Felix Familia 2026: INNOVAMETALL wins gold with the “INNOVA Juniors”
Freistadt / Linz. On 11 February 2026, the Mühlviertel-based company was awarded the Felix Familia State Family Award. Instead of a traditional “work-life balance,” the company focuses on “work-life integration” – and makes children active co-creators within the business.
Great joy at INNOVAMETALL GmbH: Today, the company received the “Felix Familia 2026,” the prestigious State Family Award of Upper Austria. In the category “21 to 100 employees,” the metal construction specialist took first place. The award was given to the “INNOVA Juniors” initiative, which demonstrates how modern compatibility of work and family life is put into practice at INNOVAMETALL.
When children have a say and lend a hand. This approach goes far beyond simple childcare. “For us, family is part of the corporate culture,” explains authorised signatory Silvia Thurnhofer. The company breaks away from rigid “work-life balance” concepts and replaces them with lived integration. “Because here, children are actively involved in everyday working life,” Thurnhofer continues.
What began as support during school holidays has taken on a life of its own. “It developed naturally – step by step, summer childcare grew into a year-round community,” Thurnhofer describes the evolution. Participation is particularly important to the company: “For example, the children are allowed to have a say in renovation projects, help plan events and even get involved themselves. They put their heart and soul into it.”
Projects with real substance. How seriously this involvement is taken is shown by key milestones of the “INNOVA Juniors”:
The renovation: During the major renovation phase (2022/2023), the children took part in age-appropriate ways under guidance and experienced the creation of ‘their’ company first-hand.
The company bar: A highlight was the construction of the in-house bar for a company event. Hammering and screwing included – craftsmanship and team spirit from an early age.
The thank-you: As recognition for their commitment, the company invited the hardworking helpers to a high ropes course in 2025.
The prize money of EUR 2,000 goes directly back to the families: it will be used for the next family event for INNOVAMETALL employees. What the activity will look like will be decided jointly with the INNOVA Juniors.
Looking beyond one’s own horizons: inspiration from fellow award winners
Felix Familia brings “lighthouse projects” into the spotlight that are intended to inspire others. INNOVAMETALL also sees the award as an opportunity to look beyond its own organisation and learn from other award recipients.
“We are proud of our path, but we were also inspired by the initiatives of others at the event,” emphasises the management. Two other winners stood out in particular:
Regional roots: In the category of companies with more than 101 employees, the Hochreiter Group from Bad Leonfelden – also based in the Mühlviertel – took first place. Their highly professional approach to flexible childcare, ranging from short-notice daily care to the involvement of qualified educators, serves as a role model for the region.
Industry peers: In the category of up to 20 employees, Maurhart Metallmanufaktur from Asten won the award. Their “Family Compass” project, which places a strong focus on caring for relatives, highlights important aspects that will also become increasingly relevant for INNOVAMETALL in the future.
“It is great to see such innovative concepts emerging, especially in metal construction and in the Mühlviertel. We are happy to take some ideas from our colleagues as inspiration,” concludes the team from Freistadt.
Photos: © Land OÖ/Kauder & © INNOVAMETALL
