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Category: immoNews

  • Industrial firm stabilises turnover and invests in new sites

    Industrial firm stabilises turnover and invests in new sites

    According to a press release, the Kistler Group managed to keep its turnover stable in 2025: at 424 million Swiss francs, it fell by 1 per cent on a currency-adjusted basis and by 5 per cent in Swiss francs. The company cites the strong Swiss franc in particular as a negative factor, but also the stagnating German automotive industry and geopolitical and economic uncertainties, including those related to US tariff policy. Order intake fell short of the company’s expectations, down 2 per cent on a currency-adjusted basis and 6 per cent in Swiss francs.

    “My first year as CEO was challenging, but we have set an important course – including through adapted regional structures that enable us to respond even more flexibly to varying market conditions,” Marc Schaad is quoted as saying. He is cautiously optimistic about the 2026 financial year. “We plan to continue growing through targeted investments, particularly in Asian markets such as China.”

    For Asia, Kistler is planning a new headquarters in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. In the US, Kistler has strengthened its management team. In Germany, the focus is on developing new applications to offset declining sales in the automotive sector. New products are also set to contribute to the Group’s growth in 2026. Nine per cent of revenue is channelled into research and development.

    In Winterthur, Kistler is pressing ahead with preparations for a new, highly automated sensor factory. “The smart factory is a long-term investment for us and a clear commitment to Winterthur as a location,” said Schaad. The company is currently “in an intensive planning and clarification phase”.

  • Intercantonal development project focuses on mobility and efficiency

    Intercantonal development project focuses on mobility and efficiency

    Voters in St. Gallen have approved the sale of two plots of land owned by the Canton of St. Gallen to the Canton of Thurgau, as well as the provision of compensation in the form of crop rotation areas. According to a statement from Regio Wil, this is a “landmark decision” for the Wil region. The plots are to form the WILWEST development area, which is intended to combine environmentally friendly mobility, energy efficiency and regional cooperation as a sustainable economic zone. At the heart of the project is a new junction with the A1 motorway, complemented by improved bus, rail and cycle connections for the entire region.

    For the Wil region, the project creates prospects for new jobs, reduced traffic congestion and coordinated, sustainable spatial development, the statement says. The decision by St. Gallen’s voters is also a strong signal for intercantonal cooperation between St. Gallen and Thurgau, as well as for the 22 municipalities of Regio Wil.

    The St. Gallen electorate had initially rejected a special loan for the WILWEST project in September 2022. The project was subsequently comprehensively revised, particularly in the area of sustainability. Among other things, land use was optimised, soil sealing reduced, and car traffic and the number of parking spaces cut.

    The priority now is to ensure sustainable implementation, to develop the area in a land-conserving manner and in phases, and to continue to take the concerns of the public into account. Regio Wil intends to remain actively involved in the process in the future.

  • Swiss energy consumption has risen slightly

    Swiss energy consumption has risen slightly

    According to an initial estimate by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), energy consumption in Switzerland in 2025 was slightly higher than in the previous year. Consumption rose to 778,630 terajoules. In the previous year, it had stood at 776,220 terajoules.

    Energy from petroleum products again accounted for the largest share in 2025. This supplied 351,420 terajoules. In the previous year, the figure had been 354,810 terajoules. Electricity consumption rose to 209,340 terajoules, compared with 207,040 terajoules in the previous year. Gas consumption fell from 95,480 to 93,840 terajoules. Consumption of biogenic fuels, biogas, solar energy and geothermal heat rose from 38,390 to 40,090 terajoules.

    The SFOE points out that the estimate is provisional. The final figures for final energy consumption are due to be published on 18 June.

  • Modern office location underscores strategic development

    Modern office location underscores strategic development

    The Landis Gyr Group is moving into new headquarters. The Zug-based energy management specialist, which operates worldwide, is relocating to a new state-of-the-art office building within Cham, Landis Gyr announced in a press release. The new global headquarters is located at Alte Steinhauserstrasse 14, just a few steps away from the old headquarters on the same street. This will ensure a smooth transition, the press release states.

    “With the new headquarters, we are sending a clear signal of continuity and innovation,” Landis Gyr CEO Peter Mainz is quoted as saying in the press release. “Cham remains a key location for us, where we are shaping the future together with our employees and partners.” Mayor Georges Helfenstein interprets the move within Cham, among other things, as “the result of the municipality’s forward-looking and reliable economic management”.

  • Multi-domain strategy strengthens position in the digital marketplace

    Multi-domain strategy strengthens position in the digital marketplace

    Schoop Co.,a family-run business based in Baden specialising in landscaping, roofing and solar installations, is now adopting a multi-domain strategy. The main company website has been split into specialist sections covering landscaping, roofing and photovoltaics, as well as the company’s own careers portal. According to a company statement, the division into four domains is intended to improve online reach and visibility.

