passion for precision passion for precision 025/26 Annual Report of the FRAISA Group
Board of Directors and Executive Board ����2 Contents �����������������������������������������������������������������3 Editorial ������������������������������������������������������������������4 Key figures ���������������������������������������������������������6-9 - Overview of the Group’s key figures �������������6 - An overview of the financial year ������������������8 Ethics and integrity �����������������������������������10-11 - Sustainably strong �������������������������������������������10 Sustainable development �����������������������12-13 - Sustainable action �������������������������������������������12 Focus topics ��������������������������������������������������14-21 - “What’s new” ����������������������������������������������������14 - FRAISA ReTool® ������������������������������������������������16 - ToolSchool FRAISA Sarl in France ����������������18 - Customer survey 2025 ������������������������������������20 Inside FRAISA ����������������������������������������������22-31 - A conversation with the new COO �������������22 - New Managing Director of FRAISA GmbH ���������������������������������������������������23 - A conversation with Florian-Kennel Maushart and Michael Maushart ����������������24 - New Team “Digital Products & Sales Services” ���������������������������������������������������25 - Vocational training with individual support and a practical focus ���������������������������������������26 - Stronger together – employees drive FRAISA's success �����������������������������������������������27 - 40 Years of FRAISA ToolChampions ������������28 - FRAISA’s 1% for Social Commitment ����������30 The FRAISA Group ���������������������������������32-33 Board of Directors and Executive Board Contents This report endeavors to use gender-neutral language where possible. All genders are explicitly included. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD Who we are, what we do, what we stand for – check out the new FRAISA image film. Board of Directors and Executive Board of FRAISA Holding AG (from left to right) Dr. Fritz Gantert (Chairperson of the Board of Directors), Dr. Florian Kennel-Maushart (Member of the Board of Directors), Ursula Maushart (Member of the Board of Directors), Thomas Nägelin (CEO), Josef Maushart (Honorary President of the Board of Directors), Dr. Thomas Wittig (CCO), Patrizia Kings (CFO), Dr. Dirk Kammermeier (Member of the Board of Directors), Dominique Fehlmann (Member of the Board of Directors), György Varknal (COO), Hanspeter Kocher (Member of the Board of Directors) 28 14 16 20 [ 2 ]
ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I EDITORIAL Dear readers This FRAISA Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of how the FRAISA Group performed in the financial year 25/26, along with our key activities and figures. In addition to the financial results, we also report on core strategic priorities, the continued evolution of our service portfolio, and select projects that are strengthening our competitive position for the long term. The 25/26 financial year was shaped by a challenging economic environment. U.S. tariff measures, the strong Swiss franc, and rising tungsten prices all weighed on market conditions and intensified cost pressures. Against this backdrop, it is an encouraging sign that we were able to maintain our operational strength: our EBITDA margin came in at a very robust 23.9%. This result reflects disciplined cost and process management, together with a clear focus on quality and customer value. At the same time, we continued to advance our strategic initiatives with purpose and direction. A particular priority is deepening our proximity to customers: we continue to expand our direct sales organizations in Europe, the U.S., and Asia in order to strengthen our local consulting and service expertise and to align our market approach even more closely with our customers' needs. For the current finan- cial year 26/27, we also plan to establish a sales company in India to expand our presence in this market in a structured and sustainable way. Customer feedback offers another important indicator that this approach is working. In 2025, we conducted a comprehensive customer satisfaction survey across our main markets. The results show a further increase in satisfaction with both our offerings and the dedication and expertise of our employees. The Net Promoter Score given to us by our customers stands at over 50%. I would like to thank our employees for their dedication and high level of professionalism. My thanks also goes to our customers for the trust they place in us, and to our partners and suppliers for their reliable collaboration. I hope you find this report an insightful read. Thomas Nägelin CEO Bellach, May 2026 EDITORIAL [ 4 ] [ 5 ]
© shutterstock.com by Miha Creative 1 According to Swiss GAAP FER 2 As of February 28, 2026 KEY FIGURES Overview of the Group’s key figures (financial figures according to Swiss GAAP FER) ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I KEY FIGURES BALANCE SHEET TOTAL1 137.7million CHF for product and technology development EXPENDITURE 7.3million CHF 106.1 TURNOVER1 million CHF EQUITY 1 105.5million CHF in machines, plants, vehicles and properties INVESTMENTS 6.1million CHF RESULT1 million CHF 13.2 (23.9% of turnover) EBITDA1 million CHF 25.4 EQUITY RATIO1 76.6% (12.5% of turnover) for education and training EXPENDITURE 944,033CHF 515 EMPLOYEES2 497.8 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS2 35 (6.8%) EMPLOYEES in the dual vocational training system with completed professional training 470 (91.3%) EMPLOYEES 195 with higher education (37.9%) EMPLOYEES © shutterstock.com by Miha Creative [ 6 ] [ 7 ]
