Growth of company evident in workforce, turnover and working space

Technology company Fronius managed growth in 2007 in all its divisions. Turnover increased by 30% against the previous year's figure of 235.12 million euros. As in previous years, the largest part of Fronius' turnover (around two-thirds) is provided by the welding technology division, followed by solar electronics with just under one third.  Fronius earns 5 % of its turnover from battery charging systems.

Fronius flags up two reasons for this development. The political environment for investment goods in all markets around the world is positive. Furthermore, the development of direct sales in recent years, 2002 in the USA, 2003 in Brazil, and technology training programmes for the sales force and international representatives, are now beginning to pay off. The USA, which tops the international table in terms of energy used per head of population, has developed since 2004 into an interesting market for photovoltaics.

An enthusiasm for research that pays off

2007 - the Fronius year at a glance: Around 85 % of products exported, 11 sales organisations around the world including new ones in Mexico and Canada, more than 130 international representatives and more than 400 international patents. 30 % increase in turnover. One third of products sold are less than three years old. Fronius invests around 10% of its turnover in R & D. 

Fronius develops, produces and distributes battery chargers, welding technology and inverters for photovoltaic systems worldwide. The group has four production sites in Austria, the Czech Republic and Ukraine plus more than eleven sales subsidiaries in Europe and America. The company employs 2,221 employees worldwide, 1,660 of whom are based in Austria.

New Fronius sales organisations in Mexico and Canada

Fronius has been working closely with a sales partner in Mexico since 1999, and in mid-2007 opened its own subsidiary. In Canada as well, Fronius is represented by a subsidiary in the heart of the car manufacturing region. Canada's entire automotive industry is concentrated in the 400 km stretch between Windsor and Toronto. As the sole state manufacturing cars, more cars are produced here than in any other state of the USA. The Fronius sales organisation is geared towards market penetration and customer support.

The Fronius 'family firm' culture is also growing

In Mexico and Brazil alike, expatriates are bringing the Fronius 'family firm' culture out with them to their adopted country. Fronius views this as the solution for keeping on top of rapid growth. Last year, the company employed an additional 291 people in Austria, and a further 60 posts have already been advertised since the start of 2008. There are 90 apprentices currently learning their trades. They will have the opportunity to take their 'matura' (final high school exams) and apply for an overseas secondment. Fronius is hoping to attract yet more employees, as it also has employment opportunities in foreign subsidiaries, involvement in projects and teamwork, a modern and pleasant working environment with atriums, sports facilities and a company kindergarten.

Generational thinking and international developments

Fronius has provided clear evidence of its commitment to protecting the environment with its production and logistics site in Sattledt, newly built in 2007 and incorporating one of the largest photovoltaic plants anywhere in the world. Up to 90% of the plant's energy requirements are covered by the solar power system, which helps reduce CO2 output by 318 tons each year.

Since 2008 Fronius has been working alongside WWF and, together with Allianz-Versicherung and IKEA Österreich, has been involved with the WWF Climate Group for CO2 Reductions. Members of this group will be reducing their CO2 emissions by 15% over the next three years. We have already achieved this target as a result of the photovoltaic plant in Sattledt. In the course of the three years that we have been collaborating with WWF, this plant has saved some 954 tons of CO2.

Fronius will also be working with WWF to put in place two specific projects overseas: firstly, Fronius is installing a power supply for the offices of the WWF team in Laos, which has devoted itself especially to protecting and preserving the habitat of the Mekong elephant. Secondly, in the southern Chinese region of Wanglang, Fronius is installing a power supply for monitoring equipment that is being installed for the protection of the local panda population.

For a state-of-the-art logistics solution – a system comprising photovoltaics, electrolysis and hydrogen technology – Fronius has received both the Austrian Solar Prize and the Energy Globe Austria award.

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