In the small Austrian town of Lienz, a notable shift is underway. While the global irrigation sector continues to grow at a steady pace, Komet Irrigation is moving ahead of the curve and reconsidering what manufacturing quality should look like in modern agriculture.
The company's focus on precision runs through its entire operation. Its lean, data driven facility produces components with tighter tolerances than typical industry standards, using quality at the source and poka yoke methods to prevent errors before they happen. An agile production system supports consistent on time delivery, helping orders move through the factory efficiently. Designed for a wide range of environments, Komet's equipment is built to function reliably across varied terrains and climates, offering growers the dependability they need in the field.
"You don't control the quality; you must produce the quality. Komet is really doing this," says Sacha Hoffmann, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Komet Irrigation. "Our philosophy is clear: operators don't just run machines; they are problem solvers who own quality. There's not a single customer who visits our factory and isn't impressed by the production process."
Komet's Lienz factory aims to operate more like an elite automotive or aerospace plant than a typical agri equipment facility. It is 5S disciplined, hospital clean, standardized, and fully digital. Every process is built to reduce waste, minimize downtime, and deliver identical quality on every shift. Real time performance tracking and preventive systems avoid breakdowns, while continuous improvement teams push progress each week. Every operator understands exactly how each part performs in the field and why it matters to farmers.
Komet's operational philosophy keeps improving based on real farmer feedback. This has positioned the company as a benchmark in the irrigation sector. Its manufacturing model draws interest from across the industry. Last year, for example, a major agricultural group sent fourteen team members to study Komet's process firsthand. "Compared to the automotive industry, we still have room to grow, but within irrigation, Komet is already the benchmark," says Hoffmann. "We're setting the new standard, not just catching up."
© KometFrom left to right: Arno Drechsel (Founder), Hugo Drechsel (Founder), Sach Hoffmann (COO), Viktor Drechsel (Founder), Andree Groos (CEO).
Komet's growth is grounded in three strategic pillars. First is quality by design. From high grade materials to sub millimeter tolerances, quality is built in from the first sketch to the final inspection and surpasses what is promised to customers. Second is agility at scale. Guided by lean principles, Komet removes waste, optimizes flow, and empowers cross trained teams. This lets the company adapt quickly to shifting demand while maintaining delivery reliability and cost efficiency. Third is sustainable innovation. The Lienz facility uses natural light, minimizes energy and water consumption, and continually improves its materials to cut environmental impact. Komet's products also require lower pressure to operate, saving farmers energy and water downstream and reducing total cost of ownership and carbon footprint.
These advantages are not abstract. They show up directly in value for farmers through equipment that lasts longer, reduces downtime, and keeps working year after year. While some growers hold onto parts long past their useful life, Komet is educating customers about product longevity. Like with cars, irrigation components have a lifespan, and replacing them proactively can prevent costly interruptions.
Looking ahead, Komet continues to invest. New Industry 4.0 machinery, workforce training, and advanced materials development are underway as the company prepares for the market's next cycle of growth. It is not just keeping pace; it is preparing to lead. "Manufacturing is not a support function; it's a strategic advantage," Hoffmann concludes. "By investing in our people, our processes, and our factory, we are shaping the irrigation industry's first true lean benchmark. This means building better products and helping farmers stay resilient, competitive, and ready for the future."
For more information:
Komet Irrigation
Email: [email protected]
kometirrigation.com/
