Anniversaries that connect: Zeman Group celebrates success and cohesion

On 17 October 2024, the Pyramide Vösendorf became the venue for an evening that focused on the importance of steel construction and the diversity of the family-run Zeman Group. Around 450 guests – including customers, partners and employees – came together to honour the anniversaries of 170 years of Waagner Biro steel and glass, 60 years of Zeman & Co and 50 years of PEM Buildings.

The opening of the evening already made it clear what it was all about: not just the figures, but the people and visions behind these successes. Hans Zeman, founder of Zeman & Co, gave an emotional speech in which he thanked his family, who always supported him when he broke new ground – whether it was venturing into new markets such as Saudi Arabia in the 1970s or taking on innovative projects. According to Zeman, “courage and personal commitment” are just as crucial as a strong team that supports these values.

His successor, Peter Zeman, looked to the present and the future. He spoke about the expansion into new markets, the establishment of new companies and the realisation of visions that characterise the Zeman Group today. He particularly emphasised the diversity of the Group, which is characterised by employees from 33 different nations. He emphasised the good cooperation between employees – regardless of origin or background – as the key to the Group’s success.

The anniversary celebration was also a look back and forward: an impressive exhibition presented the Group’s milestones and pioneering projects. Old tools, models, handwritten order books, photos, test objects and other exhibits allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the past. The evening brought together the international construction industry and the domestic steel construction tradition. With its Austrian roots and global orientation, the Zeman Group connects people, ideas and cultures – and is actively shaping the future of steel and glass construction.

The Vösendorf pyramid itself, a structure for which Zeman & Co won the first European Steel Construction Prize in 1985, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. It was a reminder of what is possible when ideas, expertise and cooperation come together. Johann Sischka, Managing Director of Waagner Biro steel and glass, spoke in an interview with presenter Thomas Dorner about the differences between working in a corporate group and a family-run company. He emphasised that flat hierarchies, quick decision-making processes, greater loyalty and a basis of trust allow ideas and projects to be implemented efficiently and creatively.

In his speech, Spencer de Grey from Foster + Partners praised the good cooperation with Waagner Biro and their technical solution expertise. He has fond memories of it.

Dr Robin Lumsden, lawyer and Honorary Consul of Jamaica, spoke about how both sport and business can strengthen cohesion – a message that emphasised the unifying factors in business and society.

The panel discussion on the future of the construction industry got to the heart of the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Hubert Wetschnig, CEO of the HABAU GROUP, Doris Hummer, Managing Director of DOMICO and President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, and Stefan Graf, CEO of LEYRER + GRAF and Graf-Holztechnik, shed light on how innovation requires time and expertise, niches such as sustainability offer enormous potential and cooperation is essential in order to develop future-proof technologies.

The evening was rounded off with an atmospheric programme: A rousing show performance by the Vienna Vikings Cheerleaders and the musical accompaniment of the “Thorncreek Village Ramblers”, which also featured Peter Zeman, were sure to delight the audience.