Technology from
real-world practice
From the Alps to the world. Developed from real-world practice for machines operating in extreme terrain.
Born from a real challenge in alpine terrain
HETTEC was born out of a real challenge, in a place where machines have to perform and extreme conditions are part of everyday work.
What began as a concrete solution to a specific problem gradually evolved into a company that now stands for traction, safety and innovative technology.
A situation from daily operations
In 2008, Rupert Hettegger faced a specific challenge in his earthmoving company in Salzburg: one excavator was snowed in overnight on a steep forest road in autumn and had to be moved safely back down into the valley. It was exactly this situation that gave rise to the idea for a solution that would later lay the foundation for HETTEC.
As no suitable solution for fast traction could be found, Rupert immediately started developing one himself so the machines could become operational again.
The first Claws were created. Hand-welded, robust and consistently designed for function from the very beginning.
Together with his wife Hermine, Rupert Hettegger founded HETTEC Components GmbH. The first sets were produced entirely by hand.
Experience meets ambition
In 2012, Rupert Hettegger Jr. joined the company, and from that moment on, HETTEC was developed further together —
driven by hands-on practical experience, the engineering expertise of both generations, and the determination to think bigger.
What had once started as a strong solution from everyday operations now gained new momentum:
engineering, production, design, product development, sales and brand-building became increasingly interconnected.
In 2019, Johanna Hettegger, the wife of Rupert Hettegger Jr., joined the company and took responsibility for international customers and partners.
With her, HETTEC gained even more international focus, closer ties to global markets and additional strategic strength.
This is how an idea born on a forest road became an innovative, globally active family business —
built on unity, shaped by passion and driven by the vision of making machines perform better in extreme terrain.
Experience
Idea · Development · Production · Manufacturing expertise · Practical experience
Ambition
Internationalization · Product development · Sales · Brand building · Global partnerships
Built for every terrain
Today, HETTEC is a team of engineers, hands-on specialists and sales experts with one shared goal: making machines perform better in every terrain.
Our mission: to create technologies for maximum performance and safety.
From the beginning until today
2025
Strategic partnership with the RUD Group
2020
Partnerships with distributors in Japan and first deliveries to their core markets
2019
Partnership with OEMs like Palfinger and development of Track Claws for Palfinger crawler cranes
2018
Support of the International Polar Foundation and delivery of Track Claws to Antarctica, supplied to the Princess Elisabeth Station
2017
Partnerships with distributors in Norway and Canada
Equipping the largest Volvo excavator in Austria with an operating weight of 75 tons
2015
First exports to Non European Countries
2012
First deliveries to customers outside Austria
2011
Foundation of Hettec-components GmbH
2009
First developments and field tests of initial traction aid solutions