A strong duo combines and becomes one – Grünig and SignTronic have merged to form Grünig-SignTronic AG
07 July 2025: What has grown over more than a decade of trust and technical synergy is now official: The two Swiss companies Grünig-Interscreen AG from Schwarzenburg and SignTronic AG from Rüthi have merged to form the new company Grünig-SignTronic AG. This marks the creation of a globally leading provider of fully automated solutions for screen printing prepress – a step that is not only logical but visionary.
Origins and evolution
From a small garage to a technology leader: The Grünig story began in 1967 in a simple garage workshop. Back then, Hans Ulrich Grünig founded the company with the aim of making screen printing processes more efficient and reproducible. In 1978, the first automatic coating machine was developed – a technological milestone that laid the foundation for further progress. In the following decades, Grünig continuously expanded its portfolio: stretching systems, washing and decoatingunits, as well as fully automated in-line solutions were developed. Over 7,000 machines have been installed worldwide – in print shops, industrial companies, and specialty applications. The name Grünig has since stood for precision, durability and practical innovation made in Switzerland.
SignTronic entered the scene later – with a completely different focus: digital screen making. In 2004, the first proprietary CtS system (Generation 1) was built. Just three years later, modular systems followed that could be configured individually. By 2008, SignTronic was able to offer high-resolution systems with 2400 dpi, and later added XL formats, MODULAR in-line solutions, and new LED light sources to its portfolio. SignTronic established itself as a leading manufacturer of computer-to-screen systems designed for efficiency, process stability and uncompromising quality. With a focus on filmless workflows, fast data processing and energy-efficient exposure technology, the company set new standards in screen imaging.
Milestones of growth
Partnership and acquisition: In 2011, the two companies began working together – initially as a technical and strategic partnership. The idea was clear: to combine Grünig’s proven screen-making systems with SignTronic’s digital precision to enable seamless and standardized workflows. In 2013, Andreas Ferndriger and Marcel Grünig jointly acquired SignTronic AG. Andreas, previously active in sales and marketing at Grünig, brought a deep understanding of both companies and gradually developed the partnership into a fully integrated collaboration. In the following years, numerous in-line concepts were developed, integrating stretching, coating, imaging, and developing – not only physically, but also digitally via software. “We shaped the industry together – now we’re shaping its future together,” said Andreas Ferndriger, former Owner and CEO of SignTronic.
Two locations – one shared foundation
With the official merger under the new name Grünig-SignTronic AG, a company emerges that is united not only on paper but also in its daily operations. The production sites in Schwarzenburg and Rüthi will be maintained – with a strong focus on regional roots, high production depth, and Swiss-made quality.
“This is more than a merger – it’s a clear commitment to efficiency, quality and the long-term viability of our industry,” said Marcel Grünig, CEO Grünig SignTronic AG.
Together, the new company will offer modular, scalable and networked solutions for screen printing prepress -tailored to real-world requirements.
What customers can expect
The benefits for existing and new customers are clear – and go beyond the classic product offering:
• Holistic solutions from a single source: From screen frame stretching, coating, imaging, all the way to washing and decoating – all machines and processes are technically and digitally coordinated.
• Increased efficiency and reproducibility: Standardized workflows and integrated data interfaces (e.g., G-Gateway or lab systems) help reduce production times and significantly improve process control.
• Long-term investment security: The joint development ensures that existing systems continue to be supported, while new solutions are designed with the future in mind.
• International support and customer proximity: A global partner network, personal contacts, and fast response times build lasting trust – even across decades.
• User-driven innovation: Whether for special applications or high-volume production – Grünig SignTronic remains close to the field and develops based on real customer needs.
What makes this merger truly unique is not just the combination of two product lines – but the uniting of two mindsets, two teams, and a shared vision: to sustainably enhance industrial screen making processes through automation, precision, and digital control.
Efficient. Modular. Future-ready.
The merger creates synergies across all areas: development, engineering, sales, training, and service will now work even more closely together. This not only increases internal efficiency but also brings added value to the market. Grünig-SignTronic AG does not see itself as a supplier, but as a technology partner – with the goal of providing each customer with the exact solution they need, today and in the future. Thanks to a modular setup, systems can be flexibly expanded or adapted to changing production requirements – whether in Europe, Asia or overseas.
Grünig-SignTronic AG – Together. Precise. Progressive.
The merger of Grünig-SignTronic AG is much more than an economic alliance – it’s a symbol of stability, continuity and the commitment to shape the future together. From two strong brands emerges one reliable partner: technologically leading, personally approachable and internationally oriented.
https://signtronic.com, https://grunig.ch
