Pen manufacturer with a reputable status ceases operations and transitions to Burgenland's location.
Hey there! Lookie here, Jolly Pens – makers of those kick-ass pens you've likely seen around – are dropping a whopping six million euros on their Burgenland digs. The ultimate goal being to craft the most advanced pen productionEurope has ever seen, and in turn, stand their ground against the relentless Asian competition. This move comes at a cost for their Graz location, which will bid adieu by the end of 2025.
Bernhard Payer, Jolly Pens' Managing Director, explained the need for this tech-driven overhaul, stating that their cut-throat competitive environment is placing immense pressure on domestic production. Graz, with its production roots dating back to 1919, has reached its architectural, technological, and permit-related max-out point. The residential areas' proximity to production facilities has also made permit procedures more complicated than a nervous kid's algebra homework.
With the exit-stage-left from Styria, Graz loses a piece of its industrial history, leaving behind 33 employees searching for a new pen-making home. Fortunately, these fantastic folks have been offered a transfer to the Burgenland locations. For the folks who can't make the move, Jolly Pens and the works council are banding together to develop a socially responsible exit strategy. An AMS early warning notification is currently in the works. Payer commented, "Our employees are the backbone of Jolly Pens, and we want to ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent transition for all."
Pen manufacturing has been going down in Hirm (Mattersburg district) since the 70s. At present, about 80 folks work there. The second location in Hornstein (Eisenstadt-Umgebung district) is receiving a comprehensive facelift and is anticipating a gradual resumption of operations in the coming weeks. Existing buildings have been modernized, and a snazzy visitor room has been established.
The transformation isn't just spatial but also structural, as the company plans to leverage synergies from the new production line and automate production stages, thereby streamlining logistics. For this pioneering Austrian pen manufacturer, this change is not just about evolving, but also sending a strong message – they're dedicated to remaining a crucial part of Austrian industry, no matter the challenges they may face.
The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation at Jolly Pens, as they invest six million euros in their Burgenland digs to establish the most advanced pen production in Europe. This move, driven by the competitive pressure from Asian competitors, will also modernize and automate their production lines, aiming to streamline logistics and secure their position in the Austrian business sector.
