A visit to Jochberg,
home of Grander Technology
The rural commune of Jochberg could be described as the baby brother of the huge skiing mecca of Kitzbühel...
By Hans Kronberger The rural commune of Jochberg could be described as the baby brother of the huge skiing mecca of Kitzbühel, which is only a few kilometres away and which attracts thousands of tourists every year to ski, or just to see and be seen. But the Jochberg restaurants and hotels do just that little bit more to make a difference for their guests. Coming here is always a good experience.
For me, the greatest experience is visiting Hans, as Johann Grander is known. In his check shirt and dungarees, he can usually be found somewhere in the INNUTEC Building – the Grander's family business – with his trademark friendly smile. It is years since it was necessary to arrange a meeting by appointment, Hans is always at home. Jochberg is the protective environment that surrounds him and his world. Traveling the eight kilometres to Kitzbühel once a year is like a round-the-world trip for him. The Roots 
The Grander family has lived in Jochberg for many generations. Hans' father Johann senior, a gifted mechanic and very much ahead of his time, had one of the first tractors in the whole Kitzbühel District. During the times of harsh economic depression, he worked a 16-hour day, for a minimal wage, to feed his family of seven. His wife Katharina did the washing and other menial work for local farmers, in order to put additional food on the table.
Although he was born in 1930, during the 20th century’s deepest world depression, Johann Grander still has fond memories of his childhood. Times were very hard, but the family did not starve, although the war did bring his schooldays to an abrupt halt. Taken out of school at the age of 13, he was given a provisional tractor licence by the Nazi district council and sent to work in the fields. This turn of events also prevented him from ever taking up a college education.
Life then took many colourful turns. Among other jobs he worked as a truck driver, a petrol station manager and for a brief period even as a district councilman. Statesmen of the time, such as Bruno Kreisky, were frequent visitors at the Grander's home in Jochberg, where they could be sure of long philosophical discussions. The Grander Technology company The company that runs the filling plant for the Grander bottled water, and which manufactures the revitalising units, is 100% family owned. ‘The family has always stuck together,’ Johann Grander proudly declares. This was not always easy 20 years ago, when he more or less gave up all regular work and withdrew, into an almost hermit-like existence, to develop his ideas.
His son Hansi, current company manager and designated successor, and his brother Heribert, now share all the family information about the revitalisation process of Grander Technology. Hansi has also taken his miner's exam, an important requirement for the operation of the demonstration mine Kupferplatte (Copperplate), a popular attraction in Jochberg (open from May to October). Four other Grander children, Hanni, Stephanie, Heidi and Heribert, also work in the company. And every time I visit, it seems there is another grandchild to admire. The mine It was an act of intuition to buy the Copperplate mine. A lot of people find it impossible to believe that a bank would give a loan to the then unemployed Grander for its purchase. He was known however for his tenacity and it was also known that he could achieve things that other people would only understand later. His optimism was, and is, infinite and above all, contagious. The philosophy of Johann Grander 
In discussion with Salzburg Archbishop Alois Kothgasser, whose visit to Jochberg was a big event for Johann Grander. The world and all its creations is something that is only on loan to us, is Johann Grander’s philosophy, something that shouldn’t be abused. He believes that everyone on earth, irrespective of their rank or social position, are given this time on earth to learn. This learning time is a chance everyone should take. Johann Grander has always refused any links to, or monopolisation by, associations or groups. He often says, ‘You can allow yourself to be guided from above, but not from below, otherwise you will be led astray.’ He sees the maintenance of freedom of thought and spiritual independence as being of the greatest good. Modern, enlightened and smart in his ideas, he always knows what is happening in the world and is often ready to interpret it.
No longer able to cope with too many visitors, without the protection of his family and friends Johann Grander would have found the rush of interest over the last few years too great. Scientists from all over the world have wanted to talk to Johann Grander. When asked how he deals with this, since he likes to question traditional science and accuses academics of not seeing what is essential, because of their one-sided and restricted way of looking at things, he replies, ‘It's really easy. Some are open-minded and others aren't, and I can tell very fast whether someone has understood me or not. Then we are either almost immediately on first name terms, or I call him Professor all the time!’ True to the cause Johann Grander is quiet, wise, humorous and modest – something which remains unchanged in spite of his increasing recognition and the honours he has received. Awarded the Silver Medal of Honour of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2000, a year later he received the Austrian Cross of Honour of Science and Art, presented by the Austrian President. It is encouraging that, unlike many other visionaries, Johann Grander has received this recognition in his own lifetime.
He has never been at home with the attention of the media, but has always had to face a lot of interest. He obviously does not want to take part in meaningless five-minute showcase interviews, and only wants to appear in reports that contribute to the wider dissemination of the idea of water revitalisation, of environmental protection and the humanisation of the world. This conviction led to a report, Water and Health, broadcast by Bavarian TV in the autumn of 2002, about Johann Grander's ideas and success with water revitalization.
In addition, the Austrian documentary maker Manfred Christ made a film entitled ‘Top Secret – Water’ for the TV station 3-SAT. Manfred Christ traveled from Japan to America, to Russia and to the UK to track down unknown and scientifically inexplicable water phenomena, and also interviewed conventional scientists for their opinion on the subject. Johann Grander played a crucial role in this documentary. The Family Johann Grander has a long history behind him: from the boy who was taken out of school without any qualifications to drive a tractor, to the young man who followed a number of occupations and fathered a family of eight, and finally to a life of alternative science who was first viewed with suspicion, but is finally given the recognition he deserves. Susanne Dobesch has documented his life in a painstakingly researched and touching biography, due for publication soon.
There is a lot more that still could be told from my visits to Jochberg. Johann Grander has led an unusual and unconventional life and has never cared much what other people think of him.
Everyday at 12 noon he returns to his home, because he never wants to miss the delicious lunch prepared for him by his wife Inge. | 