Pressure and dynamics

The construction industry is changing, and not only the technologies, but also the requirements for cooperation and project management are under constant pressure. At a time when deadline pressure is the norm, the question remains: how will the industry develop? We talked to Leopold Hagenhuber, project manager at hopferwieser + steinmayr Installations GmbH, about the current challenges, the changes in day-to-day construction work and the future of the construction industry.

A modern residential development with 112 apartments was completed in the town of Krems am Bründlgraben at the end of last year. Apartments of all sizes are available in a beautiful location with impressive views. The building, which extends over four complexes, has a height difference of 30 metres and is heated by district heating. Hydraulic interface units come from HERZ – a conscious decision, as project manager Leopold Hagenhuber from hopferwieser + steinmayr reports in an interview with HERZ News. He himself has 41 years of experience in the industry and has been a project manager at hopferwieser + steinmayr since 2008.

HERZ News: Mr Hagenhuber, you have been working in the construction industry for many years and have been involved in numerous projects. What, in your opinion, has changed the most in recent years?

Leopold Hagenhuber: Time pressure is more noticeable on construction sites than ever before. This is reflected in the way the individual contractors work together. Nowadays, everything is much more hectic; everyone just works for themselves to meet their own deadlines. The cooperation that used to be taken for granted is often lacking.

HERZ News: Is this due to rising construction costs?

Leopold Hagenhuber: Of course. A great deal is invested in a project in the run-up to construction – but then savings are made on the construction site. The sooner the building is finished, the sooner I can sell the apartments. The construction schedules are tightly timed, delays are not tolerated. In short, as the person carrying out the work, you are the servant, the railway runs over you (laughs).

HERZ News: Is time pressure the biggest challenge on the construction site?

Leopold Hagenhuber: The biggest challenge often lies in the details of the planning. Practice often shows that things don't always go as planned – a few centimetres more on the construction site than on the drawing can lead to delays. Sometimes we therefore have to look for alternatives that improve or simplify the original plan. Time pressure is always an issue, but we have to face reality and find solutions to adhere to the construction plan.

HERZ News: How did the decision come about to use HERZ Hydraulic Interface Units?

Leopold Hagenhuber: HERZ is not an unknown brand, I have known the company since my apprenticeship. I have been working in the industry since 1984, not only as an installer but also later as a salesman in the warehouse. I have had good experiences with HERZ products, but I did not yet have a hydraulic interface unit from HERZ. We therefore deliberately wanted to try out an alternative and had previously received training from HERZ on the hydraulic interface units, which we remembered.

HERZ News: What criteria do you use when choosing products?

Leopold Hagenhuber: Major projects rarely run without hurdles. For me, the way we work together is important. Problems arise always and everywhere, and what is important is that we can fix them as quickly as possible. The support from HERZ is a mark of quality. When I call our HERZ representative, Christian Samek, he is quickly on the scene – and that's what really counts.

HERZ News: What do you consider to be the most important factors for a project's success?

Leopold Hagenhuber: Good planning is the key, but so is seamless collaboration with everyone involved. We have to understand the client's requirements while also implementing the technical solutions in the best possible way. If the team works well and everyone takes responsibility, then the project is almost certain to be a success. The construction company PORR is very skilled at this and ensures that everything runs smoothly.

HERZ News: How do you see the situation with the shortage of skilled workers?

Leopold Hagenhuber: We have around 300,000 unemployed people in Austria and yet the search for good skilled labour is a challenge. As hopferwieser + steinmayr, however, we benefit from our good reputation in the industry, both as a strongly positioned employer brand and as a company with exciting projects and a strong team spirit.

HERZ News: Do you see an increase in the industry due to the younger generation?

Leopold Hagenhuber: The younger generation is often seen as a difficult topic. We see things differently, are more solution-oriented and are adapting to the changing requirements with our structured apprentice training programme. We offer taster days, comprehensive basic training, holistic integration into project work on construction sites and a modern training workshop. Our programme is well received by the younger generation.

HERZ News: In your opinion, what factors influence the young generation when deciding in favour of an apprenticeship?

Leopold Hagenhuber: The topic of apprenticeships starts with parents. I can't blame young people if their parents have already prescribed that they must complete a course of study. At the age of 20, some of them then decide to do an apprenticeship after all. I believe that an apprenticeship should be done before studying, to get to know real life. But as long as ‘Hotel Mama’ is available and so much wealth is handed over from parents to children, there is no need to work.

HERZ News: Do you think we are living in a time of prosperity?

Leopold Hagenhuber: We obviously don't know how to handle wealth. There is too much money around. In the past, people created something out of nothing. To give an example: the barman used to serve drinks himself when there was no more staff. Today he goes home when the staff finish work. But we can discuss that for hours (laughs).

HERZ News: What else would you like to share with us?

Leopold Hagenhuber: I hope that cooperation in the industry will improve again and that we will return to working together as we did in the past.

HERZ News: We hope so too. Thank you very much for this authentic conversation and your valuable insights.

HERZ news on the construction site:
Save time with HERZ

HERZ products are designed not only to make the daily work of installers and planners easier, but also to make it more efficient and trouble-free. That is why HERZ focuses on time-saving installation for its products. For example, HERZ heat interface units are delivered pre-assembled and ready for use, for effortless commissioning. ‘I have installed many heat interface units. HERZ relies on a lightweight design, which makes installation quite simple. The empty weight of the HIU compactUFH is particularly low, which makes it easy to handle,’ confirms senior fitter Aigner Gernot. He has 15 years of experience in the industry and has been working for hopferwieser + steinmayr since 2018.

He particularly likes the easy accessibility of the components: ’HIU compactUFH is very user-friendly. The components are well placed, so I can easily reach them with the tools and carry out adjustments,’ he says in the interview. HERZ News was on site in Bründlgraben and got a first-hand insight into the practical experience of the hydraulic interface unit from senior fitter Aigner Gernot.

Due to the constant change in the industry, he regularly takes part in training and further education. ’The technology

is constantly evolving. What used to be a lever handle is now a push of a button. You never stop learning in this industry. Further training is important and necessary to stay up to date with the latest technology,’ he emphasised in an interview with HERZ News.

HERZ HIU compactUFH
in use in Bründlgraben

HERZ HIU compactUFH was developed specifically for use in underfloor heating systems. In a compact size, the product offers a fully pre-installed technology that ensures time-saving commissioning and maximum energy efficiency. From the integrated 4-in-1 differential pressure control valve for hydraulic balancing to the hot water priority for prioritised hot water heating during tapping – with HERZ HIU compactUFH you save time, energy and costs.

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