Founded in 2005 in Raron, Lugaia AG has grown from a small garage-based startup into one of the world’s leading suppliers of flexible containment solutions for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Supported in its early development by the Foundation The Ark, the company now serves international markets and faces new strategic decisions regarding its future expansion.
When Viktor Schnyder began processing films in a garage in Raron 20 years ago, the ambition was clear: develop practical, tailor-made solutions for industrial clients.
Over time, this initiative evolved into a specialized manufacturing company employing around 50 people and generating more than CHF 20 million in annual revenue. Lugaia supplies pharmaceutical and chemical companies worldwide with containment and packaging systems designed for highly active and sensitive substances.
Its solutions are used in closed environments where product purity and operator safety are critical.
Operating in a Demanding Niche Market
Lugaia focuses primarily on the chemical sector rather than biotechnology. Its systems enable the safe handling of substances that may later enter a patient’s bloodstream, leaving no room for error in production processes.
Around 40 percent of the company’s turnover is generated in Switzerland, while approximately 60 percent comes from exports, mainly to Europe and the United States. A branch in the United States has already been established, reflecting the importance of that market.
Globally, only a small number of companies offer complete system solutions in this specific niche. Lugaia is among the leading providers in this segment.
Growth and Space Constraints in Raron
Lugaia continues to grow and is currently expanding its cleanroom capacity in Raron. However, this represents the final possible extension at the existing site.
Available industrial space is becoming increasingly limited. Discussions are ongoing with the municipality regarding potential expansion within the industrial zone.
Viktor Schnyder has outlined the situation clearly: “If we cannot find a solution in Raron, we will be forced to produce elsewhere. And in this day and age, there is only one country that comes into question: America.”
If no local solution is found, additional production capacity may be developed in the United States instead of Valais.
This situation highlights a broader structural issue for high-growth Life Sciences and advanced manufacturing companies: access to scalable industrial infrastructure is a decisive factor in long-term regional anchoring.
Continuity and Long-Term Perspective
After two decades leading the company operationally, Viktor Schnyder has completed a management buyout. Ownership has been transferred to long-standing members of the executive team, ensuring continuity. He remains involved at board level.
Lugaia’s trajectory illustrates how industrial know-how developed in Valais can scale internationally, while also underlining the importance of framework conditions that allow growing companies to remain anchored in the region.
Source: Pomona
