02.02.2022

On the occasion of URMA’s 60th anniversary, the succession is settled

Jessica and Yannick Berner are new members of the Supervisory Board

This year, URMA AG celebrates the 60th anniversary of its company in Rupperswil.
At the same time, the continued existence of the family business has also been ensured. Siblings Jessica (31) and Yannick Berner (29) are not only active in the operations of the company, but have also been members of the Supervisory Board since January 1, 2022.

"I am very glad that we started the succession planning very early. In the end, however, we also got a little lucky, in that two of the children were prepared to take on responsibility for the family business," emphasizes Urs W. Berner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and CEO of URMA, who, as a member of the second generation, has been running the company for 30 years. He will continue to work for the company in these positions. URMA develops and manufactures precision tool systems that are used worldwide in the machining of precise bores. Their innovative tool systems increase process reliability and contribute to increased efficiency. Today, the international company employs 130 people. In mid-August, the company will hold a 60th anniversary celebration at Lenzburg Castle together with the staff, partners and suppliers, as a thank you for their daily commitment and other contributions to the company's success.

The third generation will lead the international industrial company into the future

Six years ago already, the Berner family founded a family advisory board, in which the wishes and ideas not only of the individual family members, but of the company as well, would be the subject of regular discussion. In 2018, Jessica and Yannick took on their first tasks at URMA. Today, as CFO, Jessica is responsible for Human Resources and Accounting, and is a member of the Executive Board as well. Yannick Berner heads the IT and marketing departments, and is also a member of the Executive Board. His focus is on digitalization of URMA as an industrial company. He emphasizes: "It is an honor and a privilege for us to have the opportunity to lead the company that our grandparents founded into the future, to promote further innovations, and to pursue new business areas, as we did with industrial 3D printing last year."

Preventing a shortage of skilled workers by being an attractive employer

As an internationally active industrial company, URMA's new generation of Supervisory Board members should be visible to all employees. "Sustainable working conditions are very important to me," says Jessica Berner. By this, she means not only working conditions that are line with the times, flexible working hours, work-family balance, but also other automation and innovations. Her brother Yannick adds: "It is important for us to be an attractive employer and to always be open to our employees' needs and suggestions. This is how we are countering the shortage of skilled workers." The goal is for the company as a whole to take a further step towards sustainability. In addition to developing sustainable products, this year URMA is investing in more energy-efficient plants and buildings, heat recovery and solar cells. The company is also investing heavily in digital transformation, so that it will be able to produce in Switzerland and be competitive internationally.