60 Years of Lighting in Switzerland
Light shapes history. And the future.
For 60 years, Zumtobel has been synonymous in Switzerland with lighting solutions that showcase architecture and spaces – reliably, precisely and going beyond mere functionality. This anniversary is an opportunity for us to say thank you, to look back and, at the same time, to look ahead.
Zumtobel Switzerland’s 60th anniversary is a striking testament to what can be achieved when a passion for light meets entrepreneurial strength and a genuine commitment to customer service. With a sustainable business model and a consistent focus on service, the Swiss organisation has built up trust over the decades – and continues to earn that trust anew every day. This success is no coincidence: it is the result of a strong management team and a corporate culture in which cooperation and mutual respect are lived values. I warmly congratulate the entire team on this anniversary and thank all customers and partners who have made this success possible together.”
Karin Zumtobel – Chammah
Chair of the Supervisory Board of Zumtobel Group AG
Chair of the Supervisory Board of Zumtobel Group AG
"Warm congratulations to the Swiss organisation, which for 60 years now has been successfully realising innovative and pioneering projects for our customers with a high level of expertise and commitment, thereby making a significant contribution to our success. In a rapidly changing market, it consistently demonstrates an ability to embrace new trends, develop flexibly and meet customer needs with tailored, holistic lighting solutions and services.”
Alfred Felder
CEO of the Zumtobel Group"
CEO of the Zumtobel Group"
Zumtobel in transition
The development of Zumtobel can be traced particularly clearly through the light strip. From product to system solution. From luminaire manufacturer to lighting partner.
Customer and partner testimonials
Tilla Theus | Tilla Theus und Partner AG | Architecture
“We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Zumtobel AG and look back on decades of positive collaboration.
It began with the challenging refurbishment of the Widder Hotel between 1985 and 1995. From order to delivery, Zumtobel coordinated all lighting fixtures, whether existing products, in-house designs or bespoke luminaires. Zumtobel delivered this highly complex project to our complete satisfaction.
The most artistically ambitious project was undoubtedly the illumination of the FIFA headquarters with an installation by the internationally renowned light artist James Turrell, which bathes the entire building in a poetic blue glow at night. Zumtobel also handled this task with flying colours.”"
Mario Treppiedi | Operations Manager, Spinelli SA | Building Services
“My collaboration with Zumtobel goes back a long way, as it was the first company I worked with at the start of my career as a lighting designer around 1988. Over time, our partnership has evolved, whilst always maintaining a solid foundation of mutual trust and respect. The values I associate with Zumtobel are clear and timeless. In my opinion, professionalism, innovation and product quality will continue to make the difference in the future. Looking ahead to an increasingly competitive environment, I hope that Zumtobel will continue to invest in skilled staff and pursue its path of innovation and quality. I am firmly convinced that positioning oneself in a market that recognises and values these aspects is the key to maintaining a leading role in the industry.”"
Stefano Dall'osso | Lighting Designer SPLD SA | Lighting Design
“As a lighting designer, my task is to transform the quality of light into added value for architecture. In this regard, Zumtobel, with its high-performance, reliable and high-quality luminaires, is an important and valued partner for me.”"
Guido Keller | Deputy Managing Director, Oberholzer AG | Electrical Engineering
“Our long-standing relationship with Zumtobel is based on partnership, innovation and a focus on solutions. Whilst value for money is important, what really counts for me is the personal touch. Rather than relying on centralised departments, we still need knowledgeable, helpful contacts to inspire our end customers.”
Once upon a time…
In 1966, an Austrian lighting manufacturer ventured across the border – from nearby Dornbirn into Switzerland. Zumtobel’s first sales organisation was established in Zurich’s old town – the third such organisation after those in Austria and Germany.
In 1967, the personnel structure was put in place. Erwin Huber took over as managing director in Switzerland. His arrival marked the beginning of a defining phase. Over four decades, he developed and strengthened Zumtobel’s position in the Swiss market.
