Oerlikon Breaks Ground on New Global Innovation and Production Centre in Switzerland

Leading surface solutions provider Oerlikon has officially broken ground on its new global innovation and production centre for thermal spray systems and coating services, located at Campus Reichhold in Aargau, Switzerland. The new facility represents a significant strategic investment, uniting approximately 250 highly skilled employees currently based across three Swiss locations into a single state-of-the-art hub.

Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, with operations beginning in Q1 2027, the new campus will bring together research and development (R&D), engineering, production and customer services under one roof. The facility will primarily support customers in the aerospace, automotive, and general industrial sectors.

Professor Dr Michael Suess, Executive Chairman of Oerlikon, said:
“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to Switzerland, where our roots run deep. The new Campus Reichhold will be instrumental in advancing our aerospace and general industry businesses by unifying the entire value chain in one collaborative environment. It also reinforces our position as an attractive employer in the region.”

One of the centre’s standout features is a unique aerospace test rig designed to validate the performance of next-generation thermal spray coatings under real-world turbine conditions. This advanced testing capability will be vital for developing coatings that enhance heat resistance, durability, and corrosion protection in high-performance components — critical for improving engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Oerlikon’s R&D at Campus Reichhold will focus on developing next-generation thermal spray coatings and equipment, as well as laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) technologies. These innovations support the industry’s shift towards lighter, more energy-efficient systems. For example, thermal barrier coatings developed at the centre will allow jet turbines to operate at temperatures up to 1,200°C, enabling up to 9% fuel savings through more efficient combustion.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the new facility’s design, which includes initiatives to reduce energy usage, mobility-related emissions, and resource consumption. The campus reflects Oerlikon’s vision to not only advance industrial performance but also lead by example in environmental responsibility.

The Campus Reichhold project marks a major milestone in Oerlikon’s global innovation roadmap and underscores its commitment to driving industrial transformation in a sustainable way.