immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Expansion

  • New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    Sika is expanding its presence in Central Asia with a new subsidiary in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. According to a press release, the aim of the new branch is to increase customer proximity in the region and improve regional market access for the company.

    One of the reasons for the expansion into Kyrgyzstan is the positive economic outlook for the former Soviet republic. Forecasts predict annual growth in gross domestic product of up to 7 per cent until 2030, according to the press release. Growth drivers in the construction sector include large-scale industrial construction projects as well as infrastructure and energy investments, which further emphasise the strategic importance of Central Asia for Sika.

    “The local organisation in Kyrgyzstan complements our existing activities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and strengthens our regional network in Central Asia. This creates a basis for the targeted further development of our market position in the region and for further growth,” Christoph Ganz, Regional Head EMEA at Sika, is quoted as saying.

    The construction chemicals group Sika focuses on the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in construction and industry. With the opening of the Kyrgyz site, the company is expanding its global network to 103 national subsidiaries. The company generated sales of CHF 11.20 billion in 2025.

  • Architecture firm expands international presence

    Architecture firm expands international presence

    Montalba Architects, the international architecture firm with existing offices in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Los Angeles, California, has opened an office in New York’s Meatpacking District in Manhattan. With this office, the architects are strengthening their presence on the American East Coast and their commitment to location-based, well thought-out architectural markets in various global markets, as detailed in a press release.

    The location allows architecture to be perceived through different perspectives, be it rural or metropolitan, explains David Montalba, founder of Montalba Architects. Building on the foundations of the Lausanne and Californian offices, the architecture firm can continue to promote cultural exchange and design dialogue between Europe and the United States. The opening ceremony in New York was attended by a close circle of friends, employees and design and architecture professionals. “We are excited to build a growing circle of partners in New York and internationally as we embark on the next 20 years as a firm,” said David Montalba.

    Montalba Architects, founded in 2004, combines Californian modernism with Swiss precision in its projects, according to the company. The architects have won multiple awards for their designs of residential, retail, hospitality, commercial and cultural spaces in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

  • Strategic move in the European construction sector

    Strategic move in the European construction sector

    With the integration, Holcim is expanding its product portfolio to include energy-efficient and circular transformation solutions in a European market with a volume of over 12 billion euros. The move contributes to the strategic initiative “NextGen Growth 2030”, which is focussed on high-margin business areas beyond the traditional cement business.

    In particular, the range of mineral lightweight and aerated concrete products as well as digital platforms such as blue.sprint and Building Companion are intended to strengthen system sales and the interaction between building materials, precast elements and digital planning tools. This will create an integrated value creation model that focuses on efficiency, sustainability and planning reliability.

    Financial perspective of the transaction
    The purchase price is EUR 1.85 billion. This corresponds to a pro forma EBITDA multiple for 2026 of around 8.9 and 6.9, respectively, after planned synergies of 60 million euros in the third year. A positive contribution to earnings per share and free cash flow is already expected in the first year after completion. The return on capital is expected to increase from the third year onwards.

    The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Holcim emphasises that the transaction is part of a disciplined capital strategy that combines sustainable growth with financial stability.

    Significance for the structure of the construction industry
    The move puts prefabricated building systems and modular solutions more at the centre of industrial value creation. Holcim is thus responding to the continuing demand for resource-efficient and climate-friendly construction in Europe, as well as to increasing regulatory requirements in building technology and energy efficiency.

    The combination of building materials expertise, advanced production and digital engineering is pushing the boundaries of traditional materials industries. For the European construction sector, this takeover could become a driving force towards more networked, industrialised construction processes.

  • Swiss kitchen manufacturer expands presence in Germany

    Swiss kitchen manufacturer expands presence in Germany

    Suter Inox wants to establish itself in Germany in the long term. The 78-year-old family business from Aargau, which specialises in stainless steel kitchen fittings, is officially entering the German market at Küchenmeile 2025 and will be a permanent exhibitor there after two years on a special area. The most important European B2B trade fair for decision-makers in the kitchen and furniture industry will take place from 20 to 26 September 2025 in the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Löhne.

