Long-standing Austrian sawmiller Holzindustrie Häupl GmbH is being liquidated after several “difficult” years.

Häupl, whose website cites the company as having an annual sawn timber capacity of more than 1 million m³, was once a leading operator in the European sawmilling sector with 200 employees and a €72m annual turnover.

The company was founded in 1860 and 90% of its products were exported to some 30 countries.

“After a difficult period of several years and various futile attempts to find an entrepreneur to continue the company, the liquidator Dr Martin Stossier from Wels has now drawn a line and ordered the auction of machinery and all operational and business fittings,” said Andreas Roucka, managing director of auction firm Karner & Dechow.

“As Häupl has invested massively in production over the last few years, great demand is anticipated from all over the world.”

An auction will take place at the end of May, with a detailed asset list and photos available to view at www.karner-dechow.at from March 16.