immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Company

  • Strategy adjustment brings personnel changes

    Strategy adjustment brings personnel changes

    Jacques Mauron is drawing the consequences of the strategic restructuring of Groupe E and is stepping down as CEO. According to a press release, the Board of Directors has appointed Alain Sapin, Director of Electrical Energy at the Fribourg-based energy supplier, as interim CEO. Mauron has worked for Groupe E since 2004 and has been CEO since November 2019.

    Groupe E announced in April that it was reviewing its photovoltaic and heat pump activities in its own canton and other parts of French-speaking Switzerland. This was the company’s response to a sustained decline in sales in this area since 2023. It now wants to adapt the structure of the Technology and Infrastructure Directorate so that the individual branches are given more independence.

    This strategic reorganization is associated with job cuts. In April, the company was still assuming that 188 of its 2,600 employees would be made redundant. Following consultation with the social partners, the number of redundancies was reduced to 168 in May.

    The previous head of the Technology and Infrastructure Directorate, Michel Beaud, has since left Groupe E. He has now been succeeded on an interim basis by Johann Ruffieux, Head of Procurement and Trading.

  • No delay to the new city quarter in Winterthur despite official requirements

    No delay to the new city quarter in Winterthur despite official requirements

    Cham Swiss Properties AG assumes that there will be “no significant delay” to the Rocket & Tigerli construction project in the centre of Winterthur’s new Lokstadt residential district. As the property developer explains in a press release, the “sometimes significant conditions” imposed by the city of Winterthur as part of the building permit process have led to an in-depth review of the plans. However, the property company is taking the official conditions as an opportunity to “improve the project once again”. After all, Rocket & Tigerli should “fully fulfil its urban significance” with the adjustments.

    This project consists of the 100 metre high Rocket tower and the three adjacent base buildings called Tigerli. This ensemble will be built in the centre of the new Lokstadt residential district in Winterthur. According to the information provided, the conditions now imposed by the city for this project primarily relate to the extent of public use of the top floor and access to the areas on the ground floor.

    CEO Thomas Aebischer describes the formal legal appeal against the building permit as “a formality that comes with the process. For us, however, the focus is clearly on constructive dialogue with the Office for Urban Development and the Office for Building Permits.” This will also clarify whether a new building application is necessary.

    Cham Swiss Properties AG was only created in April 2025 from the merger of Ina Invest AG and Cham Group AG.

  • Double-digit sales growth despite market challenges

    Double-digit sales growth despite market challenges

    Zehnder Group AG expects to improve its sales and profitability year-on-year in the first half of 2025. Specifically, the Aargau-based specialist for ventilation and radiators expects to achieve a double-digit increase in sales to between EUR 380 million and EUR 390 million, Zehnder announced in a press release. The target range for the EBIT margin is 8 to 9 per cent. In the same period last year, Zehnder realised an EBIT margin of 6.6 percent.

    The internationally active group of companies is basing its forecast on increased demand for Zehnder’s products in the ventilation segment in North America and Europe. Improvements in sales and profitability were also supported by the acquisition of the Spanish company Siber in summer 2024. By contrast, sales in the radiator segment are currently weaker than in the past. This confirms “the strategy of consistently focussing on ventilation system solutions”, writes Zehnder.

    The Group will communicate the unaudited figures for the first half of 2025 on 25 July. An outlook for the year as a whole will also be presented. Zehnder believes that the results in the second half of the year will depend on developments in its own customers’ inventory build-up, the impact of economic stimulus programmes in key markets and US customs policy. The company estimates the impact of any tariff extensions in the USA on its own business activities to be low.

  • Solar folding roof technology sets course for the German market

    Solar folding roof technology sets course for the German market

    According to a press release, dhp Technology AG has founded a subsidiary in Stuttgart, Germany. The provider of the “globally unique solar folding roof” is thus emphasising its ambition to drive forward the energy transition with innovative photovoltaic solutions in Germany too, the press release continues. With the establishment of dhp Technology Deutschland GmbH, the company is laying the foundations for a long-term presence in the German market.

    “The expansion into Germany is a logical consequence of the sharp rise in demand for our innovative photovoltaic solution,” said co-founder and CEO Gian Andri Diem. In Germany, the market potential for solar folding roofs is huge, particularly with regard to sewage treatment plants, car parks and logistics areas.

    The branch in Stuttgart is managed by Gian Andri Diem, CEO of dhp Technology, and Torsten Brandstetter as Managing Director. Brandstetter is an industrial engineer with experience in the energy industry and technological innovation.

    dhp Technology is a developer and supplier of solar folding roofs. These are specially designed for installation over sealed surfaces and existing infrastructures. Depending on the weather, they fold up or down automatically. This enables communities and companies to produce electricity locally and sustainably without taking up additional ground space.