    Search engines and artificial intelligence (AI) assistants favour websites with a clear focus, according to Schoop Co. The multi-domain strategy, with its four specialised websites, is therefore intended to help customers and job seekers find the relevant Schoop site more quickly.

    Whilst Schoop Gardening specialises in the design, maintenance and construction of gardens, Schoop Roofing is the point of contact for the renovation, construction and maintenance of all types of roofs, as well as for green roofs, terraces and fall protection. At Schoop Photovoltaik, customers can access a full range of services relating to solar installations – from consultation and planning through to professional installation. Finally, Schoop Karriere is aimed at job seekers looking for a career at Schoop in the fields of flat roofing, solar technology or landscaping.

  • Wind and solar power ensure a stable electricity supply in the regional energy system

    Wind and solar power ensure a stable electricity supply in the regional energy system

    According to a statement from the operator BKW, the Swiss Energypark in the supply area of the Société des Forces électriques de La Goule generated a total of 134.45 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2025. This represents 81 per cent of the region’s total consumption of 166.96 gigawatt-hours. In the previous year, the Energypark had generated 139.6 gigawatt hours.

    Wind energy once again contributed the largest share to electricity production, with a total of 86.50 gigawatt hours. The Juvent wind farm alone generated 72.6 gigawatt hours. Although this is less than the 91.1 gigawatt hours of the strong previous year due to low wind speeds, wind energy remains a reliable source of electricity, particularly during the winter months.

    The La Goule hydroelectric power station supplied 16.29 gigawatt hours, its worst result in decades. In the previous year, the figure had been 17.6 gigawatt hours.

    Solar energy, by contrast, grew significantly. In 2025, it supplied a total of 31.66 gigawatt hours, accounting for 24 per cent of total production. In the poor year of 2024, the figure had been just 13.6 gigawatt hours.

    The Swiss Energypark covers an area of 251 square kilometres between the cantons of Bern and Jura. 21,000 people live here.

  • Historic hotel complex is being repositioned in stages

    Historic hotel complex is being repositioned in stages

    Halter AG aims to breathe new life into the listed Sonnenberg complex in Seelisberg. The Schlieren-based property developer is currently in the process of gradually redeveloping the historic hotel complex, Halter states in a post on LinkedIn. According to the project description, the Hotel Sonnenberg is to remain as the core building and will once again be used as a hotel upon completion.

    In the former Hotel Kuhn, which will also remain largely unchanged, Halter plans to create apartments. Further apartments are to be built in two new buildings south of the hotel. Existing additional buildings to the north will be repurposed and incorporated into the hotel complex.

    The historic hotel complex attracted international attention in the 1970s. At that time, the Sonnenberg complex had been acquired by the Transcendental Meditation movement. From 1972 onwards, and for more than three decades, the Grandhotel Sonnenberg served as the headquarters of the movement led by the guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Felice Zenoni’s documentary Namaste Seelisberg, screened for the first time at the 61st Solothurn Film Festival, explores this era. Halter supported the film project and facilitated filming on the site.

  • Global employer rating strengthens position in the competition for talent

    Global employer rating strengthens position in the competition for talent

    Holcim has secured the Global Top Employer award from the Top Employers Institute for the second year running. According to a press release, a total of 27 Holcim subsidiaries across all regions have been certified as Top Employers. With 27 certified markets, Holcim achieved a global score of 87 per cent, thereby exceeding the global benchmark.

    The Top Employers Institute rated Holcim particularly highly in the areas of Ethics & Integrity, Learning and Business Strategy. These results reflect the performance-oriented corporate culture that drives the Group’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, the press release states.

    “A strategic growth driver of our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy is our performance culture and the value we create for employees, customers and shareholders. We call this the Holcim Spirit, which is focused on purpose, people and performance,” CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying. “This award belongs to our more than 45,000 colleagues who embody the Holcim Spirit every day and make Holcim an outstanding place to work.”

    For the Top Employer award, companies are assessed against global standards in the areas of career development, learning, well-being and remuneration. Companies recognised as Global Top Employers must also be certified as regional Top Employers in a minimum number of countries and regions – including the country where their global headquarters are located.

    Holcim is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, and employs more than 45,000 people globally across 43 markets, including Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

  • City wants to acquire industrial building for archive and temporary uses

    City wants to acquire industrial building for archive and temporary uses

    The Biel Municipal Council is proposing to the City Council that it purchase the industrial property at Mattenstrasse 133. According to the announcement, the building is intended to serve as the new city archives from 2033 onwards. Prior to that, it will be used as a temporary gymnasium and library.

