"Swissness is an attitude"

In an interview with m&k, Andy Böckli, CEO of the Nüssli Group, discusses his company’s international successes, the importance of sustainability, and how to achieve fast, efficient construction while maintaining high quality. With his vision for 2026, he is focusing on a sound economic foundation and a culture of innovation.

Andy Böckli, CEO Nüssli Gruppe.Bild: Nüssli Gruppe
Andy Böckli, CEO Nüssli Group. Picture: Nüssli

m&k Nüssli has expanded internationally in recent years. Which markets or segments will you be focusing on in 2026?

Andy Böckli Our growth is based on the conviction that people are enriched by shared emotions. With our Logistics 4.0, we are in a position to realize major events worldwide. We see further potential in the areas of sport, culture and business in particular. In Germany, the demand for interim venues is growing, especially during renovations. This is where our modular solutions come into their own. Within the Nüssli Group, our subsidiary Ruba Objektbau in Switzerland is strong in the catering and interior fit-out sectors.

Sustainability is part of the business model. How far do you want to expand the principle of the circular economy by 2026?

Sustainability is a core component of our work. We recently won the IOC IAKS architecture prize for the temporary stadium extension in Budapest. Our projects focus on the reuse of materials and the integration of existing infrastructures. This allows us to reduce waste and conserve valuable resources at the same time. Digitalization plays a key role here in managing logistics and the use of materials even more efficiently.

Which technological or organizational innovations will shape the path in the coming years?

The use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in particular is an important step for us. It facilitates collaboration on international projects and enables more efficient planning. We are making targeted investments in the digitalization of project management and are continuously optimizing our modular systems in order to be faster and more efficient. We see technology as a tool for mastering complexity and measuring quality.

How do you manage to complete challenging buildings within a few months without compromising on quality?

Our strength lies in the work of experienced teams that divide complex projects into structured parallel processes. This allows us to carry out several steps simultaneously - from planning to installation. It's not just speed that counts, but also preparation and precise monitoring of the entire process. This enables us to identify potential bottlenecks at an early stage and take countermeasures in good time.

Temporary buildings are considered "transient". However, your projects win international awards. How do you manage to ensure that temporary architecture has a lasting effect?

For us, temporary architecture is anything but provisional. It is a precise response to a temporary need and an exciting field for innovation. World exhibitions in particular often experiment with new materials and construction methods. Our projects are one-offs - they are unique in the moment, but have a lasting effect through the emotions they evoke in people.

You have received numerous awards for your pavilions at the Expo. What do prizes mean for positioning?

It is a great recognition of teamwork. We work closely with architects and partners to implement every project to the highest technical and design standards. For us, these awards are proof that we can successfully realize our partners' visions - with Swiss precision and a strong international network.

What role does Nüssli play in the collaboration with architects and creative offices?

We see ourselves as partners at eye level - as enablers. Our task is to implement our partners' visions with technical expertise and creative openness. The earlier we are involved in the process, the more we can get out of a project together, both technically, economically and creatively. Trust and respect are crucial to the success of a project.

Nüssli stands for Swiss values, but operates globally. What does "Swissness" mean to you today?

Swissness stands for reliability, integrity and maximum precision. It is more than just an origin - it is an attitude. Our customers know that they can rely on us, whether it's F1 in Las Vegas, Expo in Osaka or ESAF in Mollis. This demand for quality runs through every detail of our work.

Your projects are created under great time pressure. How do you maintain the corporate culture and spirit?

The Nüssli spirit thrives on team spirit and trust. Our values - Performing, Multinational, Interactive, Sustainable and Reliable - are the foundation of our corporate culture. For us, "Interactive" in particular means that we are well networked in all areas, both internally and externally. This close cooperation makes us strong and contributes significantly to our success.

Where do you see Nüssli in 2026?

Economically, we want to achieve solid and healthy growth. Culturally, success means leading an organization that promotes innovation and supports talent. Personally, it would be a success if we could continue to enrich people's lives in the coming years and turn our promise of "Connecting You" into a reality.

"The Nüssli spirit thrives on team spirit and trust."

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