immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Company

  • SMG prepares billion-euro IPO

    SMG prepares billion-euro IPO

    SMG combines leading online marketplaces in the areas of real estate, cars, classifieds and auctions. Thanks to this broad positioning, the company has been able to continuously expand its market position in recent years. In the first half of 2025, revenue rose by 14.4% to CHF 161.5 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose by 34% to CHF 87.6 million, bringing the margin to 54.3%. This strong profitability supports the targeted valuation.

    Owners and prospects
    The largest shareholders are the TX Group (31%), Ringier (29.5%), Mobiliar (29.5%) and the US investor General Atlantic (10%). They are likely to be among the main beneficiaries of a successful IPO, as will SMG’s management. The IPO is intended to secure long-term growth, strategic flexibility and investments in the further development of the platforms.

    Challenges in the environment
    While SMG is growing with its digital marketplaces, the parent companies in the traditional media business are facing structural changes. The IPO is therefore also seen as a signal of the increasing importance of the digital focus. Although critical voices point to the company’s high market power, the IPO is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen SMG’s position in international competition.

    It remains to be seen whether the IPO will be a complete success for everyone involved. What is clear, however, is that SMG is setting the course for the next development phase.

  • New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    CREABETON, a building materials company based in the canton of Lucerne and a subsidiary of Müller-Steinag Baustoff AG, has developed a new series of cement-free paving blocks in collaboration with the start-up Oxara. According to a press release, the new concrete blocks produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than conventional paving blocks.

    The new product is available in three variants. In addition to the standard paving block version, water-permeable or grass paving blocks can also be laid. Instead of conventional cement, the material uses the Oulesse binder developed by Oxara, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH).

    “With these products, we are responding to the growing demand for climate-friendly construction solutions,” said Hendrix Müller, CEO of the Müller-Steinag Group, in the press release. “Our collaboration with Oxara enables us to offer our customers more sustainable alternatives – today, not in a few years’ time.” Martin Bodmer, Head of Operations at Oxara, is convinced that the collaboration with CREABETON can scale up his company’s sustainable developments.

  • New training program for real estate professionals launched

    New training program for real estate professionals launched

    Real estate company Naef Holding SA has launched its in-house training program, the Naef Acedémie. As Naef reports in a LinkedIn post, the six-month program aims to train the next generation of real estate professionals. The first cohort of the program will start in autumn. Interested parties can apply now via Jobup.

    The Naef Académie combines practical work with theoretical modules under the guidance of Naef experts. The aims of the program include introducing students to key professions in the real estate industry, supporting career transitions and initial work experience, and attracting talent from various institutes. The programme includes introductions to Naef’s services such as administration, condominium development and accounting, individual mentoring and personalized coaching.

    Naef is already established in the largest French-speaking cities in Switzerland and is active in all areas of the real estate sector. With its subsidiaries, Naef also offers various services in the areas of real estate valuation, construction and architectural project management.

  • SMEs fight for skilled workers and rely on flexibility

    SMEs fight for skilled workers and rely on flexibility

    Despite rising unemployment figures, the labor shortage remains the dominant concern for SMEs. According to the latest AXA labor market study, 44% of companies had great difficulty filling vacancies, while a further 40% struggled with recruitment problems at least to some extent. Highly specialized specialists and managers are particularly in demand and difficult to find. At the same time, increasing staff shortages are causing further stress.

    Competition from the state and corporations
    Two thirds of SMEs feel under pressure from large companies and state institutions in the competition for talent. While SMEs score points with values such as team spirit, closeness and appreciation, they remain at a disadvantage when it comes to wages, career opportunities and pensions.

    Team spirit beats specialist knowledge
    Insufficient specialist knowledge is considered the most common recruitment problem. Nevertheless, the study shows that soft factors are often decisive. Almost three quarters of companies prefer applicants with better teamwork skills to candidates with stronger but less compatible specialist knowledge. Reliability and honesty are among the most sought-after qualities.

    Diversity as a goal without clear implementation
    More than half of SMEs state that they consider diversity to be important. However, concrete measures remain the exception, with only 45 percent having introduced corresponding programs. Particularly in the area of recruitment, diversity often remains a non-binding goal without strategic anchoring.

    Employees with more power
    The study shows a clear shift in negotiating power in favor of employees. Two thirds of SMEs see their employees in a stronger position. Higher wage demands, demands for flexible working hours and changed behavior characterize the situation. Larger SMEs in particular are clearly observing this development.

    Flexibility as a response
    More than half of the companies surveyed are responding with flexible working time models and part-time options. Individual solutions for workloads, additional benefits and social services complement the strategies. Although salary increases play a role, they remain secondary to flexibilization.