T he 2025/26 financial year was a pleasingly positive one for the FRAISA Group — and that's in an economic environment that was anything but easy. US tariff measures, a strong Swiss franc, and significantly higher carbide prices put the market under pressure. All the more reason we're proud that, in such a challenging environment, we didn't just hold our ground — we made clear gains. Although the first few months of the financial year showed a slight decline in turnover compared to the previous year, all markets reached a turning point during the second half of the year. The Group's revenue rose moderately to 106.1million CHF (previous year: 105.4 million CHF), representing a growth of 0.7%. Currency-adjusted, the growth stands at 3.1%. The significant improvement in earning power is particularly encouraging: EBITDA rose to 25.4 million CHF, corresponding to 23.9% of turnover (previous year: 19.3%). The key driver behind this positive earnings development was, above all, the disciplined execution of our cost and process management initiatives. At the same time, this financial year laid the groundwork for capitalizing even more effectively on the modest market growth forecast for the period ahead. Company profit after taxes reached 13.2 million CHF, compared with 9.3million CHF in the previous year. This reflects not only the stronger operating performance but also a more favorable extraordinary balance, thanks to the absence of the one-time charges that had weighed on the previous year. The balance sheet total grew to 137.7million CHF, and equity rose to 105.5million CHF — with an equity ratio of 76.6%. This gives the FRAISA Group an excellent financial foundation that ensures entrepreneurial freedom of action, innovative strength, and the capacity to invest. Investments in machinery, equipment, and real estate amounted to 6.1 million CHF – targeted funds channeled consistently into ensuring the long-term viability of our production sites. Overall, the 2025/26 financial year shows FRAISA is resilient, profitable, and exceptionally well positioned — a strong foundation for continued growth. Patrizia Kings CFO INVESTMENTS 5.7%1 1 Of the turnover under Swiss GAAP FER 2 Of the balance sheet total under Swiss GAAP FER BANK FINANCING 4.0%2 PROFIT 12.5%1 ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I KEY FIGURES © shutterstock.com by ARMMY PICCA TURNOVER DEVELOPMENT compared to previous year, currency-adjusted 3.1% TURNOVER DEVELOPMENT compared to previous year 0.7% KEY FIGURES An overview of the financial year Company, targets and business development [ 8 ] [ 9 ]
ETHICS AND INTEGRITY Further information on the FRAISA Code of Conduct can be found here. For us, the most important principles of the global business ethos are: • The dignity of all human beings is inviolable. • Sustainable management does not only serve personal interests. • The golden rule of mutuality: Do not do to others what you do not want done to you. This represents mutual responsibility, solidarity, fairness and tolerance. • Occupational safety, product safety and harmlessness of the products are basic requirements. • Responsibility, integrity, transparency, and fairness are fundamental values of an economic life, characterized by obedience to law and integrity. • Corruption is unacceptable. • Truthfulness, honesty and reliability are values, without which sustainable economic relationships that promote general human well-being are impossible. • Discrimination against people based on their gender, ancestry, nationality, or beliefs is unacceptable. Inhumane behavior or behavior violating human rights cannot be tolerated. • Quality and technological progress regarding product and production • Collaborative communication and high personal responsibility • Cooperation with all partners for a mutual benefit • Environmentally-friendly products made in environmentally-friendly processes • Fairness in everything we do • Preserving independence as a company Sustainably strong A commitment to the future ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I ETHICS AND INTEGRITY T he FRAISA Group is committed to sustainable management. We consistently align our actions with ESG principles, combining environmental responsibility, social commitment, and responsible corporate governance into a holistic approach. Protecting the climate and environment, treating people with respect, and maintaining transparent and reliable governance form the cornerstones of this approach. In doing so, we lay the foundation for sustained earning power and exemplary conduct, and we secure the future of FRAISA as an independent family business — for the benefit of our employees, our customers, and our owners. Our mission statement has always been shaped by principles that serve as a guide for all employees: We take responsibility We believe that ownership comes with responsibility. That is why, since 2014, the FRAISA Group has donated 1% of its group profit (according to Swiss GAAP FER) to charitable causes each year. Through FRAISA’s 1% for Social Commitment, we have distributed more than 1.3 million CHF to social institutions and projects to date. In doing so, we support social initiatives over the long term and actively take on responsibility as a company. Code of Conduct We prioritize responsible management throughout the entire supply chain, as well as trust-based collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. We expect our business partners, just as we expect our own organization and all employees, to strictly comply with legal regulations. This includes, in particular, requirements in the areas of health, working conditions, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and occupational safety. We also expect these standards to be actively communi- cated to employees and subcontractors and to be effectively put into practice in everyday life. These obligations and expectations are set out in our Code of Conduct. It serves as a benchmark for our own actions and for our relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners. At the same time, we see it as an incentive to keep evolving and to tackle challenges together. 246,079 EXPENDITUREfor the support of social and cultural activities CHF [ 10 ] [ 11 ]
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Ecological footprint of the FRAISA Group1 10,728 t CO2e / year ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable action Life Cycle Assessment, Packaging, and Reporting The financial year 24/25 established a foundation for future life cycle assessments across the Group by aligning with the latest standards and industry developments. Now, data collection and calculation can be further refined based on this foundation. Following updates to the assessment databases, our ecological footprint for calendar year 2025 stands at 10,728 tons of CO₂ equivalents. Compared to the figure for the 2024 calendar year (on an identical database baseline), this represents a slight increase of 6%, which is attributable to higher investment activity. The capital goods segment, therefore, now accounts for 30% of the footprint. The other categories saw only minor shifts. 