The company
Unique Swiss success story
Contec Fiber
Our extensive knowledge of the use of synthetic fibers dates back to the 1970s, when the company Arnheiter AG (Forta Seilwerke), which later became part of the Brugg Group, was granted a patent for “Fibrous reinforcement for cement-bound components and coverings”.
While the fiber invented and patented by Arnheiter AG was initially only used for shrinkage crack reduction, the technology was developed further and further over the years, culminating in the synthetic high-performance fibers available today. These are able to either reduce or completely replace conventional steel reinforcement, always based on static calculations in accordance with current regulations and standards.
In recent years, our portfolio has been expanded to include natural fibers for shrinkage cracks and fire protection.
Sustainability
Electricity supply
Our photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof produces an impressive 250,000 kWh of electricity every year. We use 90% of this directly for our own production for the building’s air conditioning.
Construction to Minergie
P standard
The building envelope is particularly well insulated and is subjected to an airtightness test.
Utilization of anergy for heating and cooling
This technology converts existing waste heat from industrial cooling water or cold water into usable energy. In this way, we achieve a high-quality ecological solution for the air conditioning of the building.
History
1878
The beginnings
In the summer of 1878, Adolf Arnheiter, a German ropemaker from Wörth am Main, opened a store at Schmidgasse 24 in St. Gallen together with his wife, where he offered colonial goods and rope goods for sale.
1912
New company headquarters
As early as 1912, Adolf Arnheiter moved the rope production to Gübsenstrasse in St. Gallen-Winkeln. The company grew organically over the following years. Adolf Arnheiter’s rope factory became Adolf Arnheiter und Sohn – Adolf Arnheiter + Co and in 1963 Arnheiter AG, Forta-Seilwerke.
1969 / 1970
New factory building
Expansion of operations with a new factory building and the longest ropeway in Europe.
1970
Change of ownership
In December 1970, Kabelwerke Brugg became the main shareholder of Arnheiter AG for the first time. They came to own 55% of the shares. The remaining shares continued to be held by Adolf Arnheiter jun.
1976
Gold medal at the Inventors’ Fair
Gold medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for the use of plastic fibers in concrete.
1980
Patent for first fiber
Receipt of the patent for “Fibrous reinforcement for cement- and bitumen-bound components and coverings”.
1982
Change of ownership
Kabelwerke Brugg sells the share package of Fatzer AG, Romanshorn, which also took over the minority shareholding of Adolf Arnheiter Sohn.
1983
Foundation of Fortatech AG
Today’s Fortatech AG was founded in 1983 and was run as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fatzer AG in Romanshorn until 1992.
1992
Acquisition by the Brugg Group
Sale of Fortatech AG to the BRUGG Group. Fortatech AG’s activities comprised the rope and lifting technology sector, the fiber sector and the industrial sector for fine ropes and actuating hoists, particularly for the automotive industry.
2001
ISO certification
Certification according to ISO 9001:2008
2010
Foundation of Brugg Contec AG
Brugg Contec AG is founded for the manufacture, further development and distribution of Fortatech®Fiber fiber products.
2017
Change of ownership
Sale of Brugg Contec AG to Contec Holding.
2018
New company headquarters
Relocation of the company to Domat/Ems and change of the company name to Contec Fiber AG.
The team
Our team consists of long-standing employees who are passionate about helping you solve interesting tasks. Our expertise in the production and development of plastic fibers as well as in the development of individual solutions, including static dimensioning in accordance with applicable recommendations and standards, has been valued by our customers for decades.
Alistair Jarvis
Managing Director
Christlorenz Bundi
Head of Production & Purchasing
Pascal Brocard
Head of Business Development & Marketing
Robert Bader
Head of Technology
Riccardo Zorzin
Engineer
Seraina Merz
Administration
Mouldi Ataia
Bookkeeping
Leo Hoogezand
Sales Manager Benelux
Bernd Reisacher
Head of Sales
Arbnor Maraj
Head of Shared Services
Marc Parpan
Customer Service
Guillaume Neau
Technical Sales Manager France
Quality promise
Swiss quality products
The high quality standards of our fibres guarantee our customers durable and cost-optimized solutions. Over 30 years of experience impressively confirms that synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete is still a pioneering technology. The positive feedback from our customers motivates us to further promote the use of our fibers and to tackle new areas of application.
