Hannes Mitterweissacher Chief Technology Officer EGGER Group
EGGER and its partner companies are at the center of this issue – and for good reason. For EGGER, partner companies are far more than mere suppliers, technology providers or customers: they are an essential part of our success.
Especially in times of political and economic uncertainty, it becomes clear how valuable reliable partnerships, mutual trust and a strong team are.
Uncertainties arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have also hit us hard: chemical prices are rising dramatically, supply security is becoming more demanding and in some areas, such as lubricants, supply is already subject to quotas. Deliveries to the Middle East are also affected by the situation. For our Chemical Purchasing team led by Gerhard Wallner, there is a clear top priority: to supply our plants as well as possible and to remain business-ready alongside our partners.
Especially in times like these, I am convinced that EGGER has the best team. Demonstrating commitment, experience and solidarity, we take on these challenges and find solutions even in difficult circumstances.
At the same time, we are consistently investing in the future of our organization –with programs such as EGGER KOMPAKT, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year (see page 18), our STARTKLAR program for junior staff, and good, forwardlooking succession planning. Successful handovers from Klaus Monhoff in Decor Management (see p. 16) and Gerd Hesse in Technical Purchasing are strong examples of this.
The new power plant in St. Johann also represents the clear investments we have made in our energy future and in making our plants future-proof (see page 22).
At the same time, together with our partners, we are implementing further important projects that will secure our competitiveness in the long term: commissioning the fifth short-cycle press at the Rion (FR) plant, as well as the two newly installed short-cycle presses and the new recycling facility in Markt Bibart (DE). We are particularly looking forward to commissioning the high-bay warehouse there in August 2026. Projects like these show what is possible when EGGER and its partner companies work together towards a common goal.
Let us continue to make use of this strength – with confidence, reliability and the clear determination to remain successful together, even in a challenging environment.
Hannes Mitterweissacher
EGGER and its partners Achieving more together!
Partnerships shape the way we think and act at EGGER. We do not see them as short-term cooperation, but as a long-term joint venture. Together with our partners, we forge quality, develop new solutions and act reliably –worldwide and over decades.
This attitude is at the heart of our company strategy. After all, it is in rapidly changing environments that long-term partnerships give us security: they enable us to explore new paths and set important course markers with an eye on the future. Trust, long-term commitment,
shared responsibility and mutual learning shape our collaboration to the core.
A network that moves
The close partnerships that EGGER maintains fit together like gear wheels. Everyone contributes their professional strengths. This creates effective procedures along the entire value chain – from raw materials to finished products.
We enter into partnerships with an eye to the future: with technology experts Siempelkamp and Wemhöner, who make our production even more efficient and sustainable;
with suppliers such as BASF and EXIM, who, like us, are committed to climate protection; with customers such as Howdens Joinery or Hadleigh, who have incorporated our products as a central pillar in their portfolios; or with partners from our industry network, such as Häfele, Cleaf and BLUM, who share our vision of design and functionality.
Challenging and growing together
Partnerships do not just make us strong – they make us better. Close collaboration gives rise to ideas that no one could have developed alone. They help us to overcome the
challenges facing the industry together: digitalization, moving towards sustainable processes, and seeking the highest possible product quality.
Our partnership landscape at a glance Every gear wheel in our network helps EGGER move forward. This includes customer, technology and supplier partners, as well as collaborations across the market or within our industry. Over the following pages, we will showcase how this partnership culture is put into practice. We are all part of a dynamic system – connected by trust, openness and shared values.
Writing technical history
EGGER’s goal is to work to the same high plant standard across all plants. This is made possible by collaborating closely with our machine suppliers, including Siempelkamp and Wemhöner.
Siempelkamp: working towards entirely new production processes
Our Siempelkamp systems are a key element of our strong industrial basis. We have been working hand in hand with the German plant manufacturer Siempelkamp since the 1960s.
A brief history of the multi-story plant
It all began in 1966 with the first three-layer particleboard plant at the parent plant in St. Johann (AT). This multistory plant produced the EGGER 1a, a stable board that was extremely popular with carpenters. However, this plant and product came to an abrupt end in the 1970s, when it was completely destroyed by a fire.
ContiRoll success story
One of the most groundbreaking milestones in our collaboration with Siempelkamp was commissioning our first continuous pressing system (ContiRoll for short) in 1988 at the St. Johann (AT) plant.
Technology
partnerships
To date, we now have Siempelkamp ContiRolls in almost every plant. Read more about this on p. 25.
Lightweight boards and short-cycle presses
Working alongside the same machine supplier, we also installed facilities for producing lightweight boards in St. Johann. In September 2006, with a daily capacity of over 1,000 m 3, we began the world’s first production of largeformat decorative lightweight boards – known as Eurolight lightweight boards at the time.
In addition, EGGER has numerous short-cycle presses from Siempelkamp, most of which are now located in Rambervillers (FR) and St. Johann (AT).
In December 2013, the Siempelkamp project team celebrated the first board being produced on the KT4 in St. Johann (AT) with us
One of many short-cycle presses: on 20 December 2019, the first board was produced on the KT 700 from Siempelkamp in Rambervillers (FR).
