Tag: Werkplatz

  • Business award recognises industrial expertise and regional roots in Thurgau

    Business award recognises industrial expertise and regional roots in Thurgau

    GLATZ AG from Frauenfeld has secured the Thurgau Business Award 2026, which is presented annually by the Thurgau Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Thurgau Trade Association, the Thurgau Cantonal Bank and the Department of Home Affairs and Economic Affairs.

    According to a press release, the family business impressed the jury with its combination of cross-generational business activities, international competitiveness and regional loyalty. With its patented sunshade frames, a high level of vertical integration, an in-house sewing workshop and uncompromising quality standards, GLATZ AG is a trendsetter in shade solutions – at a time when the international low-cost market is squeezing out many competitors. The large sunshades from Frauenfeld, which can withstand wind speeds of up to 115 kilometres per hour, are exported from Thurgau to over 50 countries.

    “The company has been firmly rooted in Thurgau for over 130 years – and at the same time carries the quality and innovative spirit of Thurgau as a centre of industry out into the world,” says Thomas Koller, jury president of the Thurgau Business Award.

    The move to the new headquarters on Langfeldstrasse in Frauenfeld in 2024 shows that GLATZ AG will remain rooted in Thurgau in the future. The new building, which combines research and development, production, administration and a modern training centre under one roof, was also built with a focus on sustainability. Photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and shorter transport routes reduce the CO2 footprint.

    The award ceremony will take place on 15 April 2026 at GLATZ AG in Frauenfeld.

  • A milestone in the Ticino SBB Arbedo-Castione plant

    A milestone in the Ticino SBB Arbedo-Castione plant

    Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2028, with SBB, the canton of Ticino, the city of Bellinzona and the federal government investing a total of around CHF 755 million in the ultra-modern site. In doing so, SBB is not only securing its maintenance of new multiple-unit trains, but also sending a strong signal for the economic development of the region.

    Investment in Ticino as a centre of industry
    In future, the NSIF will offer 360 full-time jobs and 80 apprenticeships, a clear commitment to the future of Ticino as a centre of industry. The new facility represents a milestone in the maintenance and repair of the modern Giruno, ETR and Flirt TILO multiple-unit trains. Compared to the existing Bellinzona plant, the level of digitalisation will be significantly increased. One focus is on electromechanical work, with digitalisation and automation making processes more efficient, flexible and sustainable. The green roof with solar panels and the renunciation of fossil fuels emphasise the ecological focus of the project.

    Sustainability and infrastructure
    With a total area of 150,000 square metres, the plant also sets new standards in terms of sustainability and infrastructure. The main building measures 40,000 square metres, as much as eight football pitches. In addition to the factory building, a modern train washing facility, rooms for apprentice training and common areas for staff are being built. The building integrates a comprehensive sustainability concept that minimises the ecological footprint with solar panels and green spaces.

    Progress with the construction work
    Initial work began in June 2025 with site installation, excavation and the design of the foundations. Construction will be accompanied by extensive adjustments to the railway infrastructure. New tracks, points and technical buildings will ensure optimal connections and logistics. In December 2024, the new track group 600 was put into operation in order to efficiently control operating processes and better connect the Coop distribution centre. The extensive railway construction work will run in parallel until the plant is completed.

    Agriculture and compensation
    A total of around 150,000 square metres are required for the NSIF, including 8.4 hectares of crop rotation areas. Together with the Ticino Farmers’ Association, SBB has found alternative agricultural land in Camorino, Bellinzona, Preonzo, Iragna and Biasca in order to fulfil the legal compensation obligations in full.

    Significance for the region
    The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by prominent representatives from politics and business. SBB is thus emphasising the importance and significance of the canton of Ticino and the long-term safeguarding of jobs. In a region that is particularly affected by industrial change, this project symbolises the future, stability and innovation.

    The new SBB Arbedo-Castione plant will bring innovation and sustainability to the Swiss railway sector, consolidate Ticino as an industrial centre and offer prospects for future generations. A ground-breaking ceremony with symbolic power and a project that accelerates the pulse of the region.

  • Industrial wasteland is becoming a place of work for companies

    Industrial wasteland is becoming a place of work for companies

    There used to be a cement factory and chemical works here. Today the 75,000 Reichhold area is a huge industrial wasteland. Now it is to become the Reichhold campus.

    In 2012, Hiag bought the site, half of which is on the ground of the municipalities of Hausen and Lupfig. She has carried out the remediation of contaminated sites by 2020. According to the vision of the owner, traditional commercial operations such as a carpenter's workshop should find space here, as well as industrial companies with development and production departments or SMEs such as a catering company. The versatile space is to be adapted to the needs of the tenants.

    The idea of sharing is very important on the Reichhold campus. Not only meeting rooms and co-working spaces, but also bicycles and motorized vehicles should be bookable by the hour via an app. In addition, the planned structures should encourage the individual companies to use infrastructures such as the reception, the canteen or exhibition rooms together. Restaurants, take-aways, shops with everyday goods, a day-care center and a fitness studio should also make the environment attractive for the employees of the local companies.

    Sustainability plays an important role on the Reichhold campus. Innovative materials on and in the buildings, renewable energy and solar panels are part of the self-image of the campus. There are numerous meadows and green spaces around the building.

    The building application for the first projects is to be submitted from 2022. If everything goes according to plan, the first properties will be ready for occupancy from summer 2023.