Schwarzmüller strengthens management and future orientation
Freinberg, November 2025 – One year after merging with the KRONE Commercial Vehicle Group, the Schwarzmüller Group is reporting positive results: the partnership has significantly strengthened the company in terms of its strategic orientation, innovative strength and market presence. With the management team now complete, Schwarzmüller is setting the course for the next phase of its development. The experienced management team stands for foresight, growth and customer focus.
‘We have a management team that is technically strong and at the same time embodies the values of Schwarzmüller: reliability, partnership and enthusiasm for quality,’ emphasises Beate Paletar, supervisory board member and shareholder of the Schwarzmüller Group. ‘With this structure, we are looking to the future with confidence and are convinced that the company will further expand its position in the European market.’
Strengthened leadership with a clear focus
Bastian Litterscheid, the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) since August 2025, brings with him many years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry. His focus is on optimising production processes, increasing efficiency and developing customer-specific product solutions.
On 1 November 2025, Claus Artmayer took over the role of Chief Sales Officer (CSO). The Lower Bavarian from Mengkofen is responsible for sales, after-sales, service, marketing and product management. After almost three decades in the sale of capital goods, most recently as head of the municipal technology division at Beutlhauser, his focus is on close cooperation with customers and partners. ‘I want to position Schwarzmüller for the future and further develop sales throughout Europe together with Krone,’ says Artmayer.
With its new management team, now consisting of Dr Valentin Clemens (CAO), Georg Eckmair (CFO), Bastian Litterscheid (COO) and Claus Artmayer (CSO), Schwarzmüller is focusing on clear responsibilities, sustainable structures and a common goal: customer focus, operational excellence and solid economic development.
‘The new team is the ideal basis for further expanding Schwarzmüller's strengths within the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group,’ says Bernard Krone, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bernard Krone Holding. ‘The new management team combines experience, vision and the will to lead the company into a stable and successful future.’
About the Schwarzmüller Group
The Schwarzmüller Group, based in Freinberg (Austria), is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of towed commercial vehicles. As a pioneer in innovation and technology, the company offers tailor-made transport solutions for demanding industries with its two brands, Schwarzmüller and Hüffermann. Around 6,000 vehicles are manufactured annually at four production sites in Austria, Germany, Czechia and Hungary. With approximately 1,741 employees, Schwarzmüller is active in 21 European markets and generated sales of €336 million in 2024. The Austrian premium manufacturer stands for maximum productivity, pioneering lightweight construction concepts and particularly close customer loyalty throughout the entire product life cycle.
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