“We firmly believe that only when people live in safety they can exercise their rights and shape their lives in freedom,“ says AT&S President & CEO Michael Mertin. “Against this backdrop, AT&S has decided to enter the defense market. We have already been approached by customers and will now proactively reach out to new customers.” The decision is based on a clear strategic scenario: long-term planning reliability, technologically demanding innovation fields, and independence from economic cycles. At the same time, this step strengthens AT&S’s economic foundation and secures jobs at its Austrian sites. The production facilities in Leoben are currently being prepared to meet the specific requirements of the defense industry. This includes evaluating whether structural and technical adjustments are necessary to comply with international standards for defense production. In the medium term, the company expects annual revenues in the mid-double-digit million Euro range.
Responsibility and ESG compliance
In the context of ESG criteria, there is growing recognition that security-relevant technologies can contribute to safeguarding democratic values and protecting people in Europe. AT&S is committed to a responsible and legally compliant approach. All activities in the defense sector will strictly adhere to the legal requirements of the Republic of Austria and the European Union.
AT&S has long-standing expertise in developing technologies that can be used for both civilian and security-related applications. The focus is on technologies that support defense, prevention, and stabilization – for example, for security agencies or critical infrastructure. “We see the opportunity to contribute to stability and security through our technologies,” says Mertin. “Our goal is to position AT&S for the future through this step.”