W&H Press

W&H Press

http://mx?MXTyp=PresseInfo&MXNr=00061-AEN&MXRev=11

W&H Press

W&H Dentalwerk – People have priority
The family company W&H Dentalwerk, which is based in Bürmoos, is one of the leading
providers of precision dental devices in the world. Innovative product and service solutions, a
modern corporate structure, a strong focus on research & development, vision and a sense
of social responsibility mean that W&H Dentalwerk is a successful market player at local and
international level. W&H has approximately 980 employees throughout the world (around 650
of which are at the headquarters in Bürmoos) and exports its products to more than 90
countries. The family company operates two production sites in Bürmoos (Austria), one in
Brusaporto (Italy) and 17 sales subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and North America.

Words: 111
Letters (incl. spaces): 707

W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos

Contact: Angela Heigl, Susanne Kreuzhuber
Email: presse@wh.com
Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Facts & figures

Company address: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
Ignaz Glaser Straße 53
A-5111 Bürmoos Austria

Contact: Angela Heigl Susanne Kreuzhuber
angela.heigl@wh.com susanne.kreuzhuber@wh.com
Tel: +43/6274/6236 - 460 Tel.: +43/6274/6236 - 519
Fax: +43/6274/6236 – 655 Fax: +43/6274/6236 – 655
www.wh.com www.wh.com

Business year ends on: 31/8

Board of Management: Peter Malata, Managing Director
Bernd Rippel, Consultant

Executive Board: Johann Eibl (Product Innovation, R&D)
Rudolf Flieger (Sales & Marketing)
Klaus Maier (Finance & Distribution)
Herbert Traschwandtner (Operations)

Established in: 1890

Branches: 3 production sites:
W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH: Factory 1 and 2
W&H Sterilization Srl. (Italy)

Employees: As of December 2010
approx. 980 international
of which approx. 650 in Austria
approx. 100 in the field of R&D

Business focus: Precision tools and devices for dental practices, dental hospitals,
dental laboratories and microsurgery

Export quota: 95%

Certification: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485
Medical device directive 93/42/EEC Appendix II


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – The company

W&H: International success with Austrian dental technology

Bürmoos – The W&H Group, a family-run company based in Bürmoos, Austria, is one
of the leading manufacturers of dental transmission instruments & devices in the
world. Established in 1890 by the precision engineers Weber and Hampel, the
company was acquired by the Malata Family in 1958. Innovative product and service
solutions, a strong focus on research and development, vision and social
responsibility have made W&H a successful local and global player.

The W&H Group has around 980 employees worldwide, of which approximately 650 work at
the Austrian headquarters in Bürmoos. One of the recipes for success for this dynamically
growing company is its strong focus on research and development: Around 30% of turnover
is generated by products which have been on the market for no more than three years.

Export is the core W&H market: 95% of products supply dental markets in over 90 countries.
A perfectly organized distribution network with 17 sales subsidiaries and a large number of
partner companies in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North and South America ensures
reliable customer care and excellent technical service. The high-tech medical devices are
manufactured at two production plants in Bürmoos (Austria) and in a plant in Brusaporto
(Italy).

Innovation and tradition: W&H leads the way in dental technology
W&H can look back on more than a century of manufacturing high quality dental products.
The two precision engineers and W&H founders Weber and Hampel were the first in Europe
to develop mechanical handpieces/contra-angles for dentists.

The press button chuck system which is now a standard element of dental handpieces was
invented by W&H. This technology makes it possible to change burs in seconds and ensures
their security during operation. W&H set a new standard in 1985 with the very first contra-
angle handpiece to reach operating speeds of up to 160,000 rpm – a rate successfully
increased to 200,000 rpm in 1993. A rapid operating speed and the correct torque form the
basis for accurate and precise dental preparation.


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H is a company which specializes in dental instruments and devices. The current range
of products includes rotating instruments for restoration and prosthetics as well as
endodontics. Other instruments and devices are also included for oral surgery and
implantology, and prophylaxis and periodontology, as well as instruments in the field of
hygiene and maintenance and for dental laboratories. W&H products are among the best
quality instruments on the market and are used in dental practices, dental hospitals, dental
laboratories and in microsurgery.

All products are state-of-the-art and extremely reliable, as well as offering an excellent price-
performance ratio.
W&H holds certificates such as the international ISO 9001 certificate, the ISO 13485 and
Appendix II to Directive 93/42/EEC – quality criteria the company considers fundamental and
indispensable. In 2007, qualityaustria awarded W&H the Environmental Management
Certificate in line with the requirements of ISO 14001: 2004.

