Silac plastics plant celebrates 80th anniversary
Silac AG, a Swiss plastics plant based in Euthal SZ, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The owner-managed family business is now run by Peter Birchler in the third generation. The company specializes in the development, design and construction of molds as well as the production, finishing and assembly of plastic injection molding and thermoset articles.
In the spring of 1942, Silac started producing plastic buttons in an old schoolhouse in Oberiberg. Only two years after its foundation, the company needed more space and moved to Euthal. After the end of the war, the company expanded its range of products with hydraulic presses, automatic presses and high-performance thermoplastic injection molding machines. From then on, it was possible to produce thermoset and thermoplastic products that were in demand, such as cans, lids, screw caps, bottle caps and furniture handles. Silac thus quickly developed into an important regional employer.
From a producer of plastic buttons to a high-tech company
The company recognized the potential of well-trained employees early on and was eager to recruit young people from the very beginning. As early as 1960, the first mechanic apprentices could be taken on in the company. This was an important and logical step for the permanent quality assurance. Apprentice training is still an important principle in the company philosophy today. A lot of time and energy is invested in an exemplary apprentice training. Today, Silac trains not only prospective production mechanics, but also plastics technologists, polymechanics and business people.
Under the second generation, the family business developed into a progressive company with an excellent reputation. Herbert Birchler deliberately placed the emphasis on state-of-the-art technology. He continuously invested in machinery to keep up with the competition. The push for automation was necessary to guarantee the company's continued existence and thus the preservation of jobs in the long term. At the end of the 1980s, Silac dared to take the step forward and started planning a complete new building. In 1990, the move to the new building at the current headquarters in Euthal took place.
Expansion of the company building in 2020
In 1998, Peter Birchler was drawn to the family business. The then 27-year-old managing director skilfully set the course and developed Silac into a modern high-tech company that continues to consciously focus on Swiss quality despite international price pressure. Peter Birchler was and is convinced that Silac scores with its customers through speed, flexibility and quality. With the focus on always guaranteeing the highest quality to the customer, Silac, in contrast to many other injection molding companies, still operates its own tool shop today. Here, specially trained polymechanics build injection molds true to plan and with precision. Like his predecessors, Peter Birchler knows that people are behind Silac's success. A good next generation of professionals and motivated, highly qualified employees form the foundation of long-term success.
Another highlight in the history of Silac took place in 2020 with the opening of the new production hall. With a new total of 3,000 square meters of production space, the company is ready for the future. The new hall is equipped with state-of-the-art, fully automated production facilities. High-quality plastic solutions are manufactured here under maximum hygiene standards for the food industry. In addition, storage capacities have been expanded so that Silac can continue to meet increasing customer needs in the future.
Silac connects two plastic worlds
Silac combines the world of packaging and the world of technology in what it describes as a unique way. Stable and high-quality molds, which are created in the company's own tool shop, enable large production volumes for sophisticated packaging solutions. One of the top products is the Flex-Spring hinge for flap closures with an above-average load capacity at the largest opening angle. The company is a leader in the production of sophisticated plastic closures. Even complex parts for the electrical industry or machine and apparatus construction are produced quickly and in small or large volumes according to customer requirements thanks to state-of-the-art technology and many years of know-how. Using innovative 2-component technology, Silac can also process solid and soft materials in a single step. The result is tighter packaging, new design options, shorter production times and lower manufacturing costs. Another plus point for the company is the wide range of printing options for the plastic parts, which give customers an individual look.
Equipped for the future
The company is also committed to the responsible use of materials. Especially as a family-owned company, Silac is aware of its responsibility towards the next generation. It is committed to a closed, environmentally friendly plastics cycle in its own operations and recycles its own plastic waste. Furthermore, Silac has the following certifications that reinforce the company's high quality standards: FSSC 22000 (version 5.1), ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.
"The recent FSSC 22000 certification, the continuous expansion of the technology and printing range, and the innovative use of bio-based plastics are further stages in the 80-year success story of Silac AG. Moreover, with Luca and Olivier Birchler, the fourth generation is already working in the company. I am very happy that with them we can continue the family tradition and continue to offer our customers outstanding plastics solutions in the future," adds Managing Director Peter Birchler.
On Saturday, September 10, 2022, Silac invites interested parties to an open house. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can take a look behind the scenes on a tour and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of plastics. Guests will also be treated to culinary delights on this day. www.silac.ch
