On April 14, 2023, the second hall was officially opened at the new rake and baler plant in St. Georgen near Grieskirchen (AT). Following almost 1.5 years of construction, Pöttinger has started up a modern cathodic dip priming (CDP) and powder coating line in this second expansion phase.

With an investment of EUR 25 million ($27 million), the first expansion phase of the St. Georgen plant was completed and production began in June 2021. The good order situation, combined with a large number of new products and the resulting need for increased capacity made the next step necessary: an additional hall for a sustainable priming and coating line. The additional building with an area of 7,900 square meters (85,000 square feet) including the new paint shop represents an investment volume of approximately EUR 33 million ($36 million). The total production area has therefore been more than doubled. 

The new priming and coating line now gives the parts for rakes and round balers their colorful coat of paint. These parts were previously delivered from the painting line at the headquarters in Grieskirchen. In addition, state-of-the-art methods attract contract orders from external firms requiring high-quality coatings. Industrial customers in particular, who have the same high corrosion protection specifications as Pöttinger, are impressed. Thanks to the advanced layout of the paint line, orders can be carried out in black CDP with high wall thicknesses and heavy unit weights. The maximum suspended load is 1,200 kg (2,600 pounds).

The automotive quality paint finish using cathodic dip priming (CDP) and powder coating is an environmentally friendly process. No solvent is used in the mixing and application of the coatings. The painting process achieves excellent hardness and therefore a longer service life. Pöttinger brings together an environmentally friendly painting processes with sustainability. 

As a family business, Pöttinger feels responsibility towards people and the environment. In addition to the sustainability aspects of building the new production hall (generous use of wood, green roof, PV system, reuse of residual heat, etc.), the design of the coating process also respects the highest possible conservation of resources and the environment. 

The new building has also created further added value in the region. In addition to the approximately 60 employees assembling IMPRESS round balers, large TOP rakes and MERGENTO mergers, around another 50 people will find jobs here in a modern and ergonomically designed workplace. 

The management team always keeps an eye on business developments and as a result is already planning the next expansion phases.