Hansruedi Lauener
Manufacturing Supervisor
Bucher Hydraulics, Frutigen
Switzerland
“Using groundwater as a cooling source has allowed us to significantly reduce our energy consumption.”
Hansruedi Lauener looks back on 38 years at Bucher Hydraulics in Frutigen. In particular over the past 20 years, he and his team have played a key role in shaping the company’s production in terms of infrastructure, efficiency, competitiveness, machine alignment and sustainability. With a touch of melancholy, but most of all with pride, he is now passing this legacy on to the next generation, Stefan Trachsel.
“Since groundwater is a resource we have on our doorstep, we definitely want to use it – and, of course, sustainably.”
“Sure, every investment incurs additional costs at the beginning. But with the groundwater well, we’re environmentally sound, cost-effective and energy-efficient in the long run.”
“In Frutigen, we have mountains all around us, but less and less snow. That doesn’t leave us indifferent. Protecting the environment is thus also a matter close to our heart.”
Groundwater as a sustainable source of cooling is of great importance to Bucher Hydraulics and other companies in the region. Accordingly, Stefan Trachsel is continuing along the same path as his predecessor, namely with measures for
compressed air systems, extraction and ventilation as well as the expansion of groundwater utilisation for future production capacities. The aim is always to keep the ecological footprint of the site as low as possible.