    The industrial property at Mattenstrasse 133 was built in 1959 for Maveg AG, a trading company for construction machinery. The building comprises three large halls and an administration building and is listed as worthy of preservation in the building inventory.

    From winter 2026/27, the large hall of the property is to replace the Collège des Platanes’ gymnastics facilities. Since 2024, these have only been usable to a limited extent due to structural problems. Until the gymnasiums are renovated, the city wants to create a temporary solution by simply expanding the hall.

    Later, during the planned complete renovation of the city library on Neumarktplatz starting in 2031, the property will serve as a temporary library location. There are hardly any suitable rental solutions available in the city centre for the library’s approximately 1,700 square metres of floor space.

    After the library moves out, the building will be used permanently as the city archives from 2033 onwards. The city has been looking for a new solution for this for years, as the current premises no longer meet legal requirements and the archive holdings are spread across several locations.

    The municipal council is applying to the city council for two loans totalling CHF 3.890 million for the purchase of the property and the temporary provision of the gymnasium. The city council will make its decision on 19 March.

  • Digital Agenda connects events in the Limmat Valley

    Digital Agenda connects events in the Limmat Valley

    Limmatstadt AG has launched a joint digital events calendar in collaboration with municipalities and business associations in the Limmat Valley. Events relating to business, culture, sport, clubs and municipalities are recorded centrally and then automatically published on various channels and displayed collectively on the Limmatstadt website. According to a press release, the initiative aims to raise the profile of the region, exploit synergies, reduce administrative costs and strengthen and further develop the Limmattal region as a place to live and do business.

    “With the digital event calendar, we are highlighting everything the Limmat Valley has to offer – and at the same time strengthening cooperation in the region,” said Stephanie Kiener, Managing Director of Limmatstadt, in the press release.

    The technical basis for the calendar is the guidle platform. Event organisers enter their events once in a central location. These then appear on the regional calendar and, depending on the connection, on the websites of the respective municipalities and partner and media platforms. The solution thus creates transparency and visibility and enables simpler processes and efficient use of resources without overlaps.

    The digital event agenda was supported and financed by the municipalities of Aesch, Dietikon, Geroldswil, Oetwil an der Limmat, Oberengstringen, Schlieren, Spreitenbach, Uitikon, Unterengstringen, Urdorf and Weiningen, as well as the Dietikon Industry and Trade Association and the Schlieren Chamber of Commerce.

    “The new digital event calendar brings the Limmattal region even closer together – visible, connected and strong together,” the press release states.

  • New Head of Market and Policy at the Solar Association

    New Head of Market and Policy at the Solar Association

    According to a statement, Wieland Hintz has been head of market and policy at Swissolar since 1 March and is also its deputy managing director. The 45-year-old was previously responsible for solar energy at the Federal Office of Energy.

    Hintz studied physics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and earned his doctorate at the CERN nuclear research centre in Geneva. He has worked for Alpiq and the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies, among others. Together with his family, he operates six wind turbines and a solar park with a capacity of 1.2 megawatts in Germany.

    Hintz replaces David Stickelberger. Now 65, Stickelberger was the first managing director of swissolar from 1998 to 2023. Since 2023, he has been deputy to his successor Matthias Egli. In future, he will support the association as senior policy advisor.

    “Over the past ten years, photovoltaics has become a mainstay of Switzerland’s electricity supply, now covering over 15 per cent of electricity consumption,” Hintz is quoted as saying in the press release. “In my new role at Swissolar, I will devote all my energy to ensuring that photovoltaics is optimally integrated into the Swiss energy system and to driving forward the decarbonisation of buildings and transport.”

    Swissolar has created a new position of Director for French-speaking Switzerland. This will be filled by Anne Plancherel. She has been working since 2024, both as a strategic project manager and in setting up vocational training in western Switzerland. Plancherel will represent Swissolar in western Switzerland and further expand the regional network.

    The 44-year-old environmental engineer studied at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and continued her education in project management at the University of Geneva. “I am very much looking forward to working with our members, partners and authorities to further expand the potential of solar energy in French-speaking Switzerland and to strengthen the industry in the long term,” she is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Digital tool assesses sustainability of events

    Digital tool assesses sustainability of events

    The Swiss Association for Sustainable Events (SVNE), based in Basel, has further developed its Clean Event platform. Under the new name Eventkit, it offers a uniform tool for planning and evaluating the sustainability of events. This tool can be used by both organisers and the approving authorities. According to a press release, the bilingual Eventkit platform also integrates the KITmanif platform, which was developed by the city of Lausanne and the canton of Vaud.

    Eventkit uses criteria formulated by experts in cities, cantons, federal offices and partner associations to evaluate events. These are grouped into clear categories ranging from management and communication, catering, traffic and transport, materials and waste, nature and landscape, health and prevention, inclusion and equal opportunities to the economy.

