News

SWISCA AG has appointed Daniel Laubscher as its new CEO, effective 1 January 2026. The 46-year-old mechanical engineer succeeds Heinz Brand, who will assume strategic leadership as Chairman of the Board of Directors. With this leadership change, the Appenzell-based company is responding to its strong growth and establishing new structures for its planned expansion. Daniel Laubscher brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the mechanical engineering industry. The Swiss national, born in the United States, most recently served as Chief Technical Officer at a globally leading industrial company in Liechtenstein. From 2007 to 2016, he headed the research and development division of an internationally active Swiss technology group. With his proven experience in the milling industry and an Executive MBA, Laubscher has the expertise needed to lead SWISCA into its next phase of growth. “I am very much looking forward to taking on responsibility for SWISCA and to actively shaping the future of milling technology together with SWISCA’s highly motivated and experienced team,” says Laubscher, father of two children. The current CEO, Heinz Brand, will move to the top of the Board of Directors. Current members Dr. Peter-Paul Stengel, Peter Heinrich Steindl and Philippe Robert Kummli will continue in their roles. Since its founding in 2018, SWISCA has established itself as a technology leader in milling solutions. As a full-service provider for the milling industry, the company delivers an end-to-end portfolio – from individual machines and components such as weighing systems, roller mills, and plansifters to complete milling plants. Its energy-efficient and food-safe solutions are exported to leading food manufacturers in more than 50 countries and have received multiple international awards. “‘Next Generation’ is more than a promise,” says Heinz Brand. “With our new leadership structure and the Herisau headquarters, we are creating a foundation for Switzerland’s next generation of milling professionals to drive technological innovation.” This step further strengthens SWISCA’s position as a premium provider of sustainable milling technology.

At SWISCA, National Future Day 2025 was all about hands-on experience and discovering the world of technology! Curious young talents got an up-close look at our workplace and took part in a variety of interactive activities: 3D Planning and Printing: Create digital models and see them come to life on a 3D printer Machine Assembly: Build SWISCA machine components themselves Laboratory Mill: Grind wheat and prepare muffin mixes National Future Day gives young people the chance to explore different careers and gain practical insights into the working world. At SWISCA, we believe that nurturing young talent is an investment in the future. The day inspires enthusiasm for technology and innovation in the milling industry while opening doors to exciting career opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to all participants and our team – we can’t wait to welcome the next generation in 2026!

We are delighted to be part of The 100 Most Exciting Swiss Companies. The newly published book features companies that shape the Swiss economy through innovation, tradition, and entrepreneurial spirit. For us, as a comparatively young Swiss company, being included is a special recognition—and a great pleasure to be featured alongside other established Swiss brands. SWISCA1single.jpg SWISCA2single.jpg SWISCA3single.jpg SWISCA4single.jpg

SWISCA AG is moving forward with the planned new building at Nordhalden in Herisau. After a successful design competition, the project by Meier Hug Architects was unanimously selected. It combines industrial efficiency with sustainable construction and creates space for the company’s further growth. With the new building at Nordhalden, SWISCA is sending a strong signal for Herisau as an industrial location. The winning project convinced the jury, consisting of representatives from construction, the municipality, and SWISCA, with its thoughtful integration into the challenging topography and its clear industrial architectural language. A glass-fronted “school mill” will become the centerpiece of the new building, making the innovative strength of the local company visible from the outside. The spacious assembly hall, supported by only five columns, offers maximum flexibility for production and logistics. In general, the layout allows for short distances and creates workspaces with natural lighting and clear connections to the outside. "With this new building, we are bringing 'Next Generation' to life," says Heinz Brand, CEO of SWISCA AG. "We increase our efficiency, expand value creation for our customers through training and technology courses, and create sustainable, attractive jobs in the region." The project consistently emphasizes sustainability. "We are developing the site not only architecturally but also ecologically," explains Michael Meier of Meier Hug Architects from Zürich. Geothermal energy and photovoltaics, green spaces, recycled steel, and CO₂-optimized concrete underline this commitment. "It is great to see the project progressing," says municipal president Max Eugster. "We are convinced that we have found the ideal partner in SWISCA. The project aligns with the municipal development plan and integrates harmoniously into the existing industrial architecture of our community. And of course, we are also pleased about the approximately 200 jobs that will be created here." Meier Hug Architects are working on the preliminary project, which is expected to be completed in summer 2026. Construction is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2027.

