06.11.2025

Pfeifer's Schlitz site focuses on quality and sustainability

Pfeifer Group Referenzprojekt Supermarkt

The Pfeifer Group's cross-laminated timber plant is navigating its way steadily through challenging economic times. With investments in emission control, quality management and training, the site is taking important steps for the future. An audit in accordance to the international ISO 9001 standard will take place shortly. Exciting projects such as the construction of a new supermarket in Griesheim show that sustainable timber construction is increasingly becoming the norm.

Good news from the cross-laminated timber (CLT) production facility in Schlitz: with timber construction accounting for an increasing share of total construction volume, the plant is enjoying a healthy order book despite the general slump in the construction industry. The three-shift operation is running reliably in terms of both machinery and personnel. From 2026, this shift model will be implemented year-round. By the end of September, a new electrostatic precipitator will also be installed, which will significantly reduce dust emissions.

‘This is an important investment in permanently reducing emission levels. Close coordination with local residents and authorities is an integral part of the site strategy,’

says plant manager Sebastian Eggel.

Plant manager Sebastian Eggel is delighted with the positive developments at the site.

New team leader level strengthens communication

The introduction of a team leader level marks an important step forward. A team leader now takes responsibility in each area – joinery, raw panel production, mechanics and electrical engineering – as well as per shift. They act as a link between production management and the workforce, improve communication and open up opportunities for advancement. Particularly encouraging is the fact that the proportion of women at the Schlitz plant is now between 10 and 15 per cent, and there is already a female team leader in place.

The Pfeifer CLT plant in Schlitz is establishing itself as a young training location. Henry Wierzgon completed his training as a mechatronics engineer here and is now an industrial electrician.  

Since opening in 2019, Pfeifer in Schlitz has been offering a wide range of jobs in the areas of production, maintenance and technical office work.

New impetus for quality and training

Pfeifer is planning its next milestone in the fourth quarter with ISO 9001 certification. This will make Schlitz the first Pfeifer site to receive this certification, setting new standards in quality management. At the same time, training will be strengthened: From now on, a technical trainer will oversee both Hessian plants, in Lauterbach and Schlitz. Just a few years after starting its training programme, Schlitz was able to celebrate its first apprentice graduation in the electrical department. Currently, a prospective woodworking mechanic is gaining practical experience in cross-laminated timber production. Another apprentice has been working in the mechanics department since August.

‘Schlitz is establishing itself as a training location with excellent prospects for the skilled workers of tomorrow,’ says Eggel. Further apprenticeship positions have been advertised for 2026.

Looking ahead: development and innovation

Schlitz has clear goals for the coming years: production volumes are to be increased, storage space expanded and existing processes further optimised. At the same time, the plant is systematically building up in-house expertise on products and applications in order to strengthen customer service. The use of artificial intelligence in production opens up exciting new opportunities. In addition, the ‘Starship Alliance’ logistics project is ensuring greater efficiency in processes.

Top references in timber construction

Pfeifer Group Referenzprojekt Supermarkt

The new supermarket in Griesheim will be built in a particularly resource-efficient, energy-efficient and climate-friendly manner.

One of the most exciting projects currently being supplied by Pfeifer is the planned construction of a new supermarket in Griesheim. Around 1,200 m³ of cross-laminated timber (CLT) from the Schlitz factory will be used for the walls and roof – visibly installed to emphasise the sustainable construction concept. The installation of the elements is scheduled for completion in November. The market is part of a group-wide programme in which new branches are built in a particularly resource-saving, energy-efficient and climate-friendly manner – with up to 65 per cent less CO₂ emissions compared with conventional markets.

The trend towards sustainable construction is also evident in tourism: a new highlight for those seeking relaxation is currently being created in Münstertal in the Black Forest. The traditional Romantik Hotel Spielweg, run by the sixth generation of the Fuchs family, is expanding its wellness area with a modern pool and spa area – built with Pfeifer CLT. ‘It is important for us to preserve our tradition while remaining sustainable. The use of CLT is another step in this direction,’ explains star chef Viktoria Fuchs.

The traditional Romantik Hotel Spielweg in Münstertal is expanding its wellness area with a modern pool and spa area – built with Pfeifer CLT.

About the Pfeifer Group

Pfeifer Holding GmbH was founded in Austria in 1948 and is now a family-owned company in its third generation. The management board consists of CEO Michael Pfeifer, CTO Clemens Pfeifer and CFO Günther Binder. Headquartered in the Tyrolean town of Imst (Austria), the company employs around 2,600 people at 13 sites in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Finland, making it one of Europe’s leading timber industry enterprises. In its fully integrated sawmills, around 5.4 million solid cubic metres of timber are processed each year along the entire value chain into sustainable products such as sawn and planed timber, concrete formwork panels, formwork beams, cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), glued solid wood panels, pallet blocks, briquettes, pellets and green electricity. At its Uelzen site, Pfeifer is also driving the material recycling of wood resources through waste wood recycling.