RHI Magnesita CEO Borgas: “We tear down walls!” New headquarters for the global leader in refractories

2018-11-10

Nov. 9, 2018

New headquarters for the global leader in refractories

A year ago, on October 26, 2017, the merger of the Austrian company RHI and the Brazilian company Magnesita was sealed – RHI Magnesita was created. After twelve months of working intensively on the new common corporate culture, the global leader in refractories has now also tackled the relocation of its headquarters to a modern office complex that lives up to its new corporate identity. On Wednesday, the company not only celebrated its first birthday, but also the opening of its new headquarters in the EURO PLAZA in Vienna’s 12th district. “We tear walls down,” CEO Stefan Borgas announced during his opening speech.

Open office for better collaboration

The new headquarters accommodates 460 workplaces on 7,600 square meters and three and a half floors. The concept of the office is based on the company’s guiding principles: it is customer-focused and innovative, promotes open decision making and enables cross-functional, collaborative and pragmatic operation. How are these principles reflected in the office design? “We have chosen an open office concept offering versatile space,” explains Stefan Rathausky, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Strategic Marketing at RHI Magnesita. “The open architecture supports short paths and a quick exchange of views in between.” The company did not opt for the typical open-plan office, but rather for open team zones for each department. “Before, I was separated from my colleagues through doors and walls; now it is easier for all of us to notice what is going on within the team,” says Rathausky. “But also our meeting rooms have glass walls and are therefore transparent,” Rathausky adds, “there are no secrets. The Board members also work in the open office.”

Modern equipment

In addition to 20 classic meeting rooms, the new office complex also offers 30 meeting boxes, 38 telephone boxes with special sound insulation and four creative project rooms with special digital work surface hubs and inspiring, flexible furniture as retreats for working. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and multifaceted visualization options, from a video conference tool to writable walls. “We offer the right environment for any work situation,” says Michael Frühwald, Head of Facility Management & Infrastructure Vienna, who is responsible for the project management for the relocation. The employees’ individual workplaces also represent an improvement, providing lockable storage space and height-adjustable desks. “The fact that our employees do not have to sit all day but also have the possibility to work standing up is beneficial for their health,” Frühwald explains. Twelve attractive break-out areas are available for taking breaks in between.

Interactive Visitor’s Center & Co-working Café
The highlights of the new headquarters are located on the ground floor. Next to the reception, visitors will find a modern, inviting Visitor’s Center. Comfortable seats, interactive screens and exhibits help to make waiting times shorter and encourage visitors to explore the company playfully.

Next to this area, the hospitable “The Magnesite” co-working café extends over nearly 200 square meters, offering employees a place to communicate over a cup of coffee or a snack.

Funding by the City of Vienna
As part of the location initiative of the City of Vienna, the relocation received funding from the Vienna Business Agency. CEO Stefan Borgas appreciates the business location in the capital of Austria: “Due to its quality of life, Vienna is one of the globally leading top locations for internationally operating companies. Thanks to the support of the City of Vienna, the decision to stay in Vienna was very easy.”