Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by PALFINGER
At PALFINGER, we believe in more than just providing exceptional products and services. We believe in the individuals who shape and contribute to our success. Faces of PALFINGER MARINE is a new blog series highlighting the diverse talents and perspectives of our colleagues across roles and locations. For our third edition, we met up with Johann Gnasmüller, Research & Development (R&D) and Engineering Manager for Marine & Wind Cranes based in Salzburg.
RISING THROUGH THE RANKS AT PALFINGER MARINE
Johann could be described as a “high riser” over the last 20 years, embodying the career opportunities PALFINGER MARINE offers as an employer. After initially joining us in 2004 as a design engineer, he decided to leave the company for a while. However, Johann’s absence didn’t last long. An exciting new challenge at PALFINGER MARINE emerged in 2011, when the wind segment was launched as an independent business unit. Since 2017, the now 42-year-old has been in charge of the R&D and Engineering department of all marine and wind cranes – coordinating a team of 39 experts based in Salzburg, Austria, and Maribor, Slovenia.
THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS
The scope of work in Austria and Slovenia couldn’t be more different. “Salzburg is the base for research and development of new products and features, as well as product maintenance,” Johann explains. “Maribor, on the other hand, specializes in customer-specific adaptations. All our marine cranes are produced in Maribor, with roughly one-third customized,” he adds. His wide range of responsibilities allows Johann to collaborate with many different departments. During new product development projects, he closely interacts with product management from the feasibility study onwards. In the case of customized cranes, Johann and his team link up with the local sales and application engineering team.
The diverse nature of Johann’s job is reflected in its pace. It takes approximately two years from idea to delivery, meaning that new product projects come thick and fast. The gap between adaptation and upgrade projects is even shorter.
Since March 2017, my team and I have accompanied the launch of thirteen new products and seven facelifts.
“We’ve also handled countless smaller feature and control updates,” he adds. It therefore comes as no surprise that Johann describes his job as impactful, excitingly complex, and colorful. An international environment and a diverse customer base certainly make the marine business a highly interesting segment to work in.
PALFINGER MARINE SATIATES APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE
Johann describes himself as attentive, humorous, and precise, but he clearly also has an adventurous streak. When asked about his most memorable experience, he is quick to mention his visit to the DanTysk offshore wind farm. During a mandatory one-week training course before the transfer, Johann underwent helicopter underwater escape routines and other exciting courses to prepare him for a journey involving high waves and dangerous conditions. Climbing up a ladder to the platform in such an environment is not for the faint of heart. Maybe that’s why he’s chosen “more relaxing” hobbies such as gardening and co-owning a small hydro energy plant.
COMING TO WORK WITH A SMILE – EVERY DAY
When asked what the most fulfilling aspect about working at PALFINGER is, Johann argues that he never feels like an exchangeable cog despite the group having developed into a vast, international operation. “I feel valued and seen within the highly stable environment of a global family business. I have wonderful colleagues and plenty of fun,” he smiles. His final statement during the interview is what we love to hear:
I simply enjoy coming to work.
Eager to find out how much other PALFINGER MARINE employees enjoy their work? Keep an eye open for the next edition of Faces of PALFINGER MARINE right here.