For over four decades, Zünd Systemtechnik AG has stood for innovation, precision and Swiss engineering expertise. What once began as a small business is now a global provider of digitally customised solutions, especially for the packaging industry: a look at the history, philosophy and future of a company that embodies typical Swiss values like no other.
The history of Zünd Systemtechnik AG begins in 1984 in Altstätten in the Swiss Rhine Valley. Karl Zünd, a resourceful entrepreneur with a flair for technical trends, initially founded the company as a supplier of Wild drawing plotters. Just two years later, Zünd developed its first own tool heads and peripherals. A milestone followed in 1989 with the P-1200: the first own flatbed cutter. By taking over the production, sales and service of Wild Plotter AG in 1994, Karl Zünd laid an important foundation stone for the company's current success.
It became clear early on that Karl Zünd not only had technical expertise, but also a strategic feel for the needs of the market. His philosophy: The customer is at the centre of everything we do. This way of thinking not only characterised the development of the first machines, but also became part of the company's DNA. Over the years, a machine manufacturer has become a genuine solution partner. Behind every Zünd cutter is the demand for perfection, long-term customer benefit and partnership.
Think long-term - act proactively
Today, Oliver Zünd is the second generation to run the family business. As CEO, he pursues a clear strategy: long-term thinking, customer focus and continuous innovation. „The fact that we are owner-managed gives us the freedom to not just focus on short-term profit targets, but to make sustainable decisions“, emphasises Oliver Zünd.
(Image: Zünd Systemtechnik AG)
The cutting systems are developed and built for the global market at the headquarters in Altstätten, Switzerland. The software solutions are also developed here. Rooted in Switzerland, at home in the world: true to this motto, the production facility in Altstätten is and remains the centrepiece.
Two thirds of all machine components come from within a radius of 30 kilometres. This regionality, this cooperation with long-standing regional supply partners not only ensures quality, it also embodies sustainability in practice and is a very clear commitment to the location. In times of increasingly vulnerable global supply chains, this is an advantage that should not be underestimated. Switzerland may be a cost-intensive location, but for customers all over the world, it is above all a guarantee of the highest quality in mechanical engineering, reliability, durability and innovative strength.
This consistent focus on quality, trust and long-term action is also reflected in the company philosophy. The family-owned company cultivates a value-based management style that emphasises customer proximity, a sense of responsibility and innovative strength. As an owner-managed company, Zünd recognises its responsibility, not only technologically, but also culturally to play a pioneering role. Decisions are not made under short-term pressure to generate returns, but in the interests of sustainable and partnership-based development, both internally and in dialogue with customers worldwide.
At home in the world
Today, the small business has grown into a company with global appeal: Zünd now has over 500 employees worldwide (260 of them at its headquarters) and maintains 13 of its own branches worldwide as well as a dense network of sales and service partners. The product range has developed from individual cutters to a modular system kit. The basis for this development has always been the willingness to adapt flexibly to the requirements of a wide range of industries - from packaging production to the fashion textiles industry. In the packaging sector, this includes well-known packaging manufacturers from all over the world such as Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, Mondi and Model.
The international focus goes hand in hand with the Swiss thoroughness that characterises the company at its core. Employees worldwide receive intensive training and act in close contact with customers on site: for support that is not just reactive, but proactive. Whether in North America, Asia or Europe: Zünd is now represented in all major markets and serves over 15,000 customers in more than 100 countries.
The quantum leap - the Q-Line
With the Q-Line, Zünd has recently launched a new generation of digital cutting systems that stands for precision and automation in modern packaging production. Developed for demanding industrial applications, the digital cutting system offers Outstanding cutting quality, high process reliability and intelligent workflow integration. Thanks to innovative technologies and its robust design, the Q-Line enables consistently high productivity: for smooth processes in series production as well as in flexible production environments. Especially in the packaging industry, where smaller batch sizes, high individualisation and fast delivery times are part of everyday life, the Q-Line offers the necessary automation and efficiency. As an integral part of industrial workflows, it enables seamless data integration and maximises process efficiency.
In principle, any material used in packaging production can be processed using the company's various technologies: These include Paper and cardboard qualities, corrugated cardboard (1 to 3 flute, B, E, F flute) or foams up to 110 millimetres thick. The versatile, highly automated and fast Q-Line can cut, score, mark, groove or perforate materials according to individual customer requirements. V-grooves and bevelled cuts are also possible.
Triad of solutions - software, hardware, service
What makes Zünd special is its unique total solution offering. Customers not only receive a cutter, but also a finely tuned Interaction of hardware, software and services. Software products such as the ZCC Zünd Cut Centre, ZPC Zünd PreCut Centre or Zünd Connect are fundamental components of the digital workflow. They automate processes, optimise production sequences and provide important analyses. Another milestone is the PrimeCenter, which acts as a control centre for data preparation. In conjunction with tools such as the Zünd Design Center, print and cutting data can be efficiently created, optimised and transferred. This creates an end-to-end digital workflow from the idea to the finished product.
Added to this is the Customer Experience Centre in Altstätten, where potential customers can test the systems under real conditions. This direct experience is not just a sales argument, but an expression of a philosophy based on trust and dialogue.
This portfolio is complemented by a global service network with more than 300 technicians who can be on site at the customer's premises quickly if required.
Values that unite - quality, precision and trust
Zünd not only stands for high-tech, the Swiss company also embodies typical Swiss values. Customers worldwide appreciate the high quality, Swiss precision, longevity and partnership-based cooperation.. These values are deeply rooted in the corporate culture: from the natural garden on the company premises to the personal contact in the Customer Experience Centre. Whether global brands or local businesses, they all rely on Zünd because the company not only delivers, but also supports them.
Hinzu kommt ein starkes Engagement in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit: kurze Lieferwege, umweltfreundliche Materialien, Energieeffizienz und eine Unternehmenskultur, die den Menschen in den Mittelpunkt stellt. Zünd zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie ein Unternehmen mit Schweizer Wurzeln und globalem Anspruch seine Marktposition durch Innovation, Kundenfokus und Werteorientierung sichern und ausbauen kann. Für die Verpackungsindustrie bedeutet das: Lösungen, die heute schon auf die Herausforderungen von morgen antworten. In einer zunehmend dynamischen Industrie bleibt Zünd damit ein verlässlicher Partner und gestaltet die digitale Zukunft aktiv mit.
