Strong together

Strong together

Since 2008, Angela Hörmanseder has headed the steel construction company of the same name in Tumeltsham, which was founded by her husband in 1991. Angela Hörmanseder describes the technical staff as the biggest challenge for the company. There is no need to discuss permanent further training, but cooperation is also needed. "We are very collegial and on equal terms. Anyone who has problems can come to me at any time, even at short notice. We are very happy about the ideas and suggestions from our team," says the 59-year-old, describing the daily scenario. At Hörmanseder Stahlbau, the entire production process is mapped internally – from planning and drawing to production and assembly. "This makes us more flexible. We can quickly respond to short-term changes on behalf of the customer." Hörmanseder also needs this flexibility in his private life. "We have two daughters and six grandchildren. That's demanding," she laughs.

Start of the steel path

"After graduating from high school, I did a HAK college and worked at a bank for a few years. Before the birth of my second child, my husband founded the company. Joining the company was a smooth transition from maternity leave," remembers the Innviertel resident. “I feel very comfortable at home.” She still dares to take a look beyond the borders: “We recently enjoyed a cruise in the Orient, now we are about to go on a trip to England and Scotland.” Her down-to-earth attitude helps her with another hobby – she sings in the church choir with her husband.

Colorful mix

For the steel woman, the construction world can no longer be imagined without the metallic material. "The strength of steel construction lies in the ability to skilfully combine economy and practicality with architectural beauty. Even complex and detailed planned structures can be erected quickly and cost-effectively and impress with their extreme longevity." In order to complete the colorful mix of orders - Hörmanseder is currently carrying out the locksmith work on the new construction of a hall at the Wels trade fair, is taking over the structural steel construction at the Vöcklabruck hospital and the steel construction work on the new terminal building for the ÖBB Wels - the Upper Austrian organizes the purchasing. What she notices is that the speed of the construction process has changed. "In the past, people planned and then implemented step by step. Today the planning phase takes a very long time and it is implemented within a very short time. However, we have made a name for ourselves in the implementation of the plans, also through the high level of the machines. Most recently, we expanded the machine park with a new tube laser; the next laser is already planned."

Training counts

For Angela Hörmanseder, teaching is crucial to the success of the company. "We trained almost all of our employees ourselves; our materials testers, the workshop manager and the technical manager started out as apprentices. Our draftsmen are all trained steel construction technicians; it was only later that they started drawing with their practical know-how." The company has had the INEO Excellent Training Company quality seal since 2013, and in 2019 it made it into the top 10 of the best training companies in Austria. The company currently has 37 employees. "We are still training apprentices, we currently have five. There have also been a few girls who were interested, but we work in heavy steel construction, which unfortunately was a deterrent." The succession in the company has already been arranged. "I will definitely be with the company for at least another three years. My older daughter and son-in-law, a trained master metal technician who have already been working here for ten years, will take over," Hörmanseder looks to the future with confidence. (gw)