8.1% of the total emissions are direct emissions from Scope 1. These are caused mainly by fossil fuels as well as combustibles and, to a smaller extent, by refrigerants. Scope 2 emissions from energy consumption at our sites still account for 1.1%, with energy supply within Scope 3 adding another 1% of total emissions. The low share of Scope 1 and, in particular, Scope 2 emissions reflects measures taken in recent years in the area of mobility, along with the use of renewable energy sources such as district heating, biogas, solar power, wind energy, and hydropower. Wherever possible, FRAISA sources certified green electricity and generates its own solar power at two sites — at least 99.6% of our electricity needs come from sustainable sources. The remainder is currently reported as market mix of the respective countries for organizational reasons and lies outside FRAISA's sphere of influence. From the group footprint, FRAISA derives the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for its tools. This makes it possible to identify emissions hotspots along the value chain, review material choices, and further strengthen our commitment to climate protection and resource conservation. For the PCF calculation, FRAISA follows the industry-specific standard “Method for Calculating the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for Precision Tools” issued by VDMA, which applies a “Cradle-to-Gate” approach (Scopes 1, 2, and upstream 3). The FRAISA Group prepares a comprehensive life cycle assessment every year that covers all of its sites and processes. The goal is to identify areas where action can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following a clear decarbonization roadmap, FRAISA's long-term ambition is to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to net zero by 2050 and to significantly cut indirect Scope 3 emissions through targeted measures. Sustainable initiatives – Focus on packaging In addition to reducing and measuring our greenhouse gas emissions, we are advancing concrete sustain- ability measures in other areas as well. For our service offer FRAISA ReTool®, packaging sleeves have already been gradually converted to 100% recycled material. Building on this experience, we are now also switching to recycled-material packaging for our new tools. This helps conserve valuable environmental resources and supports our customers in meeting their own sustainability goals. Our aim is to convert 100% of our packaging to sustainable recycled material in order to cut CO₂ emissions and preserve resources. To date, we have converted 87% of new-tool packaging. This translates into savings of around 10 tons of CO₂ and a reduction of 45.7% compared with the previous packaging materials. Ecological, economic, and social principles form the foundation of our entrepreneurial actions — today and in the future. Initiatives like this one show that meaningful sustainability gains can be achieved well beyond the direct production process. 1 B ased on data from the calendar year 2025 (Reporting period for life cycle assessment) Documentation and reporting Over the past year, we made targeted improvements to our sustainability documentation and underlying data. In doing so, FRAISA is positioning itself to best meet current and future regulatory requirements across all markets and to strengthen its reporting overall. We also communicated the Code of Conduct broadly and took a deeper look at our supply chain in order to identify requirements early and further improve traceability. SCOPE 3 SCOPE 1 SCOPE 2 Recycling and waste 145 t Purchased services and supplies 1,514 t Energy supply 1,042 t Transportation and Mobility 1,036 t Capital goods 3,310 t Electricity and heat consumption of our sites 120 t Of which from renewable sources 99.6% Production and delivery of raw materials 2,689 t Combustibles, fuels, and volatile emissions 872 t [ 12 ] [ 13 ]
Innovative product developments and digital services “What’s new” FOCUS TOPICS Fabian von Allmen | R&D | Development Engineer, Milling Systems What was the focus of product development in the financial year 25/26? Fabian von Allmen: The clear highlight was the new E-Cut Compact. Compact milling machines and small clamping systems pose particular challenges: limited working space, restricted rigidity, and little room for long tools. That's exactly where the E-Cut Compact comes in. The shortshank design delivers maximum stability in the smallest of spaces. The result is smooth, low-vibration processes with outstanding surface quality and dimensional accuracy — and significantly less rework. The easy-cutting geometry, combined with the new DURO-SE coating, ensures long tool life and lower energy consumption. The E-Cut Compact covers a broad spectrum from roughing to finishing and is particularly well suited for stainless steels, titanium, and non-ferrous metals in medical and mechanical engineering, as well as the watchmaking industry. Were there any other innovations within existing product families? Fabian von Allmen: Yes, several, in fact. The Sphericut is a ball nose end mill for tool and mold making, designed for hardened steels up to 60 HRC. It combines roughing, finishing, and super-finishing in a single system. The SpheroX, with its new four-edged face geometry, introduces a significant innovation: Compared with two-edged ball nose end mills, the doubled number of cutting edges enables up to 50% higher metal removal rates — for a stable, low-vibration process. With the new Supradrill® generation, FRAISA has developed an innovative process that enables a precisely defined, dimension-dependent cutting-edge honing and a perfectly smoothed chip groove. The universal high-performance drill delivers up to 30% greater productivity. How does FRAISA support its customers beyond the tool? Fabian von Allmen: A central element is the FRAISA ToolExpert®. The cutting data tool received a comprehensive update in the 25/26 financial year. Threading tools and their applications have been newly integrated. The user interface has been redesigned and performance improved. This gives users validated cutting data for both new and existing products and allows them to configure reliable tools for their specific applications — from the very first component. In the 25/26 financial year, both product development and FRAISA's digital services were focused on delivering greater productivity and process reliability. Alongside new high performance tools for compact milling machines and demanding applications — tools that are process-reliable, energyefficient, robust, and easy-cutting — we also continued to advance our digital machining solutions. With the updated FRAISA ToolExpert®, users gain access to validated cutting data for both new and existing products, allowing them to design reliable machining processes from the very first component. Fabian von Allmen, Development Engineer for Milling Systems in the Research & Development department in Bellach, talks about the product developments and new releases of the 25/26 financial year. “The E-Cut Compact is designed to meet the demands of compact milling machines, enabling stable processes in limited working spaces.” ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I FOCUS TOPICS [ 14 ] [ 15 ]