    Outlook and succession issues
    Despite the challenges, 91% of SMEs are optimistic about the future. Economic uncertainties, changing customer requirements and the lack of young talent are a cause for concern. Succession planning in particular remains critical. 44% of companies rate the search for suitable solutions as difficult.

  • Red Dot Award for Swiss office furniture series

    Red Dot Award for Swiss office furniture series

    Lista Office Group AG, based in Degersheim, has received a Red Dot Award 2025. The modular LO Summit desk and table series from its Lista Office LO brand was honoured with the award for product design. According to the jury’s statement, LO Summit “impresses with its versatility, elegance and intelligent design. The well thought-out accessories and formal versatility are also appealing.”

    Thanks to the large selection of materials, table shapes and base designs, LO Summit is suitable as a conference table and team workstation. This allows the customer a high degree of individuality for stylish meeting and exchange zones. Cable ducts and integrated cable guides ensure that everything is organised under the tables. The products can be extended with accessories such as clip-on privacy screens, electrical boxes, table lamps or raised shelves.

    “With the Red Dot Design Award 2025, the expert jury is honouring an overall concept of design quality and a high level of focus on needs and benefits,” said Claudia Ceotto, Product Manager at Lista Office LO, in a press release. “LO Summit impressively demonstrates that the essence of future-proof office furniture design lies in modularity, agility and realisation quality.”

    The Red Dot Award is one of the most prestigious international design competitions. in 2025, entries were reportedly received from over 60 different countries. They were assessed by an independent jury of 43 experts from 21 nations and various fields of activity such as design, media, education and consulting.

  • Higher earnings and project progress drive half-year figures

    Higher earnings and project progress drive half-year figures

    According to a statement, real estate company HIAG increased its net profit by 23.3 per cent to CHF 44.6 million in the first half of 2025 (prior-year period: CHF 36.2 million). Adjusted for revaluation effects, net profit totalled CHF 20.5 million, compared to CHF 25.5 million in the first half of 2024.

    EBIT also rose by 20 per cent to CHF 54.9 million. This was due to higher property income, increased valuations, successful sales of properties not in line with the strategy and strict cost discipline. The real estate company increased its property income by 5.8 per cent to CHF 39.3 million (prior-year period: CHF 37.1 million) thanks to several successful lettings of vacant space and successful project completions, such as the completion of the Fahrwerk in Winterthur. Marketing of the Livingstone project in Cham ZG also began in the reporting period.

    Project progress in the first half of the year led to a net appreciation of the development portfolio by CHF 17.2 million (2.2 per cent). The existing portfolio was revalued by CHF 9.4 million (0.8 per cent); the overall portfolio was thus revalued by CHF 26.6 million. Income from the successful sale of non-strategic properties totalled CHF 3.5 million, an increase compared to the previous year, in which no properties were sold.

    HIAG expects continued positive developments in 2025 thanks to further project progress, the notarisation of the condominiums in the Livingstone project, a sharpened corporate strategy, a strong balance sheet and a flexible financing structure.

  • Sustainable holiday concepts receive growth capital

    Sustainable holiday concepts receive growth capital

    The Zug-based private equity firm Limestone Capital has acquired 30 per cent of the shares in Nokken, a provider of ecological holiday flats from the UK.

    Nokken intends to use the investment to expand its market position in Europe and the USA and to enter the Asian and Austro-Asian markets. The funds will primarily be used to enter into strategic partnerships with landowners and operators, acquire key parts of Nokken’s supply chain and expand sales and marketing capabilities. “The investment is a milestone for Nokken and a validation of our vision for the future of the hospitality industry,” said Nathan Aylott, co-founder of Nokken, in a press release,

    Nokken focuses on nature-based experiences that are lower cost, quick to implement and more appealing to guests. The company’s “retreat” model with the modular design of its holiday cabins enables scalable nature experiences while minimising land impact, using ecological materials and avoiding the high infrastructure requirements of conventional construction methods, according to the company.

    Limestone Capital is committed to investing in experience-focused platforms with over €1bn AUM (assets under management) in the lifestyle and hospitality sectors. The partial acquisition of Nokken signals the capital firm’s commitment to sustainable businesses in the hospitality industry: “This investment is not just pure capital – it is a partnership based on shared values,” said Grazi Panelli, CEO of Limestone Capital. “Nokken offers meaningful, nature-based experiences without compromising on design or environmental responsibility.”

  • Robot system optimises lift installation in Singapore

    Robot system optimises lift installation in Singapore

    Schindler’s robotic installation system for lifts, Schindler R.I.S.E, has been used in the new Shaw Tower in Singapore. As the Ebikon-based company reports in a LinkedIn post, the robot plays a key role in the installation by reducing manual labour, improving site safety and increasing the overall efficiency of the installation process. The self-climbing robot autonomously performs installation steps such as drilling and placing anchor bolts.

