Austrian Flooring Component Manufacturer FN Neuhofer Celebrates 375 Years of Innovation
Franz Neuhofer Sr. and his wife Christiana, center, receive honorary citizenship from Zell am Moos Mayor Günther Pfarl, third from right, and municipal council members during a ceremony at the FN Neuhofer 375th anniversary celebration. At left are Franz and Helga Neuhofer.
Photo: FN Neuhofer.
FN Neuhofer, an Austrian manufacturer of baseboards, acoustic panels, and innovative flooring accessories, celebrated its 375th anniversary with a grand gala at the Scalaria Event Resort on Lake Wolfgang. The family-owned company, which was founded as a small sawmill in 1650, has evolved into a global leader in the strip hardwood and flooring component industry, serving customers in over 20 countries.
The celebration honored the company's journey through nearly four centuries of continuous operation, now spanning 11 generations of the Neuhofer family. Current company leader Franz Neuhofer, who took over from his father at age 32, has guided the company's expansion into international markets while maintaining its commitment to innovation in flooring and interior surface solutions.
"Innovation is the result of attentive listening. We pay attention to what our customers need and develop targeted solutions," said Franz Neuhofer, whose unconventional approach to product development has resulted in numerous patents—some ideas famously sketched on napkins during family vacations.
The evening's highlight came when Franz Neuhofer Sr. received the municipality's highest honor: honorary citizenship and the honorary ring of Zell am Moos. The 85-year-old company patriarch, who also celebrated his birthday during the event, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the region's economic development.
"As a successful molding manufacturer and traditional woodworking company, Neuhofer Holz is an important partner and employer for our entire region," said Mayor Günther Pfarl during the award presentation.
FN Neuhofer's specialization in baseboards, acoustic panels, and flooring accessories positions the company as a key supplier to the global flooring industry. The company's innovative products serve both residential and commercial markets, with applications spanning floors, walls, and ceilings.
The anniversary celebration drew more than 300 guests, including long-standing customers from over 20 countries, political figures, business leaders, and three generations of the Neuhofer family. The event concluded with a spectacular water show and fireworks display over Lake Wolfgang, marking a milestone for one of Austria's most enduring family enterprises in the flooring component sector.
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