After successfully leading the Barbaric Group for 30 years, company founder Stefan Barbaric has officially handed over management to his two sons, Florian and Stefan. The notarized transfer on June 11, 2025 marks a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Florian and Stefan Barbaric have been closely connected to the company since childhood and have held leading management positions for several years. Florian Barbaric completed his Mechatronics degree in 2017 at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, while Stefan Barbaric graduated in 2022 with a degree in “Mechatronics & Business” from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Wels.
Company founder Stefan Barbaric will remain active within the company and continue to support it part-time with his experience, innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial foresight. Brigitte Barbaric, who has played a key role in shaping the company’s HR, finance, and accounting departments since its founding, will also continue to be involved in a part-time capacity over the coming years.
With a workforce of about 125 employees, the Barbaric Group operates across five companies: the manufacturing operation Barbaric GmbH with locations in Linz and Eidenberg; Barbaric Germany GmbH; the U.S. subsidiary Barbaric North America Inc.; the electronics and software company IST Automation GmbH based in Neukirchen am Walde; and Barbaric Management GmbH, which handles central administrative and holding functions within the group.
As an internationally recognized specialist, Barbaric provides innovative handling and automation solutions for the wood and glass industries worldwide. Its product portfolio includes vacuum lifters as well as versatile automation systems, including fully automated storage systems specifically designed for wood processing. Barbaric positions itself as a long-term partner to its customers, offering comprehensive and sustainable support—from consulting and project planning to installation and reliable after-sales service.
The two sons will carry forward the company’s core values with a clear focus on innovation, long-term vision, and a future-oriented approach. This includes a family-like working environment, flexible working hours with an innovative four-day workweek model, strong appreciation for employees, and a firm commitment to staying at the forefront of technology.
With this transition, Barbaric remains a forward-looking, family-run company built on continuity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
