Practical Project Strengthens Family Business in the Zillertal Valley
- 07.07.2026
- Practical Project
Project team and client, from left to right: Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia Van der Vorst, Thomas Feichtner, Tunahan Mutlu, Felix Langesee, Hans Langesee, Raphael Embacher, Anna Buchner, and Lucas Haselsberger.
Five students from the bachelor’s degree program in Industrial Engineering worked together with Langesee GmbH to develop concrete measures for attracting new customers. The practical project shows how theoretical knowledge can be applied directly in a business setting.
How can a family-run company attract new customers in a challenging market environment? This was the key question explored by students in the Industrial Engineering & Management bachelor’s program at FH Kufstein Tirol in collaboration with Langesee GmbH. As part of a practical project, they developed specific measures to increase the company’s visibility and strengthen its order situation over the long term.
Based in Zell am Ziller, Langesee GmbH manufactures highly precise metal components in small and medium-sized production runs. The family business is led by CEO Hans Langesee, while his son Felix Langesee is already actively involved in the company. In recent years, the company - like many others in the industry - has faced increasing price pressure and a decline in orders. Together with the students, new approaches were therefore developed to help position the company even more successfully in the market going forward.
Under the supervision of Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia Van der Vorst, five students worked on the project during the 2025/26 winter semester. Throughout the project, Hans and Felix Langesee supported the students as points of contact and gave them direct insight into the company’s challenges. Initial results were presented before Christmas, and implementation of selected measures began immediately afterward.
Four Measures to Increase Visibility
The joint analysis resulted in four concrete recommendations for action. One focus area was strengthening the company’s presence on LinkedIn. To support this, the students developed a communications strategy and redesigned the company’s profile to make the values and strengths of Langesee GmbH more visible. The company website was also analyzed in depth. Based on this review, the team recommended targeted optimization of search engine advertising so that potential customers will be able to find the company more easily through relevant search queries in the future.
In addition, the project team examined the strategic use of trade shows. A visitor survey via QR code is intended to help capture contacts more systematically in the future and further improve communication with interested parties.
As a fourth measure, the students identified the industries and potential new customers that are particularly relevant for Langesee GmbH. This overview is intended to help the company make its new customer acquisition efforts even more targeted in the future.
Theory Becomes Practice
For the students, the practical project offered an opportunity to apply their knowledge for the first time in a real business environment. The close collaboration with Langesee GmbH gave them valuable insights into operational processes and demonstrated how theoretical methods can be used to address specific business challenges.
At the same time, the company also benefited from the fresh perspectives and jointly developed solutions. The project highlights how universities and businesses can learn from one another through hands-on collaboration and create momentum for the future together.