A vision becomes reality – INTEGRA campus in Zizers
An unforgettable open house event
The open house event offered the opportunity to explore the new INTEGRA campus in person. A self-guided, interactive tour provided insights from behind the scenes of INTEGRA, while live music, delicious food and film highlights in the open air cinema offered a diverse program of activities and entertainment for all.
Pictures of the open house event
A courageous commitment to expansion
The decision to expand the headquarters in Zizers with a production plant to complement our site in Hudson, New Hampshire, USA, was made in 2016. We wanted to be closer to our European customers to create global supply security, commit to sustainability by reducing emissions and transportation costs, and expand our manufacturing capabilities to enable further company growth. Gian-Andrea Sutter, COO of INTEGRA Biosciences, recalled the decision: “We had a clear vision in mind. We wanted to increase our competitiveness by investing in automation and, at the same time, set an example of Switzerland as a manufacturing location. Our turnover increased by an average of 18 % annually between 2010 and 2016. We grew faster and more strongly than we had expected.”
Construction of the new INTEGRA campus began in 2021, marking the start of an ambitious project with innovative industrial architecture and sustainable building design. However, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and, a little later, the conflict in Ukraine posed several challenges to the project. Despite global uncertainties, we decided to continue on our chosen path and press ahead with construction.
Sustainability as a guiding principle
The INTEGRA campus was not only intended to provide state-of-the-art production technologies, but was also built to be sustainable and energy efficient. The building was constructed to the Minergie P ECO standard, and relies on modern, advanced technologies. Groundwater is used for heating and cooling, eliminating the need for air conditioning systems powered by electricity. One particularly innovative approach is the use of waste heat from injection molding production – as well as from the kitchen – to heat the rest of the building. “This reduces the electricity requirements for heating the new building by 45 % compared to the conventional use of groundwater,” explained Alain Wälti, the responsible construction manager at Fanzun.
In addition, a 3000 square meter photovoltaic system was installed on the roof, which covers the majority of the office building's energy requirements, and any surplus electricity is used to charge electric vehicles on site. The remaining areas are covered in greenery, helping to retain rainwater and cool the building. The rest of the rainwater drains directly away from the site, supporting the natural water cycle.
Inside the building, the staff restaurant named ‘La Pipetta’ has an innovative liquid crystal glass window, which provides optimal sun protection without compromising the view. All of these measures help minimize the company's environmental footprint and simultaneously reduce operating costs.
A campus focused on people and innovation
The INTEGRA campus is much more than just a production site. It was designed to encourage collaboration and innovation. Spacious, bright offices and modern communal areas have created an environment that stimulates creative thinking and promotes productivity and well-being among employees. La Pipetta not only offers healthy and sustainable meals, but also serves as a social meeting place that strengthens direct communication between employees. The workstations themselves have been designed according to the latest ergonomic principles. In the communal areas, high quality materials – such as oak flooring, which is usually a rarity in industrial buildings – create a pleasant and attractive atmosphere.
Positive impact for the region
The campus is obviously of great importance to the company, but is also having a positive impact on the entire region. Numerous local companies were involved in the construction, which strengthened the regional economy in the short term. Looking further into the future, the expansion will create 250 new jobs between 2020 and 2028. The modern working conditions and innovative infrastructure make INTEGRA and its campus an attractive employer for skilled workers, strengthening the innovative power of the entire region.