    With the R.I.S.E system, installation steps can be completed faster than with conventional installation methods. While the system works independently and requires no operation, a camera mounted on the platform enables remote monitoring. In addition, a Schindler R.I.S.E operator remains on site during the installation period for quality control and support.

    “Schindler R.I.S.E is now being used successfully on numerous construction sites around the world. It has not only impressed customers and colleagues with its unrivalled speed and accuracy, but has also drastically improved working conditions for our employees. It is innovation at its best,” says Urs Püntener, Head of Global Fulfilment at the Schindler Group, via the company website.

  • Digital partnership for greater efficiency in the construction process

    Digital partnership for greater efficiency in the construction process

    Smartconext AG, which develops web-based and fully integrated solutions for digital order acquisition in the construction industry, will be working with LUUCY AG in future. Smartconext offers web-based and fully integrated solutions for digital order acquisition in the construction industry, while LUUCY operates a platform with a digital replica of Switzerland. LUUCY users will benefit from the collaboration through integrated access to up-to-date construction project information.

    The aim of the partnership, which according to a press release is to make construction industry information available at an earlier stage, clarify correlations and better inform decisions, is to create greater efficiency, transparency and speed in the construction process. “Our vision is to make construction information available where it creates real added value – early, precise and integrated into existing processes,” Dominik Mahn, founder and CEO of smartconext, is quoted as saying in the press release. “In LUUCY, we have found a partner who, like us, stands for innovation and digital excellence in the construction industry.”

    The platform of LUUCY AG, which has offices in Kriens LU and Münchenstein BL in addition to its headquarters in Schlieren, combines georeferenced planning data with analysis tools for feasibility studies, potential assessments and development strategies. This provides players in the construction industry with intuitive 3D visualisation and data-based site development in real time.

  • Practical training programme prepares students for a career in real estate

    Practical training programme prepares students for a career in real estate

    The real estate company Naef Holding SA has launched its in-house training programme, the Naef Acedémie. As Naef reports in a LinkedIn post, the six-month programme aims to train the next generation of real estate professionals. The first year of the programme starts in autumn. Interested parties can apply now via Jobup.

    The Naef Académie programme combines practical work with theoretical modules under the guidance of Naef experts. The aims of the programme include introducing students to key professions in the real estate industry, supporting career transitions and initial work experience, and attracting talent from various institutes. The programme includes introductions to Naef’s services such as administration, condominium development and accounting, individual mentoring and personalised coaching.

    Naef is already established in the largest French-speaking cities in Switzerland and is active in all areas of the property sector. Through its subsidiaries, Naef also offers various services in the areas of property valuation, construction and architectural project management.

  • Office and practice space at Winterthur railway station fully let

    Office and practice space at Winterthur railway station fully let

    Colliers Switzerland has found tenants for the development in the Wartstrasse 2 shopping street in Winterthur. As the commercial property service provider announced in a press release, the Augenarztpraxis am Bahnhof, an architecture firm and the Ecap language school will move into the office property directly next to the railway station.

    Christine Hürzeler and Hans-Georg Geiger offer a full range of diagnostic and preventive examinations for the early detection of eye diseases at the ophthalmological practice at the railway station.

    The Ecap language school has been in existence since 1970, initially focussing on courses in metal and mechanical engineering professions to qualify skilled workers for industrial companies. Today, the focus is on further training for migrants.

    The office property at Wartstrasse 2 was created as part of the redesign of Rudolfstrasse and the new subway at the rear of the railway station. The municipal project aims to revitalise the neighbourhood streets and strengthen the character of the centre. The rental properties were offered in shell form. They extend over an area of 1860 square metres and five storeys. The smallest unit measures 62 square metres, while the largest offers 366 square metres of office and practice space.

  • Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Energy Vault announces the foundation of its subsidiary Asset Vault. This is to be financed by a preferred equity investment of USD 300 million from an unnamed multi-billion dollar infrastructure fund. According to a press release, the Lugano and California-based developer of energy storage systems expects this to release more than 1 billion dollars in investment. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of energy storage projects with a newly installed capacity of 1.5 gigawatts in the USA, Europe and Australia.

    Asset Vault will reportedly be dedicated to developing, building, owning and operating energy storage assets in the world’s most attractive energy markets, either independently or in conjunction with generation assets. Crucially, Energy Vault will retain voting and operational control of Asset Vault. Energy Vault expects the transaction to close within the next 30 to 60 days. Asset Vault will then be established as a fully consolidated subsidiary. All energy storage facilities, which are secured by long-term purchase agreements and which guarantee the monetisation of the projects, are to be bundled in this subsidiary. Asset Vault is expected to generate recurring EBITDA of over 100 million dollars over the next three to four years, complementing Energy Vault’s existing energy storage business.