    A maximum of 340 points are awarded in total. 31 of the 58 criteria are scored with four points, while 27 criteria count double.

    The circular economy plays a central role. For example, catering is also assessed on the basis of whether there is a concept in place to avoid food waste. This includes avoiding disposable products and distributing free samples or flyers, as well as ensuring the return of reusable and recyclable disposable containers. Any damage to natural areas is repaired. Preference is given to the regional economy.

    Thanks to broad support, Eventkit is available free of charge to all interested event organisers. “With Eventkit, we are creating the first Switzerland-wide standard with target values that motivate events to gradually strengthen their sustainability,” SVNE President Marianne Gehring is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • AI and sensor technology are transforming concrete production

    AI and sensor technology are transforming concrete production

    Sika AG has entered into a distribution partnership with Canadian company Giatec Scientific Inc. Giatec’s range of digital technologies for the construction sector is to be integrated into Sika’s global product portfolio, according to a statement issued by the Zug-based specialty chemicals company. The aim of the business agreement is to drive forward digitalisation in the concrete industry worldwide.

    Giatec Scientific Inc., headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, is a global provider of sensors, software solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data analysis systems. The use of digital technologies in construction is on the rise. According to the press release, this is demonstrated by figures from the global market research and consulting firm Fortune Business Insights. According to these figures, the global market for AI in the construction industry is expected to grow from CHF 4.7 billion in 2026 to CHF 27.5 billion by 2034. This corresponds to an average growth rate of 24.8 per cent per year.

    Sika and Giatec want to combine their strengths to provide customers with high-quality concrete data in real time, according to the announcement. “By combining the most advanced technologies, we are opening up new opportunities for our customers worldwide in terms of efficiency, quality and sustainability. At the same time, we are strengthening our ability to create additional value through digital innovation,” said Ivo Schädler, Head of Construction and member of the Group Executive Committee.

    AI-supported quality control and optimisation of concrete mix designs would offer the construction industry the opportunity to precisely optimise the amount of cement and aggregates used. This would enable efficiency gains, cost savings and CO2 reductions while simultaneously increasing performance on the construction site.

  • New factory site combines energy and network expertise

    New factory site combines energy and network expertise

    CKW AG plans to relocate business divisions from the Reussbühl district of Lucerne to Reussinsel in Emmen, where it will also establish the company’s new headquarters, according to a press release. The Axpo subsidiary intends to use this move to consolidate its activities.

    At the heart of the project, known as EnergiePark Emmen, is the construction of a new building for the Networks and Building Technology divisions. CKW’s network base, which will be built there, will be responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of the electricity grid in the greater Lucerne area. The new building will provide modern workplaces for employees. After several years of planning, the Compact project by Penzel Valier AG from Zurich and Maurus Schifferli Landscape Architects from Bern was awarded the contract to build the new company headquarters.

    Reuss Island is the historical birthplace of CKW, where the first power plant supplied electricity to the region in 1894. “With the planned relocation of our headquarters to Emmen, we are building on these roots and committing ourselves to Emmen as a location in the long term,” said Martin Schwab, CEO of CKW, in the press release. The relocation of the business divisions and headquarters to Emmen will mean that 1,000 employees will work on Reuss Island in future, instead of the previous 600.

    In the coming years, a development plan based on the draft project will be drawn up by the municipality of Emmen. “Together with the municipalities of Emmen and Ebikon, we want to further develop the Reuss island in the interests of all parties involved,” Schwab continued. According to the current status, construction projects could be approved and implemented from 2030, according to the press release.

  • New logistics centre to be built in Hunzenschwil

    New logistics centre to be built in Hunzenschwil

    ERNE AG Bauunternehmung from Laufenburg is constructing a modern logistics centre for Lagerhäuser Aarau AG in Hunzenschwil, according to a press release. The new industrial building comprises a high-bay warehouse and office space. The 130-metre-long and 100-metre-wide building has a total volume of 364,043 cubic metres.

    The schedule for the shell construction is clearly defined: completion is scheduled for 9 December 2026. Halfway through the construction period, the building must already have reached its full height in the high-bay warehouse area. In order to meet these requirements, ERNE is relying on digital construction processes and a virtual overall model (Virtual Design and Construction), which maps all construction stages in detail. This enables construction processes to be planned precisely, trades to be optimally coordinated and interfaces and potential conflicts to be identified at an early stage.

    Around 50 employees and four Wolff WK 7534 cranes are in operation every day on the large construction site. For the concreting work, around 31,000 cubic metres of concrete are produced and processed on site with the aid of a mobile concrete plant, including water drainage. Once the foundation work has been completed, the walls and ceilings of the centre will follow. Once the floor slab has been completed, one of the 120 ceiling stages, each covering an area of 300 to 350 square metres, will be concreted every other day on average. The structural connection between the new building and the existing building will complete the shell construction work.

