"This is by far the biggest machine-tool plant in Switzerland,” states Pascal Boillat, president of GF Machining Solutions. “With our new headquarters, we not only have a fantastic, state-of-the-art facility, but one that will help us achieve our long-term growth plans and objectives. From this new site we will be able to consolidate our position as a global powerhouse and offer best -in-class solutions to our customers worldwide, while at the same time underlining our Swiss heritage.”
He continues: “When the project was in its early design stage back in 2015, the Swiss Franc was strong, and getting stronger. Everybody then was talking about decentralising production operations. We took the opposite view, and now this position has been vindicated. The ‘Made in Switzerland’ brand is respected throughout the world as a kite mark for quality and reliability. Furthermore, the geographical location of the new facility cannot be beaten. We have an excellent education system, a pool of talented young people and first-class universities on our doorstep – everything we need to make premium machines.”
Antonio Faccio, head of market region Europe and South America at GF Machining Solutions, adds: “Investing here in Switzerland sends a strong signal and reinforces our belief that technological know-how and expertise are closely related to people and geographical location. This combination has contributed to the success, in recent years, of our milling operations, which have experienced double-digit growth.”
The decision to build the facility in Biel was an easy one, as Boillat explains: “If you draw a 50 km circle around Biel, 90% of the Swiss machine-tool industry and 80% of the watchmaking sector will be located within that circle. Biel is like the Swiss ‘Silicon Valley’ for precision manufacturing.”
The location of the site is also strategically important because it is easier to find highly skilled people working in the precision machining industry. Universities like EPFL in Lausanne or ETH in Zurich, as well as Biel University of Applied Sciences with its Engineering and Information Technology Department, are all in close proximity.
Andreas Müller, CEO of GF, enthusiastically supports the investment: “This is our biggest investment in Switzerland in over 30 years, and our most modern facility yet for the development and production of milling machines, spindles and automation solutions.”
GF has invested over CHF100 million – around €91 million – building the plant. The facility intends to manufacture 65 machines per month, and is equipped to comply with all major traceability and certification requirements. Construction and assembly of the milling machines follows strict, step-by-step protocols to ensure quality.
Up to 2,300 spindles will be tested annually at the site, with a test duration from four to eight hours, while six employees are dedicated entirely to spindle analysis and diagnosis.
Bringing the different teams and specialisms together under one roof will create synergies and economies of scale; at the same time delivering constant innovation.
Boillat says: “We’ll focus all of our efforts and resources on innovation. This will ensure market differentiation and competitiveness.”
Vincent Mohni, head of technical unit milling at GF Machining Solutions, adds: “While many people see our new headquarters as an achievement, I personally see it as the beginning of our journey. This site is like a masterpiece for producing high-tech, high-quality Swiss 5-axis milling machines, spindles and laser machines.”
A tour of the production facility provided guests with a sneak preview of the new machines that are going to be available in the next few months. These include: the Mikron Mill P 500, a 3-axis vertical machining centre with high material removal rate capabilities; and the 5-axis Mill P 1400U, which is equipped with an axis stroke of 1,400 by 1,300 by 750 mm, and allows the machining of large and heavy workpieces up to 3 tonnes in weight. Both machines feature a newly conceived ergonomic design that provides easy access to the machining area, and enables the easy integration of automation systems.
