Aare Limmat Elektro AG
Rothrist
Thanks to Hygiene Masks: Wernli AG Hires 80 New Employees
- 16 September 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- Rothrist
Job summary
Wernli AG is boosting mask production in Rothrist with new machines. Anticipating growth and local demand, it's a vibrant workplace.
Tasks
- Increasing daily mask output from 250,000 to targeted 800,000.
- Hiring more staff to support expanded production efforts.
- Focusing on local supply for hospitals and retailers.
Skills
- Experience in manufacturing or production roles preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and programming skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
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About the job
In August, another five machines are expected to arrive – production made in Rothrist will be further increased.
Three times more employees than before Corona – thanks to the production of hygiene masks. The Rothrist-based Wernli AG, led by Felix Schönle, is on a successful course regarding mask production. Currently, seven machines produce 250,000 masks per day. This does not yet meet the 800,000 pieces per day announced in spring. However, it is not so easy to adjust the machines from the Asian region to a higher production speed, said Felix Schönle, CEO and owner of Wernli AG, which otherwise produces medical dressings. "Some machines are poorly programmed," he notes. At the moment, the company can fulfil the open orders. Wernli AG supplies hospitals and intermediaries, but so far hardly any retailers.
Hygiene masks produced in Switzerland are in demand. In recent months, Wernli AG has been able to hire 80 new employees for mask production. With the next expansion step in August, Felix Schönle expects further new hires – Wernli AG is thus also becoming a job machine. Schönle assumes that demand for hygiene masks will remain high – not only because of the mask mandate on public transport. "Various customers, for example hospitals, want to obtain masks produced in Switzerland," says Schönle. For example, the Oberaargau Hospital in Langenthal, which has been using masks from Rothrist for a month. "We rely on local products whenever possible. This ultimately benefits our economy and the patients from the region," says Roger Giger, Head of Purchasing, Logistics and Medical Technology.
To continue offering the announced low prices for his masks, Felix Schönle must increase the output of his machines. "The bottleneck is attaching the ear loops," he says. Due to this process, the machines cannot run faster – or even stop completely if a loop gets jammed again. The solution: For some machines, the production steps could be separated. First step: produce masks. Second step: attach ear loops. This is more labour-intensive, but production can be increased. "Since we imported the machines from Asia, we cannot quickly go over and complain," says Schönle. He now hopes for the next expansion step in August, when five more machines are expected. The advantage of these machines: they come from Switzerland – or at least the contracting partner is a local company.