    Solar folding roofs from dhp Technology are already in operation at three German sewage treatment plants. A further ten systems are in the implementation phase and are due to be connected to the grid this year, according to the company press release.

  • Last key building in the airport area now belongs to one hand

    Last key building in the airport area now belongs to one hand

    Flughafen Zürich AG has announced the takeover of the Radisson Blu building in a press release. The previous owner, Al Maha Real Estate AG, has handed over the property in full for the purchase price of CHF 155 million. This is the last site within the airport perimeter that has not previously belonged to Flughafen Zürich AG.

    According to the press release, the building, which was constructed under building rights from 2005 and inaugurated in 2008 and is home to the Radisson Blu hotel chain as well as offices and a meeting and conference centre, was subject to a building rights agreement until 2080, which was terminated prematurely following its reversion to Flughafen Zürich AG. The rental agreement with Radisson Blu will continue. Hotel operations are to continue. In addition, there will be no changes to the existing utilisation.

    The strategic idea behind the complete takeover of ownership is the development and growth objectives of Flughafen Zürich AG in the central airport perimeter.

  • New start-up centre promotes entrepreneurship in Uzwil

    New start-up centre promotes entrepreneurship in Uzwil

    A second startup space of the IFJ Institute for Young Entrepreneurs will be built on the site of the Uzwil grinding plant, which is located on the Bühler Group premises. Uze AG, the Bühler Group’s property and family office, is working with the IFJ to develop this part of the site on the Spickel between Bahnhofstrasse and Fabrikstrasse into an innovation hub. The IFJ has already been operating its first centre of this kind in Schlieren for ten years.

    According to Uze AG, the Mahlwerk in Uzwil will be a “lively place for start-ups, entrepreneurs and creative minds” from 2027, “with modern office & engineer spaces, events & meetings and plenty of room for innovation”. According to a statement from the IFJ, construction will begin on 12 June 2025.

    As part of the densification and renovation of properties, the Bühler Group relocated the space it used to the neighbouring main site. This freed up 18,680 square metres for something new. “Uze AG is opening a new chapter here with the Mahlwerk and continuing the industrial tradition with entrepreneurial vision, innovative strength and international networking,” says the IFJ.

    The Mahlwerk creates “space for growth, encounters and movement – and above all for visibility and strong connections to companies, experts, organisations and investors”. In addition to the space for start-ups and SMEs, there will also be premises for industrial and commercial enterprises.

  • City of Winterthur extends agreement with location promotion organisation

    City of Winterthur extends agreement with location promotion organisation

    The new service agreement between the city of Winterthur and the House of Winterthur provides for an adjustment of the organisation’s tasks. The House of Winterthur should focus on strengthening the Winterthur Switzerland brand and on the strategic marketing of the location for business, education, culture and tourism, according to a statement from the city.

    This includes making the hidden champions among the companies and the diversity of the local business landscape visible. Innovation and knowledge transfer are to be strengthened through targeted networking and new event formats, among other things. The House of Winterthur will also actively support start-ups.

    Operational location promotion, on the other hand, will once again be the responsibility of the city. This includes company relocations, portfolio management and space brokerage.

    The city intends to support the House of Winterthur with CHF 760,000 per year between 2026 and 2029, CHF 100,000 per year less than before. The final say lies with the city parliament.

    In a statement, the House of Winterthur recalls that the city’s contribution was CHF 960,000 per year when the organisation was founded in 2017. Beat Schwab, President of the House of Winterthur, which is organised as an association, refers to the new management and other changes in personnel. “There is a spirit of optimism at House of Winterthur,” he is quoted as saying in the press release. “It would be a shame if excessive pressure to save money were to jeopardise this development and seriously impair the sustainable promotion of the location as well as the management of company relocations.”

    The association is supported by the city, the neighbouring municipalities and over 400 members.

  • New distribution centre with train connection

    New distribution centre with train connection

    The wholesaler Pistor AG has opened a distribution centre in Sennwald for customers in Eastern Switzerland. According to a press release, Pistor has been supplying bakeries, catering companies and hospitals with food and goods from there since Monday, 12 May. After a construction period of around one year, the wholesaler’s customers in Eastern Switzerland are supplied directly from Sennwald. “The start went smoothly,” says Pistor’s Head of Logistics Richard Betschart.

    “We are expecting daily deliveries of up to 85 tonnes from Sennwald,” continues Betschart. 21 employees work on site, most of whom are lorry drivers. Three of the 14 lorries are electrically powered. This number is set to rise to eight over the next few years.