Words: 475
Letters (incl. spaces): 3,108


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – Company history

W&H: 50th jubilee for the family company

W&H Dentalwerk was founded in 1890 by the Berlin precision engineers Weber and Hampel.
They wrote a new chapter in the history of dental technology, establishing a company which
was to produce the very first mechanical handpiece/contra-angles for dentists.

The company was restructured between 1920 and 1930. W&H became part of DEGUSSA
and gained international standing through its worldwide distribution network. W&H relocated
from Berlin to Bürmoos (Austria) in 1944.

Takeover by the Malata family
Consul Peter Malata was installed as company manager by the Allies in March 1946. W&H
was acquired by the family of Consul Peter and Hilde Malata in 1958.
Since then, the company has been family-run. It first expanded in 1960; this was followed by
a large-scale renovation and extension in 1969. In 2008, W&H celebrated 50 years as a
family-run company.

W&H international – sites, development
The company was founded in Berlin in 1890 and relocated to Bürmoos in 1944. In the early
years, W&H concentrated above all on the Austrian and German markets, but at the same
time slowly yet successfully built up its international network to cover over 90 countries. A
third production site, W&H Sterilization in Brusaporto (Italy) in addition to the two production
plants in Bürmoos (Austria) was opened in 1999.

The 70s saw the start of the company’s continuous rise to its status today as a global player:
currently with a total of over 645 staff in the original plant in Bürmoos (980 around the world),
a perfectly organized distribution network with 19 subsidiary firms, 14 regional officers and a
large number of outstanding and reliable partner companies, the W&H Group has now
become a leading player in the international dental technology segment. This means W&H
can guarantee customers in all countries care they can rely on and excellent technical
service.

W&H’s core market is now exports: 95% of products are marketed in over 90 countries. The
most important markets are those of Europe, the USA and Russia.


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

The W&H Group
Alongside its 3 production sites (2 in Bürmoos, Austria, and 1 in Brusaporto, Italy),
W&H also has 17 subsidiaries (2 are purely service companies and 15 are sales subsidiaries
– some including service). W&H Deutschland was launched in 1964, the first W&H sales
subsidiary; this was followed by the opening of Wehadent Salzburg in 1983. There are
further sales subsidiaries in France (Eckbolsheim: 1985); Italy (Cusago: 1986); Sweden
(Täby: 1988); the UK (St. Albans: 1991); Bulgaria (Sofia: 1994); Poland (Warsaw: 1998);
Spain (Valencia: 1998); Switzerland (Uster: 2004); Australia (Belrose: 2004), Canada (2006:
Windsor), India (New Delhi: 2006), China (Shanghai: 2010), and Turkey (Istanbul: 2010).
Further sales subsidiaries are Sendoline in Sweden (Täby: 2005) and MADRImed in Austria
(Bürmoos: 2005).

Words: 455

W&H – the international Group


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – Investments

Site extension secures the basis for expansion
Significant investments were made, in particular in expanding the production sites in
Bürmoos, Austria and Brusaporto, Italy.

The company invested intensively in the Bürmoos site in particular: the construction of a new
workshop in Bürmoos provided the foundation for further company growth for the global
player in the medical technology sector. Roughly 17.3 million euros were invested to expand
factory 2 by 8,700 m2. Work was completed at the end of 2008.

The expansion work on factory 2 at the headquarters of W&H Dentalwerk in Bürmoos started
on 20 March 2007. The floor space of the newly constructed workshop amounts to 8,700 m2.
The site is located at the eastern entrance to the Bürmoos premises and is the largest
building site to date at W&H. The new building has expanded the overall floor space of the
two W&H factories in Bürmoos to a total of 25,000 m2.

Further stages of development
The new workshop in factory 2 and the 8,700 m2 of new floor space it provides will create
additional manufacturing capacity, which, above all, will include around 1,200 m2 for chip
removal production and around 750 m2 for assembly. With the new space that it has gained,
W&H will be able to continue to satisfy customers’ demands for high-quality products both
quickly and flexibly in the future. This will ensure efficient production in the medium and long
term.