SWISCA surprises with SIFTO transport by passenger train A true novelty that only SWISCA could make possible: a large plansifter transported on an ordinary passenger train. What at first sounded like a bold idea quickly turned into reality – thanks to a motivated team and the modular design of the SIFTO plansifter, which made the undertaking almost effortless. “The modularity of SIFTO has always been a key focus for us, especially to enable simple and efficient upgrades of existing plants. All elements fit through standard doors – but that we would one day transport a plansifter by train is something I could never have imagined,” says Jonas Schär, Head of Development at SWISCA. Philipp Schumacher, Head of Installation, was enthusiastic about the project from the very beginning and never doubted its success: “Of course, there were one or two hurdles – for example with the station stairs in Flawil – but we always find a solution. The installation in St. Gallen took less than two hours, which even surprised me a little.” During the five days that SIFTO was displayed in the Sala d’Attesa in St. Gallen, many exciting interactions took place – both with industry professionals and with curious passers-by. And as a small giveaway, everyone interested could take home a pack of SWISCA flour to bake with. With this initiative, SWISCA once again demonstrated how innovation, team effort and the consistent pursuit of new ideas go hand in hand – and that SIFTO is not only modular, but in fact mobile.

SWISCA celebrates successful debut at Ipack Ima 2025 A new milestone for SWISCA: In May 2025, the company participated for the first time in the international trade fair Ipack Ima in Milan – one of the leading platforms for processing and packaging technology, with strong relevance for the milling and grain processing industry. The response was overwhelming: with nearly 100 concrete inquiries – ranging from single machines to complete milling plants – the strong interest in SWISCA’s solutions was clearly demonstrated. “In the follow-up, we were already able to specify the first milling projects and even successfully close some of them,” explains Stefan Sonderer, Head of Sales at SWISCA. “This success confirms that our technologies meet the exact needs of the industry.” To give visitors a real hands-on experience, SWISCA placed particular emphasis on the on-site presentation of its equipment. All key machines were showcased directly at the booth, allowing visitors to see and feel the high quality of the products. The spotlight was on the company’s latest development, SIFTO, which was presented to a European audience for the very first time. In addition to innovation and technology, sustainability also played a central role in the exhibition concept. “Trade fairs are costly, which is why it was important to us not only to make a strong impression but also to reuse resources wherever possible,” emphasizes Michael Tremp, Head of Marketing at SWISCA. The booth was therefore designed in such a way that all elements would have a second life after the show: the cabin now serves as a phone room, the bar has found its place in the break room at the Flawil headquarters, and the fiberglass poles continue to hang from the ceiling – now fulfilling their original purpose as suspension bars for sifters. With this successful debut, SWISCA has not only demonstrated its innovative strength but also shown how sustainable trade fair concepts and technological excellence can go hand in hand.

Jonas Schär Takes Over Development Leadership from Andreas Kleiner, Who Will Focus on Customer Service Andreas Kleiner, co-founder and former Head of Development, handed over the leadership of the department to Jonas Schär on July 1. Andreas Kleiner will now focus on the strategic and operational development of Customer Service – a move that underlines SWISCA’s commitment to first-class customer support. With a background in aerospace engineering, Jonas previously led the design team of the groundbreaking Solar Impulse project, where he played a key role in developing the solar-powered aircraft. He is passionate about solving complex problems and driving innovations that deliver real value to the milling industry. At SWISCA, he has been closely involved in the supervision of the Plansifter project (SIFTO) from day one. “Jonas has once again demonstrated with the SIFTO project that he possesses excellent skills in both development and leadership. We are very happy to fill the position with a personality like him,” says Heinz Bran, CEO of SWISCA. In Customer Service, Andreas Kleiner will take all necessary steps to further increase customer value: “We aim to proactively manage the installed base and develop new service products of all kinds that help our customers succeed.” Andreas Kleiner adds: “After eight years in R&D, combined with repeated assignments in Service, I am looking forward to this new chapter.”

