Shade that creates a future

In its third generation, this family-owned business from Austria brings a fresh approach to sun protection. Tradition meets innovation - and with a lot of sun in their hearts. 

Today’s global player started out as a two-man operation in Abfaltersbach following Alois Kraler’s acquisition of HELLA in 1959, but they still put their hearts in the business, and a handshake is a handshake: HELLA, a third-generation family business, brings solutions for sun, light and weather protection from Eastern Tirol to the whole world - and does so in style. At HELLA, they don’t just assemble, they think - with a love of detail and a clear look ahead. Andreas Kraler leads the company today - not from an ivory tower, but with open ears, a down-to-earth attitude and the firm belief that teams are best at generating great ideas.

What has made HELLA stand out from the beginning? A good feel for what matters. As a family-owned company with additional branches in nine European countries, the business is committed to a production that is well thought through, efficient and future-oriented - while never losing sight of the human element. “Our production people came up with great ideas over the years and helped us to develop machines that bring even more efficiency to the production process,” says Andreas Kraler as he gives a tour of the business, something that is done for customers, architects and planners, but also for HELLA’s own staff..

”Alois Kraler, my grandfather, was mayor, wood turner and farmer. 66 years ago, he bought a few machines, some raw materials and a car from a bankrupt company and founded HELLA with just one employee from that business, because he wanted to create value for the region and for his family. His vision was to supply all of Austria,” is how Andreas Kraler recounts the company’s beginnings. .&Nbsp;

1974 saw Alois’ son Franz Kraler succeed him and initiate the company’s international expansion. Between 2004 and 2016, HELLA Group took over 15 businesses. In a remarkable display of continuity, the company’s sales rose eightfold within 20 years, from 25 million euros to 217 million euros in 2022.

At HELLA, apprentices are not confined to a supporting role - instead, they are an important part of the team from the beginning. In a modern, technologically well-furnished environment, they not only learn their respective trades, they also experience what it means to take on responsibility, work in a team and contribute ideas. HELLA consciously invests in the next generation. Besides technical expertise, the program focuses on soft skills, personal development and ongoing trainings.

HELLA’s products help you save energy before you even think about air conditioning. Production is all about smart processes, modern technology and avoiding waste. Many materials can be recycled, and packaging is sophisticated. The most important tenet is: What lasts long does not need to be made anew all the time. New company buildings are planned and built to be energy-efficient e.g. using solar panels and LED lighting. Sustainability is no mere catchword, but an integral element of the company’s strategy - in product development, production, corporate culture and responsibility vis-à-vis future generations.