The printing market in Europe has been in a difficult situation for several years. The loss of several major print orders in recent months and a general decline in volumes have further accentuated the tense economic situation at Swissprinters. An economically stable future is no longer guaranteed. Swissprinters is therefore planning to cease printing operations at the end of September 2024.

The company does not currently see itself in a position to further optimize its operating model, which has previously been constantly adapted. The most recent adjustments were made to the printing infrastructure in summer 2023 in response to the downward trend. The deteriorating market situation can no longer be countered with further cost-cutting measures.

All Swissprinters employees would be affected by the planned closure, although the final number of employees to be affected will not be known until the consultation process has been completed. The consultation process with Swissprinters employees will begin today. The employees would remain in employment until the closure of the company at the end of September 2024. As part of the existing social plan, some of the job losses could be offset by early retirement.

Swissprinters, based in Zofingen, is owned by the media companies Ringier (70 percent) and NZZ (30 percent) and currently employs 144 permanent staff. Swissprinters produces high-quality print products such as magazines, brochures and catalogs using the heatset process. Fulfillment of production orders is guaranteed until September 2024.

Follow-up solutions will be found for existing customers. In particular, an international tender is being prepared in addition to a national tender for the Ringier and NZZ Group magazines. This is necessary as there is insufficient capacity in Switzerland to produce all these magazines following the planned closure of Swissprinters.

The planned closure of Swissprinters will have no impact on the tenants of Swissprinters’ offices.

Alexander Theobald, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Swissprinters AG: “I very much regret that it is no longer economically viable to continue Swissprinters’ operations. We are doing everything in our power to find the best possible solution for the employees affected.”

Michael Ringier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ringier AG: “Ringier can look back on 190 years of company history, which began with a printing company in Zofingen. This would be the end of an era and therefore an emotional issue for us. I very much regret the planned closure. We will remain closely associated with the Zofingen site: The headquarters of Ringier AG is and will remain in Zofingen. 122 Ringier employees work at the site.”

Site development project in Zofingen

The ongoing development project on the Swissprinters site will not be affected by the planned closure. New opportunities arising from the planned closure will be examined as part of the project.

Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier AG: “Zofingen is of particular importance to Ringier AG as its headquarters, and the further strengthening of Zofingen as a location for innovation is a central concern for us. We are working on further options with the city council to strengthen Zofingen as a location for innovation on the Swissprinters site.”