SWISCA has once again taken center stage at the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Expo, this time in Oklahoma City, where it received the Best of Show Award for its innovative SIFTO plansifter. This award represents the second consecutive IAOM win for SWISCA — following last year’s recognition of the ROMIL roller mill — and is already the third international honor the young Swiss company has earned since its founding in 2018. It’s a strong endorsement of SWISCA’s consistent commitment to driving innovation in milling technology. At the heart of SIFTO’s success lies a completely reengineered sieve concept. Unlike traditional mesh screens, SIFTO uses etched thin-metal sieves with a hexagonal perforation pattern. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented precision, a maximized open sieve area, and enhanced process reliability. SIFTO also sets new standards in hygiene and maintenance. Its housing-free design and stainless-steel product-contact parts eliminate the need for adhesives and sealing materials — a major step forward in food safety and equipment durability. The fully modular system enables easy integration into both new plant layouts and existing milling operations. What makes this award especially meaningful is that it was decided entirely by audience feedback, rather than by jury. SIFTO’s reception on the show floor was overwhelmingly positive. “The fact that it was millers on the ground who voted for SIFTO makes this award particularly meaningful to us,” said Andreas Kleiner, Head of Research and Development at SWISCA. “It’s direct validation from the field — from the very people we’re developing these solutions for.” With this latest achievement, SWISCA continues to reinforce its position as a leading force for innovation in the milling industry, furthering its mission to redefine milling processes around the world.

Next Generation Action at SWISCA! There was a buzz of excitement at SWISCA on National Future Day! We were delighted to welcome many curious young talents and give them an insight into the fascinating world of technology and innovation. The National Future Day offers young people the opportunity to explore different professions for a day and gain valuable insights into everyday working life – and we were thrilled to be part of it! What is National Future Day? National Future Day takes place every year in Switzerland and aims to give young people access to the world of work and support them in their career orientation. On this day, students from grades 5 to 7 change their perspective: they accompany parents, relatives, or companies and get to know different professional fields firsthand. This allows them to discover careers that are not traditionally associated with their gender and to explore their own interests. Experience Technology Up Close – A Day Full of Innovation at SWISCA Under the motto "Next Generation Action at SWISCA," young visitors had the chance to engage in exciting activities and experience hands-on learning. Our program offered a diverse mix of theory and practice: 3D Drawing and Printing: Participants could design digital models and bring their creations to life using a 3D printer. Component Assembly: Under the guidance of our experts, the young talents assembled various machine components from SWISCA themselves. Working at the Laboratory Mill: A special highlight was gaining insight into milling technology, where the participants experienced the grain processing steps firsthand and even produced and packaged a muffin mix themselves. Our goal was not only to convey theoretical knowledge but also to actively involve the young people in our work processes. This allowed them to test their practical skills, understand technical contexts, and experience SWISCA's spirit of innovation up close.

On September 27th our annual company event took place, and around 140 SWISCA employees and their families accepted the invitation to the Kornhaus in Romanshorn. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the lively chatter of colleagues and families filling the venue. The evening kicked off with an aperitif, where exciting precision games provided entertainment and sparked friendly competition. The culinary highlights left nothing to be desired: an Italian buffet with a variety of delicious dishes, fine wines, and the much-loved ice cream station brought smiles to the faces of guests young and old. Laughter, shared stories, and the joy of coming together made the event truly memorable. A special thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making this evening so special – from the organizers to every participant who filled the night with warmth and good spirits. We are already looking forward to next year's celebration!

In the fall of 2024, SWISCA participated in two major trade fairs in Latin America: the Abitrigo Conference in Brazil and the ALIM in Paraguay. These events provided valuable opportunities to present our innovative solutions and engage with industry experts. The Abitrigo Conference is a key platform for the Brazilian and international milling industry. It brings together professionals from various sectors to discuss current developments, technological innovations, and market trends. At the 2024 edition, we showcased our latest solutions, including ROMIL, and held numerous insightful discussions with both existing and potential partners. After a brief stop in the impressive Foz do Iguaçu, known for its breathtaking waterfalls, Stefan continued to the ALIM in Paraguay. The Asociación Latinoamericana de Industriales Molineros (ALIM) is one of the most significant events for the milling and grain processing industry in Latin America. It brings together professionals from different countries to exchange knowledge and discover new technologies. A special thanks goes to Stefan, who represented SWISCA with great dedication at both fairs – a remarkable achievement! We also extend our gratitude to everyone who visited our booths and showed interest in our solutions. We look forward to continuing to participate in international events and shaping the future of the milling industry together with our partners.

