A fresh start for kitchen manufacturer: Forster Manufaktur AG with new management team
Following the crisis at the Thurgau-based kitchen manufacturer, Forster Manufaktur AG is reorganizing its operational management as of January 2026. After completing the temporary mandate to stabilize and realign the company, the collaboration with the previous CEO Daniel Pedrett will end and the Cerfeda family, who own the company, will take over its management.
In spring 2025, the then Forster Swiss Home AG ran into financial difficulties and had to file for a moratorium on debt enforcement. Among other things, wages could not be paid. A restructuring of the company became inevitable. Giovanni Cerfeda, an architect and entrepreneur from Winterthur, stepped into the breach to lead the company out of the crisis. As Forster Manufaktur AG, the manufacturer of steel kitchens was given a new future.
The Cerfeda family takes over operational management
Following the transition phase of recent months, the Cerfeda family is now taking over the management of the company and will start 2026 with a new structure. Daniele Cerfeda, previously Head of Finance, will take over the operational management of the company together with the existing management team. «We would like to thank Daniel Pedrett for his commitment during a challenging phase,» says Giovanni Cerfeda, owner of Forster Manufaktur AG. «Now, as the owner family, we are taking direct responsibility together with the existing management team and the existing team, and are aligning the company with a clear focus on product, quality, and customers.» The integration of existing know-how and close exchange and dialogue with the specialist departments and employees will be crucial for the future success of the company.
Continuity for customers, partners, and employees
For the customers, planners, and trading partners of Forster Manufaktur AG, this handover means stability. Existing projects, services, and ongoing customer concerns will be continued seamlessly and with the highest priority. The direct involvement of the owner guarantees short decision-making processes and a long-term, partnership-based approach. For employees, the change in management ensures continuity in work processes and clear prospects for the future. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities for personal development and participation within a stable corporate culture.
Focus on brand, processes, and product
For 2026, Forster Manufaktur AG will continue to focus consistently on the needs of customers, architecture and planning teams, and construction professionals, as the company further announces. At the same time, digitalization will be driven forward along the entire process chain—from planning and quotation to order processing and production. As a future-oriented company, the focus will also be on further developing products: «With passion and expertise, we develop solutions that not only meet current trends but also future needs and market requirements. Our goal is to create solutions that offer real added value and ensure sustainable growth through continuous research and close cooperation with our customers,» the company says. In this way, Forster is laying the foundation for ensuring quality and delivery capability and sustainably strengthening the Forster Manufaktur brand in the premium segment.
Lean team of experts complements management, and sales is reorganized
The Cerfeda family, together with the existing team and the current management, will ensure the operational running of the company. A lean team of experts will support the management. Following the appointment of Felix Posavec, an experienced and motivated Head of Finance, the IT and Sales departments will also be reorganized as part of the corporate changes: As of January 1, 2026, Hans-Rudolf Nyfeler will take over as Head of IT and Dejan Skaljac will become Head of Sales, assuming responsibility for the Sales division. «With Hans-Rudolf Nyfeler taking over the IT division, we are relying on in-depth experience and broad expertise, and with Dejan Skaljac in the Sales division, we are deliberately
fresh perspectives and drive. Despite his young age, he brings not only in-depth expertise and knowledge of the company, but also an impressive amount of commitment and strategic thinking,» says Managing Director Daniele Cerfeda. «We are convinced that the courage to take responsibility and new ideas are crucial for sustainable success.» Dejan Skaljac is supported by an experienced team. The company is also focusing on continuity in other key areas: Lorenz Jordi will continue to head up production and Sandra Grüninger will remain responsible for HRM.
Source: Forster Manufacturing AG
