A man who lives for his region – Manfred Fastl

From the heart of the Styrian Vulkanland Region comes Manfred Fastl, a man who combines groundedness, innovation, and team spirit in an impressive way. Over 25 years at AT&S, he has risen from Process Technician to a member of the local leadership team, achieving milestones with the goal of fostering efficiency and unity. Privately, he remains deeply rooted: his farm in Sankt Anna am Aigen offers him the perfect balance. This is a portrait of passion, connection to one’s homeland, and the art of overcoming challenges together.

Manfred Fastl is a man of action, a family man, and a true South Styrian at heart. His story is an inspiring example of how a deep love for one’s homeland can go hand in hand with professional passion.

Born and raised in the Styrian Vulkanland Region (region in the south of Styria), specifically in Sankt Anna am Aigen, Manfred has always been closely tied to his region. “For me, Sankt Anna am Aigen isn’t just a place to live – it’s a way of life,” he explains. This love for his homeland has shaped his life path as much as his technical affinity. “I’ve always been passionate about technology,” Manfred says. After finishing school, he moved to Graz to attend HTL Bulme Graz-Gösting, specializing in electrical engineering. In the early 1990s, this was an uncommon step, but for Manfred, it became a formative experience, especially because of his time in the student dormitory and the friendships that continue to this day.

After gaining initial professional experience in the automation industry, Manfred found his professional home in 2000 at AT&S in Fehring – to him an unknown company at the time but one that turned out to be a perfect fit for him. It was a stroke of luck, as it turned out.

For 17 years, he worked as a Process Technician, a role he felt at home in from the start. “One of the most formative experiences in my career was working with my mentor,” Manfred shares. Tragically, a fatal accident brought this collaboration to an abrupt end. “That was a tough time for all of us, but it taught me how important teamwork is.”

Despite this, Manfred remained undeterred and continued to grow. Starting in 2010, he faced a new challenge: a part-time study in Innovation Management at Campus02.

“Balancing work and studies wasn’t easy, but it was a turning point for me.”

Gradually, he took on new tasks, led projects, and made significant contributions in automation and digitalization. In 2022, he advanced to the management level, taking charge of the Operational Excellence Team in Fehring.

What drives Manfred is not just technical challenges but teamwork. His goal is to further develop the Fehring site and work with colleagues to find solutions to current challenges. Increasing efficiency and taking employees’ ideas seriously are particularly important to him. “No idea is too small if it makes a difference,” he emphasizes. This belief significantly contributes to the success of the improvement system, which works exceptionally well in Fehring.

Even during difficult times, Manfred demonstrates resilience. Through projects like ERNTE (Harvest Project Fehring), he has shown how to reduce material costs and optimize processes – always in close collaboration with his team. His guiding principle: “Staying united and finding solutions – that’s what matters most to me,” he says.

A family and community man

Outside of work, Manfred is a true family man. He leads a fulfilling life with his wife and three children. Together, they run a small farm. “Working on our farm gives me balance,” Manfred explains. He has a particular passion for “harvesting” – whether in his own orchard or, figuratively speaking, in his work.

Manfred is also active in his community of Sankt Anna am Aigen. As a municipal councilor, he takes on responsibility and works for the region’s development. Staying connected to his roots is important to him: whether enjoying a glass of Saemling 88 (young white wine) or attending traditional festivals, Manfred is a true Vulkanland Region native.

“A very special moment in my life was the road trip through California with my wife,” Manfred says. “The landscapes, the freedom, and the time we had together left a lasting impression.” Professionally, he also recalls unforgettable moments: “Rebuilding production processes while operations were ongoing was a true challenge, one that would have been impossible without team spirit and precision.”

“For me, it’s essential to be there not only for the company but also for my colleagues,” Manfred explains. With his approachable, reliable, and detail-oriented nature, he has earned the trust of employees and supervisors alike. He remains grounded.

“I see myself as part of the team – as someone who supports and helps drive things forward.”

Advice for new and young employees

For Manfred, starting a career is crucial, and he believes it’s the responsibility of experienced colleagues to guide newcomers. “Talk a lot and ask questions,” is his advice to career starters. He emphasizes the importance of early mentoring and learning from seasoned colleagues. Being close to processes, products, and especially people, he believes, is the key to thriving in the company and building real connections.

What makes AT&S special

What Manfred values about AT&S is the unique combination of growth and groundedness. Despite its international focus and cutting-edge technology, the company has never lost sight of its employees. “We’re clearly good at what we do,” Manfred says – thanks not least to constant innovation and adaptability. But for him, it’s not just the technologies that matter: “It’s the values and the sense of solidarity that make AT&S a place where you can grow, contribute, and celebrate success together.”