    Once completed, the extension will not only meet the growing demand for flexible storage and logistics solutions, but will also set new standards in automation, energy efficiency and sustainable construction, according to the announcement.

  • Temporary construction specialist expands into the Western Balkans

    Temporary construction specialist expands into the Western Balkans

    Hüttwilen-based Nüssli has opened its own office in the Serbian capital Belgrade. With this initiative, the company, which specialises in temporary structures, aims to expand its presence in the Western Balkans. According to a press release, the office opening also serves to prepare for Expo 2027, which will take place in Belgrade from 15 May to 15 August 2027.

    The theme of Expo 2027 will be: Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All. With its experienced teams, Nüssli offers to support countries and organisations as a comprehensive partner from the conception to the realisation of pavilions and projects. The Thurgau-based company offers pavilion architecture, exhibition design and special solutions such as façade designs, sculptures and exhibits that can showcase countries’ presentations visually and spatially.

    Nüssli was responsible for five country pavilions at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Four of them received the Official Participant Awards from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) at the end of the Expo.

  • Telecommunications provider strengthens regional digital infrastructure

    Telecommunications provider strengthens regional digital infrastructure

    Datapark AG, based in Wil, has been part of EKT Holding AG, based in Arbon, since 23 February. The Thurgau-based energy supplier is also considering a merger with EKT and the integration of Datapark into its Digital Services division. The eleven jobs in Wil will be retained.

    As an internet service provider, Datapark has its own backbone as part of the internet in eastern Switzerland. It offers services for cable network operators, including network planning, internet connectivity, site networking and customer management systems.

    Datapark was founded in 1997 by André Otto and taken over by Martin Kaiser in 2020. With the takeover of the company by EKT Holding, Kaiser is now arranging his own succession. “The integration into the EKT Group offers several positive factors,” he is quoted as saying in the announcement. “On the one hand, we can further expand our strengths in operations, network technology and specialised solutions, and on the other hand, we benefit from the strong market position of the EKT Group. Together, we are creating an even more powerful, regionally anchored digital offering for our customers.”

    Andreas Plüer welcomes Datapark to the EKT Group. “With this long-established company, we are gaining a partner that has been setting standards in network technology, operations and customer service in eastern Switzerland for years,” the head of EKT’s Digital Services business unit is quoted as saying in the press release. Following the takeover, the EKT Group now employs 200 people.

  • Power generator continues to invest in flexible energy production

    Power generator continues to invest in flexible energy production

    According to a statement,Alpiq achieved net sales of CHF 5,920 million in 2025. In the previous year, this figure was CHF 6,366 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation amounted to CHF 572 million, CHF 310 million less than in the previous year.

    The Lausanne-based electricity producer attributes the significant decline primarily to the unplanned outage of the Gösgen nuclear power plant, in which it holds a 40 per cent stake. The nuclear power plant has been off the grid since May 2025 due to the modernisation of its water supply system. Energy trading generated a negative result of CHF 35 million in 2025. In the previous year, it had achieved a positive result of CHF 30.1 million.

    Alpiq’s financial position is strong, with an equity ratio of 61 per cent. The company is therefore focusing on further investments in its growth areas and is paying a dividend of CHF 230 million.

    “We are positioning Alpiq for the future: our strategy is focused on flexibility, modernising power plants and customer-oriented energy solutions,” CEO Antje Kanngiesser is quoted as saying in the press release. “This will consolidate our contribution to the future of energy in Europe.”

  • Building materials industry records profitable growth

    Building materials industry records profitable growth

    According to a statement, the Zug-based building materials group Holcim achieved annual sales of CHF 15.7 billion in 2025, representing growth of 3.0 per cent in local currency. Recurring EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) rose to CHF 2.88 billion (10.3 per cent). The recurring EBIT margin improved by 80 basis points to an “industry-leading” 18.3 per cent. Earnings per share before impairment and disposals increased by 5.0 per cent to CHF 3.22. There were sharp declines in consolidated profit (-73.4 per cent to CHF 387 million) and earnings per share (-73.1 per cent to CHF 0.70). This was “characterised by a non-cash effect caused by exchange rate changes on the divestment of Holcim’s business in Nigeria”.

    Profitable growth accelerated particularly in the fourth quarter. Recurring EBIT increased by 12.2 per cent to CHF 601 million in local currency. Quarterly sales amounted to CHF 3.82 billion, representing growth of 3.4 per cent in local currency.

