Pirmin Jung Schweiz AG wins the Prix SVC Central Switzerland 2023

The Prix SVC Central Switzerland was awarded for the ninth time in front of around 1100 guests at the KKL Luzern on May 2, 2023. Six finalists prevailed in a multi-stage selection process and faced the "final selection" that evening. Shortly before 7 p.m., SVC President Andreas Gerber let the cat out of the bag: Pirmin Jung Schweiz AG from Sursee won the first prize. This also made it clear that building with wood seems to be very popular in Central Switzerland. Last time, in 2021, a timber construction company, Renggli AG, won the award.

Winning prize for Pirmin Jung Schweiz AG from Sursee

The winning company 2023 is completely dedicated to the development of buildings made of wood. The cornerstone of Pirmin Jung's success was laid with the company owner's choice of profession as a skilled carpenter. He recognized early on the versatile possibilities of wood as a building material, "not only for single-family homes, but also for multi-story buildings," as he explained when introducing his company. Since 1996, the company has been developing and promoting construction with wood accordingly - out of conviction. Today, it has 120 employees at seven locations in Switzerland and Germany. As realistic forward thinkers of a new timber construction generation, they plan and act in the long term, sustainably and profitably, the company's tribute says. With their new company headquarters "House of Wood" in Sursee, Pirmin Jung is literally putting their company philosophy of "responsible building" into practice. The development and showcase project for digital, climate-friendly and recyclable planning and building meets the highest social, ecological and economic concerns. Urban Camenzind, jury president and Director of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Uri, paid tribute to the winner in his laudation: "Pirmin Jung Schweiz AG convinces through inspiration, quality and environmental awareness, combined with team performance, heart and soul and knowledge sharing." The jury was particularly impressed by the pioneering "House of Wood" building project, which embodies the company's vision for the timber construction of the future. And with the new construction of Dock A at Zurich Airport, another lighthouse project awaits realization.

The joy among the winners - represented by Pirmin Jung and Marianne Jung - was great. "The award is a huge recognition for us and is seen as an appreciation for all our employees," said Pirmin Jung in his acceptance speech. And Marianne Jung also expressed her satisfaction: "At last, with the engineers, those people are in the limelight who otherwise work mainly in the background.

InfoGuard AG from Baar and Stöckli Swiss Sports AG from Malters (LU) in second and third place, respectively.

Second place goes to InfoGuard AG from Baar, the leading independent Swiss company for comprehensive cyber security. Every day, 200 security experts work to ensure cyber security for more than 400 business customers in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. This is always a race against the cyber criminals: Sometimes they are one step ahead, sometimes again the defenders, CEO Thomas Meier characterized the daily work of his company. Customers include well-known banks, insurance companies, industrial companies, energy service providers, hospitals as well as service providers and public authorities. InfoGuard is an independent company, fully owned by the management and the board of directors with participation of the management.

The bronze medal went to Switzerland's most successful ski manufacturer, Stöckli Swiss Sports AG, based in Malters (LU). The long-established company, which has been in business since 1935, operates 10 specialist sports stores in Switzerland, 2 test centers and selectively supplies Swiss specialist sports retailers. Successful ski racer Marco Odermatt also relies on the Swiss ski brand, making him a valuable brand ambassador. Over 60 percent of the annual ski production is exported to over 40 countries. The company is led by CEO Marc Gläser. Addressing climate change and the associated lack of snow, he acknowledged the need to monitor developments. However, through diversification - for example, into sportswear - the company considers itself prepared for various scenarios. In any case, the outlook for the winter business in 2023 is still good, according to Gläser.

Diploma ranks go to Bachmann Forming AG from Hochdorf, EVZ Holding AG from Zug as well as Trihow AG from Rotkreuz

The diploma rank was awarded to Bachmann Forming AG, headquartered in Hochdorf, the Swiss family business develops and produces customized, intelligent packaging solutions for the food and non-food sectors; EVZ Holding AG, the largest ice hockey club in Central Switzerland and also an innovative sports company in the areas of sports, management, young talent and gastronomy; and Trihow AG from Rotkreuz, which develops holistic and human-oriented solutions in the hybrid space and thus builds bridges between the analog-sensual and the digital-efficient world.

Business rendezvous

The Swiss Venture Club (SVC) honors exemplary small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the ninth time with the Prix SVC Central Switzerland. Nik Hartmann hosted the award ceremony at the KKL Luzern, which was also livestreamed. The event offered the 1,100 invited guests from business, science, politics and the media insights into the region's impressive and diverse entrepreneurship. Christoph Baggenstos, SVC Regional Director Central Switzerland, emphasized: "It was wonderful to be able to compete again this year for the coveted trophy with the six impressive finalists in front of packed rows of seats. I was particularly pleased with the great atmosphere and the many personal encounters at the networking afterwards."

More information: Swiss Venture Club