    According to a press release from Suter Inox, the company will be exhibiting on 150 square metres of presentation space in the architecture workshop there. Marco Suter, President of the Board of Directors of Suter Inox AG, describes it as “an important forum for high-quality kitchen architecture and creative material presentations. As a new partner, we are delighted to help shape the kitchen as a holistic architectural experience and to present ourselves in this inspiring environment.”

    The marketing association of 24 companies, which together generate around 90 per cent of German kitchen furniture sales and organises the Küchenmeile, is once again expecting 25,000 trade visitors this year, 40 per cent of whom will come from abroad.

    At the same time, the company will be showcasing its customised worktops, sinks and basins, drain and overflow technology and taps in the BORA flagship store in Herford, just a few minutes away from the trade fair. According to the information provided, this store will be specifically visited during the Kitchen Mile.

    “Germany is a demanding but exciting market with great potential for our high-quality stainless steel products,” says Suter. “Our presence in the architecture workshop and in the BORA flagship store is the start of a targeted expansion of our market activities. We look forward to exchanging ideas with specialist retailers – and to many new partnerships.”

  • New plant strengthens construction chemicals production in Central Asia

    New plant strengthens construction chemicals production in Central Asia

    Sika AG is continuing its growth course in Kazakhstan with the commissioning of a new production site. The plant is located in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk in the east of the country and combines production lines for mortar and concrete additives and a laboratory.

    According to a press release, it is the fourth plant for Sika specialty chemical products for construction and industry. There is a high level of construction activity in the region. The mining industry in particular is experiencing strong growth. Local companies in the chemical, energy and automotive sectors are also expanding. As a result, the demand for residential buildings is increasing.

    The construction chemicals company has announced that it will also be involved in major projects. Kazakhstan is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Forecasts predict annual growth of 4.2 percent for the construction industry in Kazakhstan until 2028. The drivers are investments in energy projects, water reservoirs, transport infrastructure and industrial parks. According to estimates, the volume of construction projects across the country amounts to 160 billion Swiss francs.

  • Central Switzerland’s economy remains confident

    Central Switzerland’s economy remains confident

    The economic mood in Central Switzerland remains largely optimistic. According to the latest edition of “Finanzmonitor Zentralschweiz 2025”, an annual study conducted by the Institute of Financial Services Zug at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, almost 65 per cent of the companies surveyed rate their economic situation as good. This shows an overall stable development despite slightly gloomier expectations compared to the previous year.

    Focus on expansion and skills shortage
    Around 60 per cent of companies are planning to expand, which indicates a continued willingness to grow. At the same time, the shortage of skilled labour remains a key challenge for the economy. Companies are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified employees.

    International uncertainties affect export-oriented companies
    While small and medium-sized companies are reporting a stable business situation, larger export-oriented companies are more affected by global developments. Uncertainties in the USA, France and Germany in particular are having an impact on planning. In addition, protectionist measures by the new US government are increasingly becoming the focus of economic concerns.

    Exchange rate risks are becoming less significant
    Compared to the previous year, the strong Swiss franc is perceived as less of a problem. Despite an expected further appreciation against the euro, concerns about exchange rate fluctuations appear to be becoming less important.

    Less voluntary reporting, less effort
    Another topic covered by the Financial Monitor is sustainability reporting. The number of voluntarily active companies is declining, but it is clear that the actual effort required to prepare a sustainability report is less than many companies initially feared.

    Stability with growing challenges
    Central Switzerland’s economy remains optimistic, but faces structural and international challenges. There are prospects for growth, but issues such as a shortage of skilled labour, global uncertainties and regulatory requirements will have a significant impact on future development.

