- CHF 40 million investment in a state-of-the-art innovation and production campus in Aargau, Switzerland
- Consolidation of three existing sites into one integrated facility, supporting R&D, engineering, production and services, and will host its unique test rig for aerospace turbine coating systems
- Strengthens Oerlikon’s position as a global technology partner in aerospace, automotive and general industry sectors
Oerlikon celebrated the groundbreaking of its new global innovation and production center for thermal spray systems and coating cervices at Campus Reichhold in Aargau, Switzerland.
The new facility will bring together approx. 250 highly skilled employees, currently located at three separate Swiss sites. The consolidated campus will integrate research and development, engineering, production and customer services into a single, state-of-the-art hub. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in Q2 2025, with completion targeted for Q4 2026. Operations are expected to commence in Q1 2027.
“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to Switzerland, where our roots run deep,” said Prof. Dr. Michael Suess, Executive Chairman of Oerlikon. “The new Campus Reichhold will be instrumental in advancing our aerospace and general industry businesses by unifying the entire value chain in one collaborative environment. It also reinforces our position as an attractive employer in the region.”
A strategic hub for advanced surface solutions
The center will primarily serve customers in the aerospace, automotive and general industrial markets. Among its features is its unique test rig for aerospace turbine components – a key asset for validating next-generation thermal spray coatings under real-world conditions.
At Campus Reichhold, Oerlikon will develop the next generation of thermal spray technologies (coatings and equipment), laser-based technologies (Direct Energy Deposition) and provide state-of-the-art services to our customers from various industries. Those developments will improve heat resistance, durability and corrosion protection in high-performance components. For example, these coatings allow jet turbines to operate safely at temperatures up to 1 200°C, enabling more efficient combustion and fuel savings of approximately 9%.
Sustainable innovation and future-ready infrastructure
Sustainability will be a core focus of the new campus, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across energy use, mobility and resource management. The design reflects Oerlikon’s dedication to environmental responsibility and its ambition to set new benchmarks in sustainability.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, medical, luxury and semiconductors. Headquartered in Pfaeffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon together with its subsidiary Barmag operates in 38 countries with more than 12,000 employees across 199 locations, achieving sales of CHF 2.4 billion in 2024.
