Lenzing AG

My visit to plastics, paper and machinery maker Lenzing (623 million Euros in revenues and 3,200 employees) definitely makes an impression on me and it isn't good. Lenzing AG is located in the town of Lenzing, which lies 25 miles southwest of Salzburg AND 25 miles due east of Salzburg. How can this be? Well, I found out the hard way that there're TWO towns in the Salzburg region with the name Lenzing. As luck would have it I cycle to the wrong Lenzing first, only to learn from the locals that there's another Lenzing. Jeez, I'm mad not just because I've now lost a whole day of traveling but because the dumb map I'm using didn't show both towns. To make me feel better the locals say this happens all the time.

It's hot and late in the afternoon when I show up at Lenzing AG. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of cellulose fibers for textile and non-textile applications. Corporate offices are inside a big company plant so I check in with the guard at the gated entry. I get bad news: the annual shareholders meeting is today AND tomorrow and nobody has time for me. I didn't know shareholder meetings lasted two days. Real tacky the way I'm abruptly dismissed.

Though I don't get past the guard gate I do spot a red brick building inside the premises which most likely houses management. Looks to have been built in the 1950's or 1960's. What really intrigues me though is the giant cardboard figure of a sexy-looking woman wearing a slinky black dress. Click on the photo that accompanies this story and see for yourself. Why is this giant cardboard cutout of provocatively looking woman positioned over the entrance to the headquarters/plant? Is she up there everyday or is it to greet shareholders coming to the annual meeting?