Bechtle Aligns Austrian PLM Operations Under Unified Brand to Enhance Cross-Border Collaboration and Innovation

Bechtle Aligns Austrian PLM Operations Under Unified Brand to Enhance Cross-Border Collaboration and Innovation

(IN BRIEF) planetsoftware GmbH, Austria’s leading provider of SOLIDWORKS solutions and a long-standing member of the Bechtle Group, will rebrand as Bechtle PLM Austria GmbH from April 2026. The move reflects a strategic effort to strengthen integration with Bechtle’s wider European PLM network and enhance collaboration across markets such as Germany and Switzerland. With nearly 30 years of experience and a client base of around 2,400 companies, the business will continue to deliver comprehensive services in digital product development while maintaining strong regional customer engagement. As part of a network spanning nine countries and more than 1,000 specialists, the rebranded entity will benefit from shared expertise and an expanded portfolio covering PLM, CAD/CAM, digital twin technologies, IIoT, 3D printing and integrated IT solutions. The transition positions Bechtle to further support innovation and digital transformation across Austria’s industrial and technology sectors.

(PRESS RELEASE) NECKARSULM / VIENNA, 17-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Bechtle AG, one of Europe’s leading IT service providers, is strengthening its product lifecycle management (PLM) footprint in Austria as planetsoftware GmbH prepares to adopt the new name Bechtle PLM Austria GmbH effective 1 April 2026. The rebranding marks a strategic step to align the Austrian business more closely with Bechtle’s expanding European PLM network and to enhance collaboration across key markets including Germany and Switzerland.

Established in 1996 and part of the Bechtle Group since 2014, the Vienna-based company has built a strong reputation as Austria’s leading provider of SOLIDWORKS solutions for digital product development and manufacturing. With more than 50 employees and four locations across Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck and Wels, the company will continue to prioritise close customer relationships and tailored, hands-on support.

Over nearly three decades, planetsoftware has supported around 2,400 companies in design-driven industries such as mechanical engineering, plant engineering, toolmaking and product design. Its service portfolio spans consulting, implementation, training and ongoing support throughout the entire product development lifecycle. As a leading partner for 3DEXPERIENCE and SOLIDWORKS technologies, the company also plays a key role in supporting start-ups, research organisations and educational institutions in adopting advanced digital tools.

Christian Erlacher, Managing Director of planetsoftware GmbH, emphasised that the transition to the Bechtle PLM brand reflects both continuity and growth, combining long-standing expertise with the broader capabilities of a pan-European organisation. He noted that the company is entering a new phase, building on its established market position while expanding its reach and impact.

Uwe Burk, Executive Vice President PLM | Engineering & Manufacturing at Bechtle AG, highlighted the company’s importance to Austrian industry, describing it as a key partner for organisations ranging from emerging start-ups to globally active high-tech firms. He added that the integration into the broader Bechtle PLM structure will enable greater cross-border collaboration and innovation.

Following the rebranding, Bechtle PLM Austria GmbH will become an integral part of Bechtle’s European PLM network, which spans nine countries and includes more than 1,000 specialists. The network comprises organisations such as Bechtle PLM Germany, Bechtle PLM Switzerland, as well as EuroSolid, Nuovamacut, Cadmes and DriveWorks.

Bechtle’s PLM offering covers a wide range of solutions, including PLM systems, CAD/CAM, product data management, digital twin technologies, smart factory solutions, IIoT, AV/VR, and 3D printing. These capabilities are complemented by integrations with ERP and supply chain systems, alongside broader IT services such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The group maintains long-standing partnerships with major technology providers including Dassault Systèmes, SolidCAM, DriveWorks, HP, BLT, Markforged, Formlabs, DyeMansion and ASM.

About Bechtle

Bechtle is one of Europe’s leading IT service providers. We create future-ready IT architectures encompassing on-prem and multi-cloud infrastructures, modern workplace solutions, resilient security, artificial intelligence and a full range of managed services. Our customers also benefit from our smart financing solutions and circular IT offering, helping them achieve their ESG goals. Through our subsidiaries, we are recognised as a leading specialist in enterprise applications, particularly PLM and ERP solutions. Operating from 120 locations across 14 European countries, we combine personal, local service with a digital offering as part of our global multichannel strategy. With over 16,000 employees, we are always close to our B2G and B2B customers, from SMEs to large international organisations. Bechtle is listed on the MDAX and TecDAX indexes. In 2024, the company generated a revenue of €6.31 bn. Read more at: bechtle.com

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SOURCE: Bechtle AG