    This “unlocks the full potential of our own-and-operate strategy for storage IPP with immediate investment flexibility,” Robert Piconi, Chairman and CEO of Energy Vault, is quoted as saying. “By combining long-term contracted revenue with strategic capital and integrated, self-executed project delivery, we are well positioned to scale a resilient, mission-critical energy infrastructure to meet the current demands of renewable energy expansion and the massive increase in energy demand from data centre AI infrastructure.”

  • Strong growth and portfolio expansion in the first half of the year

    Strong growth and portfolio expansion in the first half of the year

    Mobimo Holding AG can look back on a strong first half of 2025. Specifically, the Lucerne-based real estate company increased its operating result at EBIT level including revaluations from CHF 83.3 million to CHF 144.5 million year-on-year, Mobimo announced in a press release. At the same time, net profit including revaluations rose from CHF 65.6 million to CHF 109.7 million.

    The company cites success from developments and sales promotion as the drivers of this positive development. This increased to CHF 24.9 million compared to the same period of the previous year, almost doubling the figure. Revaluations resulted in a net appreciation of CHF 71.6 million in Mobimo’s property portfolio. At CHF 72.6 million, rental income remained at the previous year’s level.

    The value of the property portfolio totalled CHF 3.9 billion as at the end of June, compared with CHF 3.8 billion at the end of 2024. Mobimo’s total assets also exceeded the CHF 4 billion threshold for the first time. In June, the company was included in theSTOXX Europe 600 index of the 600 largest European companies.

    Mobimo intends to utilise its solid financing situation for “a substantial external growth step”: On 7 August, the real estate company signed the contract for the purchase of the portfolio of EMWE Immobilien AG from Zurich. It consists of five residential properties with an annual rental income of around CHF 3 million and three residential properties under construction.

  • Digital concrete technologies strengthen future strategy

    Digital concrete technologies strengthen future strategy

    Sika generated global sales totalling 5.68 billion Swiss francs in the first half of 2025. Year-on-year growth of 1.6 per cent in local currencies was thus achieved, the speciality chemicals group for construction and industry reported in a press release. Organic growth was reported at 0.6 per cent, while the remaining 1.0 per cent growth was generated through acquisitions. In Swiss francs, sales were 2.7 per cent lower than in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to the weaker dollar.

    The operating result at EBITDA level was also impacted by foreign currency effects. At CHF 1.07 billion, it was 2.1 per cent below the previous year’s figure. However, the EBITDA margin increased from 18.7 to 18.9 per cent.

    “In a challenging market environment, we once again succeeded in growing above the industry trend and gaining further market share,” said Sika CEO Thomas Halser in the press release. He believes the Group is particularly well positioned in the project and infrastructure sector. “With more than 1,000 data centres built with our technologies to date and a strong project pipeline”, Sika has also “established itself as a preferred partner for technology leaders”.

    In the semester under review, Sika acquired a total of four companies and inaugurated seven new plants. The targeted investments are intended to strengthen the Group’s future growth. In the press release, Sika cites the minority stake acquired in Giatec Scientific in June as a strategically important step. The company from Ottawa in the Canadian province of Ontario specialises in digital concrete technologies.

  • The profession of location promoter requires explanation

    The profession of location promoter requires explanation

    It is not yet possible to learn the profession of location promoter. However, since the mid-1980s, there have been contact points for economic and commercial matters at local city and even municipal level – formerly known as economic development. In the 1990s, the Winterthur region was known as a pioneer, not least after the decline of industry there.

    So from 1998, as the first location promoter and head of building construction for the city of Schlieren – alongside the cities of Winterthur and Zurich – I was literally out there alone in the wind. However, the real estate backpack I had acquired since 1981 and my MAS Real Estate Management, which I was also one of the first to complete, enabled me to do the balancing act in the niche segment of location promotion. The classics in the job of a location promoter include company relocations, cluster and site development, “one-stop shopping” by the administration for building permits, portfolio management and startup promotion, as well as much more.

    In Switzerland today, primarily each of the 26 cantons has a location promotion program. Unfortunately, not all of the 172 cities and municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants have a location promotion office, let alone an economic strategy. There, an internally appointed person in the administration is responsible. In most cases, this is the town clerk or, at most, the president of the town or municipality, more or less voluntarily and not specifically trained for this purpose. However, this also means that I greatly appreciate these municipal management bodies, as well as those of the town of Schlieren, where I can now look back on 28 years of service. Schlieren’s key figures show a very successful picture that is recognized by many parties. The number of legal entities in the town has increased by 100% since 1998, from 650 to 1,388. This also means an increase in jobs from around 12,000 to 21,000. The number of inhabitants has risen by 70% from 12,000 to 20,100. Here I represent the 1:1 situation (inhabitants in relation to jobs) in contrast to other well-known large Swiss cities.

