Tuesday, June 24, 2025
After 30 successful years at the helm, Stefan Barbaric has officially handed over the leadership of the Barbaric Group to his two sons, Florian and Stefan Barbaric. This milestone was marked by a notarized transfer of management on June 11, 2025, signaling a pivotal moment in the company’s history and paving the way for continued innovation and sustainable growth in the woodworking and automation industries.
A Legacy of Leadership in the Woodworking Industry
Stefan Barbaric founded the company with a clear vision of providing cutting-edge handling and automation solutions to industries worldwide, with a strong focus on woodworking, glass, and related sectors. The Barbaric Group has grown into a renowned name in the international market, known for its innovative vacuum lifters and versatile automation systems, including automated storage solutions tailored for wood processing.
For decades, this Group has been an essential partner to its customers, offering everything from consulting and project planning to installation and ongoing after-sales service. As the company transitions to new leadership, it remains deeply committed to its mission of offering high-tech, sustainable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the woodworking industry.
Florian and Stefan Barbaric Take the Lead
Florian and Stefan Barbaric, who have been integral to the company’s operations since childhood, are stepping into leadership roles with a strong foundation in both technology and business. Florian, who holds a Mechatronics degree from Johannes Kepler University in Linz, and Stefan, who graduated in Mechatronics & Business from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, bring a unique combination of engineering expertise and business acumen to the company. Their experience in key management roles has prepared them to lead Barbaric Group into the future with a continued focus on innovation and expansion.
Florian and Stefan have a clear vision for the company’s future, one that continues to build on its legacy of providing world-class automation systems for the woodworking sector. They are dedicated to maintaining Barbaric’s reputation as a forward-thinking company that not only meets the technical needs of its clients but also fosters a positive and flexible working environment for its employees.
The Barbaric Group’s Commitment to Innovation and Employee Well-being
Under the new leadership, Barbaric Group plans to maintain its focus on cutting-edge technology and sustainable growth. One of the key aspects of the company’s leadership transition is the continuation of its family-like working environment, where employee well-being is prioritized. The Barbaric Group offers flexible working hours, an innovative four-day workweek model, and a strong commitment to employee appreciation.
The company’s ongoing dedication to providing high-quality automation solutions is matched by its commitment to technological advancement. The Group’s range of products, which includes vacuum lifters and automated systems for woodworking and glass, is set to continue evolving with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
A Family Business Built on Continuity and Trust
The Barbaric Group’s operations extend across multiple locations, including Barbaric GmbH in Linz and Eidenberg, Barbaric Germany GmbH, Barbaric North America Inc., IST Automation GmbH in Neukirchen am Walde, and Barbaric Management GmbH. With a workforce of approximately 125 employees, the company is a global player in the handling and automation solutions industry, particularly in wood processing.
Despite the leadership change, company founder Stefan Barbaric will remain involved in the business, continuing to support the company with his wealth of experience and visionary mindset. Brigitte Barbaric, who has been instrumental in the company’s finance, HR, and accounting departments since its inception, will also remain part of the team, ensuring the company’s ongoing operational success.
A Forward-Looking Family Business
As the company transitions into this new chapter, the company continues to focus on the values that have defined its success: innovation, sustainability, and a long-term vision. The leadership transition marks not just a new era for the Barbaric family, but for the woodworking industry as a whole, as Barbaric Group strengthens its commitment to delivering innovative solutions for clients in the wood, glass, and manufacturing sectors.
With Florian and Stefan Barbaric now at the helm, the company is poised to lead the charge in automation solutions, ensuring that Barbaric remains at the forefront of the woodworking industry for years to come. This new leadership ensures that the Group will continue to provide top-tier automation systems, support sustainable practices, and uphold its legacy of growth and excellence.
The Barbaric Group’s evolution is a testament to the company’s core principles of family, continuity, and innovation. As the next generation takes the reins, Barbaric’s future is bright, promising continued success and growth in the woodworking and automation industries.
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