20.04.2026
In Niederbipp, four companies are united in one place - a prime example of our complete wood solutions. You can feel here that our ecosystem can be further developed in a customer-orientated way. Because at our site in the canton of Bern, creativity and versatility are our top priorities
One for all, all for one: Kuratle & Jaecker
After moving from the immediate neighbourhood, Kuratle & Jaecker moved into its current premises on Industriestrasse in 2008. Six employees and an apprentice customer dialogue specialist are responsible for customers.
Everyone has a clear area of specialisation. But on a day-to-day basis, practically everything is covered by everyone. The advantage: customers don't have to be transferred to the right department on the phone, the employee concerned offers solutions immediately. Kay Wyssbrod, for example, is a vocational trainer and also looks after the web shop. Urs Kopp, who has been with the company for 25 years, knows the product range inside out. And Internal Sales Manager Dominic Allemann had already left the company, but returned. "Sometimes you have to leave to see what you really like," he says.
Part of Kuratle & Jaecker's category management is also based in Niederbipp.
Two warehouses at one location: Meier Logistik
Right next to Kuratle & Jaecker's internal sales department is Meier Logistik's materials planning department. The reciprocal movement of goods between the locations plays a major role. Chauffeurs from Füllinsdorf drive to customers in Niederbipp and take goods back to Füllinsdorf on their return journey. "The newly introduced zone concept will bring further advantages," predicts David Camadini, Head of Logistics Niederbipp.
Around 15 to 20 self-collectors visit Niederbipp every day. In addition to the main warehouse, there is a second one that only stores parquet flooring. "It's the central warehouse for the whole of Switzerland," explains David Camadini. "It is slightly more heated and therefore offers the best conditions for floor coverings."
Our trade for the trade: Holzwerkstoffzentrum Schweiz (HWZ)
While our trading companies Kuratle & Jaecker and Leuba Hiag serve the processing companies such as joineries, HWZ Switzerland looks after other specialised wood traders. This demonstrates the Kuratle Group's versatility in the retail sector.
Samuel Jäggi, Managing Director of HWZ, gives an example to summarise HWZ's field of activity. "One retailer told us that he can cover 80 % of all enquiries with his own warehouse. But the remaining 20 % - he fills them up through the HWZ." Thanks to the services of the wood-based materials centre, full product ranges can be offered.
In contrast to our other trading companies, customers have virtually no desire for advice over the phone. The customers are specialised dealers, they know the material.
The HWZ team pulls together and serves customers throughout Switzerland. Two sales representatives and three office staff are on board - and here, too, everyone can do everything. Even the trained carpenter Samuel - who has been with the company for almost 25 years - sometimes answers the phone.
HWZ used to be contacted via Kuratle & Jaecker at our main site. But just over a decade ago, it moved to premises in Niederbipp. The headquarters remained in Leibstadt.
The HWZ is small, but very fast. Internal decisions are also made in the shortest possible time. "Specialised trade is a business based on trust," says Samuel. The HWZ partner conference, which takes place every two years, strengthens customer loyalty and networking. Similarly, team life is actively organised with annual events.
Room for creativity in Niederbipp
Employees from other locations are often guests in Niederbipp. This is because the Kuratle Academy has large premises here and, for some years now, the Innovation Room, which promotes self-reflection and new ways of thinking - right next to the office of our COO Daniel Buchs.
Do it yourself - make something new: The creative spirit of DIY-Wood
If you want to feel the needs of the market and develop something new, you have to leave the beaten track. DIY-Wood lives this spirit. The company supplies DIY stores with wood-based materials - innovations included. The latest creation from the think tank in Niederbipp is "Easy Shelf", a flexible shelving system that is as simple as it is ingenious and perfectly fulfils customer requirements.
"The dialogue with other companies is what makes the location special," says Daniel Hönicke, Head of Sales & Marketing. He emphasises that this cooperation can tip the scales for success, especially in economically challenging times.
Society plays an important role in Niederbipp. Around three quarters of the stocked goods are DIY wood. How do warehouse professionals recognise this? The smaller orders in some cases. This is because the end customer in the DIY store requires smaller quantities of goods than the timber constructor.
With four to five tours per day, all "market players", i.e. over 150 DIY stores throughout Switzerland, are served. Marketing photos are also produced in-house. The media room, which can be used by all companies, is right next door. When it comes to creativity, the sleeves are simply rolled up. The same applies to team events after work or for lunch together. The barbecue has already reached operating temperature several times this year.
More than trade, production & logistics: the Technology & Property department (Kuratle & Jaecker)
The Technology & Properties department headed by Samuel Halter is part of Kuratle & Jaecker - and it is becoming increasingly important. The department began as "Consulting Architecture & General Planning" over five years ago. The first successes were not long in coming.
"I have the employees' backs," says Samuel, describing his role. He is also responsible for recruiting new employees for the planning and project support team. In his eyes, the interface issue, the support of strong partners such as Novatop or the cooperation with the sister company Timber Concept (for structural services) or co-operation partner Witholz GmbH (for joinery) are important.
Samuel has his eye on the future potential of the Kuratle Group. His wish is to move away from regional thinking towards a national focus - for example by installing sales managers. "Where is the market? What does it need?" Employees should be even closer to the market and act as specialists. He can visualise the future direction of the Kuratle Group with this in mind.
"Specialist retail is changing and we have a lot of potential beyond retail, production and logistics," he says. Planning and project support - instead of just supplying specific products - will become even more important in the future.
These are good prospects. Niederbipp also has its sights firmly set on the future and is working step by step to become even more customer-orientated.
