22.06.2026
Working hand in hand for the trade: On the major Thun Grammar School project, several companies within the Kuratle Group are collaborating to provide bespoke, comprehensive solutions for all aspects of timber. This example demonstrates how the interplay between trade, production and logistics can always be implemented in the best interests of our customers.
All the companies within the Kuratle Group form a single organisation. Our structure is clearly demonstrated in a wide variety of examples and projects as ‘one company’, where it is not just a single company that operates, but several departments and teams that complement one another.
“All these examples demonstrate that collaboration within the Kuratle Group does not merely involve passing projects on, but takes place on an interdisciplinary basis along the value chain – with clear roles, direct communication and a shared vision,” says Philip Hofmann, CTO of the Kuratle Group. “The individuals involved in a project represent the teams and departments concerned.” This is precisely why such projects bring the ecosystem into focus.
One project, several companies: Thun Grammar School
As part of the exciting large-scale Thun Grammar School project, Kuratle & Jaecker’s Bern office is currently collaborating with Timber Concept GmbH on two phases: in spring/summer 2024 and the phase currently underway.
This collaboration enables coordination between system and project expertise on the one hand, and sales, market access and customer management on the other. Immanuel Hofmann is involved on behalf of Kuratle & Jaecker in Bern, whilst Michaela Schlimm and Ansgar Knill are responsible at Timber Concept.
The Machining and Cutting Centre (BUZ) and HTA Mittelland are also involved. This means that four companies under the umbrella of the Kuratle Group are working hand in hand. And as our company Timber Concept is based in Germany, this collaboration has even managed to bridge the gap across national borders.
What’s it all about? Thun Grammar School is currently undergoing extensive expansion and refurbishment. The formerly separate Schadau and Seefeld grammar schools are being merged to form Thun Grammar School (at the Schadau site). The Seefeld site was to be put to other uses – as decided by the Canton of Bern. The extension and refurbishment will enable 31 new classes to be accommodated at the new combined Schadau site. Construction is taking place in stages to ensure that school operations can continue. The main building is due to open in 2027.
The synergies between trade and production
The collaboration between our companies began with the 3D plans from Stuberholz AG. These were sent to Timber Concept and reviewed by the team of timber construction experts from Bavaria. Timber Concept, which has extensive experience in the international arena, drew up proposals for improvements following the review.
Another distinctive feature that underlines the close collaboration between our companies in delivering bespoke, comprehensive solutions for our clients’ benefit is that Kuratle & Jaecker Bern has been responsible for, and continues to be responsible for, the procurement of all fasteners (steel). However, the partial pre-assembly at the glulam plant (including physical quality checks) was, and continues to be, carried out by Timber Concept. It was precisely this ‘division of labour’ that was the decisive factor in the collaboration between Kuratle & Jaecker and Timber Concept on the Thun Grammar School project.
To optimise collaboration throughout the entire construction phase, there has been regular communication between Stuberholz AG, Immanuel Hofmann (Kuratle & Jaecker Bern) and Timber Concept – either in person on site or via video call using Microsoft Teams.
But that was not all. Our Meier Logistik division and its warehouses also came into play during the first construction phase. The materials were temporarily stored in Bern before being delivered ‘just in time’ on flatbed lorries to Thun. In the second construction phase, Timber Concept will handle the deliveries directly.