    According to the press release, the company has focussed on sustainability in the project. The distribution centre in Eastern Switzerland enables shorter distances and sustainable deliveries. Pistor transports the goods overnight by train from its headquarters in Rothenburg to Sennwald before they are distributed further by lorry. This saves over 400,000 kilometres on the road every year, the company adds. The building is also made of wood, which has prevented 670 tonnes of CO2. There is a solar system, an underground storage tank and a rainwater washing system for the lorries and rail wagons.

    Pistor is a trading and service company for the bakery and confectionery sector, the catering industry and the healthcare market. Founded in 1916, the company now employs more than 700 people. According to the company, the Pistor range comprises over 20,000 products, services and a large network of specialists. In 2024, Pistor generated a turnover of 827 million Swiss francs.

  • Expansion of the management team for data centre projects

    Expansion of the management team for data centre projects

    Green Datacenter AG is expanding its management team. Markus Meier joined the company and management team at the beginning of May, the Aargau-based provider of data centres and related services announced in a press release. As Chief Construction Officer (CCO), Meier will be responsible for all of Green Datacenter’s own construction projects and those realised on behalf of customers.

    “With Markus Meier, we are strengthening the organisation with an experienced leader in order to continue to implement the ongoing expansion of our high-availability infrastructures with high quality and efficiency,” Green CEO Roger Süess is quoted as saying in the press release. The new CCO is a qualified construction manager and has over 25 years of experience in managing construction projects, according to the press release. Meier’s professional background includes positions as Managing Director of the construction company Erne AG and Head of Master Builder Zurich at Implenia.

    Green is currently building a new data centre in Lupfig and two data centres in Dielsdorf. “Our growth follows a clear strategic plan,” explains Süess. “We are setting new standards and strengthening Switzerland as a digital location in the long term.”

  • Development plans are being revised and expanded in Hünenberg

    Development plans are being revised and expanded in Hünenberg

    OSRI AG from Lucerne is supporting the Zug municipality of Hünenberg in the implementation of two development plans. According to a press release, the urban planning and spatial development company is to assist the municipality with the transfer of existing development plans, to finalise the planning basis and to coordinate with cantonal authorities. The aim is to create a consistent, legally compliant basis.

    Parallel to this work, OSRI is to draw up a development plan for the Langrüti conservation area. This will integrate the building structure, the open space planning and the urban planning connection.

    With this joint project, Hünenberg aims to drive forward sustainable community development in which the existing buildings are harmonised with future developments.

  • Mirror pyramid opens up new perspectives for art and architecture

    Mirror pyramid opens up new perspectives for art and architecture

    Nüssli Schweiz AG from Hüttwilen has been commissioned by the town of Monheim am Rhein to build an extension to the Mack Pyramid, according to a press release. The pyramid was designed in 1990 by artist Heinrich Mack and architect Horst Schmidges.

    Nüssli has been awarded the construction contract as general contractor by Art Hub Immobilienverwaltungsgesellschaft der Stadt Monheim. The Thurgau event construction company will realise the architectural design H Eins by students Ruth Martin and Malte Grobenstieg, whose design won a competition organised by the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft.

    In the new building, another mirror-inverted pyramid will be placed on top of the existing Mack building. Both the two newly created floors and the renovated old pyramid will offer spacious exhibition rooms for contemporary art. Storage and exhibition space for collections will also be created.

    The topping-out ceremony for the building is scheduled for 8 March 2026, Heinrich Mack’s 95th birthday. The first exhibitions are then scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 and full operation in June 2027.

    “We are proud that the city of Monheim am Rhein is once again relying on our extensive expertise and we are very much looking forward to successfully implementing this special project together with our partners,” said Andy Böckli, Group CEO of Nüssli, in the press release. The company has already realised the construction of an eight-court sports hall in Monheim from 2023 to 2025. This sports hall, currently the largest in Europe, was inaugurated on 31 March 2025.

  • Tanja Zimmermann takes over the presidency

    Tanja Zimmermann takes over the presidency

    On 6 May 2025, Tanja Zimmermann was elected as the new President of the Board of Trustees of Technopark Zurich. She succeeds Lothar Thiele, who has chaired the board since 2019. The change not only gives the innovation hub new leadership, but also sends a clear signal in favour of diversity and future orientation.

    Impetus from research and technology
    Zimmermann’s career has been characterised by interdisciplinary research and the targeted bridging of science and industry. As Director of Empa, she has been promoting sustainable innovations at the interface between the laboratory and the market for many years. She is now contributing this expertise to the strategic development of the Technopark, an ecosystem that connects start-ups, research institutions and companies.

    Technopark as a workshop for the future
    For Zimmermann, Technopark Zurich is a place where ideas grow and become reality. “This is where visionary research meets entrepreneurial action. This is the ideal breeding ground for innovation,” she says. As the new President, she wants to create targeted framework conditions that promote forward-looking developments and strengthen synergies.