December at SWISCA brought not only a festive atmosphere but also some special moments for our team. Even Santa himself was impressed by the many new products we launched this year – and he rewarded our employees generously for their dedication. To celebrate the end of the year, we gathered for a casual aperitif in the production area, reflecting on a successful year together. A Christmas tree made of employee gifts added a festive touch and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. A heartfelt thank you to our entire team – your commitment and hard work made all of this possible! We look forward to the coming year with excitement and to the new challenges and opportunities it will bring. Together, we will continue to shape a successful future in 2025 and beyond!

Our ROMIL roller mill made a spectacular entrance into the Volkach Parish Hall – not with wings, but with the help of a crane! For the 49th Mill Conference organized by the Bavarian Millers' Association (Bayerischer Müllerbund e.V.), we brought not only cutting-edge technology but also a selection of Swiss specialties. The Volkach Mill Conference is one of the most important industry events in the German-speaking region. Each year, it gathers numerous experts from the milling and grain processing industry to discuss current developments, technological innovations, and future challenges. In addition to expert presentations and discussions, the conference provides a valuable platform for direct exchange between manufacturers, mill operators, and suppliers. Our highlight: the presentation of the ROMIL roller mill, renowned for its precision and efficiency. Thanks to a crane, it was lifted impressively into the venue – a true eye-catcher! During our presentation, attendees gained deeper insights into the technical advantages of the ROMIL before the exhibit made its way back to Switzerland. A big thank you to the Bavarian Millers' Association for the opportunity to showcase our innovations and to all visitors for their keen interest. We are already looking forward to the 50th edition next year – and we’ll surely bring something exciting again!

With the theme "Home of Innovation," SWISCA AG opened its doors for the first time to host a unique customer event. In September 2024, the Swiss technology company welcomed guests from around the world to the cantons of Appenzell and St. Gallen. The three-day event aimed to showcase the latest innovations in milling technology and foster personal exchanges with customers and partners. A central highlight of the event was the presentation of SWISCA's latest machine developments by its engineers. The spotlight was on the ROMIL roller mill, which sets new standards in grain processing with its precision and efficiency. Guests gained in-depth insights into these technical innovations and had the opportunity to experience the machines in action on-site. In addition to the technical presentations, the event provided ample opportunities for networking and in-depth professional discussions. Various presentations and discussions addressed current challenges in the milling industry as well as future developments. Participants showed great interest in SWISCA's solutions, particularly in upcoming products such as the innovative SIFTO plansifter. The event's supporting program not only allowed international guests to experience the beauty of Eastern Switzerland but also offered an introduction to Swiss traditions. As a sponsor of the Eidgenössisches Jubiläums-Schwingfest (Swiss Wrestling Festival) in Appenzell, SWISCA invited visitors to experience traditional Swiss wrestling, folk music, and other local customs up close. These cultural insights complemented the technical presentations and provided an opportunity to share Swiss values and the spirit of innovation "Made in Switzerland" with the international audience. The event concluded with a joint visit to operational prototype sites, where new technologies are rigorously tested under real-world conditions. The customer event highlighted SWISCA's close collaboration with milling companies worldwide and the company's commitment to developing innovative solutions that meet the demands of modern and sustainable food production. A special thank you goes to all participants and the SWISCA team, whose dedication made this successful event possible. The company is already looking forward to future HOI events, aiming to deepen collaboration with its partners and present new technologies.

