ANDRITZ Hydro in Switzerland, Kriens

ANDRITZ Hydro is part of the global ANDRITZ group. HYDRO is a global supplier of electromechanical systems and services (“from water-to-wire“) for hydropower plants and one of the leaders in the world market for hydraulic power generation. Furthermore, the company has a leading position in the growing modernization, refurbishment, and upgrade market for existing hydropower plants.

It specializes in the manufacture of Pelton runners and in coating (high-velocity flame spraying) of parts coming into direct contact with erosive water (rivers with high particle content).

The location also comprises a new dedicated coating laboratory. In order to conduct extensive service business to the full satisfaction of our customers, the manufacturing processes have been optimized in terms of reaction time. In addition, our workshop also handles external manufacturing and assembly orders successfully.

With around 320 employees, ANDRITZ Hydro in Switzerland focuses on customer proximity and short response time to requests for all products within the ANDRITZ GROUP portfolio. Our main targets are increasing plant efficiency, optimal use of available resources, and reducing operation costs across the entire life cycle of the plant. All strategies considered are already analyzed in the planning phase. Investment in our sites and in the development of our staff’s technological expertise is a continuing process.

History

“Bell Maschinenfabrik” was established in Kriens in 1855. This was followed by several take-overs and changes in the company name, including Bell Escher Wyss AG, Sulzer Hydro AG, VA Tech Escher Wyss AG, and VA Tech Hydro AG. In 2006, the company was integrated into the ANDRITZ GROUP and is now operating within the ANDRITZ Hydro business area.