    A clear commitment to Switzerland’s innovative strength
    With the election of Tanja Zimmermann, Technopark Zurich is sending a strong signal for strategic expertise, sustainable orientation and the promotion of a sustainable business location.

  • Quality label strengthens ceramics industry with 121 Platinium certifications

    Quality label strengthens ceramics industry with 121 Platinium certifications

    A total of 121 tiling, trading and mixing companies from the ceramics industry have received Platinium certification this year, CERUNIQ announced in a press release. The quality label is awarded by the association of leading installation companies and specialist retailers in the ceramics industry to companies for the high quality and professionalism of their work. “Platinium embodies consistency, quality and stability,” CERUNIQ Central President Konrad Imbach is quoted in the press release from his speech on the occasion of the awarding of the label.

    Of the certified companies, five received the label for the first time, while the others were recertified. The canton of Lucerne is represented by nine of the recertified companies. Specifically, Bacchetta Baukeramik GmbH from Horw, Bühlmann Keramik AG from Hochdorf, DÄHLER KERAMIK GmbH from Weggis, Häfliger Plattenbeläge AG from Rain, JÖRI PLATTEN AG from Egolzwil, MUHEIM KERAMIK AG from Weggis, P. Bachmann AG from Urswil/Hochdorf, Ziswiler GmbH, Keramik, Naturstein, Ofenbau from Eschenbach and Zwimpfer – Platten AG from Sursee were awarded the label.

    This year’s certification took place “under stricter requirements”, writes CERUNIQ. Particular emphasis was placed on the training and further training of apprentices and employees, the quality of advice, precision in the execution of the work and the professional and customer-oriented handling of complaints. The next Platinium certification is scheduled for 2027.

  • More inflows to Valais, losses in Zurich and Vaud

    More inflows to Valais, losses in Zurich and Vaud

    A total of 37,816 companies moved within Switzerland last year, CRIF AG reported in a press release. The credit agency analysed the corresponding movements of companies within Switzerland. According to its surveys, 80.6 per cent of companies relocated within the canton. Only 7470 companies moved to another canton.

    Valais ranks first in terms of inflows from other cantons, with a net inflow of 88 companies. The canton of Valais was able to attract companies from the cantons of Vaud and Geneva in particular. The cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Fribourg also recorded high net immigration of 65 and 39 companies respectively. The canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden mainly attracted companies from St.Gallen, Zurich and Zug. Companies from the cantons of Vaud, Bern and Geneva were the main movers to Fribourg.

    At the other end of the scale are the cantons of Zurich, Vaud and Lucerne. The canton of Zurich lost a net total of 133 companies to other cantons in Switzerland. From the cantons of Vaud and Lucerne, 87 and 61 companies respectively moved to other cantons.

    The cantons of Zug, Aargau and Schwyz were the main beneficiaries of the migration from the canton of Zurich. Many companies from Vaud relocated to the cantons of Geneva, Valais and Fribourg. Companies from Lucerne mainly relocated to the cantons of Zug, Zurich and Aargau.

  • New course director for Real Estate Management at the HWZ – focus on digitalisation and AI

    New course director for Real Estate Management at the HWZ – focus on digitalisation and AI

    Facchinetti brings with him extensive experience in digitalisation, innovation and PropTech. “We are convinced that he will offer students great added value thanks to his broad network and expertise,” says Markus Streckeisen, Head of Real Estate Programmes at the HWZ.

    In future, the new programme director will be responsible for three practical CAS programmes, which can be completed individually or in modules over several years up to a Master’s degree:

    • CAS Smart Real Estate Business (start: March 2025)
    • CAS Smart Real Estate AI, Data & Value (start: September 2025)
    • CAS Smart Real Estate Life Cycle Management (start: September 2025)

    “I am looking forward to working with experts from the field to impart future-oriented skills that are necessary for the challenges of our time,” says Facchinetti.

    The part-time continuing education programme, centrally located at Zurich Main Station, is aimed at specialists and managers who want to strengthen their digital skills in the real estate sector – practical, modern and future-proof.

  • New tool facilitates coordination between 2D and 3D

    New tool facilitates coordination between 2D and 3D

    Revizto has added a number of new features to its integrated collaboration platform for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. As the Lausanne-based company explains in a press release, the new tools and improvements in Revizto 5.16 are designed to optimise workflows and enable smarter collaboration at every stage of a project.

    “Every improvement in this version has been designed to enable teams to coordinate more efficiently and make more informed decisions in real time,” CEO and founder Arman Gukasyan is quoted as saying. “All these improvements are the result of extensive discussions with our customers and feedback from our users. This is just another step in our journey to create a new standard for collaboration in the AECO industry.”

