At the end of last year, I was still cautious and talked about positive prospects and some movement in the market.
Now, a continuous economic growth, which is repeatedly confirmed to me in many discussions, is noticeable for all. This is also reflected in the much more relaxed and better mood, especially in this beautiful pre-Christmas time.

We can look back on a very successful and good year 2017 for our company as well. Our regular customers contributed significantly to our success with many larger and smaller projects.

We are particularly pleased that we can convince more and more new customers outside of Austria with BLS. Especially the two great reference projects for Wittekind (cement plant in Germany) and IWB Basel (energy supplier in Switzerland) show us that we can score points with our flexibility, our quality and our know-how. It is also a proof that we are able to optimally implement complex requirements.

The ongoing development of BLS will remain our core topic next year. New tools and functions have already been created. But the biggest change is happening with the transition to HTML5. This project will bring many renewals and improvements next year, which will be incorporated into the system.

At the same time, the subject of DSGVO (General Data Protection Regulation) kept us busy. We reacted to the new requirements by investing in new hardware, separating our networks, introducing new guidelines and also called on additional external support. After all, our and our customers’ data must be kept as safe as possible.

The specifications of the DSGVO are the engine for new projects. Our customers also have to meet new requirements, change systems and, in some cases, expand them.

Look into an exciting future

The economic upturn and the positive mood seem to continue. That leaves us looking forward to the next year very optimistically.
The good order situation and the positive mood also motivate our company. We want to grow in an appropriate way.

With this in mind, we are expanding our successful team and looking for new employees for three positions. They will help us to maintain our flexibility in spite of higher workloads, to continue to ensure prompt deliveries and to continuously develop our BLS. I am very proud of our team and the goals we have achieved.

We focus on sustainable company policy. We want to challenge but not overburden our employees. If they are happy with us as an employer, then I can continue to build on that great team. This year we even celebrated two 25 years’ service anniversaries.

As Managing Director, I am looking forward to an exciting year. Personally, I hope that the responsible politicians in the EU and in Austria can create an improved framework for continuity of growth and for stability and planning security.

Together with our entire team, I would like to thank you, our customers, suppliers and partners for the trusting cooperation and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a healthy and successful year 2018.

Joachim Berthold, MAS
Managing Director

 

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