Wemhöner: reaching new standards for our coating performance
Since the 1990s, Wemhöner Surface Technologies and EGGER have enjoyed a close partnership, characterized by the highest quality standards in terms of surface finishing systems. Many of our short-cycle presses are from Wemhöner.
Owner Kathleen Wemhöner: ‘Over many years, EGGER and Wemhöner have developed a collaboration that is shaped by trust, openness and respect. By working closely with EGGER, new concepts for plant specifications and technological solutions are repeatedly developed, and which consistently meet industrial production requirements. Our partner’s high expectations have repeatedly challenged us and, at the same time, made a significant contribution to our own further development.’
One particularly strong shared characteristic between EGGER and Wemhöner is our identity as family-run businesses. Both companies think long term and will also be responsibly led by subsequent generations of family. People are at the heart of everything – in collaboration with our employees, as well as in partnership between our companies.
In March 2026, the second short-cycle press was put into operation in Markt Bibart (DE). It is one of the many Wemhöner systems that now enhance our plants.
They are both family companies. Both have set themselves the goal of developing high-end products, with a willingness to always think one step ahead together.
Here are just a few examples of our successful collaboration with Wemhöner:
On 1 September 2023 – not even a year after Caorso (IT) became part of the EGGER family – we installed the fifth coating line there together with Wemhöner. This short-cycle press has a daily production capacity of approx. 50,000 m².
In 2024, our plant in Barony (UK) took an important step towards becoming a coating site when a short-cycle press supplied by Wemhöner was commissioned.
And our successful collaboration continues unabated: our newest short-cycle presses from Wemhöner are located in our plant in Markt Bibart (DE) and soon also in Lexington, NC (US).
We celebrated the second Wemhöner short-cycle press starting production in Markt Bibart (DE) together with strategic partners.
When customers become friends
Three decades of trust, the highest quality awareness and a shared view of the future – this is what connects EGGER with our two British major customers: Hadleigh and Howdens Joinery.
Customer partnerships
Hadleigh Timber Group: a partnership that goes far beyond day-to-day business
EGGER and the Hadleigh Timber Group (one of the key wholesale traders for wood-based materials in the UK) have been working together for around 30 years. Our partnership is based on loyalty, personal exchange and a shared commitment to quality. What began as a classic business relationship has become a strategic cooperation in which both sides invest long term in branding, product range and services.
Shared competence
While EGGER brings manufacturing quality, design competence and product innovation, Hadleigh complements these strengths with market proximity, nationwide availability and close relationships with customers throughout the United Kingdom. This means that fabricators,
distributors and planners can rely on receiving EGGER products quickly and reliably – and can depend on a perfectly matched overall package for their projects.
Visibly connected
This partnership is particularly evident in the consistent support for marketing our collections: Hadleigh invests in showrooms in which EGGER surfaces and the new Decorative Collection 26+ take center stage and continues to tell the stories behind the products in marketing and social media. This connectedness was further reinforced when the Egger family and EGGER UK team visited Hadleigh in March 2026, during which both sides celebrated their many years of cooperation – and turned their attention to writing the next chapters in our success story.
We are delighted to see our new collection featured so prominently in the Hadleigh showroom.
Future plans were discussed at a meeting in March 2026. l-r: Mike Briggs (Hadleigh), Andrew Laidler, Michael Egger Jr, Michael Egger, Mike Dineen (Hadleigh), Walter Schiegl (EGGER Supervisory Board), Andrew Tait and Thomas Sharp
Howdens CEO Andrew Livingston signed the first board from the short-cycle press in Barony (UK) with a note saying ‘To the next 40 years’.
Howdens Joinery: How we support one another
With a history spanning over 30 years, trust and respect characterize EGGER’s partnership with Howdens Joinery, the leading specialist supplier of fitted kitchens and joinery products in the United Kingdom. What began as a supplier relationship is now a strategic partnership at the highest level. Since 1995, EGGER has been supplying Howdens Joinery with laminated boards, raw particleboards, PerfectSense and prefabricated component pieces, edging, laminate and floor coverings.
Support and exchange
EGGER and Howdens work closely together in several company areas.
These include Sales, Marketing, Quality Management and Production, among others. Our Design and Product Development teams from the United Kingdom and France are closely involved in supporting Howdens’ international business – and we, in turn, benefit from the success of Howdens Joinery.
Milestone for Barony
One particular highlight in the relationship between EGGER and Howdens was installing our first short-cycle press at our Scottish plant in Barony at the end of 2024. Previously, Howdens produced around 50% of its required laminated boards in-house on its own short-cycle press line. Thanks to this investment by EGGER, Howdens was able to shut down and dismantle its own production line, so that EGGER now covers 100% of Howdens’ demand for decorative boards, which is around 200,000 m³ per year.
Because partners catch one another when they fall
The strong bond between the two companies was particularly evident in 2025 after a fire at Howdens: EGGER provided short-term support with replacement deliveries from Bünde (DE) and St. Johann (AT) to safeguard supplies: we delivered 1.6 million components worth GBP 9.4 million (equivalent to approx. EUR 10.8 million) to Howdens. This enabled Howdens to supply all of its 970 storage locations without any interruptions.
