
New acquisition strengthens market for stainless steel fittings
The Franke Group has acquired the manufacturer Nokite EcoSmart Water Heating Systems in order to expand its expertise in stainless steel taps. Nokite will be integrated into the Home Solutions division and complements the strategic focus on the growing water treatment market. The regulatory trend

Scaling solutions for innovative cell products
The Cultured Hub was opened in Kemptthal - a state-of-the-art facility for the development and scaling of sustainable food and cell products. Companies are given access to laboratories, production capacities and networks to accelerate their market launch. The Hub enables pilot projects of up to

The former cantonal hospital becomes an urban oasis
The new "süd-see Zug" neighbourhood is being built on the former site of the Zug Cantonal Hospital. A combination of living, working and leisure directly on Lake Zug. With a green concept that integrates open spaces and a variety of uses, the neighbourhood will become a destination for residents

Labour Office sets course for the future
The Office for Employment (AFA) is modernising its structures and services in order to better meet the needs of jobseekers and companies. The key points of the new 2025-2030 strategy are the optimisation of processes, greater digitalisation and the consolidation of

Revolutionary technology for the computer world
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a photonic processor that performs AI calculations using light instead of electrons. The system enables ultra-fast data processing with minimal energy consumption and could revolutionise computer technology in the long

Switzerland on course for net zero
UBS presents its "Downhill Climb" study at the Building Bridges Conference 2024. The analysis shows that Switzerland has a strong starting position for the transition to net zero, but challenges such as electricity capacity, energy storage and negative emissions must be

Into the future with wood and clay
The "Think Earth - Regenerative Building" flagship project, which is funded by Innosuisse, is researching innovative construction methods using wood and clay. The aim is to develop efficient, scalable methods for climate-neutral construction and to strengthen the circular



Thermochemical storage optimises solar energy use
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and industrial partner Matica have commissioned a pilot plant for a sorption storage heat pump in Frauenfeld. Here, solar energy is stored thermochemically without loss in summer and utilised for heating in



Blockchain platform strengthens property trading in Spain
SIX Group is investing in the Spanish company OpenBrick. It is developing a digital platform for the issuance, management, trading and settlement of tokenised securities linked to real estate projects. It is due to receive its EU licence via the Spanish stock exchange in

Start of construction for alpine solar plant in Klosters
Madrisa Solar AG has given the go-ahead for the preliminary work on the solar installation at the Klosters-Madrisa mountain railway. The plant will generate 17 gigawatt hours of electricity at 2000 metres above sea level. Klosters, EKZ and Repower each hold a one-third stake in the

Advanced logistics solution: opening of the new centre in Möhlin
Rhenus Logistics AG is opening its Swiss logistics centre in Möhlin in January 2025. Around 80 employees will be supported there by 30 robots and seven RoboShuttles. The photovoltaic system on the roof will generate 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per

Pilatus Arena: progress in construction and new ownership structure
Halter Group AG is to become the majority shareholder of the Pilatus Arena in Kriens, which is currently under construction. The 4,500-seat arena is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025. Halter holds 70 per cent and Caranto AG from Lucerne 30 per


New neighbourhood planned at Pratteln railway station
The majority of the population of the municipality of Pratteln has approved the construction plans for the Bredella West neighbourhood. Building owner Ina Invest from Opfikon can now begin the transformation of the industrial site into a living, working and residential


IMMO25 – Where the Who’s Who of the property industry meets
The annual property fair for investors will once again be held in Zurich Oerlikon from 15 to 16 January. With 150 national and international exhibitors, more than 4,000 professional visitors and over 120 high-calibre panel guests at the forum, the fair is regarded as the most important industry

Winterthur adapts building and zoning regulations
The city of Winterthur is introducing the harmonised building terms of the "Intercantonal Agreement on the Harmonisation of Building Terms" (IVHB) with a partial revision of the building and zoning regulations (BZO). In doing so, it is implementing cantonal requirements and creating a more


New approaches to collaboration and remuneration
The revised service and fee regulations (LHO) of the SIA mark significant progress in the construction and planning industry. With the harmonisation of the SIA 102, 103, 105 and 108 regulations, the focus has shifted to greater cooperation, accompanied by clearly defined service descriptions and

How to make wood glow
Hardwood is increasingly being cultivated in Swiss forests and its sustainable utilisation requires new approaches. Empa researchers have developed a ground-breaking solution: Wood that glows green with the help of a fungus and, as a biohybrid, enables new applications in design and