SWISCA AG is pleased to announce that approximately 200 highly skilled jobs will be created at its new headquarters in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, over the coming years. In close collaboration with the municipality of Herisau and the cantonal economic development agency, SWISCA has signed purchase agreements for a 14,644 m² plot of land. This strategic move not only supports the company’s long-term growth ambitions but also contributes to the region’s economic development. The new headquarters will feature over 5,000 square meters of state-of-the-art facilities for production, development, and administration. Expanded capacities and optimized processes will enable SWISCA to drive innovation in the milling and food industries. The new working environment will also foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams. Heinz Brand, founder and CEO of SWISCA, emphasizes: “The commitment of the municipality of Herisau and the collaboration with the economic development agency convinced us that this is a place where new technologies, innovation, and growth are truly supported. Our decision to choose Herisau reflects our confidence in the region’s long-term potential.” The municipality of Herisau also welcomes the partnership. Glen Aggeler, Mayor of Herisau, states: “With SWISCA, we have a partner who perfectly aligns with our economic and social development goals. This collaboration will create highly skilled jobs and strengthen the innovative capacity of our community.” The new headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2029. With this significant investment, SWISCA is signaling a strong commitment to the future and looks forward to continuing its success story in Herisau while delivering innovative solutions “Made in Switzerland.” We look forward to the future and the continued collaboration!

From May 14 to 16, 2024, the European Flour Millers’ Congress (EFMC) took place in Munich – a key meeting point for professionals in the milling and grain industry. SWISCA participated as a sponsor, seizing the opportunity to present innovative solutions and establish valuable connections. The congress focused on process optimization, sustainability, and digitalization – core areas for SWISCA as well. Expert presentations and discussions addressed current challenges and future developments in the industry. A special highlight was the presentation of our ROMIL roller mill, which we transported to the Hofbräuhaus Kunstmühle specifically for the event. During the Bavarian breakfast on Saturday morning, attendees had the chance to experience the roller mill up close and gain insights into its electronic roll gap adjustment. A big thank you to the organizers, speakers, and participants – the EFMC 2024 was a great success. We look forward to continuing to drive innovation in the milling industry in the future!

At the recent International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Expo, all eyes were on SWISCA's booth as they unveiled their first ever roller mill, ROMIL. Amidst stiff competition, ROMIL emerged victorious, clinching the top spot in the highly coveted product showcase. The ROMIL roller mill, a testament to SWISCA's commitment to innovation and excellence, stood out for its cutting-edge features and revolutionary design. Millers and industry experts were particularly impressed by its innovative features in the areas of feeding, gap adjustment and usability. "We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition from IAOM," said Andreas Kleiner, Head of R&D at SWISCA. "ROMIL represents years of research, development, and dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the milling industry. Winning this award is a validation of our team's hard work and passion for pushing the boundaries of milling technology." ROMIL stands out with a multitude of features that redefine the roller mill standard. Its servo-controlled gap adjustment, coupled with an electronic handwheel, empowers millers to finely tune milling parameters. The unique feeding unit with distribution screws ensures consistent product feed and a steady mass flow. All these innovations enhance milling processes, ultimately maximizing product quality and yield. Furthermore, ROMIL's robust design and stainless-steel construction guarantee longevity and exceptional hygiene standards, addressing critical considerations for American millers. IAOM's recognition of ROMIL underscores SWISCA's leading role in milling technology and reaffirms their commitment to innovation. With the rising demand for sustainable milling solutions, ROMIL is poised to transform milling operations globally. For millers seeking performance and reliability, ROMIL offers a game-changing solution. Its success at IAOM solidifies its status as a beacon of milling technology, setting a new benchmark for industry excellence.

Our two videos about the brand new roller mill – ROMIL. An image film and a video about the technical details.

In September, SWISCA celebrated its fifth anniversary at the AFG Arena. Employees and their families gathered for a festive event that celebrated not only soccer but, above all, the anniversary. The occasion was a reflection on past successes and, at the same time, an anticipation of the future. We extend our gratitude to our partners, customers, and employees for their support, which was crucial to our success. With a firm commitment, we strive to deliver outstanding performance in the years to come. We look forward to an even bigger anniversary in five years with an expanded team and a broader range of products. May the future be as promising and successful as the past five years. Once again, heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this exciting journey and contributed to making SWISCA what it is today.

