Stadler Rail, Bühler, Dormakaba and Sensirion top the reputation ranking
The new media reputation study by swissreputation.group and pressrelations Switzerland shows which industrial and technology companies create the strongest brand images in the public perception. The analysis of over 118,000 reputation-relevant media statements from twelve months proves this: Stadler Rail, Bühler Group, Dormakaba and Sensirion lead the ranking in their respective presence categories.
Study shows: Swiss industrial and technology companies score with innovative strength, management and sustainability
Stadler Rail takes first place among the presence leaders. The eastern Swiss company impresses with top scores in almost all reputation dimensions - particularly in innovation, management and sustainability. It is followed by Holcim and ABB, which also have a strong presence in the media and receive positive feedback for their innovation and ESG activities.
With a reputation score of 99, the Bühler Group is the clear leader in the category of clock generators. The family-owned company from Uzwil achieved top marks in all six assessment dimensions: Products & Services, Innovation, Economic Performance, Management & Leadership, Workplace and ESG & Sustainability. Geberit, VAT, V-Zug and Hilti followed in second to fifth place.
Dormakaba takes the lead among the pioneers. The Zug-based company scores with its innovative strength and clear positioning in sustainable building technology. It is closely followed by Belimo, Temenos, SFS Group and Huber+Suhner.
Sensor manufacturer Sensirion secured first place in the group of hidden champions. The Stäfa-based company impressed with its high level of innovation and positive reporting on ESG and management issues. Schneider Electric, Garaventa, Mikron and Liebherr took the other places.
AI-supported analysis of over 65 companies
The study - the most comprehensive of its kind in Switzerland - examined the media reputation of 65 leading industrial and technology companies. The methodology is based on artificial intelligence: articles from all Swiss online and print media were analyzed according to thematic and tonal aspects. The reputation model differentiates between six dimensions that shape a company's reputation: Product and service quality, innovative ability, economic performance, leadership, employer attractiveness and sustainability.
The division into four presence groups - from omnipresent brands to specialized hidden champions - enables realistic benchmarking. This allows companies to compare themselves within their visibility level and optimize their communication strategy in a targeted manner.
Visibility alone is not enough
"Media visibility is the basis for perception, but the tone is crucial," explains Lukas Zihlmann, Managing Director of Swissreputation.group. "Positive reporting shapes a good reputation - and this is increasingly linked to innovation, sustainability and leadership.
Katrin Frei, Managing Director of Pressrelations Switzerland, also emphasizes the social relevance: "Many industrial companies are B2B-oriented. The media are often the only channel through which the public can get an idea of their services."
A clear trend
The 2025 ranking shows a clear trend: companies with a consistent communication strategy and a clear innovation agenda are gaining trust. Stadler Rail, Bühler, Dormakaba and Sensirion demonstrate how technological expertise and social responsibility can be combined to create a strong media profile - and thus become the most important currency for reputation.
