"In a world that is changing rapidly, it is often clarity about our own values that makes the decisive difference."
Balancing Local Responsibility and International Growth
A personal contribution by Peter Jägersberger, CEO of the PREIS Group
I was born and raised in Pernitz in Piestingtal in Lower Austria – the very place where the PREIS Group’s head office stands today. The paths I used to walk to school as a child now lead me to the office. I’ve known many of my colleagues for years – not just from work, but as neighbors, teammates, or friends. This deep connection to the region is much more than just a sense of home to me – it is part of my identity and a cornerstone of our entrepreneurial success.
What I’ve learned over the course of my career: deep local roots and international growth are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary – they reinforce each other. I am a committed European. I believe in the idea of an open, interconnected, and strong Europe. And I am firmly convinced that our regional roots provide the stability we need to continue developing on an international level.
Why Our Origins Make Us Strong
As a family-owned business, we bear responsibility – not just for our economic actions, but also for the people at our locations. Whether in Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina – our local teams are deeply rooted in their regions. Many of our employees have been working with us for decades – to me, that loyalty and continuity reflect trust and a vibrant company culture.
Our values – reliability, responsibility, and groundedness – were not written on paper first. They grew out of our history and shape our daily actions. They provide guidance – and they connect us, across borders and languages.
Operating Globally, Shaped Locally
Today, we deliver to over 40 countries and operate in highly specialized niche markets. That requires international experience, intercultural understanding, and technical excellence. Yet in the midst of this global complexity, it’s critical to have a clear stance.
What our customers value about the PREIS Group is not just the quality of our products. It’s also our authentic approach: our reliability, our clear commitment, and our handshake mentality. These are values that connect us – across all boundaries.
Values as a Compass in Turbulent Times
The world is changing – rapidly, in complex and often unpredictable ways. In such times, we need clarity about what truly matters. For me, that means: commitment, respect, technical know-how, and the sincere effort to create long-term value – for our customers, our employees, and our partners.
Our regional identity is not a contradiction to global thinking. It is our inner compass. It helps us make decisions with foresight – while keeping us grounded. That, to me, is what makes the difference.
My Personal Conclusion
I firmly believe that sustainable success comes when we do not forget our roots – but rather consciously embrace them as a source of strength. Our international relationships have shaped me, just as they have shaped many of our long-time employees. They give us stability, trust, and identity – especially in a world that is constantly evolving. At the same time, we must never lose sight of the bigger picture. Openness, curiosity, and a European mindset drive us forward. For me, the combination of strong local roots and a global perspective is not a compromise – it’s our recipe for success.
Especially in today’s world, where social tensions and geopolitical challenges are increasing, I strongly believe: intercultural openness and mutual respect could pave the way to solutions in many areas. If we are willing to learn from one another, to build bridges, and to see diversity as a strength, then we have a real chance – not just economically, but also as a society.
– Peter Jägersberger, CEO of the PREIS Group