Today, as part of National Future Day, we had the extraordinary pleasure of welcoming a total of 11 students to SWISCA. These enthusiastic young minds represent the promising next generation who are passionate about technology and innovation. It was inspiring to watch the students immerse themselves in the fascinating world of technology and deepen their curiosity through hands-on experiences with our team of professionals. The lively conversations and exchange of ideas not only helped to spark enthusiasm for innovative technologies, but also provided a glimpse into the future of these talented youngsters. We hope that this day was not only informative but also inspiring for the students. It is our firm belief that their enthusiasm for technology and innovation will have a positive impact on the future. May their ideas rise like the morning sun and shape a bright future full of creativity and progress. Have fun and success on your future journey!

SWISCA, innovator in the Swiss milling industry, receives a significant guarantee from the Swiss Technology Fund. This makes the company from eastern Switzerland one of around 130 portfolio companies that the fund actively supports. The Technology Fund of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN uses loan guarantees to support companies that develop pioneering products to sustainably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut resource consumption. The companies are evaluated according to a strict screening process and, after a positive assessment by the guarantee committee, are given the opportunity for uncomplicated and sustainable support. SWISCA is pleased to have been included in the group of beneficiary companies. The award of the guarantee confirms SWISCA's potential and the importance of its innovative solutions for the milling industry. "SWISCA is a perfect example of a successful Swiss high-tech startup with an integrated focus on efficiency and precision of their systems. This saves significant energy and costs for their customers in the milling industry, where very large volumes are processed," added Simone Riedel Riley, Head of the Technology Fund Office. "We are very proud that the Technology Fund recognizes our commitment and innovation," says Heinz Brand, founder and CEO of SWISCA "This support will enable us to consistently advance our sustainable technologies." SWISCA has made a name for itself through continuous innovation work in the field of mill technology. In recent years, for example, it has set striking new efficiency benchmarks in weighing systems. Since 2018, the company has patented around a dozen inventions. For this, SWISCA 2021 was honored with the Best-of-Show Award at the IAOM international milling trade fair in the USA, among other awards. Now the next development step is on the horizon. With the support of the Swiss Technology Fund, the company can intensify its expansion plans and further pave the way for sustainable and efficient solutions in the industry. Despite its growth strategy, the company remains true to its sustainability goal: SWISCA should be climate-positive by 2028. Always keeping in mind the promise of SWISCA's slogan: Next Generation. About the Technology Fund The Technology Fund - a climate policy instrument of the Swiss government - provides guarantees to qualified Swiss companies whose novel products enable CO2 savings or contribute to resource conservation.

Our assembly team excels at overcoming challenges. An impressive display of their resilience occurred during the recent team event, where they fearlessly tackled an icy adventure. Despite plunging into the freezing 13-degree waters of Lake Sämtis, their determination remained unwavering. If you also fancy a fresh working environment, you've come to the right place! Take a look at our job offers and discover the various possibilities to become part of our dedicated team. With us, you can expect not only challenging tasks, but also an inspiring work environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our current job openings and apply today. We look forward to getting to know you and shaping the future together with you. Welcome to the team!

The Annual IAOM Conference & Expo is the premier meeting place for grain milling and seed processing professionals. In April 2023, the focus was again on knowledge sharing, networking and exchange of experiences. SWISCA was right in the middle of this important platform. A big thank you to all customers and visitors to our booth at the 127th IAOM Conference in Minneapolis. The stimulating conversations and the trust in our products are an important motivation for us. We are grateful for the close cooperation and look forward to many more successful and good meetings at IAOM 2024 in Salt Lake City.

We were pleased to welcome political VIPs at IAOM Mideast & Africa in Zanzibar: Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Zanzibar Sub-State, learned about innovative milling technology from Juan Martinez and Stefan Lutz of SWISCA AG. In conversation with Milling and Baking Africa, Martinez presented the innovative, energy-efficient scale solution for the milling industry that does not require compressed air. The Zanzibar president was knowledgeable and said how important it is to him to have a good environment for advanced technology initiatives in Zanzibar.

"Next Generation" is more than just a slogan at SWISCA. With great enthusiasm, we opened our doors to the children of our employees on Future Day. For one day, the girls and boys were able to get to know the diversity of the professional world in the milling industry. In the work areas of machine production, electrical assembly, construction and mill technology, the pupils got a taste of the professional world and thus broadened their horizons for their career choice. The project day at SWISCA shows young people perspectives and motivates them to develop their own life plans. With this action day, SWISCA inspires young people for the "Next generation milling technology".