W&H Sterilization in Brusaporto
“All change” was also 2007’s motto for W&H Sterilization in Italy. What began ten years ago
in a garage quickly grew to become a company, a company which soon needed a much
greater production area: W&H Sterilization was setting new standards in the field of hygiene
and maintenance with the pioneering Class B sterilizer “Lisa”. Previously the company had
been based in Pedrengo, not far from Bergamo. The introduction of the new generation of
“Lisa” sterilizers heralded the start of construction for a new and architectonically challenging
building on a 2,450 m² site with a total floor space of over 6,000 m² (split between four floors,
2,000 m² for offices and 1,700 m² for storage and production): W&H Sterilization in
Brusaporto.


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Construction work started on the new W&H Sterilization building in Brusaporto, near
Bergamo, in early 2006. The new building provides a total area of 6,375 m² over four floors.
Bright modern offices provide a pleasant working environment. The new building also houses
a fitness room and a large terrace with a view of the vineyards of Bergamo.

Final autoclave testing
The most important part of the plant is, as before, the facility for the final autoclave tests.
Before delivery, each sterilizer must undergo rigorous testing for up to five hours, in complete
accordance with the strict requirements of European Norm EN13060 and many other
international guidelines. As it happens, W&H Sterilization is also international in terms of its
workforce: the 60 members of staff come from all over the world – a great advantage for a
company which exports to over 90 countries.

Words: 503


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – A global player

Market position
W&H is one of the leading manufacturers of dental transmission instruments worldwide.
W&H is the market leader in Austria for the manufacture of dental transmission
instruments.
W&H is the international market leader in the field of oral surgery/implantology
transmission instruments.
The LISA sterilizers produced by W&H Sterilization in Italy are firmly established in the
top quality segment of the market for Class B benchtop sterilizers.
The large number of patented features is testimony to the level of innovation at W&H
Sterilization.
W&H is a leader in innovation in the field of dental laboratory drive systems.
W&H is market leader in Austria for dental laboratory drive systems.

Words: 115
Letters (incl. spaces): 715


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – The Managing Director

Peter Malata: an employer with vision and social responsibility
50 years of family ownership
W&H Dentalwerk, founded in 1890 in Berlin by the precision engineers Weber and Hampel,
relocated to Bürmoos in 1944. The company was taken over by the family of Peter and Hilde
Malata in 1958.

Peter Malata joined the board of management in 1984 to work with his father Consul Peter
Malata, Sr (Managing Director) and Dr Bernd Rippel (Authorized Signatory). He became joint
Managing Director in 1991 with responsibility for product development and production. In
1996 he took over from his father as Managing Director. He led the company for three years
together with his father and Bernd Rippel until Peter Malata, Sr stepped down completely in
1999. According to Peter Malata himself, his management style is shaped by the need to
work and live together “…for things only happen when we work together, and everyone
involved should benefit from the company’s success.”

Peter Malata
Peter Malata is married and has two children. Born in Salzburg, he studied industrial
engineering at the Graz University of Technology. He has been sole Managing Director of
W&H Dentalwerk since 1996. He is also a member of the supervisory board at all W&H
subsidiaries.

Peter Malata is also vice president of the Federation of Austrian Industries.

Words: 216


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – Products & technologies/
innovation: a factor for success

The W&H product range: a focus on Research & Development
W&H is a specialist in the field of dental instruments and devices. The current product range
comprises instruments and devices for:
Restoration and prosthetics
Endodontics
Oral surgery and implantology,
Prophylaxis and periodontology
Hygiene and maintenance
Dental laboratories

W&H products with their international quality standards are used in dental practices, dental
hospitals, dental laboratories and in microsurgery. W&H products meet all technical
standards and impress users with their reliability, state-of-the-art design and excellent price
performance ratio.

Constant innovation is testimony to our high quality standards: W&H was the first
manufacturer to use LED technology (light-emitting diodes) to illuminate the area to be
drilled.

LED+
In 2007, W&H became the first manufacturer in the world to integrate sterilizable LEDs into
rotary dental instruments. In 2010, W&H presents LED+: The newly adapted, high colour
rendering index of the LED instruments is completely unique within the dental industry. It
enables relaxed work thanks to daylight quality light, exceptional reproduction of natural
colours and clear colour contrasts. The colour rendering index (CRI) of artificial light sources
is very important because a high CRI value significantly improves people’s sense of
wellbeing through improved visibility. Perfect colour rendering has an index of 100.
Conventional LEDs only have a CRI of between 60 and 80 and are ineffective in reproducing
red tones – a significant disadvantage for many medical applications. However, W&H dental
instruments use a new technology. The result is a CRI of more than 90 which means clear
colour contrasts and exceptional reproduction of natural red tones in the mouth.