The intelligent tool cycle for precision and responsibility FRAISA ReTool® FOCUS TOPICS Competence Center Willich: The interplay of technology and team The Competence Center in Willich forms the heart of this approach. Its particular strength lies in the interplay between qualified staff and state-of-the-art technology. From incoming goods inspection through reconditioning to the final quality check, every step in the workflow dovetails with the next, ensuring precise and reliable processing of the tools. Guaranteed process reliability instead of guesswork For customers, choosing FRAISA ReTool® comes down to one thing above all: process reliability. The performance promise is not based on guesswork, but on a binding commitment supported by every team member. Every ReTool® tool is engineered to deliver the same performance and tool life as a brand-new tool. The foundation for this is a clearly defined reconditioning process built on the interplay of experienced employees, technological support, and a state-of-the-art coating facility. At FRAISA, the ReTool® process is developed and validated alongside new tools from the very start of their development. This ensures that the reconditioning process is perfectly matched to each tool's specific geometry and performance requirements. The next step in development: Artificial Intelligence in the Process FRAISA is actively shaping the future of this process through the targeted deployment of new technologies. Today, artificial intelligence is already being used to analyze incoming used tools via camera and automatically capture their relevant characteristics. On this basis, the tools can be precisely assessed and systematically routed into the reconditioning process. Looking ahead, the plan is to integrate AI even more deeply into process control, so that, based on image analysis, the appropriate reconditioning parameters can also be transmitted automatically to the CNC grinding machines. This will further enhance process reliability, efficiency, and repeatability, while at the same time freeing up skilled employees to focus on more demanding tasks. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I FOCUS TOPICS “The smartest form of sustainability” Quote from Andreas Schmidt, Managing Director of FRAISA GmbH: “When I took over responsibility for our ReTool® Competence Center, one thing immediately struck me: ReTool® isn't just about reconditioning tools. It is responsibility put into practice — and the heart of our circular economy. We give a high-tech product made of valuable carbide a second, third, and fourth life — with the full, 100% repeatable performance of a brand-new tool. To me, that's the smartest form of sustainability.” At a time when prices for valuable raw materials like tungsten have multiplied and calls for measurable sustain- ability are growing louder, the intelligent use of resources is moving to the heart of industrial value creation. With the ReTool® Service, FRAISA offers a clear answer: precision tools aren't treated as disposable items but as assets whose life cycles are maximized. The “aha” moment: Cost savings and carbon reduction go hand in hand The typical "aha moment" for customers comes when they realize that with ReTool® they can cut costs and reduce their CO₂ emissions without compromising on performance or planning reliability. The ReTool® experts also convey this approach in direct exchanges with customers at Technology Days. As a result, ReTool® is evolving from a single service component into a comprehensive solution that brings together tools, consulting, and data. [ 16 ] [ 17 ]
FOCUS TOPICS Expertise within reach for our customers ToolSchool FRAISA Sarl in France The Swiss ToolSchool: An established foundation To meet the growing demand for deeper expertise, FRAISA Sarl has for several years drawn on the ToolSchool at the headquarters in Bellach. The machining seminars held in Switzerland are known for their high standards and quality of content, and are highly valued by participants. They allow attendees to expand their skills in working with the tools and, in turn, improve machining performance in production. The distance and travel time, however, had until now made these offerings difficult for some customers to access. Starting in 2027: New ToolSchool in Lyon Décines Against this backdrop, FRAISA Sarl is establishing its own ToolSchool in Lyon Décines. It will offer training comparable to the Swiss ToolSchool, but with less travel required and multiple events throughout the year. The aim is to give customers, at the ToolSchool, the essential tool expertise through hands-on application cases — so that productivity, precision, quality of machined parts, and process reliability are strengthened in their day-to-day work. Technical synergies and harmonized standards A state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC milling machine is planned for the ToolSchool, which will be installed as part of a partnership with United Machining Solutions France. This also creates a technical synergy with the Swiss ToolSchool. The combination of this infrastructure, the expertise of the Application Technology department, and the professional support from the Swiss ToolSchool forms the basis for harmonizing practices and aligning standards and course content. Knowledge transfer as a core mission In a European environment marked by a shortage of skilled industrial workers, the transfer of modern machining knowhow is becoming a core mission. Customers are increasingly turning to tool manufacturers to industrialize new parts, develop suitable machining strategies, and, where needed, receive complete programming. With the ToolSchool France, FRAISA Sarl is creating a structured training offer that delivers content in a hands-on way and deepens learning through concrete real-world applications. In doing so, FRAISA Sarl helps its customers' employees meet the demanding requirements of modern manufacturing and develop their processes in a targeted way. Practical seminars and strong partnerships The ToolSchool machining