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Swiss trains lead the way in Europe

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Following successful trials, the Swiss Federal Railways is introducing a high-speed link between Bern and Olten which is to be running by 2005. The new line, which uses a new type of signalling system, will cut train times between Bern and Zurich to less than an hour. More significantly, it has brought the technology to…

Vintage TEE train back on track

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 It has been put back into service much to the joy of train buffs and fans of 1960s design. The Heritage Foundation of the Swiss Federal Railways has restored the RAe TEE II, repainting it in its burgundy and cream livery and reinstating the original fixtures to turn it back into the luxury train that…

Little train still amazes after 100 years

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 But, as swissinfo discovered, the stunning scenery along the routes in south-eastern Switzerland is still the main attraction. When the lines were completed 100 years ago, the public was finally able to marvel at a feat of engineering that surmounted many natural obstacles. Constructors had to build 69 bridges and towering viaducts over deep gorges…

High-tech Swiss tool hits the half-century

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Tucked away in the small village of Wasen in the picturesque Emmental region, renowned for its cheese, is a pleasant surprise. This is the home of the PB 100, a screwdriver with a difference. At first sight, it has one obvious distinguishing feature – its red transparent ridged handle. The fact that it is comfortable…

Alpine giant powers Swiss households

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Completed in 1965, its facilities in canton Valais provide 12 per cent of Switzerland’s stored hydroelectric power. Construction of the Grande Dixence project – which includes four dams, three power plants and over 100 kilometres of tunnels – began in 1950 and was one of the major engineering feats of the post-war period. The complex’s…

Swiss firm prints newspapers by the million

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Readers in Switzerland of the tabloid “Blick” and other daily Swiss newspapers will no doubt be in the dark too. But behind that name is a discreet Bern company that has made the presses that print those newspapers. Known in the newspaper publishing business for producing the Mercedes or Rolls Royce of the trade, Wifag…

Farmers’ Ferrari mows across Switzerland

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 It’s affectionately known as the “farmers’ Ferrari” because it has sleek lines and its colour is a distinctive red. But these two-wheeled workhorses do anything but travel at high speed or attract thousands of spectators. In fact, very often they will be seen standing alone, with or without a cover over the engine. They are…

Chocolate maker keeps itself under wraps

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 But one Bern company, Gysi, has been doing just that for decades, creating and developing a niche in the market by selling to some prestigious customers. The clients then feature their own name prominently on Gysi products. “In England, for example, we sell to Harrods of Knightsbridge where we have a counter in the food…

Franco-Swiss deal envisages new biotech hub

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The goal is to create a European hub for academic research and biotech start-ups along the border area between France and Switzerland. At a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday, officials from Switzerland and France hailed the creation of a joint research foundation. “This agreement between the French and Swiss governments aims to improve scientific research…

Lantal textiles fly the world

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 President Bush sits on Lantal fabric every time he flies in Air Force One. And Britain’s Queen Elizabeth walks on the company’s carpet in her aircraft. Lantal has carved out a niche for itself in producing textiles for what can best be described as “moving interiors”. “We are specialists in transportation textiles – fabrics for…

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