Confederation examines support for Bernese arms company
Published: Monday, Dec 9th 2024, 17:30
Back to Live Feed
The federal government is examining whether it could support a possible capacity expansion of the Bern-based armaments company Nitrochemie Wimmis AG. This is a joint venture between the German Rheinmetall Group and the Swiss Ruag MRO Holding.
During question time in the National Council on Monday, President Viola Amherd said that the German group had asked Ruag MRO whether the Swiss company could participate in a capacity expansion worth over CHF 200 million. Rheinmetall expects an answer by May 2025.
Ruag MRO does not have the funds for extensive investments in the nitrochemical company, the Swiss defense minister continued. According to the Federal Office of Justice and the Federal Finance Administration, the Confederation lacks the legal basis to provide Ruag MRO with capital for this purpose.
"The owner's offices are examining the matter and the Federal Council will request the necessary legislative amendments and credits from Parliament if necessary," said President Amherd in the National Council.
According to the questioner Nicole Barandun (center/ZH), Nitrochemie Wimmis AG manufactures high-performance components for ammunition systems in addition to artillery and mortar loading systems, artillery charges and propellant powders.
Barandun wanted to know whether, in view of the tense geopolitical situation, the Confederation or the Department of Defense was prepared to invest in Nitrochemie Wimmis AG in the long term and secure production capacities within the country.
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic