1-to-1 sets the course for the future

High-tech company 1to1 sets the course for the future with the handover of management by the two founders Wolfgang Humml (left) and Hannes Hämmerle (right) to long-time sales manager Thomas Kohler (center). (Photo: Darko Todorovic)

Thomas Kohler took over the management of 1zu1 from Dornbirn on June 1, 2023. (Photo: Darko Todorovic)

Thomas Kohler (50) took over the management of the Dornbirn-based high-tech company 1zu1 on June 1, 2023. The long-standing sales director succeeds the two founders Hannes Hämmerle and Wolfgang Humml, who are handing over the leadership after 27 years. With this internal solution, the Swedish Prototal Group, as the owner, continues the company's long-term successful course. 1zu1 plans to grow by around ten percent in 2023 and has established itself across Europe as a serial manufacturer for batch sizes up to 100,000 units in 3D printing, vacuum, and injection molding.

"1zu1 stands for cutting-edge technologies, enthusiasm for innovation, and appreciation. With the highest quality standards, we will continue to support our customers from prototype to serial product in the future," emphasizes Thomas Kohler. The long-standing sales director of the Dornbirn-based high-tech company took over the management from the two founders Hannes Hämmerle and Wolfgang Humml on June 1, 2023. They are bidding farewell after 27 years together and will remain available as consultants for 1zu1 until the end of the year. "We are pleased with the optimal continuation of our life's work. The company is in the best hands with Thomas and the management team," says Humml. "1zu1 is well-positioned technologically, personnel-wise, and geographically to continue its successful path as a pioneer," is Hämmerle convinced.

Ideal succession solution

Owner Prototal guarantees a continuous transition and sustainable further development in line with the founders through the internal leadership change. "The know-how, consistency, and high quality of 1zu1 are central building blocks for our path to become the market leader in Central and Northern Europe. Thomas Kohler, with his extensive experience and the trust of customers, partners, and employees, is the ideal choice for 1zu1," emphasizes Jan Löfving, CEO of the Prototal Group. The Swedish corporate group acquired the company founded in 1996 in February 2022. Currently, the international Prototal network includes eleven companies specializing in 3D printing, vacuum, and injection molding in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, England, Italy, and Austria.

Extensive experience

Thomas Kohler has been with 1zu1 for 23 years and is responsible for the entire DACH region as sales director. As the new managing director, he aims to continue the company's growth trajectory. For 2023, a sales increase of ten percent is planned. The company is focusing on serial production of plastic parts in 3D printing, vacuum, and injection molding, offering cost-efficient complete solutions as a technological full-service provider, and intensifying partnerships within the network. The award-winning training company and acclaimed employer primarily rely on its own skilled workforce training. About one-third of the employees are former apprentices. "Family values and a long-term perspective also shape 1zu1 in the future. We will preserve our strengths, remain reliable partners, and be open to new opportunities and challenges," says Thomas Kohler.