    I would be delighted if, after my retirement, more real estate experts chose the profession of location promoter and also became involved in associations, ERFAS and networks. What is needed is trust in the local location promoters.

  • TourismusRegion Baden AG takes over management of city com baden

    TourismusRegion Baden AG takes over management of city com baden

    City com baden is reorganising its management. As of the beginning of August, TourismusRegion Baden AG(TRB) will take over the operational management of the association of traders and retailers in the city of Baden, city com baden announced in a press release. The aim is to ensure “that the increasing intersections in the areas of city centre development, destination marketing and business promotion are optimally utilised”, it continues.

    Andrea Protmann from the TRB team will act as managing director of city com baden. She will be available to the members of city com baden as a central point of contact. By handing over the operational management, the board of city com baden will be able to concentrate on representing commercial and political interests in future. As part of the handover of management, Alfredo Biffi is stepping down as managing director and member of the board of city com baden.

    Through increased cooperation with TRB, city com baden intends to benefit from the structure, digital expertise and networking of the regional destination organisation. The association sees numerous useful synergies in the connection to the regional economy. In addition, city com baden hopes that the collaboration will result in professional support and strategic development of events, communication, member support and the City Card.

  • JuCoin opens European headquarters in Baar

    JuCoin opens European headquarters in Baar

    By the end of 2025, JuCoin plans to expand the current nine-strong team in Baar to 100 employees, with space for up to 400 employees in total. The focus is on recruiting local talent to ensure both cultural proximity and a deep understanding of the market. The location will be led by CEO Kenny Dan and COO Hugo Teo, who bring extensive experience in the fintech and cryptocurrency sector.

    Setting the regulatory course
    A key objective is to obtain the MiCA license, which ensures compliance with EU regulations and enables the legal acceptance of clients throughout the EU. In this way, the company aims to create a secure, compliant and trustworthy trading environment for the European market.

    Broad-based ecosystem
    With the new location, the company is bringing its extensive service and product portfolio to Europe. This includes the blockchain infrastructure JuChain, the social platform JuChat, the entertainment platform JuGame and the hardware solution JuOne. The company is already active in over 30 countries worldwide and serves more than 12 million users.

    Significance for Crypto Valley
    The move underscores Switzerland’s role as a global innovation hub in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Baar is thus not only gaining a new employer with international appeal, but also an impetus for the further development of Crypto Valley as a leading competence center for digital financial technologies.

  • Capital increase planned for three property funds

    Capital increase planned for three property funds

    Procimmo SA is planning to increase the capital of its Real Estate SICAV. Specifically, three sub-funds of the investment company with variable capital are to be increased by a total of CHF 170 million. All three capital increases are to take place after the publication of Procimmo’s annual results on 30 September.

    The fund management of the Industrial sub-fund has planned a capital increase of around 100 million francs, Procimmo announced in a press release. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Industrial fund focuses on industrial, commercial and logistics properties. It currently holds gross assets of CHF 2 billion.

    According to a separate press release, the fund management of the Residential sub-fund is planning to increase its assets by 30 million francs. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Residential fund currently holds gross assets of around CHF 505 million, three quarters of which are invested in properties in Lausanne and Geneva.

    For the Residential PK sub-fund, the fund management company is planning a capital increase of CHF 40 million, Procimmo announced in a third press release. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Residential PK fund currently has around CHF 520 million invested mainly in residential property in French-speaking Switzerland.

    Founded in 2007, Procimmo SA operates as a real estate asset manager at its headquarters in Renens as well as in Zurich and Geneva. The company has been part of Procimmo Group AG since 2017. The Zug-based group of companies, which is listed on the BX Swiss, offers investment and services in the property sector.

  • Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Schindler is the sole supplier of lifts and escalators for Line 1 of the new elevated railway system in Bogotá. The metro line will use fully automated, driverless railway systems to provide modern, reliable local transport in the Colombian capital. The Schindler systems will therefore be customised to meet the special requirements of public transport, the company announced in a press release. The lifts will be equipped with easily accessible control buttons to enable barrier-free access to the stations.

    The Schindler Technical Operations Centre (TOC) in Medellín will monitor each lift and escalator remotely around the clock. The Schindler ActionBoard will also provide real-time status reports of all lifts and escalators, helping to optimise uptime and ride quality for passengers.

