Argolite AG becomes part of the SWISS KRONO Group

| SWISS KRONO Ukraine

SWISS KRONO Group takes over Swiss laminate manufacturer Argolite AG

Argolite AG, which has been based in Willisau (Switzerland) since 1937, has been producing laminate panels since 1953 and is the only Swiss manufacturer of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) in accordance with the EN438 quality standard. The company has around 80 employees.

For SWISS KRONO Group, which was founded in Menznau (Switzerland) in 1966 and has developed into one of the world's leading manufacturers of wood based pannels, the takeover offers synergies and growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market and also represents a clear commitment to the home market and the location in Switzerland.

"With this step, SWISS KRONO Group can significantly expand its position in the Swiss interiors and project business and strengthen its HPL expertise," says Martin Brettenthaler, CEO/ President of the Executive Committee of SWISS KRONO Group.

Despite the takeover by the SWISS KRONO Group, the legal independence of Argolite, the Willisau plant and the jobs there will be retained. Mr Rolf Wermelinger, previously Head of Marketing and Sales, has already taken over as General Manager of Argolite as of 01.01.2024. The previous owner and managing director of Argolite, Mr Markus Höchli, is on hand to advise him.

Roger Braun, General Manager SWISS KRONO Menznau: "I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mr Rolf Wermelinger, who has been Head of Sales and Marketing at Argolite for many years, as Argolite General Manager. With Mr Wermelinger, we are sending a clear signal that we will continue to pursue the successful path Argolite has taken and that nothing will change for our customers. The employees of Argolite do not have to worry about their jobs, because we want to maintain our independence and help to expand and develop Argolite to a healthy degree.”

Markus Höchli, owner of Argolite, is also delighted: "In the SWISS KRONO Group, I have found the right partner for the future of Argolite. As Argolite will be independently operated in the future, it is ensured that the values, philosophy and spirit of Argolite will live on.  After 27 exciting, varied and fulfilling years at Argolite, I am delighted to announce that my deputy Rolf Wermelinger will be taking over as General Manager. Together with the existing management team, Iris Blättler (Head of Controlling, Finance and Accounting) and Hanspeter Walker (Head of Production), they will continue to run the company as usual."

About SWISS KRONO Group

SWISS KRONO Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of wood-based materials and stands for sustainable and innovative solutions in the Flooring, Interiors and Building Materials business segments. SWISS KRONO favours recyclable materials for living and working environments. As a preferred partner, SWISS KRONO enables its customers to grow with green building materials. Founded in 1966 as a family business, the group is wholly owned by Ines Kaindl-Benes. Today, the group employs around 5,000 people at ten production sites in eight countries around the world. The Group is headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, and is managed by Martin Brettenthaler. swisskrono.com