Switzerland-based GF Machining Solutions (a division of Georg Fischer) recently inaugurated a new 44,000m2 innovation and production centre in Biel, with more than 300 guests in attendance.

GF invested about 100 million Swiss francs in the new building. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Christoph Ammann (president of the cantonal government), Erich Fehr (mayor of the City of Biel) and GF customers from around the world.

Mr Ammann (www.gfms.com) said: “GF’s strongly expanded presence is a very positive signal for our business location and local industry.

The new building is an important milestone for the canton, the region and the city of Biel.”

The activities of three former GF Machining Solutions sites — in Nidau, Ipsach and Luterbach — will now be brought together under the one roof in Biel.

The new building, which will also serve as the division’s headquarters, provides more than 13,000m² of space for production and assembly; it also includes an R&D centre and an applications centre.

This will enable customers to experience the division’s broad portfolio at first hand and to attend training courses on the site.

GF Machining Solutions provides machine tools, automation solutions and customer services for the production of moulds, dies and high-value-added metal parts.

The division has manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Sweden, China and the USA, and it serves customers in more than 50 countries.