A special thank you
In 2026, EGGER received its first order for a complete kitchen range from Howdens – Greenwich Porcelain (W1200 ST9). This means ongoing collaboration in the area of furniture components. Howdens had never before entrusted an external supplier to produce this range – EGGER is the first. Another meaningful gesture was when Michael Egger was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Howdens’ supplier conference in March 2026. By giving this award, the company recognizes Michael Egger’s decades of commitment, his professional expertise and the close cooperation with Howdens.
On 5 September 2024, our management teams came together at the plant in Barony (UK) to ceremoniously commission the first lamination line.
Nothing works without our suppliers!
Collaborating with our long-standing suppliers ensures transparency, efficiency and new solutions for shared challenges. Time and again, it is their ideas and commitment that turn the seemingly impossible into reality.
BASF: taking responsibility for the climate
For over 20 years, BASF and EGGER have not only worked together successfully, but also embraced an innovative partnership and are now working step by step on the shared challenges of climate protection. At EGGER, we pursue an ambitious climate strategy to reduce our Group-wide carbon footprint. A major factor here is the chemical raw materials that we need to produce our woodbased materials.
Our goal: Net Zero by 2050
BASF is the largest supplier to the EGGER Group in terms of chemical raw materials. Our plants in France, Italy, the UK, Austria and Germany are regularly supplied with various BASF products. By ordering over 150,000 tons of binding agents and raw materials per year, EGGER is a major customer.
From idea to product
Supplier partnerships
Promising ideas emerge through joint research work. They are thoroughly explored internally by us with all relevant departments at Group level. Numerous criteria have to be met: laboratory pressing takes place and, if the results are positive, tests are carried out at EGGER industrial plants. In the best case, this eventually leads to a new, improved binding agent being approved.
For an ever smaller carbon footprint
The goal remains to continuously reduce the carbon footprint of both companies’ products through joint innovations. This has successfully reduced the carbon footprint of the glue and impregnating resins from BASF used in the EGGER Group by around 10% since 2024. In 2026, the next joint step will be taken, thereby reducing it by a further 10%.
Taking stock at regular strategy meetings: Dominik Winter and Jens Aßmann from BASF, Hannes Mitterweissacher (Chief Technology Officer EGGER Group), Jürgen Hirsch de Hesselle (BASF), Maximilian Pribyl (Chemical Purchasing EGGER Group), Gerhard Wallner (Head of Chemical Purchasing EGGER Group) (from left to right)
EXIM: hand in hand from the very beginning
The Austrian transport company EXIM and EGGER can now demonstrate their shared strengths not only in Europe, but also in the USA.
The trust EXIM needed to break into North America with EGGER is based on a relationship built up over decades (read how this came about on p. 24) and on shared growth.
From setbacks and patents
The motto of EXIM founder Hans Ascher – ‘Nothing is impossible’ – was and is a lived practice. Throughout our shared history, there have been many occasions in which the solution-oriented approach and inventive spirit of Hans Ascher and his team impressed everyone involved. From a three-axle car to a turbo leaf blower intended to transport wood shavings up one story, right through to roll-up, compressible glue tanks, there were all sorts of experiments. Not everything was a success, but some ideas were retained and have proved their worth.
Tube in XXL format
Hans Ascher’s idea for a roll-up glue tank, for example, was explored again in 2008 by his grandson and the current Managing Director, Hannes Buchsteiner, and skillfully implemented with more modern technical possibilities. To date, two vehicles specially developed by EXIM for EGGER bring decor paper and a compressed glue tank to Unterradlberg (AT) every day. They then drive back to St. Johann (AT) with the tank filled with over 20 tons of glue.
Based on trust in the USA
After we had built our plant in Lexington, NC (US) and were urgently looking for reliable haulers there, EXIM boss Hannes Buchsteiner also took the bold and major step into North America. EXIM now has a sizeable fleet there and a strong team with a good sense of cohesion. Orders come from EGGER – and once again both companies can rely on each other.
Shared similarities
While EGGER has grown from one plant to 22 locations, Hans Ascher’s single transporter has become a large haulage
Fritz Egger Sr was my teacher and mentor. I am proud that I was able to learn so much from him. In return, I was able to repeatedly suggest innovative solutions to him through my ideas.
Hans Ascher, founder of the present-day transport company EXIM
being well over
company with 140 tractor units and 300 trailers. These two family companies EXIM and EGGER treat each other with absolute loyalty and utter respect. This attitude is also reflected in our personalities and is passed on from one generation to the next.
Compressible glue tanks were originally invented by Hans Ascher and save valuable space during transport.
An EXIM truck in front of our plant in Lexington, NC (US)
Despite
90 years old, Hans Ascher (2nd from left) still likes to come and visit Michael Egger. Also featured: Ascher’s grandson and current EXIM Managing Director Hannes Buchsteiner (left in the picture) and Michael Egger Jr. (right in the picture).
Together in the spotlight
Be it presenting lighting concepts with Häfele, at the shared showroom with BLUM and Cleaf, or reaching the pinnacle of winter sports with Lisa Hauser – together, we have an even greater impact!
Häfele: impactful inspiration
Häfele is a globally leading German family company specialising in furniture fittings, electronic locking systems and lighting in furniture and rooms. The partnership between EGGER and Häfele combines expertise, passion and attention to detail – and inspires customers of both companies to design spaces with all their senses.