    New features include the ability for users to view a 2D sheet and a 3D model, including issues and markers, side-by-side, and the ability to instantly jump from a position in 2D to the corresponding position in the 3D model without having to switch between tabs. Further improvements relate to the selection field, object isolation and optimisation of the scheduler. The new “Required objects” collision function automates the coordination process, which can now also be carried out overnight.

  • New building for organic vegetable production opened

    New building for organic vegetable production opened

    Terraviva ag is hosting an open day in Kezers on 17 May. The occasion is the official inauguration of the producer organisation’s new premises for organic vegetables, according to a press release from the BioGemüse Seeland association. Terraviva is a member and project organiser of the BioGemüse Seeland regional development project (PRE).

    The programme for the open day includes the inauguration of the premises and a vegetable market with a presentation. This will provide an insight into the processes and preparation. Regular guided tours of the new company building will be complemented by activities for families and children.

    PRE BioGemüse Seeland aims to support and strengthen organic vegetables from the region, from cultivation to marketing. To this end, the umbrella brand PASSION SEELAND bio:logique has been created. Producers of organic vegetables and organic winegrowers from the Seeland region as well as producers of other organic products from the canton of Fribourg have joined forces here.

  • Modernization ensures fresh water in the spa

    Modernization ensures fresh water in the spa

    Shortly before Easter, the Wellness Hotel Stoos modernized the water technology in its Wellness & Spa. Aqua Innovation GmbH was involved as a partner, as the Rotkreuz-based company specializing in water and air treatment systems explains in a post on LinkedIn. The Aqua Innovation team put in a few extra hours to ensure that the system was back in operation in time for Easter.

    Specifically, Aqua Innovation was responsible for the installation of a high-precision programmable logic controller (PLC) and the installation of a chlorine dosing system with integrated pH control. The new control system makes it possible to monitor and control all parameters from temperature, water flow and filter cycles to chemical water treatment centrally via the building management system. “We’ll save a personal test of the system for later,” writes Aqua Innovation with a wink in the article.

  • Swiss conveyor technology manufacturer increases earnings

    Swiss conveyor technology manufacturer increases earnings

    The Schindler Group generated total global sales of 2.73 billion Swiss francs in the first quarter of 2025, the Ebikon-based group of companies specializing in elevators, escalators and passenger conveyor belts announced in a press release. Year-on-year, this corresponds to growth of 2.5 percent in local currencies. In the same period, order intake increased by 6.0 percent in local currencies to 2.95 billion Swiss francs.

    At CHF 329 million, operating profit at EBIT level was 13.4% higher in local currencies than in the first quarter of 2024. The EBIT margin increased by 1.1 percentage points to 12.0%. Net profit amounted to CHF 257 million, compared to CHF 232 million in the same period of the previous year.

    “In the first quarter, we recorded more orders, increased margins and higher cash flow,” said Schindler CEO Paolo Compagna in the press release. “Our focus remains on our strategic priorities while keeping an eye on the volatile macroeconomic environment, in particular the weakening market indicators for the Americas region.” For the year as a whole, Schindler expects revenue growth in the low single-digit range. The EBIT margin should be maintained at around 12 percent. In the medium term, the Group aims to achieve an EBIT margin of 13 percent.

  • More efficient cleaning solutions for construction and industry

    More efficient cleaning solutions for construction and industry

    According to a press release, the Frutiger Company based in Winterthur had a successful week at the Bauma trade fair in Munich with a lot of professional exchange. Many visitors took advantage of the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment to find out about the newly structured product range.

    There was particular interest in the MobyDick On tire washing system produced by Frutiger, a joint development with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, according to the press release. With its flow-optimized geometry and innovative nozzle positions, it sets new standards in terms of efficiency and washing power.

    In addition to manufacturing MobyDick tire washing systems, Frutiger specializes in cleaning systems for dust control and rough cleaning of wheeled and tracked vehicles and other construction machinery (demucking).

    All three divisions were on display at Bauma, newly divided into the Standard Line and the Tailor Made Line. The new structure of the portfolio allows for the fast and efficient provision of standardized solutions for common requirements and tailor-made systems for individual challenges.

    Adaptive MobyDick systems were presented as an innovation in dust control. They have been expanded to include self-sufficient variants and offer improved flexibility on platforms with an integrated generator and water tank or on mobile towers. Frutiger also demonstrated a complete demucking system for cleaning construction and military vehicles. The solution helps to save costs for personnel, downtime and water consumption.

  • Digitally visible, locally present

    Digitally visible, locally present

    In the digital world, two aspects remain as relevant as they are challenging: visibility and proximity. Their successful implementation is the key to success, especially for real estate professionals. This is because both sellers and buyers, as well as estate agents, often have regional roots.

