Site Spotlight: Delivering Specialised Label Solutions in Prontro, Switzerland

Schades Group has 11 sites across Europe – from France to Germany – built on a legacy of over a century of paper roll and label manufacturing expertise.

In this blog series, we are exploring the rich history of these sites, looking at each one’s individual journey – from the people who built the business in these locations to the products and customers that helped them grow.

Tucked into the heart of Switzerland, the Prontro AG site in Oberentfelden may be small in size, but it plays an important role in serving the Swiss market with highly specialised thermal paper and label solutions. With a lean and dedicated team, the site has built its reputation on reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to do things differently.

Prontro AG was founded in 1991 by Josef Gretener. In its early years, the company focused on cash register paper rolls, fax thermal paper rolls, and business stationery for Swiss businesses.

Over the decades, the business has evolved alongside changing technologies and customer needs. A major milestone came in 2010 with the integration of the webshop thermopapier.ch, originally founded by Stefan Egli in 2003. The webshop strengthened Prontro’s direct connection with Swiss B2B customers and remains a key sales channel today.

The company underwent another important transformation in 2014, when in-house production was closed and the business fully focused on distribution, service, and niche-market expertise. In August 2020, the team relocated to its current site in Oberentfelden, creating a streamlined and efficient setup tailored to the Swiss market.

Prontro AG joined the Schades Group in 2014, becoming the group’s dedicated Swiss operation while maintaining its strong local identity and customer relationships.

Today, Prontro AG focuses on wholesale distribution and small B2B customers across Switzerland. The company serves a broad range of sectors, including tourism, transportation, hospitality, and retail – from hotels and restaurants in Arosa to businesses in Zermatt.

The site has embraced the highly specialised nature of the Swiss market. The team focuses on niche solutions, premium service, and higher-margin products tailored to local customer needs. This extends to Liechtenstein, where Prontro AG also sells a small number of products.

One example is the exclusive GREENLINE 110m rolls for the Swiss market, which have become an important differentiator for the business in Prontro. The solution provides a sustainable equivalent in line with local standards, catering to the needs of key domestic industries.

The team is continuously exploring ways to stand out further, including customised pre-printed GREENLINE packaging boxes that reinforce the site’s sustainability message and brand identity.

In 2024, Prontro expanded into another niche segment with target patches and specialised label rolls for shooting ranges – demonstrating the entrepreneurial mindset that continues to drive the business forward.

The Swiss government is also among the site’s customers, underlining the trust placed in the company’s quality and reliability.

Sustainability and workplace responsibility are important priorities for the Oberentfelden site. Prontro AG operates in line with ISO 14001 environmental management standards as well as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standards.

The company also benefits from Switzerland’s strong focus on efficient logistics and responsible business practices, helping reduce waste while maintaining fast delivery times for customers throughout the country.

The strength of the site lies in its people. Managing Director Stefan Egli has played a central role in shaping the business for more than two decades, particularly through the development of thermopapier.ch and the company’s customer-focused approach.

Alongside Stefan, Monica supports both customer service and finance operations, helping maintain the close relationships Prontro is known for. The team is completed by a part-time employee and a warehouse specialist who keeps operations running smoothly day after day.

Despite its small size, the team consistently combines flexibility, market knowledge, and personal service in a way that larger competitors often cannot match.

Managing Director Stefan comments: “The Swiss market values reliability, quality, and personal relationships. Being small allows us to react quickly and offer solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs.”

One unique aspect of Prontro AG is its clear domestic focus: the company sells exclusively within Switzerland. This local-market specialisation has helped the team build deep customer relationships and a strong understanding of Swiss business culture and expectations.

The company’s history also reflects its entrepreneurial spirit. From the original Prontro advertising drawings created in the early years to today’s modern webshop and niche product innovations, the site has continuously adapted while staying true to its core values of service, quality, and reliability.

With a small but highly committed team, Prontro AG continues to prove that innovation and impact are not defined by size.

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