planetsoftware becomes Bechtle PLM Austria

• New market presence from 1 April 2026
• Austria’s SOLIDWORKS market leader sharpens its positioning
• Regional customer proximity remains a key priority

Neckarsulm/Vienna, 17 March 2026 – planetsoftware GmbH, Bechtle’s PLM specialist in Austria, will operate under the new name Bechtle PLM Austria GmbH from 1 April 2026. Founded in 1996 and part of the Bechtle Group since 2014, the company is Austria’s leading provider of SOLIDWORKS software solutions for digital product development and manufacturing. Adopting the Bechtle PLM brand reflects stronger collaboration with sister companies in Germany, Switzerland and other European markets, and reinforces the ongoing development of PLM services. With more than 50 highly qualified employees, the company will continue to focus on regional customer proximity and comprehensive, personal support across four locations in Austria.

planetsoftware GmbH, based in Vienna with additional locations in Graz, Innsbruck and Wels, provides certified consulting, solutions, training and other services for every stage of digital product development. For three decades, the company has served around 2,400 businesses across design‑intensive industries such as mechanical, plant and tool engineering and product design. As Austria’s leading 3DEXPERIENCE and SOLIDWORKS partner, the company also supports a wide range of start‑ups as well as research and educational institutions in using advanced digital tools for innovation and skills development.

“We are using our anniversary year to further strengthen our position as Bechtle’s PLM organisation in Austria. Under the shared Bechtle PLM brand, we combine decades of expertise and strong execution with the collective strengths of a leading pan‑European provider. We look forward to opening the next chapter of our company’s history as Bechtle PLM Austria,” says Christian Erlacher, Managing Director, planetsoftware GmbH.

“For many Austrian companies—from innovative start‑ups to globally active high‑tech businesses—planetsoftware is an indispensable partner in shaping an efficient and sustainable digital product lifecycle. We aim to build on this strength by pooling expertise across countries and driving key developments for the future,” adds Uwe Burk, Executive Vice President PLM | Engineering & Manufacturing, Bechtle AG.

Integral part of Bechtle PLM in Europe

The future Bechtle PLM Austria GmbH forms part of the Bechtle Group’s European PLM network, which includes Bechtle PLM Germany, Bechtle PLM Switzerland, specialised Bechtle additive‑manufacturing companies, as well as the sister organisations EuroSolid (Hungary), Nuovamacut (Italy), Cadmes (Benelux and France) and DriveWorks (United Kingdom). With PLM activities in nine countries and supported by more than 1,000 specialists, the Bechtle Group is one of Europe’s foremost PLM providers.

The portfolio includes PLM, CAD/CAM, product data management, digital twin, sales configuration, smart factory, AV/VR, IIoT and 3D printing solutions, as well as integrations with ERP and supply chain management solutions. Working closely with the Bechtle IT system houses, the specialists also provide integrated IT infrastructure, cloud, artificial intelligence and IT security solutions. Bechtle has been a trusted partner for leading PLM providers such as Dassault Systèmes, SolidCAM, DriveWorks, HP, BLT, Markforged, Formlabs, DyeMansion and ASM for many years.