In his opening speech, President Heiner Oberrauch emphasized: “Every brand needs a home, a place where it belongs. This applies not only to our brands Salewa in Bolzano (Italy) and Dynafit in Kiefersfelden (Germany), but also to Pomoca here in Chavornay in Switzerland. In a unique place, the brand idea is combined with production excellence, resulting in great brand value in a single location.” and welcomed together with Pomoca CEO Josep Castellet prominent figures, and long-time partners, including Isabelle Moret, State Councillor; Laurence Marchand, Mayor of Chavornay; Jordi Canals, Secretary General of the ISMF; Guy Dufour, a member of POMOCA’s founding family; Patrick Savoy, General Manager of Bat-Mann Construction SA. Together, they officially opened a building that embodies POMOCA's vision: combining technological excellence, Swiss innovation, and a sustainable commitment to guide the brand toward an ambitious future. Furthermore, The choice of Chavornay, near Lausanne, enables POMOCA to connect with the region’s innovation hub and benefit from collaborations with leading research institutions such as EPFL and Vaud’s higher education centers. This proximity to the economic and academic ecosystem strengthens POMOCA’s long-term vision, enhancing its capacity to innovate and develop high-performance products.
On November 21, the South Tyrolean Oberalp Group celebrated the opening of the new Pomoca brand headquarters in Chavornay. Since the Oberalp Group added the Swiss ski skin brand Pomoca to its portfolio of mountain sports brands in 2011, it has grown to become a world market leader in terms of quality and performance. Founded in 1933 Pomoca is a Swiss brand, and since Swiss technology enjoys worldwide recognition and trust, the Oberalp Group has decided to keep production in Switzerland and is, after a construction period of three years and an investment of CHF 12 million, continuing to invest in the development of the brand.
This building in this precise location is more than just a factory; it’s the new heart of POMOCA, where our passion for the mountains and Swiss expertise come together to drive innovation. This new space enables us to meet growing demand while implementing initiatives that ensure high-quality production aligned with our values and respect for the environment.
Back in 2021, the Oberalp Group acquired the Velotex weaving company in Wermelskirchen, Germany, to verticalize the production of Pomoca ski touring skins. This gives the Swiss brand control over a continuous supply chain, from woven yarn in Germany to finished ski touring skins in Switzerland. “By verticalizing our production, we can guarantee the highest quality standards, because we control all production steps in-house and have a direct influence on processes and innovations,” explains Ruth Oberrauch, Vice President and Head of Sustainability at the Oberalp Group. “The verticalization of several production stages within our company enables us to focus on ecological and social criteria,’ the Vice President continues. Furthermore, Pomoca pioneers in producing PFAS-free ski skins since 2020, underscoring its commitment to environmentally friendly solutions without sacrificing performance. For upcycling initiatives that contribute to a circular way of waste management, the brand is partnering with companies like Skinalp and Baabuk to repurpose production scraps into practical accessories like belts and keychains.
The building constructed by Bat-Mann SA over three years for an investment of 12 million CHF reflects architectural innovation and efficiency. Designed by Dreier Frenzel, it mirrors the surrounding alpine peaks, symbolizing POMOCA’s connection to nature and heritage. The 3,800 m² facility combines modernity and sustainability, with open-plan offices, collaborative spaces, and amenities like a fitness center to enhance employee well-being. Optimized production lines enable now a capacity of 500,000 units annually while ensuring high-quality standards. The new energy-efficient infrastructure includes heat pumps, dual-flow ventilation, active floor heating, and a 1,200 m² photovoltaic roof, promoting renewable energy use and eco-conscious operations.