Study Visit Kuchl, Austria

The DRWO4.0 Study Visit took place from 13 to 14 May 2025 in Kuchl, Austria, bringing together around 37 participants from across the Danube Region, especially from the Pilot Environment West. Hosted by the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (SUAS), the event presented best practices in digitalisation and green innovation in the wood and construction sectors.

Day 1 featured keynote presentations on:

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

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

Day 2 included a study visit to Weinberger-Holz GmbH, a leading manufacturer of glued laminated timber for the European market. Located in the scenic town of Abtenau, the visit offered participants an in-depth look at digitalized manufacturing processes in timber production.