Shaping the future with innovation and responsibility
Since its founding in 1990 in Graz, Austria, VTU has grown from a one-person engineering office into an international technology group – with headquarters in Grambach near Graz, Austria, over 1,100 employees, and 32 locations in seven European countries.
VTU stands for "Verfahren-Technologie-Umwelt" (Process, Technology & Environment) and is now a leading provider in the design and optimization of process plants for the life sciences, pharmaceutical, chemical, and other process industries. Its wide range of services spans from traditional engineering to EPCMv (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management, Validation), as well as digitalization and sustainability solutions, and strategic consulting. The core focus is always the same: technological excellence paired with resource-conscious, future-oriented planning.
“VTU is known for its technical excellence, long-standing and trusting client relationships, and a strong, people-centered corporate culture,” says Liam O’Neil, CEO of VTU Group. “35 years is a milestone – driven by innovation, team spirit, and the trust of our customers.”
Our History
From biodiesel pioneer to international technology group
VTU was founded in 1990 in Graz with a focus on biodiesel plants. In 1993, the pharmaceutical business segment was added with the opening of a branch in Linz, Austria. The relocation of headquarters to Grambach near Graz in 2003 marked the beginning of a new phase of expansion. In the years that followed, the company grew steadily: VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH was established in Hattersheim, Germany, in 1998. In 2004, the company expanded into Italy and Switzerland. The first branch in Romania opened in 2010. In 2013, VTU integrated the Carinthian company Penta Process. Between 2016 and 2020, the company acquired RED Engineering (now VTU Design Solutions), and Metior (now VTU Automation).
As internationalization continued, new subsidiaries were founded, including in Poland (2021) and Belgium (2022).
Today, VTU offers a comprehensive portfolio covering the entire plant lifecycle – from concept development through planning and implementation to optimization.
A future built on responsibility – digitalization, sustainability, people
VTU has continued its course of international growth in recent years. Through its partnership with automation specialist T&G, the company has added cybersecurity solutions for production plants and infrastructure to its portfolio. The Business Division Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT), established in 2021, provides cross-border biopharmaceutical expertise. With the 2022 opening of a location in Pinkafeld, Austria, and the newly established Building Services division, VTU has also strengthened its expertise in technical building equipment.
VTU is also regularly recognized as an employer – receiving numerous national and international awards, including multiple “Great Place to Work” honors, recognition as one of the “Most Attractive Employers,” and ranking among the top 10 most family-friendly industrial employers in Austria and Germany.
“Our goal is to continue developing VTU strategically and responsibly – with scalable systems and the development of new key competencies. One thing is clear: sustainable growth can only be achieved in harmony with our corporate culture.”
Liam O’Neil, CEO, VTU