    “We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic project with our lifts and escalators,” said Vikén Martarian, responsible for the Americas and Escalators region, in the press release. “Bogotá will become more accessible for the people who live, work and visit the capital. Thanks to our lifts and escalators, they will be able to move around the metro stations more easily and comfortably.”

    From 2028, Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro will be the first metro line in the Colombian capital to transport over 1 million passengers a day. The line comprises 16 stations over a length of 23.9 kilometres.

  • New major orders for building construction projects in Berne and Zurich

    New major orders for building construction projects in Berne and Zurich

    “Implenia has won further large and challenging building construction contracts,” the construction and property company from Opfikon announced in a press release. The order volume is estimated at over CHF 400 million in total. The two largest projects are a new building for the University of Bern and a residential development in the Zurich Oberland.

    The Canton of Bern has commissioned Implenia with the master builder work for a new medical research and training centre for the University of Bern. The university plans to unite five institutes of its medical faculty here. Construction work is due to start in May 2026 and be completed in July 2028.

    In Oetwil am See in the Zurich Oberland, Implenia will act as total contractor for the Seraina Investment Foundation to realise the new Schachenweid development. Eight flat blocks with 90 condominiums are planned here. Construction work is scheduled to start in September 2025 and the apartments should be ready for occupancy in October 2027.

    In the press release, Implenia also lists the modernisation and conversion of an inner-city building, the conversion of an old factory site in western Switzerland into an urban quarter and two new construction projects for school buildings in Switzerland and Germany as further new orders. The new projects “are in line with Implenia’s strategy of focusing on specialised real estate, which requires extensive expertise and many years of experience,” writes Implenia.

  • Construction site safety and flood protection for major Winterthur project

    Construction site safety and flood protection for major Winterthur project

    Outsec AG has won the tender to provide security support for the construction of the new Campus T of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, the security company from Dietikon announced in a press release. According to the statement, outsec will be responsible for construction site security and flood protection over the next four years. The security company was already involved in the interface coordination of the project during the planning phase.

    “The complexity of this project lies not only in the size or the construction phases, but also in the proximity to existing infrastructure and the crossing of a flowing body of water,” said Robin Hüttenmoser, operational manager at outsec, in the press release. “Flood protection must be guaranteed at all times, especially during the construction period – this is where we make an important contribution with targeted monitoring and early alerts.”

    Outsec’s tasks include access control, coordination of deliveries and area control along the changing construction site zones. For flood protection, the company monitors the water-bearing systems and is also responsible for triggering the alarm in the event of flooding. “With this campus, the ZHAW not only offers students and researchers new perspectives, but also gives us as a security provider the opportunity to demonstrate our digital and networked expertise,” says outsec Managing Director René Leuenberger. In addition to its headquarters in Dietikon, the company has locations in Winterthur, Baden AG and Wallisellen ZH.

  • 90 years of innovation with Swiss parquet tradition

    90 years of innovation with Swiss parquet tradition

    The parquet manufacturer Bauwerk is looking back on its 90th anniversary this year. According to the company, it began with the introduction of the first dispersion adhesive to protect against harmful vapours from the bitumen adhesive used at the time. This was later followed by specialisation in parquet flooring. The impetus came from Ernst Göhner from Zurich, who in 1935 brought a “floor or wall covering composed of pieces of wood” to series production. This became the “industrially manufactured mosaic parquet or Klötzli parquet”, which is still available in the Bauwerk range today.

    Since the market launch of the first 2-layer prefinished parquet in 1976, the manufacturer has developed into a globally active company in the wood flooring industry with 1600 employees. In Switzerland alone, 2 million square metres of parquet from the Bauwerk Parkett, BOEN and Somerset Hardwood Flooring brands are laid every year.

    More than 60 per cent of the floor coverings are produced at the company headquarters in St. Margrethen. The research and development department has also been based there since the early 1950s. The manufacturer has been awarded cradle-to-cradle certification for its production processes, composition, use and recycling of all components, as well as for its handling of resources in line with the circular economy. Using parquet is environmentally friendly per se and stands for a positive ecological balance. “What’s more, every plank that leaves our factories is unique – the perfect combination of Swiss engineering and the power of nature,” says Patrick Hardy, CEO of the Bauwerk Group since 2022, in the press release.

    In addition to observing sustainable business practices, the company is also socially committed. The Parkettzauber campaign supported several charitable organisations with parquet flooring – including a children’s daycare centre and a socio-educational residential group.

  • From shopping centre to property platform

    From shopping centre to property platform

    Shoppi Tivoli Management AG has changed its name to Tivoli Real Estate Management AG. According to the company, the name change reflects a strategic expansion of its field of activity. In addition to managing the shopping centre in Spreitenbach, the company intends to manage other commercial and residential properties in the Limmat Valley.

