Two locations, one team: Mechanical engineering from Wattwil and Jiaxing
- jane97991
- Oct 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 6
Reading time: 4 minutes. For over 40 years, our heart in Wattwil has been beating for top-quality serial production equipment. Mechanical engineering directly from Wattwil means: development, testing, and serial production of 100 to 40,000 units per year, all under one roof, with Swiss quality, customer focus, and high flexibility.
In 2017, we expanded our production to include a site in Jiaxing, in the greater Shanghai area. In Jiaxing, we produce large series starting at 40,000 units per year, manage our local supplier network, and conduct manual and lifetime tests for renowned customers.
Crucial to our success is the seamless collaboration between our two locations: We combine ideas, people, and processes into a cohesive whole, leveraging the synergies of development, quality assurance, procurement, and manufacturing under one roof as an innovative mechanical engineering company. This allows us to manage the entire process, from the initial concept to the finished product series.
Our principle: We are a team at two locations with short decision-making processes and a common goal: highest quality and efficiency for our customers.
Swiss location: Product development
Since 1979, we have been developing and manufacturing in Wattwil for customers worldwide, impressing them with Swiss quality and a strong innovative drive. We combine mechanics and electronics on-site, from development to production and market launch. This allows us to have short decision-making processes and flexible production runs. Our focus is on power tools, industrial and household appliances, batteries, and coffee preparation systems. Since 2011, we have been independent of the Kress Group and are owner-managed.
From idea to serial production – All the necessary technical expertise under one roof
Mechanical engineering at CEKAtec means more than just mechanics and electronics from a single source; we also provide our customers with comprehensive support from the initial idea to the finished series production. This involves integrating production early in the conception and design phases, increasing the quality of solutions and bringing products to market faster and more cost-effectively.
Mechanics and electronics
Our interdisciplinary teams coordinate the drive concept, including mechanical and electrical components, as early as the concept phase and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Every detail is integrated, increasing performance and solution quality, and shortening development times.
Our engineering services cover the entire chain:
Mechanical design using CAD and simulation
Electronics development for hardware and software as well as BLDC motor controls
Battery systems with battery management system
Test plans, tests and validations to ensure compliance with requirements
The result is predictable quality, stable costs and a rapid market launch.
Left: Overview of production facilities in Wattwil, Switzerland | Right: Equipment production in Wattwil, Switzerland
Mechanical engineering in Jiaxing: Chinese efficiency and a strong supplier network
Jiaxing stands for larger production runs, short lead times, and a strong procurement network. Under Swiss management, the same quality standards apply as in Wattwil. We achieve high product quality through clear processes, documented approvals, and high transparency. Proximity to Shanghai also provides access to specialized suppliers and simplifies logistics, customs clearance, and material availability.
Jiaxing's strengths become apparent at production volumes of 40,000 units per year and above: efficient implementation according to Swiss quality standards with significant cost advantages.
Left: Overview of production in Jiaxing, China | Right: Handheld testing devices
Reliable testing and strong production
Serial production readiness is achieved when testing, product development, procurement, quality control, and assembly work seamlessly together. At Jiaxing, results from manual tests flow directly into the development of our customers' products. The transfer of these findings from product development to serial production results in stable, serial-production manufacturing processes that are subject to rigorous testing and material controls.
Production of accessories for power tools and assemblies with labor-intensive assembly. In Jiaxing, we manufacture accessories for power tools as well as complex assemblies with a high assembly component. Mechanical components and electronics are combined into tested units; every change resulting from development or procurement is incorporated into the assembly process in a controlled manner. This allows us to combine significant cost advantages with reliable delivery performance for large production runs.
Handling and lifetime tests for renowned manufacturers : In Jiaxing, we conduct handling and lifetime tests in our test laboratory. Results are directly incorporated into the engineering at our Swiss location. Close coordination with Wattwil keeps test criteria synchronized and accelerates approvals.
Qualifying and Auditing Suppliers: Thanks to our central location in Jiaxing, we are continuously expanding our supplier network in Asia. We carefully evaluate, audit, and review suppliers according to comprehensive criteria. Building long-term, reliable relationships is particularly important to us: open communication, impeccable quality, and regular reviews and improvements.
A current example of the interplay between locations: breathing apparatus blowers
For the Swiss-made breathing apparatus blowers, the radial blowers are assembled in China. This means that the procurement of the individual parts is handled independently via China. The blower is assembled in Jiaxing and then precision-balanced, a very time-consuming process step. The tested blower is then shipped to Switzerland and incorporated into the final assembly of the complete breathing apparatus blower. This gives us two advantages: firstly, Swiss quality thanks to a qualified final inspection, and secondly, cost savings at the Chinese production site.
A current example from quality assurance in serial production: Using noise spectrum analysis, each radial blower assembly manufactured in Jiaxing is analyzed for potential quality variations and compared. This process is continuously improved using machine learning (AI), thus eliminating human, subjective misjudgments.
EOL-Geräuschspektrumanalyse an Gebläsebaugruppe
Our interdisciplinary collaboration is on the road to success
Our interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness. In Switzerland and China, mechanical and electronic engineering work seamlessly together, guided by clear processes and identical standards. This results in turnkey mechanical engineering solutions, from concept to serial production, with short decision-making paths and transparent accountability. Customers benefit from predictable deadlines, rapid approvals, and a supply chain that offers capabilities from prototypes to large-scale production.
Efficiency and highest quality: In our radial blower, we combine all our expertise.
The radial fan demonstrates how we integrate locations and expertise, creating tangible synergies through interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration. First, the development specifications from Wattwil are translated into standardized assembly and testing processes in Jiaxing. Manual and lifetime tests provide reliable data for development, which we then directly incorporate into the development process in Switzerland. This allows us to optimize design, electronics, and manufacturing parameters without detours. Final assembly in Switzerland combines cost advantages from China with Swiss quality control, laying the foundation for stable, fully documented serial production. Efficient Production Chain: Our production chain combines the strengths of Jiaxing and Wattwil: In China, labor-intensive steps are performed close to the supplier network, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. Final assembly in Switzerland guarantees the highest quality and complete documentation.
Cross-site teams with clearly defined roles and direct communication ensure rapid decisions and stable processes. Continuous exchange creates synergies and fosters practical solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Switzerland and China as business locations?
In Switzerland, the focus is on the development, testing, and production of medium-sized series (from 500 to 20,000 units per year) as well as close customer contact. In China, serial production starts at approximately 40,000 units per year, labor-intensive assembly is carried out, and our supplier network is reviewed and continuously expanded.
How is quality ensured at both locations?
With uniform quality standards, clear testing plans, and close collaboration between Wattwil and Jiaxing, criteria, measurement data, and approvals are coordinated across locations, and every series development undergoes defined validations – from manual tests to lifetime tests. Close cooperation is ensured through on-site Swiss management.
Can CEKAtec also build prototypes?
Yes, we also produce prototypes and functional models for the initial evaluation of a potential collaboration.
What production quantities does CEKAtec manufacture?
We cover small series from 10 pieces (Switzerland), medium series from 500–20,000 pieces (Switzerland) and large series from 40,000 pieces per year (China).
Can CEKAtec also support international projects?
Yes, we work with globally active clients from Europe, Asia, and the USA. Our dual locations in Switzerland and China are a crucial advantage in this regard.
What role does sustainability play?
We focus on durable products, efficient processes, and short supply chains. With our new ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems, we establish clear goals, metrics, and audits. In Jiaxing, we utilize local sourcing, reduce transport distances, and thus improve the environmental footprint across the entire product lifecycle.
