Model focuses on innovation and automation

The hosts Elisabeth and Daniel Model with SVI President Philipp Dubois (left) and Andreas Zopfi, Head of SVI Office (right).For its annual assessment of the current situation, the industry organization SVI Swiss Packaging Institute was a guest at Model AG in Weinfelden. SVI President Philipp Dubois explained that the situation for the Swiss packaging industry remains difficult. The biggest challenges include price pressure and dependence on other markets.Aggravated situationThe situation is further exacerbated by the abolition of the minimum euro exchange rate. Dubois did not want to comment on what this means in concrete terms at the SVI New Year's Meeting on January 20. Host Daniel Model, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Group CEO of the family-owned company of the same name, was combative: "We will not take a victim position, but are determined to defend jobs in Switzerland.Showcase companyA tour of the main plant in Weinfelden demonstrated how the Group, with sites in nine countries in Europe, actively defends its business. This is home to one of the most productive corrugated board machines in the world. Processes are continuously adapted and automated wherever possible. If necessary, the company also develops its own machines to meet customer requirements in the packaging and display areas. Administrative processes are also constantly being optimized, currently for example through the merger of the operational Swiss Group companies with Model AG in Weinfelden. The production sites in Au (SG), Moudon, Niedergösgen and Weinfelden remain in place, as do the three Model Pack stores, which together are also active in e-commerce on packshop.ch.