STIHL inaugurates new saw chain production facility in Switzerland

The STIHL Group inaugurated its second saw chain plant in Bronschhofen, in the Swiss canton of Sankt Gallen, on October 30. The new multi-storey building, which covers an area of 6,200 square metres and has a production floor area of 22,400 square metres, is a modern industrial structure equipped with the very latest technology. The investment in the new plant amounts to SFR 160 million. Some 200 new jobs are to be created in Bronschhofen.

Prepared for future growth with new production capacities

The STIHL Group’s Swiss manufacturing subsidiary, STIHL & Co., already employs about 700 men and women at the existing chain plant in Wil. Sales of STIHL chains from this factory have grown steeply in recent years and this has necessitated the construction of a second production plant. “We are preparing ourselves for future growth by creating these new production capacities,” said General Partner and Chairman of the Advisory Board of STIHL Holding, Hans Peter Stihl, in his inaugural address.

“STIHL & Co. is a flagship of Swiss industry”

In his welcoming speech on behalf of the canton of St. Gallen, government representative Dr. Josef Keller called STIHL & Co. “a flagship of Swiss industry”. Referring to STIHL’s location policy, Dr. Keller said: “The continuous further development of the factories is proof of an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and the long-term planning of the company.” Max Rohr, council chairman of Bronschhofen, sees the new production facility as “a bold, modern structure, which attracts attention by way of the excellent use of colours in its design”.  He thanked STIHL for the “valuable and well supervised training places and jobs.”  He added “STIHL and the saw chain plant 2 are a welcome addition to Bronschhofen’s industry.

Stihl hopes for favourable outcome of EU referendum

Hans Peter Stihl stressed that the company was already having difficulty recruiting skilled staff for shift work. “If the rules on the free movement of people are rejected in the referendum to be held in February 2009, it would have a direct negative impact on STIHL & Co. for recruiting staff for shift work,” said Stihl. He therefore hopes very much that the result of the referendum will be favourable.

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