SWITCHER COMPANY HISTORY

1981

Foundation

Robin Cornelius founds the Switcher brand in Le-Mont-sur Lausanne (CH), known for its loose-fitting, comfortable, plain-colored polo shirts without lettering. The first collection comprised just two models: a T-shirt and a sweatshirt.

1991

Production expansion

At a time of great historical upheaval, Switcher increasingly emphasizes social and environmental concerns. This era was characterized by accelerated globalization and increased outsourcing of production sites to developing countries, which resulted in unfair working conditions.

1998

Code of Conduct

In cooperation with NGOs, Switcher is developing its own
code of conduct for all suppliers, which is based on international
standards, including working hours and minimum wages, which are not based on government guidelines but on the Asia Floor Wage.

2002

Award

The Corporate Conscience Award
was presented to Switcher and PGC Industries in India for the best implementation of the Code of Conduct. New brand identity

2004

Switcher Foundation

Establishment of the Switcher Foundation Fondation Switcher in India, which provides schools and a school bus for children from disadvantaged
areas.

2005

Fairtrade T-shirt Bao

Switcher launches a Max Havelaar (Fairtrade) certified organic
cotton collection and introduces the traceability label respect-code, which enables consumers to trace products along the entire supply chain.

2006

25 years of Switcher

Celebration of Switcher's 25th anniversary, combined with an expansion of the product range and the introduction of a new brand identity under the slogan Made with respect.

2008

Sponsoring

Switcher is the only national brand to produce part of the Swiss Olympic team's collection and is launching a successful fan merchandising collection under the motto "Made with respect".

2012

Geelee by Switcher

Together with the innovative community platform QoQa.ch
, the new sub-brand Geelee by Switcher was successfully launched in 2012. The collection, consisting of a sweatshirt and sweatpants in a practical onesie design, is made from high-quality organic cotton and offers the perfect combination of comfort and sustainability. Over 20,000 units were sold in the first year alone - an impressive success!

2016

Insolvency

Due to disagreements between the owners, no solution could be found to restructure the brand, marking the end of an era for the iconic Switcher brand with the yellow whale.

2018

License

Under the leadership of former Switcher marketing manager Marc Joss, in collaboration with the owner and managing director of werk5, Thomas Schütz, Switcher is revived under license on a smaller scale. 10 bestselling products are produced and successfully launched.

2020

Relaunch

Together with Marc Joss, the Sulochana Group from Tiruppur founds Switcher Trading Sàrl, based in Frick AG, and relaunches the brand with over 45 products. Marc Joss takes over as Managing Director and the owner family Krishnakumar is committed to the environment, employees and the general public with their company Sulochana. The production chain is transparent and certified according to international standards. The company uses only renewable energy for textile production and relies on recycled materials.

2021

Growth despite corona

Switcher successfully launches its new B2C online platform during the coronavirus crisis. Over 50 points of sale carry Switcher in their range.

2023

New Head Office

A new milestone for the young company Switcher Trading Sàrl: the entire warehouse is being relocated to Frick (AG). From now on, Switcher will be present from its new logistics platform in the heart of Switzerland with new offices.

2024

Swiss Vision by Switcher

Relaunch of the Swiss Vision brand with a sustainable collection for the souvenir industry.

2024
Switcher shirt sheck color/288 blue bay

Focus on sustainability: Switcher relies on regenerative organic cotton

With the clear goal of using only recycled or organic materials by 2026, Switcher proudly presents its first collections made from regenerative organic cotton. These collections stand for the highest quality and environmental awareness - perfect for anyone who wants to combine fashion and sustainability.

2025

Switcher KickBag

The Switcher KickBag is a reusable shipping bag that is used instead of disposable cardboard boxes or PE bags. Our customers receive a returns label with every delivery so that the KickBag can be easily returned.