Around 200 guests were on hand when the new production facility of the family-owned company FN Neuhofer in Pöndorf was officially opened on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and owner Franz Neuhofer symbolically cut the ribbon in the presence of Governor Thomas Stelzer. Not far from its headquarters in Zell am Moos, the investment-driven family-owned company is turning a new page – one dedicated to plastics processing.
“For us, this day is much more than just an opening. It is a symbol of courage, of progress – and of a clear determination to actively shape the future. For our company, the new production facility marks a true milestone in our 376-year history,” emphasized Franz Neuhofer in his opening remarks. Approximately 10 million euros were invested in setting up the profile extrusion facility to establish a third pillar of business alongside the molding, acoustics, and wall design divisions. “Plastics processing is a new field for us, but one that we have built up with a high level of expertise, great passion, and a strong team,” said Franz Neuhofer, who leads the company as the 10th generation. And the 11th is already on the way.
Shaping the Future as a Family Affair
While daughter Victoria, a startup founder and keynote speaker, hosted the opening event with wit and charm, the rest of the Neuhofer family joined in via Teams: son Alexander, who is currently in the U.S. overseeing the establishment of the NSP joint venture, sent his greetings from afar—as did daughter Sarah, who is gaining valuable experience in Sweden as part of a scholarship program. One family, one spirit. The company’s future is secure. Not least thanks to the additional openings still scheduled for this year: in May, the opening of the sales and logistics facility in Myslowice, Poland, and in October, the new production plant in Mullins, South Carolina, USA.
The New Benchmark – Unique Worldwide
“A company with 376 years of history that continues to break into new business areas demonstrates true entrepreneurial spirit. FN Neuhofer shows how tradition and innovation work together—and is also a testament to the strength, innovative power, and appeal of Upper Austria as a business location,” said Governor Thomas Stelzer, visibly impressed. He could hardly wait to take a look inside the hallowed halls during the first tour of the new production line. This was followed by simultaneous tours in German and English for all guests who wanted to discover the new benchmark in profile extrusion. The technological setup was designed specifically for FN Neuhofer and is therefore unique worldwide. “When it comes to driving innovation, I’m one of the first,” said Franz Neuhofer, bringing a new “team member” onto the stage: the new FN Unitree G1 robot, which proceeded to dance through the crowd of guests and interact with them up close.
Culinary Delights with Live Performances
The evening was framed by a fantastic program of culinary delights, music, singing, and aerial acrobatics. Saxophonist Maria Kofler gave the audience goosebumps time and again. Impact Catering from Salzburg served a first-class three-course meal, and as the absolute highlight, Helmut Zeilner (piano), Gerhild Zeilner (soprano), and Sebastian Fuchsberger (tenor) transformed the production hall into an opera stage with pieces ranging from Franz Lehár to Giuseppe Verdi. Later in the evening, DJ Sandro got the crowd going until the dance floor was on fire. Once again, FN Neuhofer has proven that it’s not just passionate about innovation, but also about celebrating. One thing is certain: the next event is sure to come.