2010

Walter Meier’s headquarters at Schwerzenbach near Zurich is ceremoniously opened following a program to make it more energy-efficient. Over a period of 15 months, the building was equipped with the latest heat pumps and solar technology, cool ceiling systems and a controlled supply of fresh air. It has now become a benchmark for an integrated total solution offering an indoor climate that is both energyefficient and comfortable at the same time. It was possible to reduce energy consumption for heating by over 50 percent and CO2 emissions even by more than 70 percent.

2008

The Group continues to move closer together with the creation of the new central areas of Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Communications.
The acquisition of Tosa with its product brands Promac and Toolcraft strengthen the product range of manufacturing technologies and expands the specialty distributors channels in Switzerland and France.
The global financial crisis reaches the real economy and has an effect on the annual result.

2007

The Group and its business units present a unified identity under Walter Meier. in parallel with this, Axair Kobra, Vescal and Oertli Service merge to become the leading Swiss provider in the area of indoor climate.

2006

Continuity of the Group is ensured when Silvan G.-R. Meier joins Walter Meier and thus represents the third generation of family entrepreneurs. At the same time, it is the starting signal for a strategic realignment and revitalization.
Net sales: chf 774 million
Number of employees: 1800

2002

Strengthening of the metalworking business through the acquisition of Wilton, the leading supplier of vises in the USA. Acquisition of the UK-based refrigeration specialists Climate Equipment.

2001

The acquisition of Draabe Industrietechnik in Germany strengthens the global humidification business for process applications.

1999

Strengthening of the American woodworking business through the acquisition of Powermatic.

1997
Establishment of a branch in Beijing. Production of air humidification equipment in China begins.

1995
Formation of the world-leading air humidification company through the merger of Defensor, Condair, Barth + Stöcklein and Kobra under the name Axair.

1994
Further strengthening of the Swiss climate business through the acquisition of Climatechnique Kobra.

1991
Germany's leading air humidification company, Barth + Stöcklein, is acquired.

1990
Acquisition of Vestol and its merger with Procalor to form Vescal, which subsequently ranks among the leading providers of heat production and heat supply systems and components in Switzerland.

1988
First step in the expansion of the processing business outside of Switzerland through the acquisition of Jet Equipment & Tools, a US supplier of woodworking and metalworking machines as well as transport and materialhandling equipment.

1985
Initial public offering with listing on the Swiss stock exchange.
Net sales: CHF 265 million
Number of employees: 1506

1982
Expansion of the heating business and entry into the heating-systems distribution market through the acquisition of Procalor.

1981
Strengthening of the Group's position as a global leader in air humidification through the acquisition of Condair and the North American company Nortec.

1977
Entry into the heating market through the acquisition of Oertli.

1976
With the establishment of WMH Walter Meier Holding, Dr. Reto E. Meier lays the foundation for a long-term strategy of rapid growth and diversification.

1975
The first acquisition and entry into the air conditioning market through the purchase of Defensor, a pioneering company and market leader in air humidification.

1972
The second generation assumes responsibility for running the company under the management of Dr. Reto E. Meier.
Net sales: CHF 25 million
Number of employees: 43

1937
Walter Meier begins importing machine tools into Switzerland and to this end establishes the parent company of the present-day Group named after him.