#FavoriteMoments with Markus Bauer: Insights from the Food and Beverage Industry

What does it take to keep the world’s food and beverage industry moving forward? For Markus Bauer, Global Manager Food & Beverage at voestalpine High Performance Metals, it’s all about innovation, partnership, and finding those moments that make a real difference. That’s exactly what the #FavoriteMoments campaign from voestalpine is all about—celebrating the meaningful ways our products and services shape everyday life. In this article, Markus shares his perspective on the industry, his career journey, and the moments that make his work rewarding.

What is your role at voestalpine HPM, and what does your team do?

“As Global Manager of Food & Beverage, I lead a team focused on providing high-performance steel solutions for machine manufacturers in the food and beverage industry. Our mission is to help customers improve efficiency, safety, and product quality by delivering materials tailored to their specific needs. We work closely with our partners to understand their challenges and develop solutions that make a real difference in their production processes.”

How did you come to work in the Food & Beverage sector?

“My background is in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s in business management, which I studied in Austria. I started my career in the pharmaceutical machine-building industry, where I spent ten rewarding years in a very fast-paced, corporate environment. Then, I made the switch to the food and beverage sector, a move that was a rewarding challenge. What attracted me was the more personal, hands-on nature of the industry, and the opportunity to work closely with customers and family-run businesses.

What makes the Food & Beverage industry unique or rewarding for you?

“What stands out to me is how dynamic and innovative this industry is. We work with customers who are passionate experts in their field, and every project brings new challenges and opportunities to improve production processes. One of my favorite moments was at the IFFA trade fair in Germany, where we collaborated closely with a customer to identify the ideal steel grade for their cutting components. That partnership led to lasting improvements in their production and it’s exactly this kind of teamwork and problem-solving that makes my work so rewarding.”

How has your international experience shaped your approach to work?

“My five years working in the United States had a big impact on how I understand customers. That experience taught me the value of building trust and long-term partnerships, which I’ve carried into my work here. I believe that understanding people and their needs is just as important as delivering a high-quality product, especially in the food and beverage industry.”

What are your goals or vision for the future of the Food & Beverage team?

“Our industry is rapidly changing, and we see increasing demand from machine manufacturers that serve the food processing sector. Looking ahead, our focus is on strengthening partnerships with manufacturers and supporting them with innovative steel solutions for new challenges in food production. By working closely with our customers, we aim to help them stay competitive and continue improving efficiency and quality in their processes.”

What do you enjoy outside of work?

“Spending time with my family is especially important to me. Whether we’re traveling together or simply enjoying a meal at home, those moments help me recharge and bring fresh energy to my work.”

Discover More #FavoriteMoments

To find out more about how Markus and his team are making a difference in the food and beverage industry, watch the #FavoriteMoments video above. For more information or to speak directly with an expert from the Food & Beverage team at voestalpine High Performance Metals, please use the contact form below, we look forward to connecting with you.