dr. Wolfram Kalt.

AustroCel Hallein is investing in the site. During the current plant shutdown, the caustic boiler was also modernized, and important units were replaced.

The digesters in pulp production were inspected and cleaned.

The entire frame around the wire section in pulp machine 3 (ZEM 3) was completely overhauled, all machines were serviced, checked and brought back up to speed.