The Early Years: From Garage Business to Global Player
1955
Otto Hofstetter Sr. establishes a machine shop focusing on traditional tasks such as drilling, turning and milling, but he craves innovation and new challenges. His commitment to quality is evident from day one, setting the foundation for the decades of excellence to follow.
1962
The company takes a bold step into mould manufacturing for plastic, producing its first specialised injection moulds for thin-walled packaging. This strategic move marks the beginning of Otto Hofstetter AG's expertise in food and consumer goods packaging. The first two-cavity cup mould is produced with a wall thickness of 3 mm – a far cry from today's 0.3 mm precision.
1963
Growing steadily, Otto Hofstetter AG moves to larger premises in Uznach, Switzerland, which remains the company's headquarters. The new facility provides the space needed for expanded manufacturing and continuous R&D.
PET Pioneer: The Transformative Years
1977
A pivotal moment comes when Continental Can approaches Otto Hofstetter Sr. about replacing PVC with PET for its bottles. Despite having no experience with PET preform moulds, he embraces the challenge. The company produces its first injection mould for PET preforms, with 16 cavities, marking a bold entry into the beverage packaging industry.
1985
Otto Hofstetter Jr. joins the company as head of production, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. This same year, the company introduces its TiN coating for cores and neck splits, demonstrating an early commitment to surface protection technology. Under his leadership, the company takes on the challenge of building moulds that are "twice as big and twice as fast" to meet customer demands.
1997
A new chapter begins as Otto Hofstetter Sr. hands over leadership to his son, ensuring the company remains family-owned and positioned for future growth. The transition preserves the company's values while embracing modern management approaches.
Global Expansion: Meeting Worldwide Demand
2001
Recognising the vast potential of the Indian market, Otto Hofstetter AG opens a branch in Bangalore. This facility produces moulds exclusively for the Indian market, addressing local needs while maintaining the company's renowned quality standards.
2012
The company's global footprint expands further with the opening of a branch in Shenzhen, China. This strategic move enhances service capabilities in the rapidly growing Asian market and demonstrates the company's commitment to serving customers worldwide.
2014
Otto Hofstetter Jr.'s entrepreneurial vision and leadership are recognised when he receives the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in Switzerland. This acknowledgment honours the company's outstanding performance in a competitive global market.
Diversification and Innovation: The Modern Era
2016
Building on decades of expertise, the company launches Otto Systems, a sister company offering complete turnkey production lines for PET preforms. Otto Systems allows the Hofstetter group to serve customers as a one-stop shop for complete systems rather than just moulds.
2017
The opening of the Luxembourg branch strengthens the engineering and technical support capabilities for the company. This addition reinforces the company's European presence and enhances its ability to provide rapid-response service to customers.
2019
Always ready for new challenges, Otto Hofstetter AG establishes its MED business unit, manufacturing high-precision moulds for medical applications. This diversification leverages the company's expertise in precision manufacturing for a demanding new market segment.
The Third Generation: Preparing for the Future
2023
The company's commitment to nurturing talent is recognised when Otto Hofstetter AG is certified as a TOP apprenticeship company. This acknowledgment highlights the firm's dedication to the Swiss two-track apprenticeship system – learning on the job and in the classroom. Today, approximately a-third of its workforce is made up of of former apprentices.
2024
Opening of the new TechCenter for Otto Systems, adjacent to Otto Hofstetter AG’s headquarters in Uznach, another milestone. In the same year, new facilities are opened at the Otto Hofstetter India branch, further strengthening operations in the Indian market.
2025 and beyond
The third generation of the Hofstetter family joins the business as Otto Hofstetter Jr.'s three children come on board. Thus, the company assures that it will continue to focus on its customers’ success in future. The transition is characterised by both continuity and innovation, as Otto Hofstetter Jr. guides rather than leads the next generation, helping them create their own structures while maintaining the company's core values.
