"Grüezi" at GWF

As a Swiss family-owned business, we have been one of the leading providers of innovative measurement and control solutions for more than 125 years. With our expertise, we are committed to the sustainable management of valuable resources such as water, gas, electricity, as well as heating and cooling.

Facts & Figures

Interesting Facts About GWF

Since 1899, we have been headquartered in Lucerne, from where we serve the Swiss market through a nationwide sales force as well as international key accounts. Through our subsidiaries and with the support of our global partner network, we bring our technologies to customers around the world. As an internationally active company with our own research and development and production capabilities, we collectively make an important contribution to the sustainable use of valuable resources.

350+ Employees

Our employees contribute their expertise and experience to every project. Thanks to their diverse backgrounds, our experts always find the right solution for new challenges.

9 Locations

With headquarters in Lucerne, our R&D center in Thessaloniki and sales offices in seven other countries and regions, we ensure a strong presence in international markets.

Active in >50 Countries

With our own representatives and an international network of distribution partners, we ensure customer proximity, short distances and reliable support across all regions.

Active in 10 Customer Segments

Our solutions support customers in utilities, industry, building technology, and infrastructure. Through industry-specific expertise, we create added value and efficiency in every application area.

150+ Patented Technologies

Our patented technologies from our own research and development stand for innovation, precision and reliability in measurement and communication technology for valuable resources and support sustainable solutions in the long term.

100% Certified Quality

Our solutions and processes meet the highest international quality and environmental standards. Through continuous testing, certifications, and audits, we ensure that our solutions remain consistently precise and reliable.

Our company

What Defines Us

We combine technological excellence with a clear vision: building a water-positive world powered by sustainable energy. Our tech-savvy community develops solutions that make processes more efficient and, in turn, enable a more sustainable use of valuable resources. As a family-owned company, we focus on long-term, trust-based partnerships and define ourselves by shared success.

Our driving force is the responsible use of the valuable resources water and energy. We offer solutions that create data-driven transparency, increase efficiency, and make sustainability measurable.

Innovation is part of our DNA. Our technology-enthusiastic employees set new standards in measurement and communication technology, creating solutions that simplify complex systems and rethink resource management.

We cultivate valuable relationships – both within GWF and with our external stakeholders. We work closely with utility companies, industry partners, research institutions, and international organizations. Open collaboration leads to practical solutions that can have a global impact.

Responsibility is more than a value for us – it's a mindset. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities. We act with loyalty, integrity, and respect toward our customers, employees, and partners.

We are proud that our solutions are part of the critical infrastructure of modern societies. Quality, precision, and reliability are therefore our standard. We are committed to excellence in everything we do to consistently deliver top performance.

Working at GWF

Our Team Is Growing

We are always looking for talented colleagues who want to make a difference with us. Those who think entrepreneurially, take responsibility, and enjoy contributing to solutions for our valuable resources will find an ideal environment with us for a successful career across a wide range of professional fields.

Open Positions

Our history

Over 125 Years of Expertise

What began in 1899 as the Swiss branch of a measuring instruments company has evolved into a globally leading provider of water and energy solutions. Our history is shaped by a pioneering spirit in technology and continuous development.

Founding of the "Gassmesserfabrik Luzern"

In 1899, Johannes Elster and Emil Haas founded the "Gasmesserfabrik Luzern, Elster & Co., in Luzern" (Lucerne Gas Meter Factory, Elster & Co.). Inspired by the view of Mount Pilatus and the idea of supporting the Swiss gas industry with new technology, they laid the foundation for GWF – with the production of gas meters, gas lamps, and streetlights.

Entering New Fields of Business

With the growing demand for technical solutions, we are expanding our gas product range and strengthening GWF's market position. However, the shift towards electrification, particularly in street lighting, is putting increasing pressure on gas as an energy source. GWF is responding with a spirit of innovation, strategically realigning itself, and beginning to develop new business areas.

First Steps in Water Metering Technology

We are expanding our business and starting to sell water meters. While GWF initially uses the water meters of our partner Siemens corporation under license, we later develop our first in-house water meter models. The first dry-running meter, "Rigi," and the first wet-running meter, "Reuss," set new standards in precision and reliability and shaped the market for many years.

From Gas Pioneer to Water Pioneer

The name change to "Gas- & Wassermesserfabrik AG, Luzern, Elster & Co." officially reflects the business expansion. This lays the foundation for our current name, "GWF AG," and our role as a leading provider of water and energy solutions.