Joint ‘Business Talk’
EGGER and Häfele presented the new EGGER Decorative Collection 26+ together in January 2026 in Häfele’s ‘Blackbox’ in Stuttgart (DE). Combined with lighting solutions from Häfele, it was shown how light shapes spaces and brings surfaces to life. ‘It is only when they work together that the full effect comes to light,’ said Häfele expert Frank Schlosser.
‘The Moving Tree’
As part of the ‘The Moving Tree’ project, we created a very special installation in our EGGER Forum in St. Johann (AT): a modular, walk-in tree trunk that shows how living space can be designed flexibly and comfortably, even in the smallest of spaces. In doing so, we combined high-quality EGGER materials and Häfele’s magnetic floating technology.
Cooperation partner
How innovations come about
At EGGER, we recently developed a new decorative acoustic panel for wall and ceiling panelling. Sound absorption is achieved through slits in the panel’s surface layer. That’s when it occurred to us that recessed lighting could offer real added value for ceiling applications. No sooner said than done – the prototype with an innovative, controllable lighting solution from Häfele has already been installed in our newly redesigned stage in the visitor forum at the St. Johann (AT) plant.
Michael Egger Jr presents a joint innovation: our decorative acoustic panels with recessed lighting from Häfele.
Materials, surfaces and colors from EGGER met lighting solutions from Häfele at ‘Business Talk’.
‘The Moving Tree’ installation in our visitor forum in St. Johann (AT) illustrates flexible micro living in a walk-in tree trunk with movable elements.
Together with our partners BLUM and Cleaf and numerous guests, we officially opened our showroom in London (UK) on 12 June 2025.
BLUM and Cleaf: The best of three worlds
Together with our partners BLUM and Cleaf, we opened a joint showroom in the heart of London (UK). BLUM is an Austrian family company and is regarded as the global market leader for furniture fittings, particularly in the kitchen sector.
The Italian company Cleaf, in which EGGER holds a business interest, focuses on refining wood-based materials and producing decorative surfaces. Our showroom – EGGER London – has been conceived by designers for designers and is located right at the heart of Clerkenwell, London’s creative quarter.
The best of three worlds
Since the ceremonial opening on 12 June 2025, BLUM, Cleaf and EGGER have been showcasing the best of their three areas of expertise there: BLUM contributes its competence in functional fitting solutions, Cleaf supplies high-quality
Lisa Hauser:
Italian-made characterful surfaces, and we complement the ensemble with our decors, textures and material solutions. By working together, we can present coordinated furnishing solutions. These help customers to combine materials, functions and design more effectively.
The perfect interplay
We have taken the lead on creating an inspiration and training space where architects and planners can combine different materials and elements, and develop their ideas in the context of real-life application scenarios.
EGGER London clearly demonstrates how the strengths of three family-run companies complement one another. And our guests’ positive reaction proves it: when we combine our strengths, we create spaces that not only showcase products, but also spark genuine design ideas for customer projects.
Thank you for 10 years of sporting cooperation!
Biathlete Lisa Hauser has represented Egger Getränke for nearly ten years. Lisa Hauser won gold in the mass start in Slovenia in 2021 and was crowned biathlon world champion. She also won several World Championship medals, six World Cup victories, the small crystal globe in the individual competition, as well as several top-10 overall World Cup placings.
Our partnership began in 2016
As her main sponsor, Egger Getränke followed Lisa’s sporting rise to become the most successful Austrian biathlete of her generation by 2025. We would like to wish Lisa Hauser all the best after she chose to retire in spring 2026.
Safety knows no borders
At EGGER, we face different conditions and challenges, but we all have one goal: to come home safe and healthy from work.
Whether we are faced with oppressive heat in Argentina, frosty winters in Poland or snowstorms in North Carolina – our working conditions could hardly be more different. And yet we are all united by one common goal: the vision of ‘zero accidents’ – regardless of the language we speak or the regulations that apply in our country.
EGGER operates plants on several continents, in a wide variety of climate zones and cultural environments. This presents every work safety specialist with their own challenges – from protective clothing and infrastructure to raising employees’ awareness. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: safety is no accident. It is created when the same values apply worldwide – mindfulness, responsibility and team spirit.
We spoke with Verónica Mastronardo, Health, Safety and Environment Manager at the Concordia (AR) plant, about the local features that shape her work in Argentina:
Verónica, Concordia is located in the subtropical north of Argentina. What challenges does the climate pose in terms of work safety?
The climate here is definitely an issue. In summer, temperatures rise to over 40 degrees Celsius. Adequate hydration and prevention of heat stress are essential. Work planning becomes a decisive safety factor, for example when carrying out work in confined spaces. During the hot months, we carry out various activities at night or early in the morning whenever possible, when conditions are less extreme. Through appropriate planning, we can significantly reduce risks.
There are also special features when it comes to work clothing in Argentina. It is not produced and delivered centrally, as it is for the other EGGER plants. Why is that? Due to national laws, every piece of personal protective equipment in Argentina must be certified. That is why our clothing is produced locally. However, it still meets EGGER standards both functionally and visually. There is also another distinguishing feature here in Concordia – we all wear white helmets. Only members of our emergency brigade wear yellow helmets, making them easy to recognize in critical situations.
In Europe, work safety rarely brings dangerous animals to mind. Is that the case for you?
