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 that are not based on government guidelines but on the Asia Floor Wage.
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 respect-code traceability label, which enables consumers to trace products along the entire supply chain.
2006
25 years of Switcher
Celebration of Switcher's 25th anniversary with an expansion of the product range.
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 and in collaboration with Thomas Schütz from werk5, Switcher is revived under license on a smaller scale. Ten 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
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.