Rockster on growth path

It is not all doom and gloom in the crushing sector. The compact side of the business does appear to be weathering the storm better than some other sectors, as opitimised by Austrian Rockster Recycling's opening of its new Euro 2.5 million factory on the outskirts of Linz.

According to CEO Wolfgang Kormann, the decision to go ahead with the new build was made at the end of 2007, when the first serious stirrings of the credit crunch were making themselves felt.

The new facility provides space for all the company's functions, from production, through sales and service support to future product development. Initial production levels are expected to be around 70 machines per year, up from 36, with an ultimate goal of reaching a production level of 100+ machines per year.

Moving from the company's previous smaller leased facility will also benefit its R&D effort, although we will see a new machine from the company within the next three months. Mr Kormann would not be drawn as to full details concerning the new product [D&Ri understands that it currently only exists in drawing form] but he did say that it would be larger than any current Rockster product.

Rockster celebrated the official opening day through the presence of a number of local dignatories on Friday, 15 March with an attendance of around 100, with a second open day for customers and employees on the 16th.