    The first project under the new company name is the management of the Tivoli Garten residential park. According to the company, 445 rental flats have been created in the “new lively and colourful district in the heart of the Limmat Valley” with more shopping facilities in the adjacent Shoppi Tivoli as well as extended sports and leisure facilities. The advantages also include the connection to the city centre and short distances to the countryside.

    According to its own information, Shoppi T ivoli is the largest shopping centre in Switzerland in terms of floor space. “With Tivoli Real Estate Management AG, we are retaining our identity and origins in the name, while at the same time making it clear that we are broadening our positioning in order to continue to be there for customers and partners in a reliable, competent and future-oriented manner,” reads a press release.

    Tenants and suppliers will continue to have the same contact persons, and contracts and processes will remain the same. The offices will also remain at Shopping Centre 9 in Spreitenbach.

  • Series production of intelligent safety robots

    Series production of intelligent safety robots

    Founded in 2021, the startup begins series production of its highly developed security robots. Developed in Switzerland and produced in Germany, this combination of innovative strength and manufacturing excellence is set to change the European security market. The first 50 systems are scheduled to go into operation in 2025.

    CEO Marcus Köhnlein sees the project as an infrastructure measure for a smarter future. “This is more than just robotics, we are delivering scalable systems that rethink security autonomously and reliably.” The robots are designed for complex environments such as airports, logistics centers or smart cities and work autonomously, supported by real-time analysis and predictive diagnostics.

    Automated security
    With rising urban risks and increasing staff shortages in the security industry, the demand for automated solutions is growing. The robots provide an answer – scalable, flexible and low-maintenance. Their modular design allows them to be adapted to different locations, from industrial sites to university campuses.

    The business model is based on “Robot-as-a-Service” and offers customers high-performance safety solutions with a low barrier to entry. Real-time data, continuous learning and high uptime are integral components of the system.

    Growth strategy and financing round launched
    A new investment round has been launched for the next phase: scaling, market expansion and international launch. The aim is to expand production to 300 systems by 2027. The company is currently focusing on Europe, but has long-term plans for global expansion.

    The start-up is managed by an experienced team. CEO Marcus Köhnlein brings management experience from digitalization and innovation projects. CTO Christoph Uhrhan is a professor of robotics at Furtwangen University, where he heads the robotics laboratory. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is Andreas R. Sarasin, former partner at a renowned Swiss private bank and member of the Board of Directors at uniqueFeed.

  • School routes become safer with coloured pencil pillars

    School routes become safer with coloured pencil pillars

    Habidom wants to make routes to school safer. The manufacturer of road signals and markings, founded in 2001 and based in Aveleda in northern Portugal, has now also launched a special marking for school routes.

    The markings separate the road from the pavement like normal posts. However, they are in the shape of coloured pencils and thus make a playful reference to school. They are intended to signal to drivers that they should pay attention to the behaviour of children near the road.

    The pillars are made of flexible material, which reduces the risk of injury to children in the event of an accident. In addition to Portugal, Habidom’s coloured pencils for the road are already being used in Ireland, Belgium, Croatia and Austria.

    According to a press release from the company, Milvignes was the first municipality in Switzerland to install the coloured posts on its school routes, including near schools in Auvernier and Colombier and at the railway station.

  • Recyclable linoleum flooring with a high cork content

    Recyclable linoleum flooring with a high cork content

    Dietlikon-based flooring supplier Tarkett Schweiz AG has launched its own recyclable Lino Materiale collection. It consists of cork granulate, linseed oil, pine resin and wood flour and is available in ten earthy colours, the company writes in a press release.

    Thanks to its high cork content, Lino Materiale is more flexible and can reduce sound better than other linoleum floors. The material’s good abrasion and chemical resistance throughout its service life makes the flooring solutions resistant to dirt and daily wear and tear. This makes them a good choice for high-traffic areas such as schools, offices, clinics and administrative buildings.

    The floors, which were developed on the basis of the original recipe from 1898, have an exclusive surface finish, according to the supplier. This reduces cleaning and maintenance costs and therefore energy requirements. The floors require neither initial maintenance nor additional care or coating measures, which also contributes to the manufacturer’s sustainability concept.

    However, part of this concept is also that the flooring can be recycled. “Because at Tarkett, real sustainability doesn’t end with installation,” says Daniel Mai, Product Manager D/A/CH for Homogeneous Vinyl, Heterogeneous Vinyl, Linoleum, Sports Indoor, in the press release. The ReStart take-back programme returns the linoleum and installation residues to the cycle. The flooring is fully processed and reused as recyclate.

