Our history
From start-up to international industrial company
Founding years
1946
At the age of 22, Ruedi Wandfluh founds a small mechanical workshop in Frutigen (Switzerland). Together with two employees, he carries out mechanical repair work.
1949
Ruedi Wandfluh marries Gertrud Stucki. In the same year, he builds a factory in Kandergrund. In addition to repair work, he develops machines for the efficient processing of watch jewels: Drilling machines, counting machines, automatic setting machines, etc.
1953
Due to a decline in the watch industry, a partial patent for Dotis knitting machines is taken over. The machines are further developed.
1954
Ruedi Wandfluh dies unexpectedly. The death of the company founder calls the factory into question. At the same time, the first knitting machines are ready for sale.
Realignment
1954
The widowed Gertrud Wandfluh decides to keep the jobs in the region and continue to run the company. She is a trained home economics teacher and mother of three small children.
1960
On the advice of a friend, Gertrud Wandfluh decides to enter into the development, production and sale of hydraulic valves. A fundamental decision for the future of the company.
1962
After the decision in 1960, it takes a while before the first significant sales can be made. But with the first good references, the breakthrough is achieved.
1966
Due to the sharp increase in sales, primarily to the Swiss machine tool industry, the production area in Kandergrund is doubled.
Growth
1967
Due to the strong growth and the remarriage of owner Gertrud Wandfluh, the company is converted into a public limited company. Hans Hari-Wandfluh becomes the first Chairman of the Board of Directors.
1971
Following a restructuring of the management, Ernst Plüss becomes director of the company.
1975
Implementation of the first phase of new construction in Frutigen. The recessionary effects caused by the oil crisis are largely offset by the acquisition of competitor Müller Automation in Thun.
1975
Production of the first proportional valves and the electronic cards required to control them. Miniature and soft-action valves are also developed and some are patented.
Internationalization & diversification
1983
After graduating from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich with a degree in engineering, two years of practical experience and a two-year introductory period, Hansruedi Wandfluh, son of the company founder, takes over the management of the company.
1984
Internationalization of the company through Wandfluh companies in the USA and Germany. A holding company is founded in 1985 as the umbrella for the group. This is later followed by a company in the UK.
1993
Takeover of an Ascom AG plant with 50 employees in Frutigen, continuation under the name Wandfluh Produktions AG. In the same year, the Wandfluh company in England commences operations.
1999
Hansruedi Wandfluh is elected to the National Council, the Swiss legislature. As an entrepreneur, it is important to him to improve the framework conditions for Switzerland as a business location.
The new millennium
2001
In order to work closer to the market, a sales base is also opened in France.
2003
Wandfluh adds a technology module to its product range and now offers "DSV" hydraulic valves with integrated electronics.
2005
After several years of activity in the Chinese market, a separate Wandfluh company is established in China.
2015
In response to the call for local manufacturing, a new production plant is being built and commissioned in Shanghai.
Global solution provider
2017
After completing his doctorate at ETH Zurich, experience abroad and a period of introduction, Matthias Wandfluh, grandson of the company founder, takes over the operational management of Wandfluh AG.
2018
Foundation of a new subsidiary in Austria. The following year, Wandfluh takes over a contract manufacturing company in Schweinfurt as part of a succession solution and continues to run it as Wandfluh SM.
2023
With the PMV and CMV, Wandfluh launches two new modular product lines and expands its portfolio in the direction of system solutions.
2024
Branches are established in Italy, India and Sweden to be closer to customers.