In 1972, Zumtobel expanded its presence in Switzerland. New offices were opened in Basel, Lausanne and Lugano, with further locations to follow. The company’s presence grew, bringing it closer to its customers.
1974 saw the next step. The Zurich office moved to Riedackerstrasse in Rümlang. More space, more structure and an organisation that grew in line with requirements.
In 1980, Zumtobel set new standards in planning with Cophos. As the first lighting calculation programme on the market, it enabled the systematic and precise design of lighting solutions.
In 1982, the perspective on lighting undergoes a fundamental shift. For the first time, lighting solutions are marketed as a holistic approach, going beyond the individual product.
In 1985, customer support is expanded. With the introduction of a centralised in-house service, support is structured and strengthened across all project phases.
In 1991, a two-pronged development initiative shaped the start of the decade. “Luxmate” was launched as the first digital lighting management system on the market. At the same time, the ZX light strip expanded the range of light strip systems.
In 1992, Zumtobel became the first Swiss lighting company to achieve ISO 9001 certification, thereby reinforcing its commitment to quality.
1993 saw two significant developments. The ‘Mildes Licht’ concept introduced a new quality of light for office applications. At the same time, the German company Staff was acquired and the firm began operating as Zumtobel Staff.
In 1997, the company moved to Thurgauerstrasse 39 in Zurich Oerlikon, where the Swiss headquarters remain to this day.
In 1998, daily delivery throughout Switzerland is introduced, setting new standards in the industry. With “Lichtblick”, the company publishes its first in-house customer magazine for Swiss electricians.
1999 sees a number of developments. A new lighting centre is opened in Zurich Oerlikon. Furthermore, the Aero luminaire by Ettore Sottsass is awarded the Swiss Design Prize.
At the turn of the millennium, Zumtobel expanded its market position.
In 2000, the Thorn brand was acquired. At the same time, the company joined the FVB (Professional Association of the Lighting Industry) and introduced variant management in its product catalogue.
2001 saw several important developments. TECTON, a new continuous row lighting system, was introduced. At the same time, the lighting industry’s first e-shop in Switzerland went live. A further lighting centre was also opened in Lausanne. The organisation was further developed in the years that followed.
In 2004, the home office IT infrastructure was introduced, creating new conditions for collaboration.
In 2007, the Customer Service Centre marked the next step in the expansion of the service offering."
As technology evolves, LED lighting is taking centre stage.
In 2010, Zumtobel established a comprehensive LED portfolio for functional buildings, thereby laying the foundations for new applications and efficiency standards.
In 2011, the company strengthened its presence in southern Switzerland. A new office with a showroom opened in Lugano, bringing lighting to life in Ticino.
In the 2020s, the refurbishment of lighting systems will come increasingly into focus.
In 2020, Zumtobel developed a comprehensive range of solutions for the modernisation of existing systems.
In 2021, the company was recognised as a “Great Place to Work”, thereby underlining the importance of its corporate culture.
In 2023, the office and lighting centre in western Switzerland moves from Lausanne to St. Sulpice.
In 2024, a new working environment in line with the ‘New Work’ concept is implemented at the Zurich site.
In 2025, Zumtobel expands its capabilities in the field of bespoke lighting solutions. The integration of Inventron in Alpnach creates additional capacity for custom luminaires and small-batch production. This flexibility is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the context of demanding refurbishment projects.
That year, TECTON tracks with a total length of 494 km are installed in Switzerland.
Competition
60-year quiz
On this page, you’ll find a new quiz question posted regularly, focusing on the history of Zumtobel Licht AG in Switzerland. If you look closely, you’ll discover ideas that were ahead of their time, technical innovations and developments that have had a lasting impact on the lighting industry.
One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries and rewarded with a TALUNA table lamp from the Zumtobel Signature series. It’s well worth taking part. For everyone who wants not just to see light, but to understand it.
Answer our quiz question and secure your chance to win a TALUNA table lamp.