Our climate favors the presence of venomous snakes, which poses an additional safety challenge. At the end of last summer, due to a sudden increase in snake sightings, we established clear rules of conduct in the event of an encounter or a snake bite. Among other things, we provided information on prevention and response measures, and held open information events on the subject of snake prevention.
How is it possible to adhere to the same safety standards despite all these differences?
It is about embracing the same principles – doing the right thing, and being mindful of yourself and others. The details differ, but the goal remains the same. ‘Zero accidents’ is not a buzzword for us, but part of our daily attitude.
Thank you, Verónica!
Fire drills, like here during our Safety Week, are particularly important in Argentina’s dry heat.
In stark contrast to Argentinian heat, our plant in Lexington, NC (US) experienced heavy snowfall at the beginning of 2026 – an exceptional challenge there.
Did you know?
The Yarará snake is the most common species in Concordia (AR). Its venom damages skin and muscle tissue, impairs blood clotting and causes internal bleeding.
At our Argentinian plant, dedicated employee information sessions are held on the subject of snake prevention.
After 33 years, Klaus Monhoff has stepped down and handed over the Decor Management reins to Matthias Wombacher.
Klaus Monhoff bids farewell to his long-standing role – with pride in what has been achieved and trust in what is to come. Matthias Wombacher is taking over – with respect for what has grown and enthusiasm for the future. Both prepared for it explicitly:
‘A change in leadership is not a date in the calendar,’ Klaus Monhoff explains. ‘It is a process. And that is exactly how we embraced it.’
A lunch to remember Klaus Monhoff’s journey at EGGER began in 1992. No conference room. No official appointment. Instead, shortly after starting, he sat at the Michael Egger Sr’s kitchen table. He still remembers it like it was yesterday. ‘At the
time, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Michael Egger simply said: ‘Klaus, meet me at the car this lunchtime.’ I thought it would be a business lunch – and then, all of a sudden, we were in his home. With his wife and children. Quite naturally.’ Klaus Monhoff adds: ‘For me, it was a key moment. That was when I realized that at EGGER, family is not an empty phrase, but a lived reality. This experience shaped me and made settling in easy.’
How a blank sheet of paper gained color
When Klaus Monhoff joined EGGER in 1992, many things were still taking shape. Decor development? Barely structured. Much of it arose from individual requirements. ‘We didn’t have ready-made concepts,’ says Monhoff. ‘But we had ideas, curiosity – and the courage to try something new.’ From those beginnings, a holistic decor management developed over the years: coordinated collections, strong surfaces and international collaboration. Over time, a well-founded international network has emerged. ‘When I started, I was on my own,’ says Monhoff. ‘Nowadays, we have a strong team with local decor managers in many markets.’
Two generations, one understanding
In Matthias Wombacher, a successor is taking over who knows and lives the EGGER values. ‘I am joining a very
well-established team,’ says Wombacher. ‘My goal is to strengthen what has proven successful and to provide fresh impetus where it makes sense, and to build on that together.’ The transition was no coincidence, but the result of a partnership that goes beyond mere tasks. ‘It was important for me to pass on my knowledge, yet also leave room for new ideas,’ Monhoff explains. ‘That time was incredibly valuable,’ Matthias emphasizes. ‘I was able to understand why things are done the way they are, and not just how.’ For Klaus, that is exactly what matters: ‘Responsibility can be passed on. But you share experience. That requires trust but takes time of course.’
A farewell – yet much remains
For Klaus, an important chapter full of memories is drawing to a close: ‘EGGER was never just a work place. For me, it was much more a place where you were allowed to create,’ says Monhoff. His signature remains – in collections, textures, surfaces. And a team that has learned to take responsibility and stay curious. ‘I am leaving with a good feeling. Seeing how strong the team is and how well it continues to run is the best farewell,’ Klaus says contentedly. And this is exactly where the future begins: with Matthias Wombacher, a strong team –and the joy of continuing to shape the future.
The feeling of togetherness, openness and team spirit impressed me from the very beginning. This is exactly what I am looking forward to.
Matthias Wombacher, Head of Design & Decor Management EGGER Group
Klaus Monhoff hands over the baton to Matthias Wombacher, alongside Roland Auer (CMO).
Thank you for 10 years of KOMPAKT!
For 10 years, EGGER KOMPAKT has stood for straightforward, practical knowledge and genuine teamwork. That is why we are celebrating the people who make this success possible – our KOMPAKT trainers worldwide.
Since May 2016, EGGER KOMPAKT has been supporting all employees in learning from one another, passing on knowledge and developing further together. The idea is simple: experienced colleagues share their knowledge directly with others. Training sessions are practical, easy to understand and closely aligned with real work situations. Through nine interactive modules, KOMPAKT explains how our value chain works and how every department contributes to our shared success.
KOMPAKT represents responsibility and knowledge transfer. Our trainers help to ensure quality and performance every day. This commitment is key to EGGER’s success. For that, we say thank you!
Thomas Leissing (Chief Financial Officer EGGER Group and Speaker of the Group Management)
KOMPAKT connects us
Appreciation across national borders
To mark this 10-year anniversary, local events are being organized in many countries to thank our trainers in person. These events – and also the back page of this issue of our employee magazine – make our appreciation visible. But what really counts goes far beyond certificates: the time, passion and commitment that our trainers contribute alongside their daily work.