Inventive Spirit in Challenging Times

The global economic crisis also presents us with major challenges. GWF is responding to the difficult market conditions with ingenuity and adaptability, first developing new products and then creatively utilizing existing resources. By producing cooking boxes and watering cans from old gas meters, a postage meter, and gas-heated water heaters, the company is maintaining operations and thus securing its future.

Contributing to Stability and Security of Supply

Despite raw material shortages and logistical difficulties during the Second World War, we managed to maintain operations. With dedication and technical expertise GWF continued to produce essential components for water and energy supply, thus contributing to security of supply during a challenging time.

Innovation for Submetering

After the war, new opportunities arose: More and more households received metered water connections. In collaboration with the Zurich water supplier, GWF developed a new water meter for private use, a wet-type meter with a roller counter. This was an important milestone that strengthened its market position and laid the foundation for future innovations.

Economic Upswing and First Internationalization

After the difficult war years, we are experiencing a period of cautious growth. GWF is focusing on the production of water and gas meters, which are increasingly in demand in neighboring countries as well.

Next Generation of Dry-Running Water Meters

In the late 1950s, GWF developed a new dry-running water meter with magnetic transmission. The innovative measuring principle ensured greater accuracy, reliability, and durability. This technological advancement secured us a decisive competitive advantage and opened up new markets both domestically and internationally.

Further Expansion and Modernization

In the 1960s, GWF experienced a period of growth. The company modernized its production, expanded its capacities, and established itself as a reliable partner for utility companies.

Major Fire at the Lucerne Production Site

A major fire destroyed significant parts of the production facility in 1964, causing considerable damage. However, thanks to a swift response and the tireless efforts of the employees, production was quickly resumed. These events underscore GWF's resilience and adaptability.

Quality, Sustainability, and Strong Partnerships

These years have been marked by economic turbulence and rising energy costs. However, thanks to its clear focus on quality, sustainability, and strong international relationships, GWF remains a competitive and reliable partner.

Changing Production Capacities

By the mid-1970s, GWF reached an annual production of approximately 70,000 water meters and 8,000 gas meters. Declines in individual product segments were offset by adjustments in manufacturing. The focus increasingly shifted to core products related to the valuable resource of water.

Stronger Focus on Quality and Innovation

A decade of growth and technological advancement: We consistently focus on quality and innovation, reaching a production volume of 150,000 meters in 1988. Rigorous testing procedures solidify GWF 's reputation as a reliable manufacturer of high-quality measuring instruments.

Clear Commitment to Switzerland as a Production Location

Despite increasing globalization, production remains in Lucerne. GWF thus consciously stands for Swiss quality and local craftsmanship. By its 90th anniversary in 1989 GWF employed 160 people whose dedication and expertise ensured its continued success.

Breakthrough with the GWFcoder^®-Technology

With the introduction of the patented GWFcoder^® a technological milestone was achieved in 1997. The system enabled automatic meter reading without a battery and significantly increased the efficiency of the metering point.

Expanding the Product Portfolio Through In-House Innovations

GWF is expanding its product range through its own technological developments, including a magnetic inductive meter for small nominal diameters. The product portfolio is growing to over 2,000 items, which are exported to more than 20 countries.

Pioneering Role in Remote Meter Reading

This decade is characterized by a focus on remote meter reading and signal transmission. GWF is setting new standards with systems that capture measurement data directly at the meter and transmit it to the building's exterior wall. This puts us in a leading position as the importance of measuring valuable resources continues to grow.

Switzerland’s First EU Verification Authority

GWF will become the first official EU calibration service for gas and water meters as well as volumetric measuring components in Switzerland. This will significantly reduce delivery times for our customers in Switzerland.

Accredited Testing Lab for Gas and Heat Meters

In the 1980s, GWF established itself as a recognized testing laboratory for gas and heat meters. Close cooperation with authorities and utility companies, along with high measurement accuracy, strengthened the industry's trust.

One Million Register Units Sold

GWF has reached a significant milestone: one million electricity meters sold confirms the high quality of its products and the trust customers place in the company's technologies. To secure the high international demand, production capacities are being expanded.

Setting New Standards with Proprietary Radio Modules

With the introduction of its own radio modules for smart metering, GWF is setting new standards in automated data acquisition. The modules enable reliable transmission of measurement data without manual reading and mark the entry into the world of digital metering.

From Meter Manufacturer to Solution Provider

With the branding "Swiss. Smart. Simple.", GWF is sharpening its profile as a provider of Swiss quality, intelligent technology, and user-friendly solutions. This new direction reflects our transformation from a pure measuring instrument manufacturer to an innovative technology and solutions partner.

