GENERATIONAL HANDOVER AT THE CEMENT PLANT

The cement plant in Kirchdorf an der Krems is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year and is also seeing a generational change. Plant manager Christian Breitenbaumer is retiring after 35 years in the cement industry and handing over to the next generation. His successor will be the former Production Manager Roland Kammerhuber.

Christian Breitenbaumer’s career began in 1979 with an internship at the Kirchdorf cement plant – to earn his driver’s license. After graduating from the University of of Mining and Metallurgy in Leoben, he returned to Kirchdorf in 1987, this time to complete his diploma thesis. Since 2008, he has held various management positions, the last 6 years as plant manager. As of November 1, Christian Breitenbaumer will retire and Roland Kammerhuber will take over as plant manager.

Kammerhuber joined the Kirchdorf cement plant in 1992 as an apprentice in the laboratory. After graduating from the technical college for chemical engineering and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in process engineering production and a Master of Science in Engineering in 2015, the Micheldorf native held various positions in the company: From quality manager in the laboratory, in process engineering to head of cement grinding and packing, to laboratory manager and production manager. From November 1, he will take over the position of Plant Manager.

Martin Hüttner-Aigner, the current kiln foreman, succeeds him as production manager. Hüttner-Aigner also began his career with an apprenticeship as a fitter at the cement plant.

“I always say: 10 apprentices have to constantly push from the bottom up,” says Breitenbaumer. “And the fact that the next production manager and the next plant manager both started their careers as apprentices at the Kirchdorf cement plant is the best confirmation.”

“The generational change at the Kirchdorf cement plant marks a new era in the company’s history. Roland Kammerhuber’s many years of experience will undoubtedly play an important role in this continuous development.” Says Managing Director Erich Frommwald.

Photo credits: Reproduction free of charge, subject to attribution © Fessl/Kirchdorfer