Silvia Fien, Logistics Division Lead, knows what makes a program like this so valuable for our corporate culture: ‘When people learn together across hierarchical and functional boundaries, a culture of openness and a stronger sense of togetherness emerge. At the same time, I particularly appreciate the trainers – colleagues from our own ranks – who prepare and deliver the training sessions with great effort and dedication. That is what EGGER is all about: we see openness as a strength, are willing to help and support one another. New employees particularly benefit from this culture and give us positive feedback about it.’
A strong network behind it
KOMPAKT is more than a training program – it is genuine teamwork. Module leads develop the content, local trainers deliver the training and our Learning & Development team supports the organization, ensuring quality standards are met at Group and plant level. Together, they ensure that learning at EGGER remains practical, relevant and relevant to our daily work.
Through exchange and open discussion, the program promotes better understanding between teams and a shared EGGER culture of knowledge. Today, over 270 trainers worldwide bring KOMPAKT to life. Some are still at the beginning of their work as trainers, while others have been shaping training offerings in our plants for more than a decade. Whether new or experienced – our trainer team strengthens cooperation and understanding between all locations. 9 270 500 8,000 *
*These figures have only been documented since 2020. KOMPAKT training sessions were temporarily paused due to COVID, as they are face-to-face events. These details therefore refer to the period from June 2022 to today.
Hamza Daldal
• Plant: Gebze (TR)
• Training: Finance
• Trainer since: 2023
• Number of training sessions: 4
The KOMPAKT programme is so special because it gives us space to explain our work in a way that would simply not be possible in everyday working life. This enables a large group to really understand what another team does, which leads to greater acknowledgement and makes collaboration much easier.
Justyna Danilewicz-Sobczak
• Plant: Biskupiec (PL)
• Training: KOMPAKT Raw Materials, KOMPAKT More from Wood
• Trainer since: 2024
• Number of training sessions: 11
Miguel Berenguer Diaz
• Plant: Hexham (UK)
• Training: Production, More from Wood
• Trainer since: 2020
• Number of training sessions: 10
As a trainer, I have improved my presentation and problem-solving skills, as I had to simplify complex topics. What’s more, I have broadened my professional horizons and improved my crossfunctional cooperation. At the same time, the feedback I receive motivates me to always stay up to date.
Daniel Biholari
• Plant: Rădăuți (RO)
• Training: Logistics
• Trainer since: 2017
My personal highlight was seeing how our ‘EGGER to EGGER’ philosophy was brought to life. It is very impressive when you can pass on knowledge from your own experience, and I feel that I am truly helping to build a stronger, better connected team.
Cäcilia Esterhammer
• Plant: St. Johann (AT)
• Training: IT@EGGER
• Trainer since: 2022
• Number of training sessions: 6
I enjoyed portraying our dataintensive work in Production Planning. It is rewarding to make our role and its challenges understandable, and to demonstrate the contribution we make to the company.
For me, what makes the KOMPAKT series special is that it is really about colleagues sharing their knowledge with one another. That helps you to look beyond your own horizons and understand how other departments work, which strengthens our collaboration across the entire company.
• Number of training sessions: 48
Have you heard?
#SpeakUp
Integrity is crucial for EGGER’s success. SpeakUp offers employees and partners a safe way to report potential misconduct. It replaces the ombudsman Dr Thiel von Herff and other channels, and is now our only whistleblowing platform. If you suspect or have evidence of breaches of legal or internal regulations, you can use this anonymous platform in confidence to voice your concerns. Reports via SpeakUp are simple, free and completely anonymous – for example, they can be submitted via this QR code.
years!
#60YearsOfWörgl
Our plant in Wörgl (AT) is celebrating a special anniversary in June 2026: 60 years ago it became – after our headquarters in St Johann in Tirol (AT) – the EGGER Group’s second plant, laying the foundations for our growth. Today, the location is a world-leading manufacturer of thin particleboard. With 140 dedicated colleagues, high production flexibility and numerous customized product variants, Wörgl is and remains a strong, innovative and indispensable part of the EGGER Group.
#GlobalLaunch
Since the beginning of the year, numerous international events have been held to mark the launch of the Decorative Collection 26+. From showroom presentations and customer events to exclusive industry formats, our new introductions are actively staged and made tangible – we have already been to Athens (GR), Prague (CZ), Shanghai (CN), New York City (US) and, of course, on site in our plants, including Caorso (IT) [see photo], Gebze (TR) and Rion des Landes (FR).
#EGGERRuns2026
On 30 May, we were once again active across the Group and covered plenty of kilometres between us. For every kilometre, EGGER donates €5 to a charitable organisation. Thank you to everyone for taking part in such numbers. You showed how sport, team spirit and commitment bring people together! To find out more about the kilometers covered and the number of participants, take a look at EGGERnet.
#AnniversaryInGebze
Our plant in Gebze (TR) will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026 – a proud milestone since it was founded in 1996! Since 2010, Gebze has been an indispensable part of the EGGER Group. With over 60,000 m² of production space, state-of-theart lines and a capacity of 1.8 billion metres of edging, our Gebze plant now supplies more than 80 countries across five continents.
