Study Visit in Kuchl, Austria

DRWO4.0 Project Press Release: Study Visit in Kuchl, Austria

From 13 to 14 May 2025, the DRWO4.0 project successfully held a study visit in Kuchl, Austria, bringing together approximately 37 participants from across the Danube Region, especially from Pilot Environment West. The event was hosted by the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (SUAS) and showcased best practices in digitalization and green innovation in the wood and construction sectors.

Representing the Cluster of Czech Furniture Manufacturers, Cooperative, the event was attended by project managers Lucia Haraslínová, Monika Perďochová, and Josef Dubec. The cluster’s membership base was represented by Monika Slabá and Jiří Rýznar (WOOD 4 EVER, s.r.o.).

Day 1 Program

The first day featured keynote presentations:

• Industry 4.0 Transformation – Alexander Pinter (Holzcluster Steiermark)
• Green Transition and Biomaterials, contributions by:
  • Stefan Kain (Digitalized Prototyping, SUAS)
  • Thomas Sepperer (Green Biomaterials, SUAS)
  • Veronika Gruden (Design in Wood Products, Faculty of Design)

Participants also toured SUAS labs and workshops and visited Holztechnikum Kuchl, where they explored sustainable wood construction practices and innovative solutions by Beyond Bending. The day concluded with a joint dinner in Salzburg, providing an excellent networking opportunity.

Day 2 Program

The second day included a study visit to Weinberger-Holz GmbH, a leading manufacturer of glued laminated timber for the European market. The visit, in the scenic town of Abtenau, offered participants an in-depth look at digitalized manufacturing processes in timber production.

The DRWO4.0 study visit highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, practical training, and collaboration to support digital transformation and innovation in the wood and construction industries.

Press release available for download HERE