With over 300 guests in attendance, GF Machining Solutions opened its new innovation and production center in Biel, Switzerland on September 13, 2019. The new building will serve as the division’s new headquarters.
The company invested two years and nearly 100 million Swiss francs ($100 million USD) in the construction of the new 44,000-square-meter facility, which unites three former locations in Nidau, Ipsach and Luterbach, Switzerland and brings the Swiss milling and laser production divisions together for the first time. The new building provides room for new R&D and application centers and allocates 13,000 square meters of space for production and assembly. Bright, spacious workspaces will encourage collaboration among the locations’ nearly 450 employees.
“From this new location, we will be able to strengthen our position as a global player, and at the same time maintain on our Swiss roots,” said Pascal Boillat, president of GF Machining Solutions. During his speech, Boillat thanked city officials and the general contractor, HRS Real Estate AG, for their collaboration.
Among those in attendance at the grand opening were local dignitaries Christoph Ammann, President of the Cantonal Government and Head Cantonal Department of Economic Affairs, Erich Fehr, Mayor of the City of Biel, as well as other representatives from the political and business sectors, and GF customers from around the world.
“For our business location and local industry, GF’s expanded presence is extremely positive. The new building is an important milestone for the city of Biel and surrounding area,” said Ammann.
Fehr commented, “The new facility significantly and, above all, further strengthens the City of Biel – a place for research and innovation. Switzerland, as a business location, maintains its legitimacy even in the face of tough international competition.”
Andreas Müller, CEO of GF, closed by saying, “We are committed to our roots and our tradition as a technology and innovation leader. Swiss-made is more than the confirmation of a certain origin. Nowadays, it is a global brand which stands for quality and reliability.”
About GF Machining Solutions
GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machine tools, diverse technical solutions and services to manufacturers of precision molds and tooling and of tight-tolerance, precision-machined components. The key segments we serve include the aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics industries. Our extensive portfolio ranges from Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) solutions, three- and five-axis Milling machines and Spindles, Laser texturing machines, Additive Manufacturing and machines for Laser micromachining to solutions for Tooling, Automation, Software and Digitalization—all backed by unrivaled Customer Services and support. GF Machining Solutions is a globally acting Division of the Georg Fischer Group (Switzerland) and maintains a presence at 50 locations worldwide. Its 3,394 employees generated sales of CHF 1,066 million in 2018.