Video about grain wetting

Image film about the radar fill level measurement system.

Milling and technology start-up SWISCA AG wins the best-of-show award at the IAOM international milling trade fair in the USA. With a world first, the industry newcomer from Appenzell succeeds in convincing the expert jury at the 125th anniversary conference. Three years after the foundation of SWISCA AG, the Appenzell-based start-up has already won an important international industry award. The jury of experts in Little Rock was particularly impressed by the unique "Dampe" dampening system from the Swisca engineers. This uses nozzles to spray grain with water mist at the beginning of the process in the mill. This enables higher efficiency in flour extraction later on. At the same time, the innovation scores with a high level of energy efficiency and high food safety on a level that is unrivaled on the market. "The award is a great honor and motivation for the entire team. We have succeeded in doing what we set out to do when we founded the company, which is to be a start-up pioneer in terms of innovation and bring new ideas to a traditional industry and make them happen ", says Heinz Brand, founder and board member of SWISCA AG. Nevertheless, he says, this prestigious award at the most important milling conference is not something that can be taken for granted: "We are very aware of that. We were competing against other great ideas. It's all the more satisfying that at the end of the 125th anniversary conference, the expert jury singled out our work as the best." Uniform grinding and high yields An important production process in a flour mill is moistening to ensure uniform grinding and high yield. The grain is thus prepared for an optimum milling condition. By adding water to the grain and tempering it in the silos, the bran layers become tough and elastic and the endosperm inside the grain is softened. This is the optimal condition for separating the hull and the endosperm as efficiently as possible during milling. With SWISCA's invention, moisture and density can be precisely measured during weighing and the addition of water can be accurately calculated. A completely new process with minimal energy requirements applies the moisture to the surface of the grains with a water mist. The machine, which was developed together with St.Gallen-based Trinox Engineering AG, is also automatically cleaned using clean-in-place technology for optimum food safety. "Our process results in energy savings of over 90 percent," Brand explains. "The products represented on the market to date operate with very energy-intensive and food-unsafe machine solutions. In the process, heavily motorized rotors mix water and grain in a very unhygienic way." Swiss innovation is in demand The machines manufactured in Appenzell are exported to over 40 countries. The main markets are Europe and North America. In other words, markets where a little more funding is usually available. But exports are also made to Sudan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Indonesia, for example. "Pricing real innovations is still a very complex task in price management. The higher the degree of innovation and thus the market opportunities, the greater the challenge of hitting the optimal price point," says Heinz Brand. "SWISCA is convinced that "Swiss Made" is worth more than just the price. The label also stands for quality, precision, credibility and safety," he says. "Cheap is not sustainable for us," Brand explains. "Even if the export of the machine industry is once again suffering from a very strong Swiss franc. With entrepreneurial foresight, we want to consciously focus on innovations and Swiss engineering services. The conditions are excellent in Switzerland; we are one of the most innovative countries in the world. Qualified engineers and rapid and efficient use of Switzerland's high innovation potential are prerequisites for successful continuation." With the relocation of technologies and products, high profits could be generated quickly thanks to low labor costs. However, Heinz Brand is convinced that this also permanently destroys a company's ability to innovate. Strengthening international networks The SWISCA team is currently working on further inventions that are to be established on the market. "The necessary patent applications are costly and time-consuming, but important for SWISCA in order to protect technical inventions against imitation. One thing can be revealed, however: We are confident that the award at the IAOM will not be our last," says Brand. For this reason, the company will also continue to develop its portfolio of energy-efficient and food-safe products. With SWISCA's entrepreneurial expertise, strategic competence and industry network, as well as the financial strength of the investors, the sales and service networks will be strengthened internationally. "We want to push the aftermarket business and develop new machine solutions for additional applications, thus sustainably diversifying the product portfolio. Our vision: in five years, SWISCA will be a Swiss technology company that is a global technology leader in the industry thanks to its innovative employees and qualitative growth." The IOAM (International Association of Operative Millers) IAOM Annual Conference is the premier event for the grain milling industry. The conference brings together milling and related professionals from around the world. It is also the world's largest machinery exhibition for milling professionals with over 140 companies in the milling industry.

