Wooden pallets are not only universally applicable but also environmentally friendly and practical – whether for transporting goods or for creative projects like DIY furniture. Especially in Austria, Paletten Winter GmbH is setting new standards in the production and repair of Euro pallets and one-way pallets. The family-run company from Hof am Leithaberge offers a comprehensive range of wooden pallet solutions that are both sustainable and versatile.
"Anyone who buys from Winter is always well taken care of," emphasizes Franz Winter, founder and CEO of Paletten Winter GmbH. During the coronavirus pandemic, the company specifically strengthened the production of wooden pallets in Austria to remain independent of foreign suppliers. Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, Paletten Winter has established itself as a leading provider of Euro pallets, customized one-way pallets, and other sustainable pallet solutions.
Sustainable pallet production and repair of Euro pallets
Production at Paletten Winter is entirely focused on sustainability. All newly manufactured wooden pallets, whether Euro pallets or one-way pallets, are 100% PEFC-certified and thus meet the highest environmental standards. For individual requirements, the company offers custom-made one-way pallets. Another focus is on the repair of damaged wooden pallets – between 15,000 and 20,000 pallets are repaired here daily.
"Our modern repair line guarantees maximum efficiency," explains Franz Winter. Approximately six million pallets are handled per year, many of them certified according to EPAL and UIC standards. Thanks to in-house drying chambers, the pallets are treated in accordance with IPPC guidelines to prevent pest infestation and extend the life of the pallets. In addition to manufacturing and repair, Paletten Winter also offers a practical container service, with which unusable pallets and other wood waste are professionally disposed of and recycled.
Customized pallet solutions and comprehensive logistics
The product range of Paletten Winter GmbH goes far beyond the classic wooden pallet. The sister company Hackgut Winter processes wood from its own forests and produces humus and forest wood chips, shredder material, and firewood. In the logistics sector, Paletten Logistik Winter GmbH has established itself as the largest Austrian depot for the pallet pooling market leader CHEP. Here, the focus is on the retrieval, repair, and delivery of the blue rental pallets.
Winter also offers exciting possibilities for creative minds: In the company's own Winter Möbel division, used pallets are refurbished and sold or rented out as DIY furniture. This shows how versatile wooden pallets can be.
Successful development through sustainable business practices
The success story of Paletten Winter began in 1999 when Franz Winter, a trained industrial mechanic, recognized the demand for pallets and founded the company. Through continuous investment, the business has grown to 20 hectares with 14 halls and a total area of 55,000 square meters today. With a fleet of 36 trucks and an additional recycling area of 4 hectares, the company serves customers from various sectors, including the construction, beverage, and logistics industries.
Franz Winter emphasizes the financial independence of the family business: "We have a high equity ratio and work without external investors." He is supported by his wife Andrea and his three sons Jakob, Johannes, and Jonathan, who are all involved in the company.
Sustainable innovations at Paletten Winter
In addition to digitalization and state-of-the-art technology, the company is increasingly focusing on renewable energies. Already 80% of the required energy comes from its own photovoltaic systems. By the end of the year, the company plans to become completely energy self-sufficient. The heat for the drying chambers, in which Euro pallets and one-way pallets are treated, is also 80-90% self-produced.
"For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but is practiced in all areas of the company," explains Franz Winter. Thus, Paletten Winter GmbH combines ecological responsibility with economic success and offers its customers high-quality, sustainable pallet solutions – from production to repair.
This article is based on the original article from the Wirtschaftsforum edition: VIEW HERE