    By product line, Building Materials recorded organic sales growth of 5.1 per cent to CHF 11.56 billion. Building Solutions, on the other hand, posted an organic sales decline of 1.6 per cent to CHF 5.85 billion.  Regionally, Europe saw a decline in sales (organic -2.4 per cent), while recurring EBIT rose by 7.4 per cent to CHF 1.47 billion. The margin was 17.0 per cent. In Latin America, sales grew organically by 4.9 per cent to CHF 3.09 billion, while recurring EBIT declined slightly by 0.5 per cent organically. In Asia, the Middle East and Africa, sales grew organically by 10.0 per cent to CHF 3.62 billion. Recurring EBIT rose organically by 20.5 per cent, with the margin reaching 24.6 per cent.

    An important growth driver for Holcim in 2025 was the 21 transactions completed, 18 of which had a value-enhancing effect. In the announcement, CEO Miljan Gutovic thanked the 45,000 employees: “Together, we have achieved all our goals for 2025.” For 2026, the Group expects organic revenue growth of 3 to 5 per cent and an organic increase in recurring EBIT of 8 to 10 per cent. The company also expects a further improvement in the recurring EBIT margin.

  • Federal government conducts consultation on location promotion

    Federal government conducts consultation on location promotion

    The Federal Council has opened a consultation process on the message on location promotion for the first time. According to a statement, it is set to run until 1 June 2026. The Federal Council is submitting five financing decisions to Parliament for the years 2028 to 2031, with a total volume of CHF 392.21 million. Location promotion is to be carried out through SME policy, tourism policy, regional policy, export promotion and location promotion.

    The focus is on three key areas of location promotion: reducing the administrative burden on SMEs through digitalisation, facilitating SMEs’ access to international markets and, finally, strengthening the regions economically. Among other things, the expansion of the EasyGov.swiss platform will create a marketplace for digital services provided by the federal government and the cantons. With regard to international markets, the federal government supports export-oriented companies with information, advice and the use of export risk insurance. In the area of regional location promotion, the federal government supports tourist destinations and economic projects in rural areas, mountain regions and border regions.

    Despite the high budget, planning shows a decline of 5.2 per cent compared with the previous period, taking into account the special Covid and recovery payments and the 2027 relief package.

  • Building services engineering group expands in Engadin

    Building services engineering group expands in Engadin

    The Burkhalter Group has acquired Caotec SA, based in Brusio, which specialises in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and sanitation technology (HVAC). The acquisition of Caotec SA will enable the Burkhalter Group to provide HVAC services in the Upper and Lower Engadine and Valposchiavo regions in future.

    According to a statement, the acquisition is also part of the Burkhalter Group’s targeted acquisition strategy, which already saw it acquire Gattiker Elektro GmbH in Uster, Canton of Zurich, and Mathieu Ingenieure AG in Visp, Canton of Valais, in 2025.

    The newly acquired Caotec AG employs 17 people and most recently generated annual sales of around CHF 4.9 million. The company will continue to operate as an independent group company of Burkhalter Holding AG under the current management of Dario Cao. The name Caotec SA will be retained and all employees will be taken on.

    The Burkhalter Group is a full-service provider of cross-trade building technology, particularly in the areas of heating and cooling, ventilation and air conditioning, sanitation and electrical engineering. The group is headquartered in Zurich.

  • Architect takes over operational management of the company

    Architect takes over operational management of the company

    fsp Architekten AG has appointed Raman Misinovic as its new Chief Operating Officer. Together with CEO and owner Christoph Kaech and Selim Manjusak, Chief Digital Officer and Chief People Officer, he will be responsible for the strategic and operational development of the company, according to a press release. Misinovic previously spent several years as a project and team leader at fsp and later worked as an independent architect.

    “Raman has known us for many years,” the press release states. “His architectural experience, entrepreneurial vision and understanding of integrated processes shape his work. In recent years, he has further honed these perspectives and is now bringing them to bear in his new role at fsp.”

    Raman Misinovic completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in 2012. He then continued his education at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and Stanford University, receiving his master’s degree in virtual design and construction and digital building from the FHNW in 2016.

    Misinovic worked as a project and team leader at fsp between 2013 and 2021. He later worked as an owner and independent architect at RAUMKO GmbH and IMMOMIS GmbH. He now wants to contribute his in-depth knowledge of architecture, organisation and processes to the management of fsp Architects. “Together with Christoph Kaech and Selim Manjusak, we are shaping the further development of fsp – networked, entrepreneurial and with a clear commitment to quality and cooperation,” he explains in a statement.

  • Decarbonisation will rely on heat pumps in the future

    Decarbonisation will rely on heat pumps in the future

    The National Sports Centre in Magglingen will not be heated with heat from deep underground in future. According to a statement, the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (BBL) is discontinuing the project. The subsoil proved to be too complex. Deep drilling would therefore incur higher costs than forecast.

