Franz Rutter was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board

More than three decades into his 43-year career, which he began after studying mining engineering at the Montagnard University in Leoben, he has been Franz Rutter Part of Fostalpine. Of these, the last 13 years as a member of the Board of Directors were successful in the “High Performance Metals” division. He said his farewells at the end of March, and it is not surprising that the Zeltweg native, who will turn 67 in July, has not entered into “real” retirement. He was recently appointed as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mayr-Melnhof Holz AG (approximately 1,700 employees, equivalent to EUR 1 billion in annual sales). He continued in this capacity Rainer Zellner Who, after eleven years as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, did not wish to continue for another term.

“With his knowledge, energy and perseverance, Rainer Zellner has made a significant contribution to the health of our company and the necessary cultural change from 2013 to 2024,” says the owner. Franz Mayer Mellenhof Farewell rose. With Rutter, “we can welcome a successful industrial manager with broad international experience and entrepreneurial vision as Chairman of the Supervisory Board,” says Meyer Mellenhof. “A look at his previous CV impressively shows the effective implementation of many ideas and progress in numerous innovations.”

Franz Mayer Mellenhof

© Kanizaj

There have been a number of innovations at MM Holz in the recent past. Almost a year ago, the new cross-linked timber mill in Leoben, built at a cost of 175 million euros, was opened. The company says the high-tech factory is still in the ramp-up phase. This is the right time, “because in times of climate change we have to rely more on sustainable and regionally available raw materials,” the CEO emphasizes. Richard Stralitz.

Sustainability also plays a key role in energy supply: in 2022, the Supervisory Board also approved an investment volume of €13.5 million for the installation of photovoltaic systems on rooftops and factory halls at sites in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. “This year, these systems will be gradually operationalized.” On the roofs of the new cross-timber mill, “a 3.8 MW system will ensure electricity and environmental heat supply in addition to the company’s own bioenergy plant.”

A huge new photovoltaic system on the roof of the new factory in Leoben

© MM Wood