The main W&H advantages at a glance:

LED chip placed directly on the light source at the head of the instrument providing
the largest illumination area of any dental instrument on the market,
constant optimal colour temperature of 5,500 kelvin,


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

a colour rendering index of over 90,
constant light quality and luminous intensity of at least 25,000 lux, regardless of the
settings on the dental unit's power supply,
completely sterilizable LED product range,
lifespan 10 times longer than conventional halogen light sources,
generator technology: LED light independent from the power supply of the dental
unit.

Product lines and most successful products

Restoration and prosthetics
1997 saw W&H launch “Synea”, a new quality standard in the field of turbines and
handpieces/contra-angles for treating tooth decay and preparing cavities and crowns. Users
were impressed with the instruments’ incredibly long useful life, their quietness and their light
weight.
W&H launched the new generation of Synea in 2007, the very first turbines with sterilizable
LEDs. Alongside the established and well-known advantages of the Synea range, the pure
white light emitted by the LED turbines provides shadow-free illumination for the entire oral
cavity and is thus the ideal complement to large op lamps.

With “Alegra” W&H presented a world first at the IDS in 2009. Alegra contra-angle
handpieces produce their own LED+ light. A generator in the contra-angle handpiece acts as
a self-sufficient energy source. The functional principle is similar to that of a bicycle dynamo.
The self-generated LED+ light is neutrally-coloured and many times brighter than a
conventional light.

Endodontics
W&H is enhancing mechanical root canal preparation with the “Endea NiTi” contra-angle
handpieces. Thanks to 360 rotation, the root canal is quickly and efficiently prepared. The
extremely small head of the contra-angle handpiece provides the best possible access to the
treatment site and allows for a reduced working height due to shorter file shanks. With the
Endea NiTi contra-angle handpiece EB 75 (16:1), any files available on the market can reach
the required speed, whether an air motor, electric motor or torque-controlled motor is used.

With “Entran”, W&H offers a cordless handpiece for mechanical root canal treatment. There
are many advantages to this handpiece. Entran allows for delicate, safe and reliable work. It
can change rotational direction automatically without ever exceeding the set torque. The
cordless instrument offers the greatest possible freedom of movement. The contra-angle
handpiece is also impressively lightweight.

In addition, the W&H contra-angle handpieces “ENDO Cursor and ENDO NiTi” facilitate
faster and more cost-effective treatment during mechanical root canal preparation without
becoming fatigued.

With Endea, Entran and Endo, W&H provides a complete system solution for every area of
application in mechanical endodontics.


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Prophylaxis & periodontology
“Pyon 2”: the LED piezo scaler for use in the areas of scaling, periodontology and micro-
preparation. The piezo scaler from W&H achieves optimum results in all applications. The
LED ring in the handpiece allows for much more thorough and precise work. This not only
helps with widening the root canal entrance but also with removing the crucial millimetre of
subgingival concretion when necessary. Of course, W&H offers a range of tips for this
purpose, which are perfectly tailored to the individual applications.

“Prozone” is the ozone generator from W&H that facilitates quick, clean and sterile
disinfection of the treatment site. The device can be used predominately in the areas of
prophylaxis and periodontology, but also in endodontics and cavity management. Prozone
produces the gas mixture via corona discharge. This oxygen–ozone mixture arrives at the
area that needs disinfecting via the handpiece and special disposable tips.

The “Proxeo” systems UNIVERSAL and YOUNG provide safety and flexibility during teeth
cleaning: Proxeo uses an optimum speed to ensure that the polishing paste stays where it
belongs. The rotational speed and the transmission ratio of 4:1 allow efficient cleaning and
gentle polishing to be carried out with a complete overview of the treatment because the
small contra-angle head means that the user can even see treatment sites in the distal area.

To ensure gentle prophylaxis and periodontology, W&H offers further handpieces/contra-
angles and air scalers.

Oral surgery and implantology
“Implantmed” – an implantology motor for absolute precision in dental implants.
Implantmed signalled W&H’s major breakthrough in the field of implantology. Implantmed is a
carefully thought-out complete solution, the first implantology device which is both extremely
easy to use and extremely powerful. Implantmed comes with a very small and light surgical
motor.

“Elcomed” is the most powerful surgical motor in the world. Thanks to Elcomed, surgeons
and implant surgeons can now benefit from a powerful and multifunctional drive unit. The
device’s large power spectrum make it suitable for use in jaw and facial surgery,
implantology, microsurgery and minor bone surgery. The wide torque range allows the speed
of the motor to be altered and set with great precision depending on the area of application.

