Personen von links: Carina Schlögl (LKR-Prokuristin), Andreas Kugi (AIT-GF), Johann Prillhofer (Bgmst. Neukirchen a.d.E.), Martin Winkler (Landesrat), Thomas Stelzer (LH-Oberösterreich), Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (Wirtschaftsminister), Peter Hanke (Innovationsminister), Markus Achleitner (Landesrat), Johannes Waidbacher (Bgmst. Braunau), Alexander Svejkovsky (AIT-GF), Brigitte Bach (AIT-GF), Christian Chimani (LKR-GF), Peter Schwab (AIT-Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender), Werner Pamminger (Biz-Up-GF), Wilfried Enzenhofer (UAR-GF) und Stephan Ucsnik (LKR-Prokurist)
A milestone for light metal research in Austria: Federal Minister, regional politicians and AIT management open the new LKR site. Research that makes a difference: from materials to industrial applications
Today, 19 October 2026, the new premises of the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen were officially opened at the Braunau-Neukirchen Industrial Park in Upper Austria. The new building offers around 3,000 square metres of space for industry-oriented research, as well as a further 1,600 square metres for laboratories and offices. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainability during construction – the investment in the premises amounted to around 16 million euros.
LKR – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology – is using the new site to drive forward the development and industrial application of light metal technologies. Around 70 staff members are conducting research here into high-quality light metal alloys, sustainable processing methods and functionally integrated lightweight components – from materials research right through to series production.
The new site was opened in the presence of Federal Minister Peter Hanke (Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure), Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (Economy, Energy and Tourism), Upper Austria’s Governor Thomas Stelzer and Markus Achleitner, Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Research. Together with Christian Chimani, Managing Director of the LKR, and Alexander Svejkovsky, Managing Director of the AIT, they emphasised the importance of the site for Austrian industry.
State-of-the-art infrastructure for the future of light metal research
The premises in the Braunau-Neukirchen Industrial Park offer state-of-the-art research infrastructure for casting, forming, simulation and additive manufacturing (3D printing). A key component is the WAM Prototyping Laboratory, which covers the entire process chain of wire-based additive manufacturing of light metals – from materials development to component characterisation. With the move, all research areas are now brought together at a single site, which significantly enhances collaboration and efficiency.
Research that makes a difference: from materials to industrial applications
The LKR is one of the established research centres for light metal technologies and combines scientific excellence with industrial practice. Materials development, production technology and simulation using AI-supported methods are integrated at the site along a continuous development chain. Applications range from the automotive sector through aerospace to energy technology and mechanical engineering.
Through close collaboration with industry partners, the solutions developed at the LKR are directly put into practice. This results in innovative lightweight components that not only conserve resources but also strengthen the competitiveness of Austrian industry.
Comments on the opening of the new premises
Dr. Christian Chimani, Managing Director LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen: “Here at our new premises, we combine research with direct industrial application – from alloy development through to prototyping. The LKR stands for innovations that make a difference: for advanced materials and production technologies of the future, and for the competitiveness of our partners in industry. Thanks to our close collaboration with the AIT and the support of the Province of Upper Austria and the federal government, we are able to develop technologies here that strengthen Austria’s position as a leader in cutting-edge research and sustainable value creation.”
Mag. Alexander Svejkovsky, Managing Director AIT Austrian Institute of Technology: “As a wholly-owned subsidiary, the LKR is strategically integrated into the AIT and embodies the very essence of our mission: to closely align research with the needs of industry. The new premises provide excellent conditions for this – with qualified staff, strong industry partners and a high-performing research environment in Upper Austria and beyond. This enables us to drive forward impactful research and translate new technologies into industrial applications.”
Governor Mag. Thomas Stelzer: “Upper Austria is the country’s leading industrial region. To ensure this position is maintained in the future, we need cutting-edge research that is put to practical use in our businesses and leads to new products, innovations and jobs. This is precisely what the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen stands for. It is here that the materials and technologies of tomorrow are developed – from the automotive industry to the aerospace sector. The new site is therefore a vital investment in the competitiveness of our businesses and in the future of Upper Austria as an industrial hub. After all, our ambition is clear: we do not simply want to keep pace with the technologies of the future, but to be at the forefront. I would like to thank the AIT and everyone involved for this vital investment and for their clear commitment to Upper Austria as a centre for research and industry.”
Markus Achleitner, Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Research: “Innovation only realises its full value once it reaches businesses. The new WAM Prototyping Laboratory brings together the entire process chain for the additive manufacturing of light metals, thereby creating the ideal conditions for bringing innovations to market quickly. The Province of Upper Austria has invested more than 2 million euros in this development of expertise and infrastructure at LKR, a partner of the UAR Innovation Network. In doing so, we are strengthening the innovative capacity and competitiveness of our companies and positioning Upper Austria in a dynamically growing market of the future.”
Federal Minister KommR Peter Hanke (Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure): “Our aim is to bring new technologies to market as quickly as possible. Research infrastructures such as the LKR are an excellent example of this. Here, we can see how innovation and industry are converging – for a sustainable economy. The new site is a flagship project that not only drives technology forward, but also secures jobs and creates new value for Austria.”
Federal Minister Mag. Dr Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism): “Our goal is clear: by 2035, Austria should once again be among the top 10 OECD industrialised nations. To achieve this, one thing is needed above all else: innovation and new technologies. The LKR demonstrates how cutting-edge research translates into tangible industrial value creation. With our industrial strategy, we are focusing specifically on key technologies such as advanced materials. And we are pressing ahead with its implementation: after around ten months, over 40 per cent of our 117 measures have already been implemented or are currently being implemented. Because ultimately, what counts is that new technologies reach our businesses more quickly, thereby securing high-quality jobs and our prosperity.”
Background information – at a glance
LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen: LKR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and a leader in the development of light metal alloys, sustainable manufacturing processes and recycling. The new premises in the Braunau-Neukirchen Industrial Park offer around 3,000 square metres of space for industry-oriented research, as well as a further 1,600 square metres for laboratories and offices. The sustainably constructed new building cost around 16 million euros and combines state-of-the-art infrastructure for casting, forming, simulation and additive manufacturing.
WAM Prototyping Laboratory: The WAM Prototyping Laboratory is a central component of the new research infrastructure, covering the entire process chain of wire-based additive manufacturing (a specialised 3D printing process) for light metals – from materials development to component characterisation.
The approximately 70 researchers at the LKR focus in particular on aluminium, magnesium, titanium and their alloys.
Further insights into the work of the LKR and the new site can be found on the AIT blog:
https://www.ait.ac.at/en/blog/research-and-innovation-for-future-lightweight-design
To the APA photo gallery: https://www.apa-fotoservice.at/galerie/40182/
Mag. Michael Hlava
Head of AIT Communication
T +43 (0)50550-4014 I michael.hlava(at)ait.ac.at
Daniel Pepl, MAS MBA
AIT Communication / AI Factory Austria AI:AT
T +43 (0)50550-4040 I daniel.pepl(at)ait.ac.at
Mag. Florian Hainz BA
AIT Communication - Press & PR
T +43 (0)50550-4518 I florian.hainz(at)ait.ac.at