Welcome Walter Looser– New Business Unit Director at Polymeca
We are pleased to welcome our new Business Unit Director: Walter Looser brings over 20 years of experience in the development, leadership, and execution of complex projects in mechanical and plant engineering. His in-depth expertise in lean management, product development, and customised solutions makes him the ideal leader to help shape Polymeca’s future.
In this interview, Walter Looser shares his vision, his passion for technological excellence – and explains why Polymeca is the right place for him to deliver tailor-made solutions for demanding markets with a strong and dedicated team.
Mr. Looser, you bring decades of experience in mechanical and plant engineering. What personally attracted you to the Polymeca Business Unit – and where do you see the greatest potential of the company?
🔹 Walter Looser:
Polymeca impressed me with its precision, flexibility, and customer proximity. What fascinates me most is the ability to efficiently implement complex projects – with a team that truly lives technology. I see the greatest potential in the combination of technical expertise and agile execution – a clear competitive advantage we intend to expand further.
Polymeca is known for high-precision components and systems. What technological strengths and competencies would you like to bring even more prominently to the market under your leadership?
🔹 Walter Looser:
We offer an impressive depth of manufacturing – from CNC machining and mechanical processing to advanced surface treatment technologies. This includes CNC turning, CNC milling, cylindrical grinding, anodizing, electroplating, painting, and assembly work. These processes allow us to deliver highly precise, fully finished components from a single source. This is further enhanced by our state-of-the-art 3D measurement technology, which ensures the highest quality standards. My goal is to position these strengths even more clearly in the market – as a full-service provider for precision mechanics at the highest level.
Polymeca also offers industrial services.
🔹 Walter Looser:
Yes, with our extensive machine park, we have in-house specialists who carry out regular maintenance, including spindle replacements and other key components. We also offer these services to other companies in the region – for example, by upgrading older machines through drive unit modifications or control system replacements.
With your background in managing complex customer projects – how do you ensure that Polymeca continues to be perceived as an innovation partner at eye level?
🔹 Walter Looser:
For me, the customer is always at the center – and that means not just understanding their needs, but anticipating them. We aim to identify trends early, invest strategically in technologies, and most importantly: work closely with our customers. That builds trust – and enables true innovation with a strong customer focus.
Polymeca is known for its agility and ability to deliver tailor-made solutions. How do you plan to further promote this pioneering spirit?
🔹 Walter Looser:
Agility means being able to respond flexibly to customer requirements – whether it’s for prototypes, complex systems, or series production. Thanks to our integrated processes in mechanical processing, CNC precision manufacturing, and surface technologies, we can implement projects quickly and at the highest quality. My role is to continuously develop these processes and give our teams the freedom to innovate. If needed, we also support our customers with design-for-manufacturing optimizations for new products – with the goal of making production cost-efficient, reliable, and compliant with the highest quality standards.
Polymeca serves demanding industries such as metrology, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing, drive systems, vacuum technology, optics, mechanical engineering, and defense. How do you and your team manage not only to meet but to exceed their expectations?
🔹 Walter Looser:
We don’t just deliver components – we deliver precision and trust. Our precision mechanics, combined with cutting-edge 3D measurement technology and comprehensive surface finishing – including anodizing, electroplating, and painting – allow us to provide complete, ready-to-assemble modules. This high level of vertical integration ensures top quality, on-time delivery, and maximum process reliability for our customers.
How do you integrate your experience in strategic management and lean transformation into your new role at Polymeca – and what added value does that bring for customers and partners?
🔹 Walter Looser:
I bring a systematic view of processes and structures – along with the conviction that true improvement only happens in close dialogue with the teams. For me, Lean is not an end in itself, but a tool to increase customer value and efficiency at the same time.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the industry. What role does sustainability play at Polymeca – and how do you plan to actively promote it in your leadership?
🔹 Walter Looser:
For us, sustainability is much more than a buzzword. We focus on durable, precisely manufactured products with high energy efficiency and place great importance on resource-conscious processes – from development to delivery. In my role, I will continue on this path by expanding circular economy principles, investing in modern, low-emission production technologies, and working closely with partners who share our values. For me, sustainable action is a core part of corporate responsibility – and a clear competitive factor.
How important is the Heerbrugg location for the success of Polymeca – both historically and today?
🔹 Walter Looser:
The Heerbrugg site is deeply rooted in Polymeca’s DNA. Since our founding, not only have expertise and technology developed here, but also a culture of precision, reliability, and innovation. The proximity to leading industrial companies, universities, and highly skilled professionals creates a strong regional network that has shaped our success for decades. Today, Heerbrugg remains a strategically important location – centrally situated, highly qualified, and supported by excellent infrastructure. Our customers value the combination of local roots and global mindset. To me, it’s clear: the location is not only part of our history, but a driving force for our future success.
Looking ahead: Where do you want to position Polymeca over the next three to five years – both technologically and strategically?
🔹 Walter Looser:
I see Polymeca as a trusted systems partner for complex applications – with an even stronger focus on complete solutions and engineering competence. Technologically, we aim to remain at the forefront through automation, digitalisation, and smart manufacturing. Strategically, our goal is clear: sustainable growth with real added value for our customers.
Thank you, Mr. Looser, for the inspiring conversation and your insights into the future of Polymeca. We wish you much success and enjoyment in your new role.