18.06.2026
Ticinoro has a certain value. What began in April 1986 with the Ticino sweet chestnut has today become an exclusive success story for all those seeking something special. The company, part of the Kuratle Group, has become a household name for luxury flooring and more, bearing the ‘Swiss-Made’ seal of quality. To mark its 40th anniversary, we spoke to George Kuratle about the company that had its beginnings in Ticino.
Twelve years ago, George Kuratle had Ticinoro ONDO laid in his own office. A chestnut table was also made. Indeed, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuratle Group has a deep-seated love for chestnut: “Everything in my home is made of chestnut,” says George Kuratle in an interview to mark the 40th anniversary.
“It all began in a small village in Ticino,” reveals George Kuratle. A small group of dropouts settled there and lived out their dream of an alternative lifestyle. “The vision was to produce high-quality wooden flooring made from Swiss timber, specifically Ticino chestnut.” When the sawmill was put up for sale, he seized the opportunity.
Ticinoro – It’s the people who make the difference
George Kuratle had no idea what he was getting himself into when he bought the ‘Segheria alla Coletta’ in the Onsernone Valley near Locarno. “I didn’t know what I was buying. At first, it was a bottomless pit,” he admits today. What to do? It soon became clear: Ticinoro is a brand in its own right. It is high-end and cannot be compared with standard products. The Collezioni cannot be sold through retail channels, but require specialist individuals who understand wood and can create something of value from it. This is crucial: the sales consultant must have an affinity for it – a love of wood.
“It will rarely happen that Ticinoro is sold through retail outlets. Every piece is something special in every situation – and that is the essence of Ticinoro.” With these words, George Kuratle sums up the unique position of our supplier of bespoke floors, benches, staircases and terraces.
Every piece is unique
And the strategy paid off. Whilst 40 years ago it was difficult, if not impossible, to realise innovative designs, modern CNC machines now offer entirely new possibilities. The visions of the past can now be realised – and George Kuratle had believed in them from the very beginning: “As long as the machinery industry allows us to create wonderful things, the more we can show customers just what is possible.”
Interior designers appreciate Ticinoro’s exceptional aesthetics and the personalised advice offered on bespoke projects. The client base grows with every new project, each of which is always unique. George Kuratle’s message? That the journey continues and that Ticinoro may continue to develop so positively at this high standard.
We would also like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt congratulations on 40 successful years of Ticinoro!