  • Acquisition of American provider for building finishing

    Acquisition of American provider for building finishing

    Sika is continuing its expansion plans in the USA and has acquired HPS North America, Inc. from Florence in the US state of Alabama. According to a press release, the supplier of products including self-levelling and waterproofing solutions has successfully developed in the American market.

    The products are reportedly sold through an established distribution network and are designed for use on floors. These include products of the Schönox brand, which Sika Germany manufactures. Sika had already held a minority stake in HPS North America.

    The takeover provides the Baar-based company, which specialises in speciality chemicals, with a “strong platform for further expansion in the growing Building Finishing segment” and expects significant efficiency gains.

    “With the integration of the HPS business into our US organisation, we will be able to drive forward the expansion of our business relationships and distribution networks in the building finishing market at full speed,” said Mike Campion, Regional Head Americas at Sika, in the press release.

  • Facility management company passes into new hands

    Facility management company passes into new hands

    The Hälg Group, based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, is taking over Löwen Bau- und Betriebs AG from Lucerne, which specialises in facility management, according to a press release. The Lucerne-based company’s existing customers include five shopping centres, several multi-storey car parks and 100 flats. The portfolio also includes restaurants and fitness centres.

    The company will continue to operate under its own name for the first six months. On 1 July 2025, it will be integrated into Hälg Facility Management AG and the previous company name will be discontinued. The current Managing Director of Löwen Bau, Markus Belser, will continue to manage the company. Furthermore, all employees will continue to be employed.

    “I am delighted to be placing my company in the hands of a successful family business. With Hälg Facility Management AG as part of the Hälg Group, we share common values and a long-term strategic orientation. This offers our employees a secure future and creates the basis for positive further development,” Markus Belser is quoted as saying in the press release. The Hälg Group is convinced that the takeover will strengthen its market position in Central Switzerland.

  • Expansion of renewable energy plants in Italy

    Expansion of renewable energy plants in Italy

    The Repower Group is significantly expanding its portfolio in Italy. According to a company press release, it has acquired the 35 per cent of shares in Repower Renewable previously held by the London-based investment firm Omnes Capital since it was founded in 2018. The Poschiavo-based electricity producer, distribution system operator and energy trader has also held the remaining 65 per cent since then. This means that the Repower Group now controls 100 per cent of Repower Renewable.

    This means that Repower is now the sole owner of Repower Renewable’s Italian wind, solar and hydroelectric power plants. Their total output amounts to around 120 megawatts. According to the press release, there is also a “full pipeline” of already approved power plant projects with a total capacity of a further 150 megawatts.

    According to the statement, Repower’s strategy envisages the consistent expansion of its portfolio of renewable energy plants in Switzerland and Italy. The 30,000 customers in Italy to date are to be supplied entirely with certified renewable energy in the future.

  • Rolex invests one billion francs in new giant factory in Bulle

    Rolex invests one billion francs in new giant factory in Bulle

    The world-famous luxury watch manufacturer Rolex is planning a massive expansion in western Switzerland. A gigantic production facility is to be built in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg, by 2029. Covering an area of 104,000 square metres – the equivalent of almost 15 football pitches – Rolex plans to produce luxury watches from 2029 to meet the growing demand for its products. The new factory is expected to create 2,000 jobs and thus make a significant contribution to the regional economy.

    Land sale approved
    The General Council of Bulle has approved the sale of the construction site to the Rolex Group by a large majority. Rolex is investing a total of one billion francs in the project and paid 31.4 million francs for the 100,000 square metre site. The planning application has now been submitted and the first visualisations of the planned buildings have been published.

    Innovative construction concept and sustainability
    The new plant will consist of four production buildings connected by a central building. In addition to the administration, this central area will also house catering facilities as well as meeting and rest areas. A striking head-end building at the southern end of the site will house the main entrance.

