Prix SVC Economic Area Zurich 2024: Hauenstein AG
The Prix SVC Zurich Economic Area will be awarded on November 26, 2024. Five companies are in the final, one of which is Hauenstein AG from Rafz ZH. A brief portrait of this traditional and innovative company in the "green sector".
Hauenstein AG, based in Rafz ZH, is one of the leading tree nurseries and garden centers in Switzerland. Founded in 1890 by Walter Hauenstein, the family business has made a name for itself over 130 years by specializing in the production of hardy plants. With around 180 employees, Hauenstein AG now operates a tree nursery in Rafz and four garden centers in Rafz, Zurich, Baar and Winterthur. Under the leadership of Rainer Marxsen, who has been in charge of operational management since 2013, the company focuses on tradition, sustainability and innovation.
Pioneer in the "green sector"
What began in 1890 as a small tree nursery on nine acres of land quickly developed into one of the leading companies in the Swiss horticultural industry. In 1960, the company was transformed into a public limited company and in the same year, Hauenstein opened Switzerland's first garden center in Zurich. This laid the foundations for the company's current success.
Another milestone in the company's history was the expansion of the show garden in Rafz in 2013 and the opening of the Botanica restaurant, which revolutionized the shopping experience for customers. In the same year, Hauenstein AG received the Taspo Award as the best company-run garden center in Europe - proof of its innovative strength and commitment to the highest quality.
Sustainability as a cornerstone
Sustainability has always been firmly anchored in the corporate philosophy of Hauenstein AG. Around 75 % of the plants on offer come from the company's own production of native, hardy plants that are certified with the "Suisse Garantie" label. The plant cultures have been irrigated with Rhine water since 1979. This is an environmentally friendly system that completely avoids the use of drinking water. In addition, Hauenstein AG has not used peat in container plant production since 2002 and instead relies on plant strengthening agents instead of chemical pesticides.
The new pot hall in Flaach, which is equipped with a photovoltaic system, was completed in April 2024. The majority of the electricity generated is used in production, in the social areas and for charging electric vehicles, while surplus energy is fed into the public grid. This represents a further step towards a sustainable energy supply.
Commitment to the common good
Every year, the company supports charitable projects that are in line with its corporate values. In 2023, for example, the "Hortipharr" project in Côte d'Ivoire was supported for the fourth time, creating local jobs and promoting agricultural development - a sign of the company's long-term social commitment.
More information: www.hauenstein-rafz.ch / www.svc.swiss
Prix SVC Economic Area Zurich 2024
The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Kongresshaus Zurich. Around 1,500 guests from the worlds of business, science, politics and culture are expected to attend. The award ceremony will be hosted by Nik Hartmann. More information.