seminars are designed as practical professional development. They combine demonstrations under realistic conditions with demanding cutting parameters and concrete optimization approaches. FRAISA Sarl is aiming for an opening at the end of 2026, with the first customer seminars in May or June 2027. Partnerships with CAM software providers, along with other suppliers in the machining sector, will reinforce FRAISA's expertise and holistic approach — from strategy definition to programming. FRAISA Sarl, headquartered in Décines near Lyon, places particular emphasis on providing customers with responsive, high-value technical support. With machining technologies growing ever more complex, our customers' production teams have less and less time to handle the industrialization or optimization of new parts on their own. FRAISA Sarl supports customers — particularly in tool selection and the definition of machining strategies — through close, direct, and immediate guidance and consulting. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I FOCUS TOPICS [ 18 ] [ 19 ]
Listen, understand, improve Customer Survey 2025 A broad data base across four national markets The survey covered all customers of the national subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy who had used FRAISA products or services in the past two financial years. These countries account for approximately 80% of the FRAISA Group's turnover. With nearly 1,500 responses, FRAISA has a substantial data base to draw from. The results provide a solid assessment of current customer satisfaction and allow for comparison with the previous survey. We're delighted that customers take so much time to share their feedback. Higher satisfaction and key expectations Customer satisfaction improved across all four countries compared to 2022. The strongest gains were in satisfaction with products and employees. Beyond the products themselves, what matters most is the personal contact with our application engineers, their technical expertise, hands-on consulting, and smooth processes with reliable, short delivery times. Validation and specific insights The results confirm the importance of investing in application technology. Particularly positive feedback was received for the availability of cutting data via the FRAISA ToolExpert®, as well as for the industrial tool reconditioning service FRAISA ReTool® and the complementary ReTool® service offers. At the same time, customers emphasize the importance of stable processes and reliable delivery times. From the customer's perspective, FRAISA has made improvements here, but further optimization remains an ongoing priority. Respondents also expressed specific requests regarding catalog management and personal interactions. FRAISA intends to use this feedback to drive targeted improvements. The role of sustainability Product-specific CO2 footprints (PCF) are not yet required by most customers. However, we see that many customers expect that they will need them in the future. Regardless, FRAISA remains committed to sustainability and is exploring, among other things, how to support customers with product-specific CO₂ data in the future. Concrete actions based on results FRAISA is translating results into action. Two levers are at the center of this effort: stable processes and even more concrete support in applications. The reliability of delivery dates will be further improved and lead times shortened. Application engineers will continue to provide customers with targeted support for tool selection and the optimization of existing applications — including fast implementation with practicable cutting data. Beyond that, FRAISA is driving further improvements in customer service and product portfolio management. A key focus is on ensuring smooth handovers within sales territories, so that customers continue to receive consistent, well-informed support — even when there is a change in their field sales representative. FRAISA is also turning its attention to the product lifecycle — specifically, how discontinuations and phase-outs tied to the innovation strategy can be planned early, communicated transparently, and carried out in a way that is clear and understandable for customers. Customer feedback as a compass The results of the customer survey provide important pointers for FRAISA's continued development. They are used to drive corrective measures and feed into the ongoing evolution of our consulting and support offerings. Customer feedback thus remains a central foundation for the targeted development of our products, services, and processes. FRAISA believes that incorporating the customer’s perspective into product development is important in order to deliver real added value through top-quality products, optimal cutting data, and expert advice from experienced application engineers. The latest customer survey shows how needs and expectations have changed over the past three years and provides the basis for targeted further development. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I FOCUS TOPICS “Customer feedback is our compass: We improve processes, strengthen application engineering, and consistently advance our products and service offerings.” Markus Baumann | FRAISA SA | Head of Sales for Switzerland & Project Manager for the 2025 Customer Survey FOCUS TOPICS [ 20 ] [ 21 ]
What does your new role as COO mean to you? György Varknal: Previously, as Managing Director of the Hungarian subsidiary, I was responsible for a single site. Now, at the Group level, I'm responsible for coordinating, scaling, and ensuring the performance of our entire production operations. My focus is shifting from local results toward Group-wide efficiency, uniform standards, and synergies — today, strategy and execution count in equal measure. What are your responsibilities in this role? György Varknal: My responsibilities include developing a Group-wide operational strategy aligned with customer requirements and the expectations of key stakeholders. A key part of the job is striking the right balance between quality, cost, lead time, and delivery reliability, while standardizing our processes. We evaluate best practices across our individual sites to leverage them for shared process improvements. I also work more closely now with the leaders of other departments at our production sites to ensure better coordination across locations. How did you come to take on this position — and did your experience as Managing Director in Hungary help prepare you for it? György Varknal: During my 23 years at the site in Hungary, I