    At the same time, this presents an opportunity that SMG Real Estate’s Visibility can put into practice in the best possible way. The innovative solution places real estate agencies exactly where potential sellers are particularly present – in combination with a focus on the desired region. For as little as CHF 99, Visibility helps agencies to present themselves in the best possible light on ImmoScout24 and Homegate. This makes them visible where current and potential sellers are looking for reliable partners. This not only increases their reach in the relevant region, but also strengthens the professionalism of their presence – which leads to more sales mandates. In addition, visibility is maintained permanently, even if no advertisements are placed temporarily.

    Banner placement with reference objects

    Banner placement

    Agency directory

    Real estate price atlas

    Agencies with a larger geographical focus also have the option of individually compiling additional districts.

    In addition to placement in the search results lists, Visibility offers a whole range of other attractive benefits to strengthen and position the company’s presence in the desired district: Agencies can use their digital business card to convey a higher level of professionalism.

    It is now also possible to display reference properties and highlight listed agents even more prominently.

    The business card is also automatically ranked on Google, which further multiplies its visibility. Agencies are also displayed in the company directory and in the real estate price atlas as a regional expert in an optimal position, allowing them to increase their visibility by a further 400 percent overall.

    Find out more:

    swissmarketplace.group

  • District heating reaches castle on the rock

    District heating reaches castle on the rock

    BRUGG Pipes, based in Kleindöttingen, connected Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein to a district heating network via its flexible pipe system in spring 2025. According to a press release, the logistical challenge was overcoming the steep slopes from the base station to the castle.

    When laying the 300-metre-long pipeline, a height difference of 120 meters had to be overcome to reach the castle, which is located on a rocky terrace. The installation was carried out using helicopters. The FLEXWELL-FHK pipes used were fixed to holding points previously anchored to the rock. “This innovative method made it possible to overcome the challenges of the terrain safely, quickly and efficiently,” said Daniel Schneider, Sales Manager District Heating Switzerland at BRUGG Pipes, in the press release.

    The castle grounds and the adjacent buildings will be supplied with district heating from VfA Buchs in future. The district heating will be supplied by the waste incineration plant of the Verein für Abfallentsorgung (VfA) in Buchs SG. in 2023, around 200,000 megawatt hours of district heating energy were generated and supplied here, which corresponds to the amount of energy from burning 12.5 million liters of heating oil, according to the press release.

  • New AI agents to increase efficiency in real estate consulting

    New AI agents to increase efficiency in real estate consulting

    PriceHubble AG wants to set new standards for the finance and real estate industry. To this end, the Zurich-based company specializing in digital solutions for the finance and real estate industry has launched three specialized AI agents. “They combine high-quality real estate data with automation and generative AI”, PriceHubble explains in a press release.

    The AI agent PriceHubble Companion provides advice and personalized insights into real estate. The PriceHubble Copilot supports work processes from valuing a property to answering complex customer inquiries. The PriceHubble Analyst is trained to recognize and interpret trends and developments. Each of the three agents can be customized and integrated into existing internal processes.

    With the three new agents, PriceHubble aims to support banks, asset managers, property managers, portfolio managers and real estate agents in overcoming specific challenges. “AI agents are the logical next step – for us and for the market,” said Stefan Heitmann, CEO and founder of PriceHubble, in the press release. “Accurate, transparent data combined with sophisticated, customizable solutions are the key to excellent customer experiences, more efficient advice and real ROI in finance and real estate.”

  • Takeover strengthens charging infrastructure in the e-mobility market

    Takeover strengthens charging infrastructure in the e-mobility market

    AVIA VOLT Suisse AG acquires the charging infrastructure provider Plug’N Roll and expands its charging infrastructure by 2345 charging points. Plug’N Roll customers benefit from access to a Europe-wide network of over 850,000 charging points. Graubünden-based Repower AG, the previous owner of Plug’N Roll, is realigning its focus with Repower E-Mobility.

    According to a press release, AVIA VOLT is now reviewing Plug’N Roll’s contracts and business processes. Its 24,600 customers will be seamlessly integrated into the AVIA network. The takeover will enable integrated billing of electrical and fossil energy for Plug’N Roll fleet operators. According to the press release, AVIA VOLT’s system architecture offers compatibility with the software and hardware solutions of many manufacturers.

    AVIA VOLT, based in Frauenfeld, is a subsidiary of several Swiss AVIA companies. It sees the takeover as an important step towards establishing itself as a leading service provider in the field of electromobility. “For us, the takeover means a targeted strengthening of our position as a provider of reliable charging infrastructure in Switzerland,” said Martin Osterwalder, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AVIA VOLT.

    Plug’N Roll is the e-mobility division of Repower AG. The e-mobility provider has been developing charging infrastructure in public spaces, for company fleets and for real estate since 2012. The Plug’N Roll brand will be used by AVIA VOLT until the end of 2025. Three Plug’N Roll employees will be taken on by AVIA VOLT.

