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Bernina is relocating its last Swiss production to Thailand.
sda
Sewing machine manufacturer Bernina is ending production in Switzerland and relocating assembly to Thailand. One of the reasons for this is the US tariffs. However, a consultation process is currently still underway.
The sewing machine manufacturer Bernina is relocating the last of its production in Switzerland to Thailand, as reported by the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. Bernina launched a consultation process on January 11, which officially runs until February 18.
But the words of the managing director do not give rise to much hope. He is not at all happy to have to represent this decision, says Bernina Managing Director Kai Hillebrandt to the "Tages-Anzeiger". He also spoke of a difficult but necessary step to secure the future of the company.
Up to 40 employees are affected by the decision. Bernina is planning social plans and further support for the employees affected.
The background to the relocation is the economic impact of the US tariffs that former President Donald Trump reintroduced in 2025. Bernina generates around three quarters of its sales in the USA, which is hitting the company particularly hard. Added to this is the strong Swiss franc, which is making exports even more difficult.
The Bernina Textile Group hopes to achieve savings in the double-digit million range by relocating production. In future, prototype construction and the logistics center for accessories and spare parts will remain at the Steckborn site. Bernina currently employs 1246 people worldwide, 334 of them in Switzerland.