    The FBL launched the geothermal project in 2018. Studies had identified potential for hot water at a depth of 1,500 to 2,000 metres in 2023. The intention was to exploit this potential as early as 2029.

    However, the BBL is sticking to its intention to decarbonise the sports centre’s heat supply. To this end, it plans to use geothermal energy closer to the surface and heat pumps. These are to replace natural gas and wood pellets as the main heat suppliers. However, this is not likely to be possible until 2031 at the earliest, according to the press release.

  • Spatial planning is taught in a practical manner in the classroom.

    Spatial planning is taught in a practical manner in the classroom.

    Planning officials from Baden Regio initiated a spatial planning project with students from the Wettingen Cantonal School in autumn 2025. According to a recent announcement, the planners designed three lesson blocks in the specialised subject of humanities and social sciences. Working methods and planning tools were presented, and opportunities for public participation were explained.

    In practical projects, students analysed their immediate school environment and then developed proposals for the design of the western part of the monastery peninsula. In further lessons, the young people worked with their teachers to explore different housing concepts, housing needs and their influence on urban development. The focus was on social components.

    “The practical perspective and in-depth expertise of the speakers from Baden Regio opened up valuable new perspectives for both the pupils and the teachers,” said Oliver Schneider, a teacher at the Kantonsschule Wettingen, in the press release. “The lively interplay between theoretical principles and their direct application to a concrete example made the topic of spatial planning tangible and easy to understand. This aroused curiosity, promoted networked thinking and encouraged the students to look beyond their usual boundaries.”

    Those involved from Baden Regio and the teaching staff noted that it was striking how important the coexistence of people was to the pupils.

  • Transformation into an indoor climate specialist is proving effective

    Transformation into an indoor climate specialist is proving effective

    According to a statement, the Zehnder Group increased its turnover by 8 per cent to €760.7 million in the 2025 financial year. The ventilation segment in particular recorded strong demand, while turnover in the radiator segment continued to decline. The Group’s EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) grew by 348 per cent to €63.4 million. In the previous year, one-off effects amounting to €35.9 million as a result of targeted portfolio adjustments and production relocations had weighed on earnings. Net profit in 2025 was €47.8 million, following a net loss of €2.4 million in the previous year. Operating cash flow also improved significantly to €80.0 million.

    The ventilation segment was a particular growth driver. Its sales rose by 18 per cent to €501.7 million in 2025. The acquisition of Siber in 2024 contributed around 5 per cent to growth in the segment. The ventilation segment’s share of total sales thus increased to 66 per cent, up from 60 per cent in the previous year. In regional terms, sales in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) rose by 23 per cent to €403.3 million, and in North America by 7 per cent to €76.1 million. In Asia-Pacific, however, sales fell by 10 per cent to €22.3 million.

    The radiator segment, on the other hand, recorded an 8 per cent decline in sales to €259.0 million. Its share of total sales fell from 40 to 34 per cent. The main reasons for this were weaker renovation activity in Europe and a trend towards cheaper radiator models.

    Zehnder expects demand for energy-efficient indoor climate solutions to continue to grow in the current financial year. Following its accelerated transformation from a radiator manufacturer to a leading provider of indoor climate solutions, the company intends to consistently exploit opportunities in the ventilation market, according to the announcement. In the medium term, Zehnder expects average annual sales growth of around 5 per cent and an EBIT margin before one-off effects of 9 to 11 per cent.

  • New president elected for regional energy supplier

    New president elected for regional energy supplier

    According to a statement issued on 25 February, Limeco’s Board of Directors has been reconstituted for the term of office until 2027. It has elected Rolf Schaeren as its new Chairman. Schaeren will take up his post on 1 May. Schaeren was Chief Financial Officer of the City of Dietikon from 2006 to 2022.

    He is a professor of accounting and financial management at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ) since 2014 and has chaired it since 2021.

    Schaeren succeeds Stefano Kunz. The Schlieren building committee member served on the board of directors for twelve years.

    “Limeco plays a central role in the region’s energy and waste disposal supply,” Schaeren is quoted as saying in the announcement. “I am very much looking forward to continuing Limeco’s successful development together with my colleagues on the Board of Directors and tackling future challenges in the interests of the supporting municipalities.”

  • Solar project combines own electricity and regional investment

    Solar project combines own electricity and regional investment

    According to a press release, the Schloss Turbenthal Foundation is enabling private individuals and companies to participate in its new solar power plant. This plant is being built on the roofs of the village for the deaf. With 150 solar modules, it is expected to generate 66,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Half of the electricity will be consumed by the foundation itself.

    A large battery with a capacity of 100 kilowatts will allow electricity to be stored on days when there is plenty of sun and little demand. This electricity can then be accessed later by both the foundation and the grid company Swissgrid as balancing energy.