  • Sustainable products drive earnings stability in the building materials industry

    Sustainable products drive earnings stability in the building materials industry

    Holcim AG generated global sales totaling 5.54 billion Swiss francs in the first quarter of 2025, the Zug-based building materials group announced in a press release. In the same period of the previous year, sales were at the same level at 5.59 billion Swiss francs. At CHF 515 million, recurring operating profit at EBIT level was 3.1 percent weaker than in the first quarter of 2024. In local currencies, however, EBIT growth of 1.7 percent was achieved.

    “We achieved a disproportionately high increase in recurring EBIT in the first quarter and maintained the margin level,” said Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic in the press release. “The growing demand from our customers for our sustainable building solutions contributed to ECOPact and ECOPlanet’s share of sales in their respective product lines reaching new highs.” Specifically, the sales share of low-carbon ECOPact concrete increased from 26% to 32% year-on-year. At the same time, the low-carbon ECOPlanet cement improved its share of sales from 26% to 29%.

    Against the backdrop of the stable quarterly result, Holcim is sticking to its targets for the 2025 financial year. It aims to achieve sales growth in the mid-single-digit range in local currency and a disproportionately high increase in recurring EBIT. The spin-off of Holcim’s North American business (Amrize) is proceeding according to plan. On March 25, Amrize held its first investor day in New York, explains Holcim. The spin-off is to be listed on the NYSE and the SIX Swiss Exchange in June.

  • New technologies for sustainable building tested in practice

    New technologies for sustainable building tested in practice

    Swiss Prime Site (SPS) has identified promising start-ups in the fields of cleantech, PropTech, EnterpriseTech and other sectors relevant to the real estate industry together with the Schlieren-based start-up promoter Venturelab. According to a statement from Venturelab, the real estate company headquartered in Zug has completed the 25th edition of its Start-up Accelerator program. In collaboration with Venturelab, SPS’s initiative aims to connect with start-ups developing solutions that can be integrated into the company, focusing on areas such as smart buildings, healthy architecture, smart materials and circular economy, it added.

    Ten start-ups were selected from the 70 applicants to present their solutions in a virtual pitch session at the end of March. From this group, four were invited to take part in the acceleration program to present their business models to the SPS Board of Directors. The “innovative approach to sustainability and alignment with the environmental priorities of SPS” was highlighted for three start-ups. These are ecoLocked, based in Berlin, which focuses on solutions for building with climate-neutral concrete, Vunanexus in Küsnacht ZH, which specializes in water purification, and Quanthome in Lausanne, which offers data-driven intelligence for investment decisions. They will hold further talks with SPS for upcoming projects and tests of the solution, the press release states.

    “It’s rare to find a pitch competition where the organizers go out of their way to make it easy and advise you throughout the process,” Ruth Beniermann from ecoLocked is quoted as saying about the selection process.

  • Freiburg defies global uncertainties

    Freiburg defies global uncertainties

    Despite global turbulence, increased protectionism and new tariffs imposed by the US government, Fribourg’s economy is holding its own with impressive stability. The Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Fribourg supported a total of 32 business projects in 2024, including 16 new relocations. These projects secure over 1,000 jobs and create 527 new jobs in the medium term, combined with investments of CHF 116 million.

    Employment growth in the canton is now outstripping population growth. Fribourg’s gross domestic product rose by 27.5 % between 2011 and 2024. A clear sign of sustainable value creation despite global uncertainties.

    Successful location development and investments
    The new settlements are equally divided between Swiss and international companies, including those from Belgium, Brazil, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and the USA. At the same time, the new cantonal implementation program 2024-2027 of the new regional policy was launched, which sets strategic priorities in the bioeconomy, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, tourism and entrepreneurship with 19 funded projects.

    For Olivier Curty, State Councillor and Director of Economic Affairs, these results underline the relevance of a consistently pursued economic strategy that strengthens Fribourg as a business location even in challenging times.

    bluefactory and EPFL as engines of growth
    The bluefactory innovation quarter is developing rapidly. With the inauguration of Building B and its almost complete occupancy by 17 companies and 340 workplaces, Fribourg is being further strengthened as a technology hub. At the same time, EPFL is expanding its commitment – six new chairs in the field of sustainable construction are to be created by 2030. Construction of the new Smart Living Lab experimental building is scheduled to begin in 2025.
    This dynamic consolidates Fribourg’s position in the field of the built environment and underlines the canton’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

    Strategic successes in the life sciences sector
    A milestone in 2024 was the establishment of Cellap Laboratoire AG in Châtel-Saint-Denis. With more than 4000 m² of production space and ambitious growth targets in international markets, the company is providing new impetus in the cell cosmetics sector. The life sciences are becoming the mainstay of Fribourg’s economy and already account for 10% of the canton’s GDP – a result confirmed by a study by BAK Economics.

