What makes Steiger unique is its willingness to listen to its customers and give them exactly what they need. Innovation therefore remains at the heart of the Valais-based SME, which has just celebrated 75 years in business. It marked its anniversary with an official ceremony organised in late September by Gérard Steiger, son of the company’s founder, State Councillor Christophe Darbellay, National Councillor Philippe Nantermond and Valérie Bressoud Guérin, mayor of Vionnaz.
Founded by Robert Steiger in Roanne in 1949 to restart the textile machines that had been halted during the war, the firm set up premises in Vionnaz in 1963. “My father was a visionary who brought the best artisans and technicians from the Roanne region with him. Persuading these experts to join him on the adventure was a real challenge,” recalled Gérard Steiger. “Globalisation has done its work but the company is still here, ready to tackle new challenges thanks to its passionate leaders.”
“In the era of industry 4.0, it is thanks to innovation that we are still able to produce knitting machines in Vionnaz. Steiger is a company that has learned how to evolve and adapt over the decades and now has 100 employees on two sites, in Valais and in China,” explained Pierre-Yves Bonvin, CEO of Steiger.
Three niche segments
Steiger’s site in Valais has specialised in three niche segments: upmarket fashion, medical applications and technical solutions. “The medical sector accounts for 70% of our sales, particularly in the orthotics market, for knee and elbow supports, but also thanks to our expertise in the production of made-to-measure knitted compression bandages for people who have suffered major burns.”
Steiger’s “technical knitting” division even allows it to “knit planes”. “We knit a three-dimensional preform in carbon or glass fibre, which is then coated with resin and solidified in a mould. This creates ultra-light and highly resistant pieces that are popular in the aeronautical industry,” according to Pierre-Yves Bonvin.
In spite of its successes and innovations, the Valais-based SME still faces multiple challenges, especially in relation to the strong Swiss franc and access to the European market. “98% of our machines are delivered within Europe. Negotiations with the EU are in a state of flux and that puts us in a tricky position.”
Key actions during Covid
“Few people are aware of what’s happening at Steiger in terms of innovation. The population found out more about one of its specialisations during the Covid crisis, when the firm made knitted masks. It really threw the spotlight on the company and many citizens felt very proud,” commented Valérie Bressoud Guérin, mayor of Vionnaz.
For his part, State Councillor Christophe Darbellay recalled Steiger’s commitment to the emergence of a textiles culture in Valais. “The canton has earned an international reputation in the fashion industry in recent years. I am thinking, of course, of Kevin Germanier, who had the honour of presenting his creations during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.” Steiger also works regularly with designers such as Camille Rausis, demonstrating that it is possible to create clothing “made in Valais” from A to Z.
Further information: Steiger
Interview on 20 September 2024