The beginnings of Slavonia - Vienna, 1893:
K & K Parkettfabrik Biach & Cie in Viennas 11th district, Zinnergasse 6, a company with long-standing tradition and honoured by Royal Warrant of Appointment changes ownership. Henceforth Slavonia Österreichische Holzindustrie AG will produce here parquetry and veneers – and, at a later point, doors and windows.
The name of the newly established company derives from the Slavonian oak which, owing to its unique characteristics, ranks first among the finest types of solid parquetry. The oak`s excellent characteristics shall be reflected in the company`s general principles: With steadiness and solidity, Slavonia pursues its objectives and marches through two world wars and an interwar period aggravated by repeated changes in ownership. Along with the reconstruction of the country after 1945, the company is on the rise, seizing the optimism of the hour to lay the foundations for future success. In the course of the following decades, Slavonia gradually conquers new markets.
From high-class wood to highly innovative solutions
Slavonia goes for versatility
Slavonia, well-established by now, looks ahead to the future: The company intensifies its policy of diversification and establishes a roofing branch to provide the basis for the distribution of a brand new solution in the waterproofing sector: polymer-modified bituminous roof sheeting. This is the genesis of ISOFLAMM® – a trademark which will soon meet with international success, proving itself durable for decades on millions of square metres of fl at roofs, terraces, parking garages, and bridges …
Some turbulent years follow: In 1976, Slavonia is taken over by Schoellerbank AG. The production of parquetry and veneers is outsourced and the remaining branches are given a company name consistent with the future core business: Under the name Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH, the company continues to steer an innovative course. In 1980, it reacts to the oil crisis of the mid-seventies and the ensuing global trend toward energy efficiency by launching a solution that has contributed to the success of the company`s export business ever since: Thanks to the new „SPIDI® façade system“ is it possible to use thicker layers of thermal insulation in back vented façade constructions. In 1984, Schoellerbank AG signs over Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH to Dr Gunter Erker by way of management buyout; he has been presiding over the company as CEO since 1979. Before even the Iron Curtain collapses, he starts entering new markets in the Central Eastern Europe with Slavonia.
Slavonia goes east
... entering a promising market
From the mid-eighties, glasnost and perestroika usher in the fall of the Eastern Bloc, but even so only few enterprises venture to make a step eastwards at this stage. Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH immediately embraces this new opportunity and founds several subsidiaries and joint ventures.
The company domicile in Vienna also has to keep up with the continuous growth of the business. In 1994 the 250 year old company buildings in the Zinnergasse are restored and extended to meet new challenges. But a good decade later, the fast-growing roofing, cladding and project management businesses necessitate relocation: Slavonia remains loyal to its home territory in the 11th district, but moves its business premises to Hauffgasse 3-5. This is where modern offices in a convenient location make it possible to steer the company into an even more efficient future.
Commitment to tradition, openness to innovation: These are the values – and challenges – that have brought international success to Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH over the decades. In Austria, the company`s merits for domestic and export economy do not pass unnoticed: In 1995, Slavonia is awarded the Federal Coat of Arms of Austria – just as it was once before in 1932! It thus joins an eminent circle of enterprises: A mere two percent of domestic companies have received the privilege of decorating their labels with this extraordinary distinction. What a mark of entrepreneurial quality!
A new millennium – a new generation
A future secured to this day
Only if a product conforms to the high standards of the company is it fit to bear the name Slavonia. As for parquetry, which has made a vital contribution to the success story of the company from the very beginning: Slavonia maintains the branch up to 2006, when finally the decision is taken to outsource the parquetry sector to the newly-established Parketteria in Vienna`s 9th district, where the skilled staff continues to provide the clients with professional service.
With the turn of the millennium, a new generation also assumes responsibility for Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH: Twenty years after Gunter Erker`s takeover, Stefan Erker follows in his father`s footsteps and joins the enterprise. In 2006, Stefan Erker joins the company management as an acting partner. Thanks to its consistent business policy, Slavonia Baubedarf GesmbH looks ahead to a brilliant future.