"The milling and technology start-up SWISCA AG wins the Best of Show Award at the IAOM international milling trade fair in the USA. With a world first, the industry newcomer from Appenzell succeeds in convincing the jury of experts at the 125th anniversary conference. With a lot of steam - in the truest sense of the word - SWISCA AG wins the important prize in Little Rock. The jury of experts was particularly convinced by the unique "Dampe" humidification system from the engineering kitchen in Appenzell. This system uses nozzles to spray grain with water mist at the very beginning of the processing chain in the mill. This enables higher efficiency in flour production later on. At the same time, the innovation scores with a high level of energy efficiency and food safety that is unrivalled in the market. An important production process in a flour mill is moistening to ensure uniform grinding and a high yield. The grain is thus prepared for an optimal milling condition. By adding water to the grain and tempering it in the silos, the bran layers become tough and elastic and the endosperm inside the grain is softened. This is the optimal condition for separating the hull and the endosperm as efficiently as possible during milling. With Swisca's invention, moisture and density can already be measured precisely during weighing and the addition of water can be calculated exactly. A completely new process with minimal energy requirements applies the moisture to the surface of the grains with a water mist. The machine, which was developed together with St.Gallen-based Trinox Engineering AG, is also automatically cleaned using clean-in-place technology for optimal food safety. SWISCA's innovations are aimed at the conscious use of energy and the reduction of consumption through technical energy-saving measures and concepts to ensure that food does not have any adverse health effects or damage for the end consumer. The machines manufactured in Appenzell for leading food processing companies are exported to over 40 countries and are characterised by unique energy efficiency and food safety. SWISCA machines can save over 95 per cent of energy costs. The IAOM Annual Conference is the most important event for the grain milling industry. The conference brings together milling and related professionals from around the world. It is also the world's largest machinery exhibition for milling professionals with over 140 companies in the milling industry."

Charly Fässler has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the technology start-up SWISCA AG due to age. Under the leadership of the former Director of Finance of Appenzell Innerrhoden, SWISCA AG was able to export the precision machinery manufactured in Appenzell for leading food processing companies to over 20 countries. Charly Fässler succeeded in establishing a clear vision, sustainable strategy, and flexible corporate structure with great potential to deliver excellent long-term financial and operational performance. At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of September 21, 2020 Charly Fässler was thanked for his highly appreciated achievements and his important contributions as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Peter Steindl was elected as Charly Fässler's successor. Peter Steindl was Managing Director of the Steindl Group and Chief Executive Officer of TPG. In 2006 Peter Steindl acquired FAWEMA in a management buyout from M.A.X. Automation GmbH and in 2011 the company HDG. In 2018 HQ Equita took over the leading packaging machine manufacturers FAWEMA and HDG (Steindl Group) and founded The Packaging Group. Peter Steindl, a graduate industrial engineer, is a member of the board of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Division of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). He is 59 years old and married. With Mr. Steindl's entrepreneurial expertise, strategic competence and industrial network, as well as the financial strength of the investors, the sales and service networks of swisca ag are to be strengthened internationally, the aftermarket business is to be promoted and new machine solutions for additional applications developed, thus diversifying the product portfolio.

Schwingen is a discipline of freestyle wrestling popular in Switzerland. It is practiced on a bed of sawdust. Schwingen is considered the Swiss national sport, ahead of Hornussen and Steinstossen. The wrestlers wear "Schwingerhosen" with belts that are used for enhanced grip. Throws and holds are common, as the first person to push his opponent's shoulders to the ground wins the competition. The roots of Swiss mountain swinging cannot be clearly dated. A first representation in the cathedral of Lausanne dates back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, ambitious sports instructors brought swinging to the cities. Thus, the original game of shepherds and peasants became a national sport encompassing all classes. Traditionally, an ESV anniversary celebration takes place every 25 years only. The event on September 8, 2024, in Appenzell, Switzerland, is a unique opportunity in the career of each and every "Schwinger" (Alpine-wrestler) competing against 120 of competitors. SWISCA is a co-sponsor of the 125th anniversary celebration of Swiss Alpine Wrestling in 2024."