    Jerry Krattiger, Director of the WIF, emphasizes that the bioeconomy and life sciences remain strategic priorities. At the same time, other key areas such as Industry 4.0 are being actively promoted in order to further expand the canton’s economic diversity and resilience.

    Vigilance and adaptability as success factors
    The Department of Economic Affairs and Vocational Education and Training remains vigilant in the face of global uncertainties. With proven instruments such as short-time work compensation, Fribourg is able to react quickly to economic fluctuations and ensure the stability of the economic structure.

  • More precise AI answers

    More precise AI answers

    Large language models fascinate with their knowledge and at the same time irritate with inaccurate or contradictory answers. The reason for this often lies in the uncertainty of the models, which has been difficult to control until now. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now developed the SIFT algorithm (“Selecting Informative data for Fine-Tuning”), a method that addresses precisely this issue. It selects additional data precisely according to whether it reduces uncertainty and improves the quality of the answer.

    Information selection through vector analysis
    Instead of simply using the closest information, SIFT analyzes the relationship structure of the language information in the multidimensional space of the large models. The decisive factor is the angle between the vectors. Information with complementary content is specifically selected to enable complete and relevant answers. Redundancies and overlaps, as they occur in classic approaches, are systematically avoided.

    Big impact even with small models
    The targeted enrichment with relevant data makes it possible to drastically reduce the computational effort of large language models. In tests, SIFT-tuning even outperformed powerful AI models with models up to 40 times smaller. At the same time, the system adapts dynamically. During use, the enriched model becomes more and more precise as it continues to train itself during operation.

    Evaluating relevance for other areas of application
    SIFT also offers a valuable additional benefit. By analysing which data is recognized as particularly relevant, important correlations in specialist areas such as medicine, research or industry can be identified. For example, particularly meaningful diagnostic data can be efficiently filtered out.

  • PropTech start-up develops AI solution for property

    PropTech start-up develops AI solution for property

    The start-up Nestermind, which specialises in AI-supported automation solutions in the real estate sector, has successfully completed a substantially oversubscribed pre-seed financing round, according to a press release.

    The fresh capital will be used to further develop the technology and boost the company’s national and international market presence. The Agentic AI software developed by Nestermind enables easier management of property listings, better customer communication and faster sales processes.

    “We are proud to have such experienced and strategically valuable partners at our side who share our vision of taking property marketing to a new level,” said co-founder and CEO Lucas Pelloni.

    The platform opens up new ways for players in the property industry to network in a data-driven ecosystem. “We are thus creating enormous efficiency potential and paving the way for a new way of working in the property industry,” co-founder and CTO Severin Wullschleger is quoted as saying.

    According to the company, the software is particularly tailored to the needs of smaller SMEs in the property sector. By automating tasks such as lead generation and CRM management, they can increase efficiency and save time without having to invest in complex systems.

    According to the press release, the financing was concluded with the participation of a round of investors comprising “well-known personalities from the property sector, renowned family offices and leading property companies”. The amount was not disclosed.

  • Pfanner & Frei AG takes over re.com Elektroanlagen AG

    Pfanner & Frei AG takes over re.com Elektroanlagen AG

    Pfanner & Frei AG, founded in 1913, is a company deeply rooted in the Swiss electrical industry and is characterised by comprehensive services in the areas of classic electrical installations, modern e-mobility solutions and smart home technologies. Under the management of Enis Bajra and Timo Wenger, Pfanner & Frei AG has established itself as an innovative and reliable partner with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

    Re.com Elektroanlagen AG, an integral part of the Zurich electrical landscape since 2001, is known for its high-quality services and strong commitment to innovation and technological development. With the acquisition by Pfanner & Frei AG, re.com will continue to operate as an independent company, but with increased co-operation in various technical and operational areas.

    “re.com is known for its excellent reputation in the Zurich region. Leading this professional company into the future is our heart’s desire,” agree the new partners Enis Bajra and Timo Wenger.

    “After 25 years, the time has come to hand over the company to a new generation. The match between the two corporate cultures and market orientations is ideal for ensuring the long-term succession of my life’s work,” says Romeo Raffaele.

    Romeo Raffaele, the founder of re.com Elektroanlagen AG, sees the partnership with Pfanner & Frei AG as an ideal opportunity to place the company in the hands of a new generation while continuing the company’s values and quality standards. Enis Bajra will take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, while the long-standing Managing Director Alex Stanzani will continue to manage the day-to-day operations.

    This partnership is an exemplary approach for the long-term safeguarding and further development of both companies and strengthens their position in a dynamically growing market. Employees, customers and business partners can continue to rely on the proven quality and professionalism of re.com, which will now be further expanded with the additional resources and expertise of Pfanner & Frei AG.