    Rolex attaches particular importance to environmental friendliness and sustainable design. The factory is to achieve the highest standard of the British Breeam label – a first for an industrial building in Switzerland. The buildings will be arranged so that they are integrated into a park that serves as protection from emissions from the nearby motorway.

    Fifth Rolex production site
    With the new site in Bulle, Rolex is expanding its already highly integrated production chain. The luxury watch manufacturer already operates production sites in Geneva, Chêne-Bourg, Plan-les-Ouates and Biel. Most of the watch components, from movements and cases to dials and bracelets, are produced in-house at these sites.

    Temporary solution in Romont
    In order to expand production capacity before 2029, Rolex will temporarily set up a factory in Romont. Around 250 to 300 employees are to be employed there from the beginning of 2025, most of whom will be newly recruited and trained. These employees will move there once the factory in Bulle is completed.

    With the new factory in Bulle, Rolex is strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading luxury watch manufacturers and investing in the future of the Swiss production site.

  • Swiss sales company in the canton of Schwyz

    Swiss sales company in the canton of Schwyz

    Gira has opened its Swiss branch in Feusisberg. From there, the building technology specialist from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia intends to gain a foothold in the Swiss market with its own sales company. In addition to Switzerland, Gira is also represented in the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain. According to the information provided, importers market and sell Gira products and system solutions in a further 35 markets with a focus on Europe and Asia.

    Alfred Mölzer, who has been Managing Director of Gira Austria GmbH since 2022, will be responsible for the Swiss business. Together with his team, he meticulously prepared the establishment of Gira Swiss GmbH over a period of around one and a half years, according to a company press release. In addition to analysing figures and statistics, numerous discussions were held with market participants from the retail, trade, architecture and construction sectors, according to Mölzer. “This is the only way to get a feel for what makes the market tick and which specific needs we need to fulfil with our range of solutions and services.”

    These have shown the medium-sized technology company that there are opportunities for a successful market entry, particularly in the field of building automation. After all, the company has played a key role in shaping the digital networking of home and building technology with its developments from the very beginning. This will therefore be the “spearhead” of market development.

  • Zehnder strengthens ventilation business in Spain and Portugal

    Zehnder strengthens ventilation business in Spain and Portugal

    The Zehnder Group is expanding its residential ventilation business in Spain and Portugal. The international indoor climate expert is gaining broader access to these two markets by acquiring the Spanish company Siber. Its administration, factory and innovation centre are located in Les Franqueses del Vallès near Barcelona, while the logistics centre is in Madrid.

    According to an ad hoc announcement, the transaction was financed with existing credit lines and liquid funds. Closing is expected in the coming weeks. Siber expects sales of around EUR 37 million for the 2024 financial year with an EBIT margin on a par with the Zehnder Group’s ventilation segment.

    According to the Zehnder Group, this is a “unique opportunity”. This is because Siber’s attractive product portfolio is ideally tailored to southern European customer needs and covers the mid-price segment. “This will help the Zehnder Group to sustainably strengthen its growth, particularly in Spain and Portugal as well as other southern European countries.”

    Zehnder Group CEO Matthias Huenerwadel describes the acquisition of Siber as “another milestone in the targeted expansion of our residential ventilation business. The complementarity of customers and products, combined with regional strength and a pronounced capacity for innovation, make Zehnder and Siber a perfectly complementary combination.”

  • Millions invested in expansion and development secured

    Millions invested in expansion and development secured

    Spacewise has received fresh capital to further invest in its product development and expansion in North America. According to a press release, an undisclosed seven-figure sum was raised in a post-seed financing round. The round was led by Zug-based investor Sandermoen with the participation of Zürcher Kantonalbank(ZKB) as well as several family offices and business angels.

    The Zurich-based proptech software-as-a-service company operates an award-winning platform for the temporary letting of retail properties. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brad Peppard, describes this platform as a “first-class solution for sales automation”. Spacewise is “well on its way to doing for short-term commercial lettings what online booking services have done for hotel reservations”.