  • New tool simplifies the reuse of radiators

    New tool simplifies the reuse of radiators

    Together with Zirkular GmbH, also based in Basel, and the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the HSLU in Horw, the cooperatively organised Basler Bauteilbörse aims to facilitate the reuse of radiators. However, this requires an early assessment of their heating performance – which is often difficult due to differences in size, design and materials.

    This is where the user-friendly tool called RadiatorCheck, which the three initiators are working on with the help of Innosuisse ‘s Innovation Booster – Circular Building Industry, should help. It is designed to enable even non-professionals to catalogue radiators and estimate their heating output precisely and easily on site.

    This includes identifying common radiator types, creating and validating a thermal model, developing a user-friendly interface and testing the tool for accuracy and ease of use. The end goal is a working prototype that will assist professionals in the efficient assessment and reuse of radiators.

    According to a project description from Innosuisse, the Excel-based tool is based on practical data and experience from Zirkular GmbH and Bauteilbörse. It is supported by thermal modelling from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. “By simplifying the documentation, evaluation and cataloguing of existing radiators, their life cycle can be extended, thereby reducing the extraction of raw materials, emissions from new production and construction waste,” it continues. “This enables more resource-efficient practices and supports a low-emission, circular built environment.”

  • New building in Sursee for cycling team

    New building in Sursee for cycling team

    According to an article in the “Luzerner Zeitung”, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, currently based in Schenkon, is about to move to Sursee. The team would like to invest 18 million Swiss francs in a new six-storey headquarters there. The initiator is Sette Immo AG, which runs not only the professional team but also a junior team through its Sette Sports Group. Fabian Cancellara, a former racing cyclist, is not only team manager of the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, but is also active at Sette Immo AG.

    The team’s new headquarters is due to be completed in September 2026 and will provide space for storage, workshops, training and meeting rooms. Offices for the administration and recreation rooms for the drivers will also be built, as well as a showroom for the team. A photovoltaic system will also be installed on the roof.

    The team, which is sponsored by watch manufacturer Tudor from Geneva, is currently taking part in the Tour de France until the end of the month.

  • Rehabilitation centre to be retained and expanded

    Rehabilitation centre to be retained and expanded

    The Berner Klinik Montana(BKM) will take over the Luzerner Höhenklinik Montana(LHM), also based in Crans Montana, on 1 January 2026. According to a press release, an agreement to this effect has been successfully concluded between Lucerne Cantonal Hospital(LUKS), the Canton of Lucerne and BKM. BKM will continue to operate the acquired Lucerne clinic. The IT systems of both clinics are still to be adapted before the takeover.

    “The takeover of the operation with its highly competent staff is a stroke of luck for us”, Philippe Eckert, Director of the Montana Clinic in Bern, is quoted as saying in the press release. “With the integration of LHM, synergies could be developed in musculoskeletal, psychosomatic and oncological rehabilitation and the range of services offered by BKM could be expanded to include pulmonary rehabilitation.”

    The canton of Lucerne will initially remain the owner of the land and property. BKM rents the main building of the Höhenklinik and the Villa Claire staff building for three years. It has a purchase option for two years at a price of CHF 13.5 million.

    Florian Aschbrenner, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of the LUKS Group, is satisfied with the conclusion of the contract. “It was very important to us to find a good solution for the employees of LHM. We are ensuring this with the sale to a very renowned clinic in the rehabilitation sector that is also based locally,” says Aschbrenner.

    LHM will remain on the hospital list of the Canton of Lucerne. Patients will continue to have the option of choosing a hospital for inpatient rehabilitation within the framework of the freedom of choice granted by law.

  • New growth momentum through strategic partnership

    New growth momentum through strategic partnership

    With the strategic participation of an entrepreneurial investor, the company is setting the course for the next stage of growth. The new partnership combines capital strength with technological and operational expertise. The aim is to consolidate the company’s market presence in its home market and expand internationally, particularly in the key areas of digitalisation, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

    Future-oriented strategy with a clear focus
    The new growth strategy focuses on three structural drivers: the digital transformation of the property sector, the industry’s growing role in climate protection and the increasing demand for sustainable, connected living spaces. At the same time, the proven corporate DNA remains intact, with the operational team and all partners staying on board and continuing to run the business.

    Technological scaling and international expansion
    Internationalisation will begin with the existing presence in Germany and will be expanded through targeted acquisitions. At the same time, the digital service portfolio will be expanded through the development of proprietary products, the automation of customer processes with “Agentic AI” and the strengthening of the team. The strategic partnership creates the necessary room for manoeuvre in terms of technology, personnel and geography.

    New opportunities for the German site
    There are also new opportunities for the team in Germany. As an agile location within the Group, it benefits from the stability of the company and the opportunities offered by a strategic growth partner. The combination of a proven structure and fresh dynamism should pave the way for successful expansion in a rapidly changing market environment.