Construction begins on German berry specialist’s Austrian facility, which will serve growing customer base across Europe
Germany berry specialist Herbert Widmann has officially started to build its new distribution centre in Münchendorf near Vienna, as it targets new customers and further growth across Europe.
Once completed, the facility will play a central role in the company’s berry supply business in Austria itself, as well as in numerous other central and eastern European markets.
The company’s four managing directors – Hans Widmann, Karl Schmiederer, André Kirchenwitz, and Stefan Höpfl – welcomed local officials including mayor Doris Kirstorfer and deputy mayor Roland Wallner, as well as project partners and contractors, to an official groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week, as construction began.
The group already supplies customers in a total of 13 countries and is continuously expanding its activities in the region.
“With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we are laying the foundation for the next stage of our company’s development,” said Schmiederer. “Münchendorf will serve as a central location for us, enabling us to serve our customers in Austria and the CEE markets even more quickly, flexibly, and efficiently in the future.”
Widmann also emphasised the project’s long-term significance: “Our company’s history began more than a hundred years ago at the Munich wholesale market. Since then, we have continued to evolve. The new location is another important milestone and a reflection of our confidence in the future of the European fresh produce trade.”
Strong partnerships
The event also highlighted the close collaboration between companies, the municipality, and project partners, as well as the site’s “excellent” location, which apparently offers “ideal conditions” for its future development.
The facility will be equipped with a number of features that enhance its environmental sustainability, including a photovoltaic system, green facades, and an innovative infiltration concept for parking areas.
“We are very pleased to welcome Herbert Widmann to Münchendorf in the future,” Kirstorfer and Wallner commented. “The project combines economic development with a forward-looking sustainability concept.”
Schmiederer added: “A project of this magnitude can only be realized through the collaboration of many dedicated partners. We would like to thank everyone involved who has accompanied and supported this project from the very beginning.”
Once completed, the facility is expected to create up to 200 jobs and further strengthen Herbert Widmann’s position as one of Europe’s leading specialists in fresh berries.
