Hidden champion in the Stubai Valley: Austrialpin has made a name for itself with its Cobra buckles, particularly in the defense sector, as Managing Director Katrin Mark-Winkler reports.
Ms. Mark-Winkler, it is well known that Austrialpin attaches great importance to the further development of its product range. How does innovation work in the company?
Very different. We always try to be close to our customers and incorporate feedback on our products directly into development. At the same time, we also initiate many innovations ourselves. Andreas Hörtnagl (note: Austrialpin is owned by the brothers Bruno and Andreas Hörtnagl) is responsible for product development and is a very creative person who is always coming up with new ideas and then implementing them quickly.
But not every good idea turns into a successful product, right?
No, definitely not. If an idea does not fit our product range or the capabilities of our machinery, we unfortunately have to discard it. However, if we decide to implement it, it ideally only takes a few weeks for the idea to become a finished product – although this process usually takes several months.
Where exactly are the innovations? More in the design or mainly in the materials?
Both. Innovation can take place in many areas – from new types of coatings to innovative materials. Sometimes it is also about transferring existing innovations from one product to another. For example, if a customer wants a special feature of one product for another, that’s exactly where we come in.
Are new products always immediately well received?
Mostly yes, we can’t complain. Demand for our products is generally high and has increased significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine, particularly in the defense sector. Around 60 percent of our turnover now comes from this segment. We sell around one and a half million buckles a year and, in addition to our flexibility, customers particularly appreciate the quality of our components and the fact that we produce 100% “made in Austria”.
What new products will Austrialpin be presenting at Enforce Tac?
Enforce Tac has become our most important trade fair in Central Europe in recent years. This year we are presenting new color variants for the Cobra NG plastic buckle, which we introduced last year. In addition, we are now offering the Snakebite safety buckle, which was previously available for 25 millimeter belts, for other belt widths.
Here you can find more Made in Austria articles and here to further articles in our series “5 questions to”.
