TENZ "The Story"

From DNA to the Screw

From a Family Business to Innovation in Wood Construction

Gerhard Hubmann grew up in a family business and, after gaining several years of professional experience, returned to the company to work alongside his father for four years. The small three-person operation, based in a garden shed in Wildon near Graz, operated according to his father’s motto: “Aim not for the maximum, but for the optimum.” The focus was on lean management and strong business relationships rather than large inventories. This strategy enabled them to operate successfully despite competition from large corporations. In 2002, Hubmann stumbled upon a new business opportunity by chance. International trade restrictions opened up new markets, and that’s how he came across specialized wood construction screws. His father immediately recognized the potential and sent him on a trip to determine the production costs. That moment marked the beginning of his career in the field of wood construction screws.

Innovation and Technological Breakthroughs

Specializing in structural wood construction screws proved to be a lucrative alternative to mass-market business. Hubmann recognized early on that there was still room for improvement. His company, Avvio, already had experience with certification testing in Germany, so the necessary expertise was in place. In 2003, he developed the idea for an innovative screw tip: A thickened section was designed to act like a cutting edge and reduce resistance during screw-in. When he presented this idea to a manufacturer, it was initially rejected as “unfeasible.” Five years later, however, a very similar screw appeared on the market. His frustration over this motivated him all the more to push forward with his own development.

From Concept to Market Readiness

In 2011, Hubmann found a new source of inspiration—nature. He drew inspiration from the structure of a double helix and modified the arrangement of the screw’s segments to reduce friction and minimize the effort required. Once again, he was initially met with skepticism. But with perseverance, an additional financial investment, and a bottle of Austrian red wine, he managed to convince his engineers. The development of the new screw took four years before mass production could finally begin. The name “TENZ” was inspired by the association with a dancing motion that reflected how the screw works.

A screw that protects tradespeople

The innovation paid off. Initial tests confirmed the advantages of the new screwdriver technology: Thanks to the reduced resistance, the battery life of the screwdrivers increased significantly. A study by Graz University of Technology dispelled concerns about potential increased wear and tear and instead showed that the service life of cordless screwdrivers increased tenfold. But TENZ technology brought not only technical benefits but also health benefits. The reduced effort required relieves strain on users’ wrists and backs. This ergonomic improvement was officially recognized in 2020: TENZ became the world’s first screw to be awarded the AGR seal of approval by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken” (Campaign for a Healthy Back). Today, Gerhard Hubmann and his TENZ technology stand for innovation, efficiency, and health protection—an impressive journey that began with a simple idea and evolved into a groundbreaking development in the wood construction industry.