grew alongside the company. When I started, we had 14 employees — today there are 165. During that time, we expanded our manufacturing technology, optimized pro- cesses, executed projects with partner companies, and built the team capacity needed to support growth. Change management and continuous training have become integral parts of how we work. That experience helps me today in supporting my colleagues as we work toward our shared goals. What are the goals and the vision? György Varknal: Our vision is a coordinated, cost-efficient, and flexible production at all sites. With modern technology and consistent quality standards, we aim to produce products that meet the highest demands while offering a competitive price-performance ratio. What are the biggest challenges — both overall and at the two production sites? György Varknal: In a dynamic economic and geopolitical environment, defining a long-term strategy is no easy task. That's why we break long-term goals down into smaller milestones. This allows us to adjust our next targets according to changing conditions after each step. The technologies used are identical across sites for many process steps, but some operations are handled differently for cost-efficiency reasons. This leads to well- functioning processes at each site, but it can make it harder to use the capacity of both locations in a flexible and coordinated way. For tasks that need to be tackled jointly and for future investment decisions, we need to set a direction that works for all sites. “What convinced me from our very first conversation were the values the company lives by,” says Andreas Schmidt. “A family-friendly and social corporate culture, coupled with a deep passion for developing a product to the highest standard to deliver tangible added value to the customer. This philosophy, supported by consistently appreciative communication, was the deciding factor.” That first impression has been borne out for Andreas Schmidt in his day-to-day work. He describes the "FRAISA Spirit" as a special combination of perfection, innovation, and efficiency. For him, a defining example was a project workshop held in Solothurn in June: The high level of work discipline and commitment from everyone involved enabled the team to achieve compelling results in a short amount of time — results that are now being systematically pursued. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I INSIDE FRAISA Andreas Schmidt is the new Managing Director of FRAISA GmbH in Willich FRAISA also won him over quickly on both the professional and cultural level. Andreas Schmidt particularly highlights the company's strong willingness to innovate, as well as the time it takes for its customers and its products. His first customer visits also left a lasting impression on him: “It filled me with pride to see that some customers actually describe themselves as true 'FRAISA fans'. That shows a strong bond.” Culturally, he emphasizes appreciative interaction above all, something visible even in the small details of everyday working life. Under his leadership, Willich is set to develop in several ways: as a capable partner for customers in Germany, a location with high technical expertise and a central hub for FRAISA ReTool® across the Group. At the center of this are the further development of the team, sustainable growth, and a clear focus on the needs of tomorrow's customers. At the same time, the high standards for quality and delivery capability are to be consistently upheld. The path forward is clear: FRAISA GmbH aims to continue growing and remain a secure and reliable employer for all its employees. Andreas Schmidt intends to make strategic use of technological advancements, strengthen teams, and further deepen collaboration with customers. What remains decisive for him is making the time spent with customers as valuable as possible. “After 24 years at the same company, I was deliberately looking for fresh inspiration. I found exactly that at FRAISA: in the values they live by, the passion for the product, and a deep appreciation that I felt right from our very first conversation. This is the foundation upon which we will continue our success story.” Andreas Schmidt | FRAISA GmbH | Managing Director INSIDE FRAISA A Conversation with the new COO In his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO), György Varknal is responsible for the coordination, advancement, and performance assurance of production at the Group level. In this interview, he talks about how he understands his role, his goals, and the key challenges of cross-site development. After 24 years at the company where he trained — rising from apprentice to Managing Director — Andreas Schmidt deliberately sought out new inspiration. He found it at FRAISA. What drew him in most were the company's lived values: a family-friendly and social corporate culture, combined with a commitment to continuously advancing products and delivering real added value to customers. With a fresh perspective and clear priorities: [ 22 ] [ 23 ]
What roles did you step into — and what are you focused on? Florian Kennel-Maushart: I started as a trainee in Research and Development. That gave me an in-depth look into a range of different departments and areas of expertise. Recently, I moved into a project management role in R&D, with a focus on digital topics like image recognition and process data. Michael Maushart: I started on the infrastructure team in Corporate IT — initially getting to know the specific systems and handling various requests. Now, I take on smaller projects independently and support larger ones. That's given me the chance to get to know many different areas. What was important to you in finding your own path within the company? From the start, it was important to both of them that their skills match the tasks at hand — and that they can add real added value to both their department and FRAISA as a whole. Florian Kennel-Maushart: I felt very welcome and at home right from the start. At the same time, I noticed that my expertise in digitalization, data, and automation quickly allowed me to make a productive contribution. Michael Maushart: Thanks to the open and helpful welcome from my team and many colleagues across the entire company, I was able to get up to speed quickly. I am convinced that I am on the right track — both personally and in terms of the skills that are in demand at FRAISA. What does your start here mean for the future — both professionally and culturally? What do you want to preserve, and what do you want to develop further? For a family business, both feel it's important that ownership has a face — and that it's actively working in the company. The corporate culture, collegial collaboration, and mutual appreciation are core values. They hope that stepping into these roles will help preserve this culture for the future. Florian Kennel-Maushart: On a professional level, I hope to work hand in hand with my many colleagues to keep advancing our digital initiatives alongside tool development, so that FRAISA remains a forward-looking company. Michael Maushart: I hope to help prepare the FRAISA system infrastructure for future developments and challenges in the digital world, while also ensuring that our employees have the support they need to work together seamlessly. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I INSIDE FRAISA The strategic importance of digital solutions The timing for establishing a dedicated team is deliberate: Digitalization, data relevance, and system connectivity are rapidly becoming more important in metalworking, both at FRAISA and among its customers. In the future, standalone digital solutions and data silos will no longer suffice. What is needed is a comprehensive, strategically designed system that integrates seamlessly, is scalable, and delivers tangible added value. One example is the growing use of interfaces that allow tool and cutting data to be automatically loaded into CAM or tool management systems. An interdisciplinary team close to the market The interdisciplinary team brings together expertise from sales, controlling, tool development, machining, and IT. This closeness to the market and technology is a key advantage. The goal is to translate requirements into usable digital solutions — in sales as well as directly at the machine. At the same time, the team aims to create internal transparency, consolidate needs from all countries, and strengthen collaboration across sites and departments. Short-term steps and quick wins In the short term, the focus is on gathering, prioritizing, and establishing a timeline for potential improvements. At the same time, visible progress will be driven through quick wins — optimizations that require minimal effort but deliver high impact. The team aims to create tangible added value early on and build confidence in what it can deliver. Long-term vision for the customer platform In the long term, the goal is to create a seamless digital customer experience across the entire life cycle of the tool and its digital twin. This includes a new version of ToolCare®, a unified login, customizable ToolExpert settings, an expanded CAM interface portfolio, more meaningful Power BI sales metrics, and a future customer relationship management concept. The success of these initiatives can be measured by the utilization of digital products, customer satisfaction, and the stability and availability of systems — as well as by their contribution to efficiency, transparency, and process reliability for both customers and FRAISA. New Team In this interview, Florian Kennel-Maushart and Michael Maushart, sons of long-time owner Josef Maushart, talk about their first roles in the company, their professional focus, new learning experiences, and what they hope to preserve — and to further develop — for the future. With its new Digital Products & Sales Services department, FRAISA is sending a clear message: Customers and colleagues are to receive the best possible support on their digitalization journey, and access to products and cutting data is to be made simpler worldwide. The focus is on the vision of a unified customer platform with an intuitive, seamless user experience. With a single login, all functions and information will be available right where you need them, in the familiar, “easy-to-use” FRAISA style you know from ToolExpert. “Digital Products & Sales Services” A Conversation with Florian Kennel-Maushart and Michael Maushart INSIDE FRAISA [ 24 ] [ 25 ]
“My training at FRAISA gave me the technical foundation and confidence needed for SwissSkills — thanks to handson tasks, close mentorship, and a training environment consistently focused on precision and quality.” Nico Känzig | FRAISA SA | Vocational Trainer, FRAISA Training Center (part-time) The example of Nico Känzig illustrates how profoundly this approach can shape personal growth. Through the personal mentorship he received at FRAISA, he was supported in an individual and targeted way. Coupled with his personal drive, this gave his professional growth a major boost and resulted in outstanding performance. SwissSkills: A stage for excellence in vocational training A defining experience along the way was the Swiss vocational championships, SwissSkills. They showcase what strong vocational training is all about: expertise, precision, efficiency, and quality. SwissSkills promotes excellence and the development of young talent in technical and skilled trades. There, young professionals and apprentices take on realistic tasks from their respective fields and demonstrate their skills under competitive conditions. Nico Känzig's outstanding second-place finish is an illustrative example of the level of training and dedication behind this journey. Targeted support on the road to the competition FRAISA provided Nico with targeted support along the way. In preparation for SwissSkills, he was provided with the necessary resources and developed an optimal training plan together with the team. This enabled him to prepare for the competition in a structured and systematic manner under ideal conditions. Transferring skills to day-to-day work He brings a wealth of experience from this into his daily work routine: an even higher focus on quality and precision, as well as the ability to work in a structured, calm, and solution-oriented manner even under time pressure. At the same time, his time management, process understanding, and standards for cleanliness and repeatability have been honed — helping him plan tasks efficiently, execute them reliably, and consistently deliver high-level results. Training at FRAISA demonstrates how individualized mentorship, hands-on tasks, and targeted support work together to sustainably strengthen both professional development and personal performance. ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I INSIDE FRAISA Employees drive FRAISA’s success The 2025 employee survey at FRAISA in Switzerland provided a clear picture: Engagement is high, and dialogue is effective. Particularly gratifying were the very high response rate and the nuanced, constructive feedback we received. Equally important is a look at the results: Compared to the survey two years ago, the scores have significantly improved. This is all the more remarkable given that the past year was economically challenging. The results show that progress has been made in various areas and that the improvements introduced are taking effect. External benchmarking and the “Swiss Arbeitgeber Award” (Swiss Employer Award) This internal perspective is complemented by external benchmarking. FRAISA placed 8th in its company-size category at the "Swiss Arbeitgeber Award" (Swiss Employer Award). The award is based on Switzerland’s largest benchmarking initiative: Over 50,000 employees from around 150 companies were surveyed. The ranking is determined entirely from the bottom up, through anonymous employee ratings — providing a direct, unfiltered snapshot of sentiment within each company. For an industrial company in particular, this result is anything but a given. Experience shows that it is challenging to achieve top rankings when compared to companies in the financial and service sectors. This makes the comparison within the manufacturing sector all the more significant: FRAISA stands out with noticeably better scores. Validation and motivation The results of the employee survey and FRAISA's performance at the "Swiss Arbeitgeber Award" (Swiss Employer Award) are an important confirmation that the company is on the right track. They motivate us to continue working together, build on our strengths, and focus our efforts on areas where the feedback indicates potential for improvement. Our thanks go to all employees who, through their assessments, their dedication, and their daily work, contribute to this progress. INSIDE FRAISA with individual support and a practical focus Vocational training T raining at FRAISA is designed around personal mentorship, professional development, and the gradual assumption of responsibility. Apprentices receive individualized support and targeted guidance. The focus is not just on acquiring technical knowledge, but on building the practical skills that are crucial for daily professional life. The vocational training is versatile and consistently oriented toward hands-on application. Stronger together FRAISA’s success is based on the performance, knowledge, and dedication of its employees. Regular employee surveys are therefore an important tool for systematically gathering feedback, evaluating developments, and purposefully driving improvements. They reveal how teamwork is perceived across the company, where initiated measures are showing results, and where there is still a need for further action. [ 26 ] [ 27 ]
Precision, Young Talent, and Perspectives 40 Years of FRAISA ToolChampions ANNUAL REPORT 2025 / 2026 I INSIDE FRAISA FRAISA ToolChampions is more than just an event for the organizing and expert team: "It's a project close to our hearts because it allows us to showcase enthusiasm while strategically investing in the future." The competition specifically fosters craftsmanship, CNC safety, and process-oriented thinking. Whether FRAISA ToolChampions makes a difference is proven by concrete milestones: accelerated learning curves, increased self-confidence, more defined career trajectories, and training quality that visibly improves in day-to-day operations. Customers and partners also benefit indirectly: "Good young talent strengthens the whole sector." A participant's perspective: Learning in a competitive environment Linus von Däniken, from Jabil Switzerland Manufacturing GmbH in Raron, is the overall Swiss champion for 2024/25 in the conventional category and is currently also competing in the CNC category. For him, time was the biggest challenge: “It was hard to get everything done within this limited timeframe. But it all worked out” What he learned most of all was that attention to detail pays off: “That small details are highly rewarding, even if they require a lot of effort — for example, cleanly breaking the edges.” He was motivated primarily by the challenge: “My greatest motivation was hearing how difficult it is to win there, yet knowing it isn't impossible.” His advice to new competitors is straightforward: “Give it everything you've got, but never sacrifice quality.” “At FRAISA, passion for precision is more than just a slogan — and that is exactly the spirit we see in our competition participants too!” Tiziano Sichi | FRAISA SA | Head of Application Technology The moderator’s perspective: Recognition and appeal for the industry Moderator Tamara Sedmak has been hosting FRAISA ToolChampions for over ten years. For her, the competition has become a true passion project: “Over the years, I have seen firsthand how much this competition means to these young people: On the one hand, it is an important recognition of their hard work; on the other, it provides visible proof of their skills for their future careers.” The participants demonstrate their capabilities, receive public recognition, and make valuable contacts: Young people from across Switzerland connect, share experiences, and it is often the starting point for friendships. She experiences the impact of FRAISA ToolChampions firsthand: “Every single time, I can genuinely feel an incredible atmosphere and enthusiasm in the room. Even though not everyone can win, there's still a lot of joy for the colleagues who do. And this competition is, for many, the next important step in their career — that's something we've seen clearly over the past few years.” In her estimation, the wider environment benefits as well: “When young talents are nurtured and given visibility, the entire industry benefits. Customers and partners can see that engaged and highly skilled young talent is emerging here — talent that showcases exceptional workmanship. This strengthens confidence in young people and makes this industry attractive to the next generation as well.” INSIDE FRAISA Supporting the next generation of talent is a matter close to FRAISA's heart. For 40 years, the FRAISA ToolChampions competition has been supporting young industry talent in Switzerland, with around 1,000 appren- tices taking part each year. First, regional winners are named in the conventional machining and CNC machining categories, from whom the overall national winners are then chosen. A total of CHF 60,000 in prize money is awarded: the two third-place winners each receive CHF 1,500, the second-place winners get CHF 3,000 each, and the first-place winners receive a car to use for one year. [ 28 ] [ 29 ]
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzQyNTY4Mg==