    Private individuals and companies can participate in the plant via the solarify.ch platform. They receive quarterly payments on their investment. “With this project, we are making a concrete contribution to sustainability and enabling the participation of the population from the region,” Marc Basler, general manager of the Schloss Turbenthal Foundation, is quoted in the press release.

    Solarify GmbH, based in Bern, is also responsible for project management, operation, insurance and maintenance of the plant, as well as electricity marketing.

  • Society for affordable housing aims to create permanently affordable living space

    Society for affordable housing aims to create permanently affordable living space

    The new real estate company GEW aims to raise private capital for permanently affordable housing for people with low to medium incomes in Switzerland. GEW was founded in December 2025 against the backdrop of an increasing shortage of affordable housing in Switzerland, according to a press release. It will develop, build, acquire and operate residential properties with rents in the affordable segment of the local market, which are to be below the 50th percentile in the respective municipality.

    GEW aims to contribute to social stability in Switzerland through its work. Rising rents, a lack of building land reserves, restrictive regulations and high land and construction costs have meant that housing production can no longer keep pace with demand. “When housing becomes a concern, new answers are needed,” said Reto Brüesch, Managing Director of GEW, in the press release. “We are convinced that the private sector can and must take on part of the responsibility with entrepreneurial thinking and a clear focus on the common good.”

    The GEW model is based on three pillars: efficient development and construction, cost-effective operation and low capital costs due to low risk. This creates an economically viable approach that combines affordable rents with entrepreneurially responsible investments. “Investing in GEW creates affordable housing in Switzerland while also generating a fair return and a positive social impact,” explains Daniel Kusio, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GEW. He is supported on the Board of Directors by real estate economist Donato Scognamiglio and Balz Halter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Halter Group.

    While municipalities can use GEW to create affordable housing without excessive financial burden, owners benefit from transparent models such as sale, building rights or contributions in kind. Investors, in turn, gain access to a long-term investment with a stable income structure.

  • Property portfolio grows despite stable income

    Property portfolio grows despite stable income

    The real estate company PSP Swiss Property has announced its 2025 business results. Property income reached 349.2 million, down 0.2 per cent on the previous year’s result. On a like-for-like basis, however, growth of 1.3 per cent was achieved, mainly due to index adjustments. Profit excluding property gains amounted to 225.4 million, or 4.91 Swiss francs per share. Net profit rose by 8.9 per cent to CHF 408.5 million, mainly as a result of higher portfolio revaluations of CHF 231.1 million. Earnings per share increased to CHF 8.91 and the dividend per share to CHF 3.95.

    The portfolio value rose to CHF 10.1 billion at the end of 2025, with 150 investment properties and ten development properties. The revaluation was mainly driven by successful lettings in high-street retail in Zurich and rising market tenant expectations in prime locations. The vacancy rate was 3.5 per cent. The average remaining term of leases (WAULT) was 4.9 years, and 5.3 years for the largest tenants.

    Overall, the Swiss market for commercial properties remained stable, according to the report. In 2025, high-quality office space in central locations was in particular demand. In Geneva and Zurich, demand for city centre locations remained high, while the markets in Bern and Lausanne remained stable. In Basel, the oversupply of office space continued. The investment market picked up over the course of the year thanks to moderately falling interest rates and improved financing conditions.

    PSP expects the market to continue to develop positively in 2026, with stable rental demand in its core business. According to the company, low interest rates are likely to support the transaction market, while high-quality properties remain in short supply. The company therefore intends to invest selectively, exploit opportunities with long-term value growth potential and continue its shareholder-friendly dividend policy.

  • Thun North is developing into a new district

    Thun North is developing into a new district

    The future new district of Thun North is one of the four most important cantonal development priorities and the most important in the Bernese Oberland, according to a statement from the city of Thun. A future-oriented urban quarter and a business location with supra-regional appeal is to be created here on a 60-hectare site. The area will be accessed via a new S-Bahn station.

    Half of the site belongs to Armasuisse Real Estateand half to RUAG Real Estate AG. In 2025, the city of Thun conducted a so-called workshop process with them and BLS for the core area around the planned railway station. Three interdisciplinary teams worked with experts and various stakeholders to develop proposals. From these, an advisory committee derived key parameters for further development.

    The basic framework of the new district is to be formed by open spaces. This will be characterised by the Aare river, the roads, the railway area and the townscape. The existing shed roof hall will form the backbone of the complex. The two landowners want to concentrate their closed industrial sites on the area west of the Alpine Bridge and on the grounds of the textile centre. Mixed uses are planned outside these areas. The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) will also be one of the key players with its new campus.

    The results of the workshop process will be on display at Thun Town Hall until 6 March.