The History of Variotherm

Heating. Cooling. Feeling good. For a lifetime.

Variotherm is an Austrian family business that has been involved in the production and distribution of ecological and economical surface heating and cooling systems since 1979. In the manufacturing of the products, we place the greatest importance on the use of natural materials. Dive with us into the success story of Variotherm:


2025

New production machine

Our new production line stands for efficiency, innovation, and the highest product quality. And the best part: Through optimized manufacturing, we can pass on a significant price reduction to you.

Construction of Battery Storage

Almost all of the solar energy generated by our PV system is used for our production and the electric fleet, for example. Additionally, this allows us to keep our most important systems operational in the event of a power outage.

2024

Deep drilling

There are no fewer than 13 deep boreholes, each 120 meters deep, providing us with heat and cool. In the future, both our existing surface collector and the new deep boreholes will supply everything we need.

2023

Expansion of PV system

An expansion of the PV system from the current 170 kWp to 280 kWp is expected to cover over 40% of the energy demand in the future. A remarkable scale for a manufacturing operation.

New warehouse

The new hall is much more than just a warehouse. In the future, a modern application technology room will be located in the basement, which installers and drywall construction professionals from all over the world are welcome to use for training purposes.

2022

New production machine FBHK4

The newly developed production machine FBHK4 goes into operation.

2020

New Research & Development Space

2019

40 years of Variotherm

Four decades ago, visionary Wilhelm Watzek founded the company and introduced the Skirting Heating System to Austria. His son Alexander took over Variotherm from his father 20 years ago and continued the success story with many other Low Temperature Systems for heating and cooling.

2018

Variotherm continues to grow.

An extension of 650 m² to the company headquarters creates space: new offices, a consulting and training center including a demonstration room, an area for research & development, and a VarioCafé. All equipped with the most modern Variotherm technology, which can be experienced up close here.

New PV system

2016

Well shared and cleverly rolled.

After months of development and research, the new heating/cooling circuit manifold VarioManifold 5.0 has been launched. The compact winding of the impact sound polystyrene minimizes air pockets, and the VarioRoll is even more transport and storage-friendly.

2015

Even more power.

The even more powerful Trench Heating System BKH 2 is being launched. The BKH 2 features two heating elements for even more heating power. With a width of 260 mm and two variable heights (140 mm or 90 mm), it is freely selectable in length and available made to measure.

2014

New Production Facility FBHK 3

An essential step is the newly developed production machine for the product classic "VarioComp," which was put into operation in 2015. This means that Variotherm is prepared for the expected orders from domestic and international markets.

Founded - reliable - stable

For the economical and efficient heating of large areas such as production halls, storage areas, and other industrially used spaces, the VarioSolid was developed. The extremely robust VarioModular-Pipe 20 x 2 was specifically designed for industrial applications.

2013

Pioneering site expansion.

Two new halls now offer more space for storage and production. Additionally, the site has been expanded to include a complete outdoor facility, employee parking spaces, and a break oasis.

2012

Success with FAIRsponsibility

The project "Success with FAIRsponsibility" is being launched. From this, the P:UR (Potential and Respect) team and a comprehensive sustainability report are created. Sustainable actions, which have always been a matter of course for us, now receive a name.

2011

Winners at the Austrian Leading Companies

Variotherm wins in the category "solid small businesses" and surpasses the 6 million euro turnover mark for the first time with 30 employees as of the balance sheet on March 31.

2010

Acoustic Ceiling

The proven ModularCeiling for cooling and heating is now also available with a sound-absorbing Acoustic Surface. The holes in the acoustic panels are not covered by cooling/heating elements. Only this provides a tested and guaranteed sound reduction.

2009

Expansion of the premises.

Our office space will be expanded by five workstations. The "sunroom," as affectionately called by the employees, will be pleasantly tempered all year round by the Variotherm wall and ceiling heating/cooling.

All good things come from above.

The proven ModularCeiling for cooling and heating is now also available as a suspended grid ceiling. The ModularPanels are available in two different sizes. Like all systems from Variotherm, the ModularGrid-Ceiling is quick and easy to install.

Simply cool.

Another success is achieved with our new cooling modules: The two modules KMS (with system separation) and KMD (with direct connection) are the link between the cooling generation and the Variotherm surface cooling systems.

2008

The new VarioProFile Pipe

Variotherm presents the new VarioProFile Pipe 16x2. The new pipe is the heart of the Variotherm heating and cooling systems and offers extensive advantages. Further innovations: the Pump Manifold and the Pump Microstation.

2006

Build, Build, Build.

Stone by stone – an extensive renovation is on the way. The company location in Leobersdorf will be expanded with a new raw material warehouse and new office spaces. The facade will also undergo a complete renovation and receive a new look.

2005

New VarioComp Production Facility

Automation at Variotherm begins: Investments are being made in fully automated production facilities for ModularPanels and the VarioComp Modular Floor Heating.

2003

New production facility

From February to April 2003, the new, fully automated production facility for expansion panels with integrated heating pipes was established at our Leobersdorf headquarters. It allows these to be manufactured significantly more cost-effectively, as well as faster and more flexibly than before.

The light side of life

The second generation of the Varioklima pipe with its forward-looking properties will become part of the system wall and underfloor heating for screed systems.

2000

New Systems

In 1999, the module Wall Heating system is completed. Due to high demand, the first dry Underfloor Heating system with only 20 mm construction, the compact Underfloor Heating, is developed in 2001. The module Ceiling Cooling, which can also be used as heating, is launched in 2002.

1999

New management

In May 1999, a change in management finally took place. The Variotherm founder Wilhelm Watzek handed over the company to his son, Ing. Alexander Watzek.

1992

Relocation to the new company building.

Due to the rapid development of the company, the business premises in Vienna, despite the production facilities located in the basement, became too cramped. Therefore, Variotherm constructed a new company building in Leobersdorf in 1992/93.

1990

The System Wall Heating and the VarioKlima Pipe

As the team at Variotherm is fascinated by the idea of large-scale Radiant Heat, they build the first System-Wall Heatings in 1987/88, which are patented in 1990/91 and later certified for building biology. In 1996, the "Varioklima Pipe" is developed for Wall and Underfloor Heatings.

1984

European patent for storage stone

A special highlight in the company's history was the awarding of the European patent in 1984/85 for the "Speicherstein" developed by Variotherm. This is ideal for the construction of tiled stoves, heated living landscapes, cozy benches, and tepidariums.

1982

Awarding of the Austria Quality Seal

In recognition of the tested quality of the products, Variotherm is awarded the Austria Quality Seal three years after the company's founding. Over the following years, the company increasingly becomes a specialist in heating systems that generate biologically healthy radiant heat.

1979

The success story begins.

In the fall of 1979, the success story of Variotherm begins in a small shop in the 10th district of Vienna. The goal: to optimally utilize the production patent of the then completely novel Skirting Heating System. Low-temperature Skirting Heating that, compared to all other models on the market, guarantees a significant improvement in efficiency.