An international company with Swiss roots: This is how Gruner is evolving

Growth, independence, diversification – these are the means by which Gruner aims to achieve the desired resilience and successfully navigate the coming business years. In a video interview, various members of management discuss the planned growth steps.

“Our goal is to be broadly positioned both geographically and professionally in order to minimize risks and seize opportunities. We strive to be leaders in our markets and able to invest in our services, sustainability, and digitalization,” explains CEO Olivier Aebi regarding the growth strategy. Aebi also points out that the overall market – building construction, infrastructure, and energy combined – is showing a growth trend both in Switzerland and abroad, offering numerous opportunities. “However, we only grow where it makes sense, not for the sake of growth itself,” adds Aebi.

Location selection based on clear criteria

The selection of new locations is based on clear criteria. “Key factors include available resources, the qualification of the workforce, and the cultural conditions of the country,” explains Sergio Camilletti, Head of the Energy Business Area. This is how the new locations in Milan and Paris, for example, were established. Gruner applies similar selectivity when choosing its projects. Global projects such as those in the Philippines, Congo, or recently in Australia are not coincidental. “Our long-standing expertise in hydropower and dam heightening is in high demand in such regions,” Camilletti elaborates.

CEO Olivier Aebi and Energy Head Sergio Camilletti explain the planned growth – particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Local business remains central

In addition to international activities, local business remains a key focus for Gruner. “We are and will remain close to our customers in order to develop the best solution together,” says CEO Olivier Aebi. A successful example is the German regional business, which heavily relies on personal relationships. “We only sign contracts we fully stand behind – and that resonates,” says Manuel Tiedemann, Head of Fire Safety Germany. So much so that they are now recommended by authorities. “That makes us proud. There's a whole team behind this, once again proving that together we can achieve more.”

“Our transparent approach stands out in the German market,” says Manuel Tiedemann, Head of Fire Safety Germany.

Success in Germany and the Balkans

While Gruner’s fire safety services in Germany are gradually outgrowing their early stages, there is still great potential in other areas, such as building technology – known in Germany as Technical Building Equipment (TGA). After acquiring an office in Chemnitz, Gruner is now working on expanding the TGA sector to other locations. Things are also booming in Belgrade, and growth plans are already underway. For example, a second location in Novi Sad will open in the coming months. New employees are being hired to better serve the local market in the energy and infrastructure sectors. “This not only creates opportunities for Gruner but also for our collaborators,” says Cane Cekerevac, Head of Business Unit Energy Balkans & Eastern Europe. The expansion brings new, exciting possibilities for internal development. Overall, an international mindset is crucial. “We are always open to new challenges in the international market,” says Cekerevac. At the same time, Gruner’s Swiss roots provide a solid foundation for the next 162 years since the company's founding in 1862.

“Our international mindset, combined with our Swiss values, provides the perfect foundation for us to succeed in the market,” says Cane Cekerevac, Head of Business Unit Energy Balkans & Eastern Europe.