100 Years of Frei + Krauer: Engineering Expertise for Generations

For 100 years, Frei + Krauer (F+K), headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona, has been pursuing the same mission: to support municipalities, public utilities, and institutions in a central task—the development and maintenance of professional, safe, and sustainable infrastructure in water supply and civil engineering. In this anniversary year, F+K looks back on its long history while also considering the challenges that a safe and sustainable infrastructure will present in the future.

F+K was founded in 1926 by Emil Frei under the name «Emil Frei Civilingenieur.» After his untimely death, Ernst Krauer took over the engineering firm. In 1960, Hanspeter Frei, the son of the company’s founder, joined the firm. An important milestone came in 1993 with the conversion to a stock corporation, whose shares were acquired by long-time employees. This led to the formation of Frei + Krauer AG. The company was led by Max Temperli until 2009, and subsequently by Christoph Meier until the end of 2022, when he handed over management to Roman Ziltener.

Over the decades, F+K has continuously expanded its technical expertise. Today, the company focuses on two areas of expertise: water supply and civil engineering. Until 2020, structural engineering was also part of its service offerings. At that point, F+K made a conscious decision to prioritize depth over breadth and discontinued that area of expertise.

Water Supply as a Core Mission

F+K has developed particular expertise in water supply. In this field, the company has been working with numerous clients for many years—and in some cases, for decades. F+K supports them throughout the entire process, from strategic and overarching planning, through the design and construction of structures, to documentation and operational support.

The focus is not solely on individual facilities. What matters most is the interaction of the entire water supply system. Water resources, spring and groundwater intakes, reservoirs, pumping stations, and distribution networks must be coordinated and designed with a long-term perspective. This is because investments in water supply have an impact far beyond the time of their implementation.

«Our work involves infrastructure that is often planned for several generations. This requires in-depth expertise, experience, and, above all, a holistic perspective,» says Roman Ziltener, Managing Director of F+K. «For us, this anniversary is therefore not just an occasion to look back. It is also a commitment to pass on our knowledge, continue our professional development, and create responsible solutions for the future.»

Civil engineering as a second strong pillar

In addition to water supply, civil engineering is F+K’s second core area of expertise. The scope ranges from road construction and wastewater systems to water mains and utility lines. F+K develops concepts and preliminary designs, handles detailed planning and the bidding process, oversees construction, and prepares the final construction documentation. In road rehabilitation and utility connection projects, coordinating the various utility lines is of particular importance.

From Hand-Drawn Sketches to Three-Dimensional Planning

Not only has the scope of engineering changed fundamentally since its inception, but so too has the way engineers work. Whereas drawings and calculations were once done by hand, digital design tools and three-dimensional models are now part of everyday work.

In plant engineering for water supply, F+K, for example, creates 3D models of piping systems, buildings, and their surroundings. In civil engineering, three-dimensional models enable a precise representation of roads, paths, and water and sewer lines. This makes it easier to evaluate, coordinate, and efficiently implement complex projects.

The framework conditions for water supply and civil engineering are also changing. Climate change, resource issues, digitalization, security of supply, and value preservation are placing new demands on planning and operations. F+K therefore develops solutions that integrate technical, environmental, and economic considerations and are sustainable in the long term.

The guiding principle of this anniversary year sums up this commitment: «Sustainable Progress Since 1926.» Behind this lies the conviction that plants and systems should not only be designed to meet today’s needs, but that their impact and cost-effectiveness must also be considered over their entire service life.

Passing on Knowledge, Experience, and Responsibility

Training the next generation of professionals has always been an integral part of F+K’s development. More than 70 apprentices have completed their training at the company. In this way, F+K continuously passes on its expertise and experience to the next generation.

The focus of this anniversary year is on the people who make F+K what it is. With a celebration for employees, retirees, and their families, as well as a company-wide trip, the company is honoring its workforce and thereby underscoring the high regard it has for its employees.

F+K has managed more than 10,000 projects to date. Behind this figure lie long-standing relationships with municipalities, public utilities, special-purpose associations, and other clients. They have shaped the company’s development just as much as the people who have taken on leadership roles over the years and contributed their expertise.

F+K combines experience with the ability to continually adapt to new challenges. Preserving what has been proven effective, identifying changes early on, and developing solutions that will remain relevant for decades to come: This fundamental approach has defined the company since its founding. With this approach, F+K aims to remain a reliable partner for municipalities, utilities, and institutions in the water supply and civil engineering sectors well into the future.

For more information about Frei + Krauer: https://www.frei-krauer.ch