First Company in the Industry to Receive ISO 9001 Certification

GWF is the first company in the water, gas and heat meter industry to be awarded the ISO 9001 quality management standard certificate.

Solutions for Water, Gas, Heat and Electricity

GWF is continuously growing into a full-service provider for the measurement and management of valuable resources – we now also include electricity in our portfolio. Our product range now comprises around 5,000 items and reflects the increasing importance of integrated solutions in the market.

GWFcoder® system with new 8-roller counter

With the introduction of the MTKcoder^®With the RCM module and the development of the 8-roller counter, GWF has achieved technological breakthroughs for Europe and North America. For the first time, liter-accurate resolution at the measuring point is also possible.

Transition to the Sixth Generation of the Family

In 2014, the sixth generation of the owning family took over and continued to run GWF as a family-owned company. This change in leadership represents continuity: long-term thinking and a clear focus on innovation and sustainable growth remain the core principles.

Expansion to Include Ultrasound and Radar Technologies

GWF is strategically expanding its technology portfolio to include ultrasound and radar technologies. With these innovative measurement methods, the company is further strengthening its position as a provider of precise and reliable solutions in the water and energy cycles.

Wastewater, Irrigation, Hydrology, and Hydropower

In 2018, GWF expanded its technological portfolio by integrating Hydrovision's measurement technologies. This strengthened the company's expertise in wastewater, irrigation, hydrology, hydropower and supply, opening up new application areas along the entire water cycle.

Establishing a Research & Development Site in Thessaloniki

GWF is establishing its own development site in Thessaloniki, Greece. The new competence center will strengthen research and technology development and expand the company's innovative capacity through an international, interdisciplinary team.

Strengthened by ISO and ATEX Certifications

From 2015 onwards, GWF strengthens its organizational and technological base through central certifications such as ISO for an integrated management system and ATEX for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Expansion of Strategic Partnerships

In parallel, GWF is intensifying its collaboration with national and international partners. By expanding strategic partnerships in all business areas, the company is strengthening its market presence and continuously expanding its range of services for the utilities sector.

New Sales Offices in the UK and Poland

In 2021, GWF expanded its international presence with new locations in Bedford (UK) and Poznań (Poland). This expansion strengthens customer proximity and supports further growth in the UK & Ireland and Central and Eastern Europe.

IHZ Innovation Award for the SONICO® EDGE

In the same year, GWF received the Innovation Award from the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The award recognized the development of SONICO® EDGE, a pioneering, high-precision ultrasound technology.

Expansion of the Headquarters in the City of Lucerne

Between 2015 and 2022, GWF grew from 130 to 250 employees and significantly expanded its portfolio. This strong international growth necessitated an expansion of infrastructure at its headquarters in Lucerne. The acquisition of the adjacent property created space for additional development, production, and collaboration areas.

Further Offices in Vienna and the United States

Things are moving fast: In 2022, GWF is expanding its network again, opening locations in Vienna, Austria, and Ocala, FL, USA. This strengthens the company's global presence and allows it to support customers in key international markets even more directly.

Commitment to a Positive Work Environment

GWF has received the Great Place to Work certification. This confirms our commitment to an appreciative work environment, an open culture, and strong collaboration within teams.

Joining the UN Global Compact Initiative

GWF joins the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein and commits to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, thereby underlining its own course towards long-term and responsible growth.

SONICO^® NANO

In 2025, GWF will expand its portfolio to include its own next-generation static domestic water meter: the SONICO^® NANO. The measuring device impresses with its precise ultrasonic technology, compact design and recyclability.

Acquisitions in the Water and Gas Sectors

GWF is strengthening its market position through the acquisition of UNIMON in the field of water quality and GMT for gas pressure regulators and measurement. These targeted acquisitions expand the technology and service portfolio and deepen expertise along the entire water and gas cycle.

Solutions for Sustainable Resource Management

GWF will continue to develop intelligent metering and data solutions that make water and energy more efficient and support networked infrastructures. With a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, we actively shape change and create solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

team

Our Organization

Our leaders shape our company with a clear vision and a strong sense of responsibility. They create the foundation for an organization that grows sustainably and successfully drives future technologies.

Florian Strasser

CEO & Chairman

Marc Sebald

Chief Operating Officer

Markus Neuhaus

Chief Sales Officer

Partners and associations

Partnerships We Actively Engage In

We are actively involved in professional associations and contribute our expertise to industry-related and societal dialogues. In doing so, we advocate for sustainable development, responsible action, and fair framework conditions.