Many successful partnerships do not begin with a major contract, but with small projects undertaken together. A few years ago, the business relationship between Gilgen Door Systems and Gugler Elektronik started with small-scale painting assignments. Thanks to Gugler’s flexibility and geographical proximity, various prototype projects soon followed. Now the next milestone has been reached: Gilgen is entrusting Gugler with the production of FD side covers, the component where a door leaf operator is configured.
From a logistics perspective, this is the largest order ever awarded to the Fribourg-based company and can only be handled thanks to its relocation. Gugler Managing Director Matthias Schafer explains: “This year, we moved into a new facility and more than doubled our production space to 2,500 square metres.” The new building is located in Marly, less than half an hour from Gilgen’s headquarters in Schwarzenburg. During his visit to the new site, Gilgen Lead Buyer Clay Piller was impressed: “The processes on site are highly structured, and the new facility demonstrates both a willingness to grow and the capacity to invest.”
A Forward-Thinking and Proactive Approach
Since its founding in 1990, Gugler Elektronik has built extensive experience in electronic manufacturing. Swiss quality and close customer relationships have always been at the heart of its services. Today, the company goes even further, as Matthias Schafer explains: “Our employees carefully inspect components and point out potential issues, even when these are outside their immediate area of responsibility.” The goal is to support customers with technical expertise already during the development phase and to proactively monitor the long-term availability of components.
In previous prototype projects, Gilgen benefited from Gugler’s high degree of flexibility. Clay Piller notes: “Last-minute changes and express deliveries were always implemented reliably.” This reflects an understanding of partnership that extends beyond the traditional role of a supplier.
Commitment That Drives Motivation
Gugler aims to be seen by its customers more as an extended manufacturing department than as an external partner. According to Matthias Schafer, this mindset is evident in everyday work: “Many employees are familiar with Gilgen products from their personal surroundings and later encounter the doors they helped manufacture in shopping centres, railway stations or public buildings.” This creates a strong sense of identification and increases individual motivation.
Open communication and mutual trust also define the partnership. Challenges are addressed directly and solved together. “Gilgen is a fair, professional and honest partner,” says Matthias Schafer. Both companies communicate with respect, pragmatism and on equal terms. This is how an initial series of small projects developed into a partnership that has opened up new horizons.
