History

Due to the rapid progress in reinforced concrete construction around the turn of the century, it was essential to bring key experts into the business. In 1908, a new company was founded with civil engineer Arthur Porr: A. Porr Betonbau-Unternehmung.  

After the First World War, the residential construction sector came to a virtual standstill. However, pioneering spirit cannot be halted: PORR erected numerous suspension and terminal towers, often in remote and inhospitable areas. These PORR pylons continue to supply remote areas of Austria with power to this day.

On 31 December 1927, Allgemeine Baugesellschaft was merged with A. Porr Betonbau-Unternehmung: Allgemeine Baugesellschaft – A. Porr Aktiengesellschaft was founded.

PORR was heavily involved in rebuilding Austria after the Second World War – in difficult circumstances. One of the projects entrusted to the company at this time was the development of the Mariazeller Bundesstrasse road through Lower Austria. Prestigious buildings such as the Vienna State Opera also needed to be rebuilt. PORR was actively involved in steering Austria into a new and successful future. Constructed between 1953 and 1955, the Vienna Ringturm tower, which was a sensation at the time with its 21 floors, was Vienna’s second tallest building for some time.

PORR went on to prove itself as a bridge builder. At Bergisel near Innsbruck, it constructed a bridge at dizzying heights to carry the Brenner Autobahn. To this day, many of the key elements of this important north-south route are PORR structures.The 1960s saw the implementation of numerous large-scale general construction projects, including office buildings and business premises.   

Work also began on a series of projects using the Danube as an energy source, in which PORR was to have significant involvement up until the mid-1990s. An impressive excavation technique was used for the first time during the construction of the Ybbs-Persenbeug power station. In order to waterproof the construction pit, weeks were spent driving planks into the river bed before the actual work began.

By the start of the 1970s, PORR could already look back on a proud history of more than 100 years helping to shape Austria. Over this century, the company acquired expertise in almost all areas of the construction industry: industrial and residential construction, pipelines, tunnels, roads, underground garages, railway lines and power stations. The new Austrian tunnelling method revolutionised tunnelling around the world. Ready-mixed concrete was increasingly used in towns and cities, and PORR was also involved in developing new road surfaces.