Swiss heatset printer Swissprinters will cease operations at the end of September 2024. The company, owned by leading Swiss media companies Ringier (70%) and NZZ (30%), produces magazines, brochures and catalogs, and employs 144 people in Zofingen. Some of the job cuts may be offset by early retirement.
"It's no longer possible to cope with the worsening market situation"
The printing market throughout Europe has been in a difficult situation for several years, explains Ringier, a group with sales of 1010 million Swiss francs (around 1077 million euros).
The loss of several major printing orders in recent months, the general decline in volumes and the persistent rise in paper and energy prices have further exacerbated the situation "the tense economic situation from Swissprinters.
"Even with additional cost-cutting measures, it is no longer possible to cope with the worsening market situation" he continues, pointing out that he had already made operational adjustments last summer.
Tender launched for printing of Ringier and NZZ magazines
Continuation solutions are to be found for existing customers. For the magazines of the Ringier and NZZ groups, an international invitation to tender is being prepared, in addition to a national one. In its press release, the printer points out that, following its closure, Switzerland does not have sufficient capacity to handle this magazine production.
Michael Ringier, Chairman of the Ringier Board of Directors, comments: "Ringier has a 190-year company history, which began in Zofingen with a printing plant. It would be the end of an era and therefore an emotional subject for us. I very much regret the planned closure. We remain closely linked to the Zofingen site: Ringier AG's head office is and will remain in Zofingen."
