Founded in 1973, Framo has become a byword for innovation and sustainability.

“A mix of skills is essential”, Herbert Stadler, the managing director and owner of Framo, embodies his company’s business philosophy. The family-run business was founded in Romont by the Franke Group in 1973 and manufactures off-the-shelf and made-to-measure bathroom vanities, cabinet systems and special fit-outs.

The ‘Harmony’ suite from bathroom vanities’ specialist Framo.

The group further strengthened its foothold in the town with the launch of a stand-alone department which had its own sales team and director (Josef, Herbert Stadler’s father). Fast forward to 2022 when Franke began to divest itself of some business lines, including its Fribourg-based furniture production site. Following a management buy-out, Franke Romont SA became Framo, “a deliberately similar-sounding name”. Stadler took over from his father in 2010, although “I’ve no joinery training. I studied economics at the University of Fribourg, and later marketing and IT as well.” It is precisely these key skills that would usher in a new era for Framo.

Before long, the company began to re-think its position at the intersection of traditional joinery and industrial manufacturing. Advanced automation and digitalization enabled Framo to combine the flexibility of traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. “New technologies meant that we could produce limited series and one-off pieces while keeping our pricing competitive. The precision and responsiveness we bring to every project allow us to quickly adapt our products in line with changes to the architects’ plans.” The managing director is also keen to stress the company’s commitment to product traceability, “All our products have a unique ID number. We can, if need be, pull up the relevant data and manufacture a replacement part for one of our products, even if it had been made 30 years ago.”

A green energy supplier, too

Framo’s dedicated team of account managers ensures that every project benefits from a personalized follow-up, which in turn guarantees that architects and customers can enjoy “worry-free solutions”. This customer-focused approach has led to multiple contracts in Switzerland to manufacture fittings for residential complexes, hospitals, schools and nursing homes, and for iconic buildings like the IOC’s Olympic House in Lausanne and Japan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva.

Last but not least, Framo is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment. “We have 1,100 solar panels on the roof which generate almost four times the energy we need. We have had to install a new electricity substation – with Swiss government approval – to redistribute the excess power!”, the director proudly adds. Since October 2023, the company has been converting almost 100% of its wood waste into thermal energy, which it supplies to nearby properties. At the Framo plant, innovation goes hand in hand with sustainability.