30/07/2026 - Press release Digitalization: more space for research and development in Salzburg

Global demand for digitalization solutions in industry and the energy sector continues to grow. COPA-DATA is addressing this demand with its zenon software platform. Key drivers include industrial digitalization, the need for resilient supply chains, and the sustainable expansion of the energy sector. Skills shortages in these industries and the drive to remain competitive in high-wage economies are further accelerating this trend.

To support its continued growth, the Austrian company COPA-DATA is expanding its “COPA-DATA Headquarters” in Salzburg, creating space for up to 150 additional employees. The company is investing €15 million in the project, underlining its long-term commitment to Salzburg and Austria as a location for technology, research and innovation.

Planning permission for the new building in Salzburg was recently granted. It will be directly connected to the existing building, which opened in 2022. The completion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the independent, family-owned software company, which has its roots in Salzburg. The expansion reflects the continued growth of the company and its international operations.

Visualization of the building ensemble in Salzburg: the existing building on the left, the new office building in the background, and the reception pavilion in front.

Continued growth

COPA-DATA continues to attract new customers around the world. In 2025, the software developer recorded revenue growth of more than 20 percent. Its workforce is also steadily expanding and now comprises more than 500 employees worldwide. Of these, 270 work at the Salzburg headquarters, around half of them in research and development.

“Innovation in the digital world also depends on personal interaction. That is why we are continuing to invest in our Salzburg location, where we conduct research and development for customers and markets worldwide,” says Phillip Werr, Member of the Executive Board. “Our software serves key future markets, supporting the expansion of renewable energy and modern, sustainable manufacturing. By expanding our innovation hub, we are creating the capacity needed to meet this growing demand.”

Salzburg as technology hub

“By expanding our headquarters, we are reaffirming our commitment to Salzburg as a center for research and development,” emphasizes Thomas Punzenberger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder. Since founding the company in 1987, he has believed in Salzburg’s potential as a technology hub: “Salzburg offers an attractive location and an exceptional quality of life and is therefore attracting skilled professionals from Austria and abroad.”

For COPA-DATA, providing employees with an attractive and supportive working environment is essential to fostering innovation, supporting each employee’s personal development, and retaining talent over the long term.

Thomas Punzenberger (left), founder and Chief Executive Officer of COPA-DATA, and architect Gerhard Sailer of HALLE 1 present the floor plan of the building ensemble. 

A modern working environment

In addition to energy efficiency, the planning of the new office building focused on creating a working environment that encourages innovation, collaboration and interaction.

“The existing building is not simply being extended. Instead, we are creating an ensemble of distinct building volumes, each with its own architectural identity. Together, they will enclose a sheltered courtyard that serves as the development’s central outdoor space,” says architect Gerhard Sailer. Sailer and his Salzburg-based architectural office HALLE 1 designed the new building, having also designed the company’s existing headquarters in Salzburg.

The new building

The expansion, comprising a reception pavilion and an additional office building, will cover approximately 3,000 square meters. Workspaces will be designed flexibly to accommodate the dynamic growth and changing needs of the various teams, while an atrium will provide ample natural light.

The plans also include a spacious customer area, employee lounges and a fitness room. Employees who cycle to work will have access to extensive covered bicycle parking, changing rooms and showers.

The construction site in Salzburg, Austria.

A smart and sustainable building

The building will be heated and cooled using an energy-efficient system combining geothermal energy with thermally activated building components. Integrated photovoltaic elements are also planned for the façade. As in the existing buildings, building automation will be managed using the company’s own zenon software platform. This will transform the premises into a smart building in which heating, air conditioning, ventilation, shading, lighting, energy generation and energy consumption are integrated into one intelligent system. 

View the construction site webcam

Press contact

About COPA-DATA

COPA-DATA is an independent software manufacturer that specializes in digitalization for the manufacturing industry and energy sector. Its zenon® software platform enables users worldwide to automate, manage, monitor, integrate and optimize machines, equipment, buildings and power grids. COPA-DATA combines decades of experience in automation with the potential of digital transformation and a strong drive for sustainability-enabling solutions. In this way, the company supports its customers to achieve their objectives more easily, faster and more efficiently. 

The family-owned business was founded by Thomas Punzenberger in 1987 in Salzburg, Austria. A sales network of international distributors and 14 subsidiaries ensures that the software is marketed worldwide. More than 500 certified partner companies further support end users with the efficient implementation of the software, particularly in the key industries of food & beverage, energy & infrastructure, automotive and pharmaceutical.

 

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Michaela Hasslacher

Press International, COPA-DATA Headquarters

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