    Customers can opt for either a comprehensive end-to-end solution or specific modules. This flexibility, says Spacewise, “increases effectiveness and efficiency in presenting property portfolios, managing space inventory and maximising revenue”.

    In Europe, Spacewise works with Migros, Swiss Post, Coop, Wincasa and SBB, among others, which handle thousands of rental contracts. In North America, it has partnerships with major players such as Regency Centres and Oxford Properties.

    “Spacewise has recognised a critical market need and has achieved impressive market momentum in Switzerland,” investment manager Yves Becker from ZKB is quoted as saying. “The company’s unique white labelling solution and strong network of partnerships positions it well for international expansion.”

  • Solstis offers photovoltaics throughout Switzerland

    Solstis offers photovoltaics throughout Switzerland

    Solstis, a photovoltaic company based in Solothurn, is now offering its services throughout Switzerland. According to a press release, BKW Building Solutions intends to expand its commitment to renewable energies from western Switzerland to the whole country under this brand. With this expansion, BKW Buildings Solutions aims to increase its installed capacity in German-speaking Switzerland to 75 megawatts over the next two years, which corresponds to a doubling of its current capacity offering. The services will focus on the private and business customer sector, where BKW will provide the financing and Solstis the installation.

    The Energy Centre of ISP Electro Solutions will also operate under the Solstis brand, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL).

    “Renewable energies are a focal point of our strategy and make a decisive contribution to the implementation of the Energy Strategy 2050. Photovoltaics is an important piece of the puzzle towards more sustainable infrastructures,” Antonin Guez, CEO of BKW Building Solutions, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Pioneering solar initiative in Glarus

    Pioneering solar initiative in Glarus

    The authorisation granted by the Glarus cantonal government under energy law enables Swisspearl AG to significantly expand its large-scale solar installation on the roofs of its production halls. With an impressive total output of 3100 kilowatts (kW), this system will not only be the largest of its kind in the canton, but will also be able to cover up to 50 per cent of the company’s electricity requirements. The decision to waive an annual levy of around CHF 30,000 is due to the innovative and exemplary nature of the project, which is considered to be pioneering for similar large-scale systems in the industry.

    The promotion of the photovoltaic system by waiving the fee reflects the endeavours of the canton and the company to be leaders in the use and expansion of renewable energy sources. This project not only represents a significant contribution to achieving the national energy targets, but also serves as an inspiring example for other companies to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energy sources.

    With the realisation of the photovoltaic plant, the canton of Glarus is reaffirming its commitment to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future. Swisspearl AG demonstrates how companies can actively contribute to reducing their carbon footprint while increasing their energy efficiency. This initiative marks a decisive step forward in regional energy policy and sets new standards for the integration of renewable energies in industrial production.

    The approval of the photovoltaic plant in Niederurnen by the Glarus cantonal government represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of a more sustainable and energy-efficient economy. Swisspearl AG exemplifies the potential of industry to play a pioneering role in ecological change and emphasises the importance of innovative energy solutions for the regional and national economy.

  • Kompotoi feels the spring

    Kompotoi feels the spring

    With spring comes the need for toilets in public spaces again. Kompotoi , the Zurich-based provider of composting toilets, has been back in the city of Zurich with over 20 of its toilets since last Monday in March. You can find them on the Saffainstel near Landiwiese, on Bullingerplatz and in Hohensteinpark on the Uetliberg, as the company reports.

    Kompotoi is also continuing its expansion into Germany this year. After the company delivered its toilet houses in Germany from Darmstadt, this year it is also represented in Munich. In Switzerland, Kompotoi supplies not only from Zurich, but also from Basel, Bern, Freiburg, Graubünden, Lausanne, Martigny and St.Gallen, and now also from Wohlen BE.

    Kompotoi toilets process the human legacy into a soil conditioner without using chemicals or flushing. They are handcrafted in Switzerland. Kompotoi sells and rents out the facilities.