“Surgical handpieces/contra-angles” with LED and generator.
W&H surgical instruments are particularly impressive thanks to their perfect daylight-quality
LED light. Furthermore, all surgical instruments can be easily dismantled and reassembled.
Thus, nothing now stands in the way of treatment in optimum hygienic conditions. The
surgical instruments also feature an independent power supply.


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

“Surgical suction” – This new suction method is perfectly suited to use in jaw surgery and
implantology. Until now, the separation filter in the vacuum pump would constantly become
blocked or overflow. W&H’s surgical suction solves this problem. Simple suction and the law
of gravity mean blood, liquid and saliva are collected in a special container. This protects the
suction equipment in the dental unit and thus reduces maintenance costs for the dentist, as
well as giving him greater security during surgical intervention.

Hygiene & maintenance
Hygiene and maintenance of instruments is becoming an increasingly important issue in the
dental sector. W&H has been successfully operating in this market since 1992 with the
“Assistina” instrument maintenance system. The “Service Oil F1”, also produced by W&H,
compared favourably to other similar oils from well-known brands in extremely rigorous tests
carried out by the TU-Wien [Vienna University of Technology]. W&H Service Oil F1 is a fully
synthetic special oil of maximum purity and was developed especially for the extreme
conditions which prevail in dental drive systems. It is the ideal lubricant for both slow and
extremely rapid drive systems.

The “LISA” sterilizers produced by W&H Sterilization in Italy are firmly established in the top
quality segment of the market for Class B benchtop sterilizers. LISA sterilizers are
exclusively designed to offer Class B cycles and can thus be used to sterilize all types of
instruments and loads. Lisa sterilizers are vacuum autoclaves, which means that they safely
sterilize hollow and inner spaces.

Dental laboratories
W&H is the Austrian market leader in laboratory drive systems. The W&H “Perfecta”
laboratory devices are complete solutions which meet the constantly changing needs of
dental technology. A huge range of materials from wax to steel and ceramics can be worked
with one single instrument.

The technical handpiece 945 is suitable for the perfect individual adaptation of dental
prostheses and braces and also for light technical work on dental materials. In particular, its
easy-to-grip, lightweight design and quiet operation enable you to work without becoming
fatigued. The 945 can be used with a unit motor, air motor or an “E-type” laboratory motor.

Words: 1,482


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Restoration & Prosthetics
Turbines Couplings Straight and contra- Electric motors Air motors
angle handpieces

Endodontics
Entran Endea NiTi Endo Cursor Endo NiTi


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Oral Surgery & Implantology
Implantmed Elcomed Surgical Surgical handpieces Saw handpieces
instruments with
light

Surgical Implantology IDC Surgical suction
contra-angle contra-angle
handpiece handpiece


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Prophylaxis & Periodontology
Air Scaler Piezo Scaler Straight and contra- Ozone generator
angle handpieces

Sterilization, Hygiene & Maintenance
Maintenance Sterilization

Dental laboratory
Perfecta 300/600/900 Technical Handpiece
945


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – Research & Development
Numerous innovations and developments
Around 30% of the company’s turnover is currently generated by products which have been
on the market for no more than three years. To ensure such a constant range of lucrative
innovations, a staff of over 100 is employed in research and development in Bürmoos alone.

The latest examples of product innovation are the new W&H Alegra contra-angle
handpieces. The new Alegra contra-angle handpieces from W&H enable you to work in a
relaxed manner in daylight-quality LED light – in all practices, without extra time and effort,
with no additional investments and irrespective of which motor is used on the unit. A
generator in the contra-angle handpiece acts as a self-sufficient energy source. The
functional principle is similar to that of a bicycle dynamo.

The self-generated LED light is neutrally-coloured and many times brighter than a
conventional halogen light. The LED light also has a larger illumination field than
conventional halogen light. In addition, the LED lamp has a much longer service life.

W&H is, furthermore, the only company in the world whose surgical instruments can be
completely dismounted. This plays an important role, above all in terms of maintenance and
hygiene.

Another promising product is the 100,000 rpm powerful laboratory motor, also developed by
W&H, the first manufacturer to offer such a product. The motor is perfect for working zirconia
(a material now often used to make crowns and dental bridges).

