Our Success story
From the garage to an international company
From our beginning in the garage to the successful international company - much has changed since our foundation. However, the core values of our family business have remained the same: long-term partnerships with customers, suppliers and employees, innovation and Quality "Made in Austria".
The beginning in the garage
The company was founded in 1995 by Stefan Barbaric, who initially manufactured special vacuum lifters in his own garage. At that time, each lifting device was a one-off product - but even then, customers attached importance to a lightweight construction and a sophisticated design.
Move to the present location
Already in 1997, the company with 5 employees moves to its current location in the industrial quarter in Linz. Barbaric establishes itself as a special supplier of vacuum lifting devices and is recognized by customers throughout Austria and Germany.
New building with showroom
In 2003, a new company building was erected at the Linz site, which in addition to a production hall and a modern office also offers a showroom.
First automatic storage systems
In 2004, the first automatic storage system was built for a customer in Austria. This point in our history marks the beginning of a rapid development of automatic handling systems at Barbaric.
Further development and international customers
The success of automatic handling systems has also led to increased international interest - and not only in Central Europe. In 2008, a Barbaric storage system was exhibited for the first time at the IWF in Atlanta (USA), whereupon the first customers from other continents also show great interest in our products.
Further expansion of main headquarter
The headquarter site in Linz was expanded again in 2015. With approx. 1500m² of new production space and an ultra-modern office building with 900m², the previous floor space is nearly tripled. A hall will also be set up as a showroom to give customers the opportunity to experience our products up close and in person.
Subsidiaries in Germany and the US
In order to improve service and communication with our customers and partners, 2018 sales offices are established in Germany and the USA.
New production facility in Eidenberg
Just 2 years after the last expansion at the Linz site, Barbaric is again reaching its limits in terms of space and is opening up a new production site, which more than doubles the current production area.
Building In-House Software Expertise
As our automatic handling and storage systems continued to grow, software development became increasingly important. From 2016 onwards, this competence was gradually built up internally.
In 2017, Barbaric acquired a majority stake in its long-standing partner IST Innovative SteuerungsTechnik Elektronik Gesellschaft m.b.H. This secured the cooperation in electronics, control cabinet construction and software development for the long term.
From IST to IST Automation
After many years of successful cooperation, the partnership was further strengthened. In 2021, the next generation assumed responsibility in the management team.
In 2022, the company was renamed IST Automation GmbH and relaunched with a new corporate identity. The combination of automation experience and growing software expertise has since become an important foundation for modern system solutions.
Next Generation Control
In 2020, Barbaric started developing its own software platform: NGC – Next Generation Control. The goal was to create a modern control and operating environment for automatic handling and storage systems.
Development is based on agile processes and a growing internal development team. In 2023, the first systems equipped with the new NGC control system were delivered.
Growth of Software Development
As requirements for automation, visualization and connectivity increased, the software team continued to grow. By 2025, Barbaric already employed ten in-house software developers.
Together with IST Automation, Barbaric develops software solutions that combine long-standing mechanical engineering experience with modern development methods.
New Office Building in Eidenberg
Continuous growth created the need for additional office space from 2022 onwards. After the rezoning process at the Eidenberg site, construction of a new office building started in 2024. The building was ready for occupancy in January 2026.
With around 870 m² of office space and an underground car park of approximately 740 m², the building provides modern workplaces for several departments that had previously been partly located at the Linz site.
Competence Center for Automation
The new office building creates a central automation location in Eidenberg. Engineering, software development, production, commissioning and remote support are now brought closer together.
This enables short distances, direct communication and a stronger connection between development, production and after-sales. Eidenberg therefore becomes an important competence center for modern Barbaric automation solutions.
Modern Working Environment in the Countryside
The new office building combines modern architecture with a pleasant working environment in the countryside. Meeting rooms, coffee kitchens, recreation areas, terraces and balconies provide space for focused work and communication.
The building is also technically modern: shading, lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation and energy management around the PV system and EV charging stations are controlled intelligently.
General contact information
Customer contact is a top priority to us. For general inquiries we are available during our opening hours through phone, e-mail or contact form:
Email: office@barbaric.at
Phone: +43 732 779800
Our opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 07:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00
Friday: 07:00-12:00