A milestone for the future
Our new power plant in St. Johann (AT) has started producing electricity
Expanding our renewable energy supply remains a crucial strategic matter for us – all the more reason for our energy project at the St. Johann plant to be completed on time. The new power plant will further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and makes the plant’s energy supply even more sustainable, flexible and futureproof.
‘We are becoming less dependent on volatile energy markets and securing production processes for the long term,’ emphasizes Johannes Salvenmoser, Plant Manager Technical/Production in St. Johann. ‘Under normal operation, we will be manufacturing without natural gas in future.’
Plans to generate over 70% of electricity needs in-house With this investment of around EUR 80 million, we now have a plant in St. Johann that generates heat and – for the first
time at the plant – electricity for our production processes. The technology is based on a steam boiler and combined heat and power generation, operated with a biogenic fuel mix: biomass, biogenic production residues (e.g. wood dust), and wood waste that cannot be materially recycled.
Outstanding team effort since construction began in early 2024
Our new power plant not only represents the largest energy project at the plant in decades, but it also supports our ‘Net Zero 2050’ climate commitment. Our goal is to reduce climate-impacting CO₂ emissions generated by the EGGER Group to zero in the long term. At the same time, local communities benefit from the district heating produced at our plant.
I would like to thank the entire project team. Many of you took on additional responsibility for many months and solved complex challenges. We would also like to thank our long-standing partner companies and specialists, whose expertise in turbine, boiler and control technology made a significant contribution to ensuring the project’s success. This joint achievement makes the project something truly special.
Hans Feiersinger, Project Manager
The project team from left to right: Manfred Mayer, Udo Niedermair, Markus Hildebrandt, Markus Hofer, Kevin Sevignani, Daniel Mauracher, Georg Hauser, Hans Feiersinger
The ‘Energy journey’ at the St. Johann plant
Biogenic fuels (production residues, such as dust from production processes and wood waste that cannot be materially recycled) are fed in via two moving floors, blended and freed from contaminants.
3.
The fuels are burned in the boiler under controlled and monitored conditions at a temperature of at least 850 °C. Thermal energy is transferred to a closed water-steam circuit.
2. Transport
The material is transported via a conveyor belt from the fuel feed directly into the boiler.
4. Generating electrical energy
Steam flows into the turbine. The turbine wheel begins to turn and drives a generator. This generates electricity, which is fed into the power grid.
5. Using waste heat
After the turbine, the steam is still warm and we use this heat for our inhouse district heating network, as well as for the district heating network that serves the municipalities of St. Johann and Oberndorf.
Next step in Unterradlberg
EGGER relies on an integrated energy concept at many plants: wood residues and biogenic production residues from board production are used to generate energy if they are no longer suitable for material use.
At the plant in Unterradlberg (AT), we are currently preparing a district heating project in which we will supply the nearby provincial capital of Lower Austria, St. Pölten, with heat from biogenic energy in future. The project
centres around constructing a new turbine. It expands the existing energy concept and provides additional heat to feed in to the district heating network.
For St. Pölten, this means regionally generated, reliable heat with a significantly lower carbon footprint. For EGGER, it is another important step in making our own energy expertise even more useful – and a visible signal that sustainable development does not end at the plant gate.
1. Fuel feed
Combustion in the boiler
What happened... ... 66 years ago (1960)?
... at EGGER
When Fritz Egger Sr approached a young man in 1960, who was energetically loading a vehicle with wood shavings by hand, the foundations were laid for a close partnership spanning generations. The man was Hans Ascher, who owned a single van at the time. He was there when construction began for the St. Johann (AT) plant in 1961, bringing the first load of wood to the new plant and delivering the very first EGGERproduced particleboards to the customer.
Over subsequent decades, the two family companies grew together and quite literally surpassed themselves. Right through to our joint venture in the USA by EGGER and – as the transport company has been called since 2004 –EXIM (more on this in the report on p. 11).
Hans Ascher used this vehicle to transport our first deliveries in 1961.
Delegations from Europe, the USA and Canada at the ceremonial signing in the Clock Room of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Quai d’Orsay).
... in the world
1960 was also a key year for new forms of international economic and trade cooperation. Among other things, the agreement establishing the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) was signed in Paris on 14 December 1960. Even now, it is still considered the central platform for coordinated economic, trade and development policy among industrialized countries.
Signing the OECD charter in the Clock Room at the Quai d’Orsay, December 1960. Paris: OECD, 14/12/1960. Black and white.
... 38 years ago (1988)?
... at EGGER
The first EGGER ContiRoll was installed at the St. Johann (AT) plant in 1988. The new continuous press line from Siempelkamp represented a technological quantum leap: using a ContiRoll, particleboards can be produced continuously, resulting in significantly higher output. While the two ‘old’ cycle presses in St. Johann had a daily output of 600 m³, the new ContiRoll achieved an impressive 1,100 m³.
The capacity of the new press line has been continuously increased: 35 years later, it stands at an impressive 1,500 m³. As such, the ContiRoll in St. Johann produces 540,000 m³ of raw particleboards per year. This successful model served as a template for the ContiRolls in all EGGER plants, including those in Brilon (DE), Hexham (UK), Lexington, NC (US), Rădăuți (RO) and Unterradlberg (AT).