Another innovation is the new W&H “blow out” function, an air syringe which is integrated into
the handpiece itself. This means the user no longer needs to constantly switch between two
devices. W&H has now also developed operating controls: a simple and space-saving option
for controlling various types of devices.

Words: 285


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – People have priority
An attractive employer
A focus on training and professional development
W&H’s flat hierarchy and excellent long-established training policy are key features of the
company, as is extremely good professional development and career opportunities.
Apprentices in all fields at W&H are given valuable and useful tasks from the very beginning.
In the very first year of their apprenticeship they manufacture products which the company
really does need. W&H supports and promotes good employees and tries to develop their
loyalty and sense of belonging to the company for the long term. Many of the staff at W&H
have already been working for the company for over 20 years: they started out as
apprentices and have worked their way up the career ladder.

Careers within the company: from apprentice to divisional manager
W&H is even setting new standards in apprenticeship and training: apprentices form 10% of
the workforce in Bürmoos and are trained in a total of seven professional fields, including
mechatronics and machining, and also in media design and as industrial business
management assistants. The fundamental aim is to let the apprentices work independently
on real projects as soon as possible, and this is something which significantly contributes to
young employees' motivation and sense of responsibility. Around 95 per cent of the
company’s specialists are products of the company’s own training schemes.

A career at W&H, starting as an apprentice and finishing as a division or sales manager, is
far from rare. The average age of employees is 36,4 years; each employee spends an
average of 12,2 years at the company. Over 100 members of staff are already over 50 years
of age; this is approx. 16% of the total workforce. There are many advantages to this mix of
generations in and at work. Employees of many years’ standing have extensive experience
which is of great value to the company. Passing on this experience, above all to younger
members of staff, ensures continuity.

Awards and successes

Bester Lehrlingsausbildungsbetrieb [Best Business for Apprentices] (2003)
The Salzburg Economic Chamber named W&H as the best apprenticeship provider in the
Federal State of Salzburg in 2003. The reasons behind the decision: W&H’s impressive
training strategy; the success of its apprentices at technical college and in the final
apprenticeship examinations, and the integration of young ladies in technical and
engineering professions. The concept of “Lehre nach der Matura” [post-A-level
apprenticeship training] which the company had helped develop and which is of particular


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

importance to skilled workers in terms of the future employment market, was also decisive in
the selection of W&H as the best apprentice employer.

In 2004, the W&H apprentice Simon Niedermüller was named best apprentice in the field of
administration in both the Federal State of Salzburg and in the Federal Republic of Austria by
the Salzburg/Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

Innovationspreis der Salzburger Wirtschaft [Salzburg Industry Innovation Award] (3rd
place, 2007):
awarded by the Federal State of Salzburg and the Salzburg Economic Chamber

Salzburger Landespreis für Marketing, Kommunikation und Design [Salzburg
Marketing, Communication and Design Award] 2008: Linie 3, W&H design agency,
received an award for the company’s new corporate design.

Words: 516


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

W&H – Organization & distribution
Innovative corporate structure – flexible distribution
W&H values team work
Peter Malata, who took over the management of W&H from his father in 1996, changed the
previously traditional company structure. In an extremely successful process, a team-
oriented structure was created in which the personal responsibility of the staff and the team
are valued above all. The approx. 80 teams have clear areas of responsibility. Teams receive
previous work from other teams or pass on their work/products to the team which is
responsible for the next phase.

Working in a team with personal tasks is a particular challenge for the staff. Effective internal
communication and a comprehensive training and professional development system are key
elements of the team organization. The strong focus on individual responsibility on the part of
the staff and the team is part of W&H’s recipe for success: around 80 interdisciplinary teams
form the structure of the organization whilst the organization of the teams is geared towards
dealing with real customer requirements.

“Just in time” sales principle
The core and backbone of the organization is a production process in which the product the
customer needs is assembled within one working day. Thanks to this “Sell & Call” principle,
the finished product warehouse is no longer needed.
The rapid throughput time in assembly has meant the processes involved have become
equally rapid. Time is thus a fundamental organizational principle throughout the company
and also externally in relations with customers and suppliers. It is implemented on a daily
basis by responsible and independent teams. The basic conditions have been gradually
adapted in line with the requirements of the team organization.

The combination of a customer-oriented process, design efficient and flexible teams is an
effective model for securing site viability and meeting high production requirements in
Austria.

Words: 295


Tel: +43 (0) 6274 6236

W&H Press

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to W&H Press

Similar to W&H Press (20)

W&H Press