Our history begins in 1915.
And we continue to write it every day.
Foundation of the public limited company "UTILIS Zurich, Swiss Tool Factory"
The company emerged from "Gebrüder Ernst, Mechanische Werkstätte und Mühlenbau" (Ernst Brothers, Mechanical Workshop and Mill Construction), founded in 1868 by brothers Jakob and Albert Ernst. Albert Ernst Spüler is the sole shareholder and runs the public limited company until 1931.
Two name changes
UTILIS Zurich, Switzerland Werkzeugfabrik first becomes "Schweizer Werkzeugfabrik UTILIS". The AG then operates under the name "UTILIS Müllheim, Werkzeug- und Apparatefabrik".
ENDFIX
ENDFIX is launched. The tool, which is used for machining bar, wire and pipe ends, is still in use today in almost unchanged form.
Ovomaltine
In collaboration with Dr. Wander in Bern, the manufacturer of Ovomaltine, a mixer for producing mixed drinks was developed and produced and sold over 10,000 times over many decades. Individual mixers can still be found in cafés and restaurants today.
New owner
Heinrich Ehrismann-Ernst and his wife Margit become the new owners and run the business until 1969.
Commercial agency for Switzerland of Metallwerke Plansee GmbH
Takeover of the commercial agency for Switzerland of Metallwerke Plansee GmbH Reutte/Tyrol. This long-standing, successful cooperation with today's CERATIZIT Group continues to this day.
UTILIS as commercial agency in Switzerland for Komet Robert Breuning GmbH
UTILIS acts as a commercial agency in Switzerland
for the Swabian company KOMET Robert Breuning GmbH in Besigheim, which was taken over by the CERATIZIT Group in 2017.
Production of the first steel holders
UTILIS manufactures steel holders for indexable inserts for the first time.
Takeover by Josef Paul Huser
Josef Paul Huser acquires the entire share package and runs UTILIS AG together with his wife until 1989.
Progress thanks to investment:
New machinery and new logo
Technical development continues: UTILIS invests in its machinery and starts using modern grinding machines in production.
In addition, a new UTILIS logo is created.
Cutting programme: MULTISTAR
With MULTISTAR, UTILIS launched a successful cutting programme.
Takeover of the commercial agency of ERIX TOOL AB
Takeover of the commercial agency for Switzerland of ERIX TOOL AB from Gothenburg, Sweden.
Core renovation and expansion of the company building
Inauguration after extensive expansion and renovation of UTILIS AG due to an ever-growing machine park.
Introduction of NC technology
UTILIS introduces NC technology to improve manufacturing precision and increase productivity. NC stands for Numerical Control, which means that the machine is controlled electronically using coded work steps stored on punched tape or magnetic tape.
Awarded for KH-light head lifter
UTILIS won the gold medal for best design at the Basel Trade Fair with its KH-light head lifter prototype. Despite patents in Europe, the USA, Canada and Switzerland, commercial success failed to materialise.
Expansion of production
Factory expansion in the north-west to make room for the new, larger CNC machines.
Takeover by "Romabau-Holding AG"
Romabau-Holding AG, Weinfelden, later renamed SIH Holding, acquires the Huser family's share package and integrates UTILIS AG into its company.
Further expansion of office and production facilities
The office space is expanded in the attic and the southern extensions are partially demolished. The factory building is expanded accordingly.
A new UTILIS logo
The UTILIS logo gets a new look
Launch of UTILIS' own brand: multidec®
UTILIS launches its own brand multidec® and successfully introduces the new product lines multidec®-CUT, -TOP and
-ISO for automatic turning and especially for the watch industry.
ISO-9001 certification
UTILIS AG underpins its quality standards and is certified according to ISO-9001.
We are now online!
UTILIS goes online for the first time with its own website.
First step towards internationalisation: Founding of UTILIS France S.à.r.l
UTILIS AG establishes its first subsidiary, UTILIS France S.à.r.l, in Haute Savoie, Theyz, France.
New ownership structure, entry of the Vilsmeier family of entrepreneurs
SIH Holding sells a block of shares to the new main shareholder Wolfgang Vilsmeier, who becomes the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Further shares are acquired by a former SIH board member and the UTILIS management team led by Mario Macario.
First field trials with multidec®-WHIRLING
UTILIS AG began early on with the first trials of a new system for the efficient production of long external threads, which are mainly used in medical technology.
Today, UTILIS is the global market leader in this field.
Opening of new production and office premises
After a year of construction, UTILIS AG moves into a new extension. It is used for the production of indexable inserts and creates space for additional office space.
Second step in internationalisation:
UTILIS China, Swiss Type Tools
UTILIS AG establishes its second subsidiary, UTILIS China, Swiss Type Tools in Shanghai, China. The focus is on sales, support for major international customers and application technology.
Redesign and relaunch of the website
UTILIS makes greater use of the Internet as a communication and sales channel. The website is completely redesigned, as is the e-shop, which is used by customers as an information and ordering platform.
UTILIS AG celebrates its 100th anniversary
UTILIS AG celebrates its 100th anniversary with a ceremony in Müllheim.
Move into the extension building
UTILIS AG doubles its production capacity at its headquarters and sets up new premises for training, meetings and administration.
Anniversary: 25 years of multidec®
The internationally successful UTILIS brand multidec® celebrates its 25th anniversary. Many customers regard the brand as a benchmark in micromechanics worldwide.
Third step in internationalisation: Acquisition of GenSwiss
UTILIS acquires Genevieve Swiss Industries, Inc. from the USA. The agency continues as an independent subsidiary.
Fourth step in internationalisation: Founding of UTILIS Thailand, Swiss Type Tools
UTILIS AG opens UTILIS Thailand, Swiss Type Tools in Bangkok, Thailand. Focus on sales and application technology.
