The Family company since 1954
When Paul Strähl senior founded the cheese dairy in 1954 in Siegershausen, he was one of the few pioneers who believed in the future of new cheese varieties. In his own mind he knew that he was right. With foresight, he laid the foundation for today’s cheese dairy on a very large property, near to Siegershausen railway station. From humble beginnings has grown today’s healthy, mature operation with over 65 valuable employees.
The third Strähl generation, Astrid Holenstein and Peter Strähl are engaged in the management of the family enterprise, supported by Hans-Peter Strähl, a master cheesemaker like his father Paul. Hans-Peter guarantees the excellent quality of the cheese produced here. And Doris Holenstein-Strähl, the company founder’s daughter, has been involved for decades in maintaining contact with the customers of the family business.
Key Moments
| 1934 | Paul Strähl senior opens a small cheese dairy as a pioneer of pasteurised Tilsiter cheese |
| 1954 | Construction of the cheese dairy in Siegershausen |
| 1967 | Foundation of the family public company |
| 1972 | Extension of the production facilities |
| 1976 | Construction of a Tilsiter cellar with extra room for the company fleet |
| 1981 | Fully automated cheese care line |
| 1990 | Start of Raclette production |
| 1992 | Overhaul of the Tilsiter production line |
| 1994 | New Raclette production line |
| 1994 | First stage of construction of the Raclette storage and packaging facility |
| 1997 | Launch of the Bonaparte soft cream cheese |
| 1998 | Second stage of construction of the raclette storage facility |
| 2000 | 2nd Raclette production line |
| 2001 | Third stage of construction of the Raclette and general storage facility |
| 2003 | Expansion of the Raclette production facility |
| 2003 | Osmosis whey concentrate manufacturing facility |
| 2003 | Acquisition of the process cheese plant in Bürglen |
| 2005 | Whey storage facility rebuilt |
| 2006 | Expansion of the Raclette production facility |
| 2007 | 3rd Raclette production line |
| 2008 | Central ice water production and refrigeration plant |
| 2009 | New robotised Raclette storage facility |
| 2010 | 1st place in the “Raclette” category at the Swiss Cheese Awards 2010 |
In Memoriam:
Paul Strähl sen. Founder of the family enterprise. |
August Holenstein Between 1965 and 2002, he contributed significantly to the development of the family enterprise. |