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Casram could justifiably be described as a thoroughly Swiss company – one that embodies the precision for which Switzerland is renowned worldwide. It is precisely this characteristic that has made Casram a successful player: initially as a manufacturer of electrical contacts for rail and energy distribution, then as a producer of high-precision components for the rail, aviation and aerospace industries, as well as for the defense, high-voltage, nuclear and medical technology sectors.

Casram SA was founded by Frederico Kever in Caslano back in 1952. “To start with, we primarily produced electrical contacts for railway and energy companies. During the first two decades, we achieved growth by focusing on exporting our products to western Europe and Scandinavia”, is how Franco Puffi describes the company’s beginnings. “Since there were no direct successors to take over the business, Casram became a social-humanitarian foundation in 1978, which still manages the organization today. However, the company management was entrusted to a pool of managers.”

The company’s headquarters has been located in Mezzovico in Ticino since 2005, and the firm has grown enormously since it was founded. Today, it still stands for high-precision component manufacturing but also for excellent expertise in the processing of non-ferrous metals, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, copper, cast iron, tungsten and various special alloys. “Another particularly important business area is ‘sintering’ – a process for producing tungsten-based metal alloys”, emphasizes Franco Puffi.

The unique ownership structure of Casram SA shapes the company’s strong value-driven approach – both at a strategic level and in daily operations. After setting aside funds for reserves and investments, profits are used for social and educational projects as well as specifically for supporting employees in need in the Caslano community.

“I’m convinced that this structure significantly contributes to the quality of all our business relationships”, stresses CEO Franco Puffi. “Our focus on values also includes being ecologically responsible – particularly reducing energy waste and emissions. What’s more, we place great importance on transparency in management, supported by consistent long-term planning.”

At present, the markets are characterized by significant uncertainties. This situation also presents Casram with a variety of challenges. “We are exposed to international turmoil because the raw materials we need for production (i.e. metals) mainly come from abroad. Around 80% of the world’s tungsten is mined in China. One of our key challenges is therefore to tap into alternative and additional energy sources in order to reduce dependency”, is how Franco Puffi describes the company’s current situation.

Are there actually any overlaps between a bank like �۶���Ƶ and a company such as Casram? Franco Puffi thinks for a moment, then says “That’s an interesting question. The financial system is a massive machine with a huge number of moving parts, but at the end of the day, there are always people behind it. We also work with some highly complex technologies. But ultimately, a great deal depends on the knowledge, experience and skills of our employees.”