... in the world
Canada was at the epicenter of winter sports for two weeks when hosting the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Dutchwoman Yvonne van Gennip caused a stir in speed skating, securing three gold medals, while Italian ski racer Alberto Tomba became a crowd favourite with his spectacular runs.
At the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul (KR), Steffi Graf won gold, thereby completing her ‘Golden Slam’: all four Grand Slam titles plus Olympic Gold in one year – an unprecedented achievement at the time.
In 2007, the ContiRoll in Rion des Landes (FR) was fully modernised.
In 2018, the team in St. Johann (AT) celebrated the 30th anniversary of our first ContiRoll.
In June 2000, we started producing the first OSB of this kind in Germany on the new ContiRoll in Wismar (DE).
Delivery performance: our strategic focus
Improving our delivery performance is our central goal up to 2028; this means we deliver to our customers on time, in full and in the best quality possible. Here are some examples of measures we have taken along the way.
Our customers are at the center of everything we do; their satisfaction is what drives us. As part of our delivery performance focus project, we have set ourselves the goal of becoming the service market leader in our industry. To achieve this, we involve colleagues from all plants, deliberately simplify our processes, improve the use of our IT systems, and work with transparent key figures to measure our progress. We have now been working on this strategic topic for a year and have already improved our on-time deliveries from 87% to 92%.
Concrete examples from our plants show how we are steadily improving our delivery performance:
In Gebze (TR), our colleagues recorded video interviews in which they talk about the daily challenges and how these can be addressed. This creates an understanding of other specialist areas and a shared drive to seek a solution.
Regular cross-departmental exchanges in Biskupiec (PL) ensure that all colleagues recognize their contribution to on-time deliveries.
And many other topics are in the pipeline
In Gifhorn (DE), our colleagues from Production Planning plan the stocks for Brilon (DE), Biskupiec (PL), Rădăuți (RO), St. Johann and Unterradlberg (AT) and, in future, also for Hexham (UK) for the laminates produced in Gifhorn. This makes local procedures more straightforward, and, at our sister plants, it increases availability and thus our reliability for our customers.
The page for children and grown-ups
In this employee magazine, we are focusing on EGGER’s business partners. But what type of partnership do we personally offer at school or at work?
Answer each question spontaneously and note down which letter matches your answer each time. The most frequently chosen letter will reveal your collaborative partnership type. You might also find that you share two ‘types’.
Have fun!
1. How do I prefer to start a shared task?
1: I ask directly: “Where can I help?” – and take on specific tasks. (C)
2: I throw ideas into the mix and give things a try. (A)
3: I sit down and draw up a precise plan. (D)
4: I first unpick others’ expectations and feelings. (B)
2. When procedures, rules or something else suddenly changes significantly, then…
1: I see this as an opportunity to use the change for something positive. (A)
2: It is important to me that we talk openly about it and that everyone understands exactly what is changing. (B)
3: I pay particular attention to how others are coping with it and offer support. (C)
4: I think about what steps are needed now and help to create clarity again. (D)
3. What motivates me most when collaborating?
1: When everyone supports one another and you can rely on each other. (C)
2: When something truly innovative emerges and established ways of thinking are questioned. (A)
3: When goals are clear, progress becomes visible and results are measurable. (D)
4: When people speak openly, feedback is possible and someone listens. (B)
Enter your result here:
4. What’s your favourite way reach decisions with others?
1: We compare options, consider possible consequences and then make a decision. (D)
2: We discuss the pros and cons, and how it feels for everyone. (B)
3: We gather lots of ideas, try something out and learn from the result. (A)
4: We make sure everyone is involved and that the decision suits everyone. (C)
5. When there is uncertainty in the team, what do I do first?
1: I summarise all the information and recommend how to proceed. (D)
2: I approach individual people, defuse tensions and provide reassurance. (C)
3: I openly address the uncertainty in the team and suggest a clarification meeting. (B)
4: I look for a new approach to the solution on my own. (A)
A: Innovative type
You like to explore new paths and love becoming creative together. You inspire others to think bigger and to see change as an opportunity.
B: Communicative type
You actively seek dialogue, bring different voices to the table and make sure information does not get ‘stuck’.
C: Supportive type
You pay particular attention to the wellbeing of others and to making sure no one is left on their own. You notice early when someone needs support and actively offer help.
D: Strategic type
You like to think ahead, plan in a structured way and keep goals, resources and time in view. It is important to you that good ideas are realistically feasible.
What’s next?
More recycling in Rion
At our plant in Rion des Landes (FR), we are building a new recycled wood processing plant, which is due to be commissioned in May 2027.
Starting the trade fair season
We are showing at international trade fairs all over the world, including SICAM (IT) and intermob (TR). And of course we have our own in-house trade fair, EGGERZUM.
Short-cycle presses under construction
At our plants in Lexington, NC (US) and Barony (UK), new short-cycle presses will be commissioned at the end of 2026 and early 2027 respectively.
For health and safety
Following Bünde (DE) in February and Gebze (TR) in April 2026, our plants in Wismar (DE) and CAO (IT) are also due to be certified to ISO 45001:2018 management systems for health and safety this year.
Do you have a suggested topic? Then please feel free to get in touch with:
martina.haager@egger.com
All suggestions are welcome.
Construction of our new recycled wood processing plant in Rion des Landes (FR) began in February 2026.
