Sonova is expanding capacities for the manufacture and engineering of its innovative hearing systems at its headquarters in Stäfa, Switzerland. In doing so, the Group is investing in further growth and underscoring its position as one of the world's leading high-tech companies. The new plant, which is expected to be ready at the end of 2009, will cost approximately 40 million Swiss francs.
Valentin Chapero, Sonova's CEO, is breaking ground for the new manufacturing and technology centre in an official ceremony today. "This expansion of capacity is the logical consequence of our continually growing business," says Chapero who also announces that there will be another wave
of innovations corresponding with the Group's growth and especially the hearing system brand
Phonak.
The new technology centre will use innovative production methods. Sonova's hearing systems, which are based on the PALIO and CORE chip platform, are already considered industry benchmarks to date;however in the future the company will be producing even more powerful and smaller, customized circuits in 65 nanometer technology as a result of the most sophisticated microelectronic packaging. Sonova's new manufacturing and technology centre will also be focusing more on the multi-component injection molding process which combines hard plastic and elastomers in a single flow of work. Sonova will continue to produce customized in-the-ear hearing systems using the latest digital technology.
Prerequisite for further growth
The 40 million Swiss franc centre is the third expansion in the company's history at the headquarters in Stäfa. The manufacturing and technology centre will be built on a 6000 m² area and provide room for approximately 300 jobs, laying the foundations for Sonova's further growth. The Sonova Group's investment is also a commitment to Switzerland as a site of commerce and the outstanding high-tech knowledge and resources on offer. Sonova currently offers its employees a modern infrastructure which will be further expanded once construction of the technology centre is completed. Plans include a day care centre and gym. "These are added bonuses that reflect our concept of being a progressive employer, "says Valentin Chapero.
This is Sonova
Sonova is the leading provider of innovative hearing healthcare solutions. This globally active group of companies is one of the world's top three manufacturers of hearing systems, the market leader in wireless communication systems for audiology applications and a provider of professional solutions for hearing protection. Sonova is pursuing a clear and sustainable growth strategy and is intent on further building its market share. To this end it is constantly expanding its existing business segments and branching out into other areas of the hearing healthcare industry.
Present in over 90 countries and with a workforce of over 4700 employees, Sonova generated sales of CHF 1.205 billion in the financial year 2007/08 and a net profit of CHF 274 million. This financially strong group of companies bases its success on innovation, customer focus and proactive cost management.
Hearing is a megatrend in our society. Modern communication requirements and the sheer volume of audio information available - whether music or the spoken word - continue to increase, so that hearing is becoming an increasingly important facility. Due to demographic trends and harmful environmental impacts, more and more people now suffer from hearing loss, and yet only roughly a fifth of them make use of professional hearing solutions. Sonova therefore wants to raise public awareness of the importance of hearing and highlight the social and emotional impact of hearing loss, as well as providing information on potential solutions. In the Hear the World initiative world famous celebrities stress the importance of good hearing.
The company has been successfully promoting understanding and communication for over 60 years, and is ideally positioned to benefit from the trends in this growth industry.
For more information please visit www.sonova.com
Sonova shares (ticker symbol: SOON) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange since 1994
For more information about Phonak, please visit www.phonak.com or the Phonak Web Channel on Audiology Online.
Sonova Invests 40 Million Swiss Francs in New High-Tech Production Facility
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