Strategy

Inventing success together

The SFS Group creates added value for all stakeholders with solutions for mission-critical end applications – in line with the Value Proposition of “Inventing success together”. As a Value Engineering specialist, we work in close partnership with our customers to develop sustainable products and systems based on our employees’ high levels of appli­cation and technology expertise. A sustainable mindset and approach are key drivers of innovation that will help us achieve this goal. We analyze our impact on the economy, environment and society and strive for continuous improvement.

SFS is a worldwide company for application-critical precision components and assemblies, mechanical fastening systems, quality tools and procurement solutions. Our products are a reliable part of everyday life – from early in the morning to late at night, seven days a week. Our solutions mostly go unnoticed, as they are seamlessly integrated into our customers’ applications, where they often fulfill mission-critical functions. Discover our solutions

The history of SFS began in 1928 with a hardware store in Altstätten (Switzerland). The cornerstone was laid for the development of industrial activities in 1960 when the company set up its own screw manufacturing plant in Heerbrugg (Switzerland). We focus on providing excellence in tool-based technologies such as cold forming, machining, secondary operations and injection molding. Discover our core technologies

Global presence

Today, the SFS Group operates 150 manufacturing sites and distribution companies in 35 countries in Asia, Europe and North America. It generated sales of CHF 3,056.6 million in the 2025 financial year with a workforce – our Value Creators – of approximately 13,600 (FTEs) around the world.

SFS is ideally positioned in terms of customer proximity owing to its local-for-local strategy. As a result, our customers benefit from greater supply reliability thanks to robust and sustainable supply chains.

SFS operates in the three segments Engineered Components (EC), Fastening Systems (FS) and Distribution & Logistics (D&L), which represent the company’s different business models.

Engineered Components segment

In the EC segment, the SFS Group acts as development and manufacturing partner for customer-specific precision components, assemblies and fastening solutions. The business area serves customers in the automotive, electronics and medical device industries, as well as in the aerospace sector and in industrial manufacturing under the SFS, UNISTEEL, Tegra Medical and GESIPA® brands.

Fastening Systems segment

The FS segment develops, manufactures and markets application-specific mechanical fastening systems for the construction industry under the SFS, TFC and HECO® brands, among others.

Distribution & Logistics segment

In the D&L segment, the SFS Group is one of the leading system partners in the areas of quality tools, fasteners and other C-parts as well as procurement solutions for customers in industrial manufacturing. The segment is represented in the market by the SFS, Hoffmann Group, GARANT and HOLEX own brands, among others.

Our Value Proposition

SFS has set itself the goal of holding a leading position in the market for the development, manufacture and distribution of solutions for mission-critical end applications. We embrace a systematic customer focus in everything we do. We strive to create sustainable added value for our stakeholders through our products and services across the entire value chain – from the initial design concept to timely delivery.

The SFS components used in a customer’s product often account for less than 1% of the total product cost. But the costs at the customer end arising from procurement, logistics and handling operations can be several times higher. That is why we are not primarily focusing on reducing our direct product costs and differentiating ourselves on price, but on optimizing our customers’ overall product-related costs.

This approach generates a considerably higher cost-saving potential. Our Value Engineering model focuses on product design, the definition of manufacturing processes and leveraging the power of digitalization. This results in tailored products and intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that make our customers more competitive – “Inventing success together”.

Strategic priorities

We follow a local-for-local approach

To ensure that we serve our customers in an optimal manner, the SFS Group pursues a local-for-local strategy, i.e. products are manufactured where they are needed. Short, robust supply chains guarantee fast response times and a high level of availability. Local know-how and close customer relationships allow us to provide tailor-made solutions of the highest quality. At the same time, the strategy strengthens regional locations, contributes to environmental protection and promotes sustainable growth locally. This way, we provide a combination of efficiency, customer proximity and reliability in every application.

Focus on megatrends

To meet our customers’ needs, we operate within clearly defined end markets and regions, and focus on selected application areas that have strong underlying innovation and growth drivers. The megatrends relevant to SFS are:

  • Digital revolution
  • Resource constraints
  • Demographic asymmetries
  • Growing global risks
  • Evolving consumption
  • Innovation acceleration

These megatrends guide our decision-making and drive us to continuously enhance our expertise and our processes.

Creating sustainable added value

A sustainable mindset and approach are part of our DNA and are firmly enshrined in our business activities. We analyze our impact on the economy, environment and society and strive for continuous improvement. Discover our sustainability activities