At Züger Frischkäse AG, a leading dairy producer in Switzerland, hygiene is more than a standard—it's a core operational pillar. With over 170 years of tradition and a reputation for uncompromising quality, the company’s production site in Oberbüren operates under constant pressure to meet food safety standards while running efficiently.
To address recurring cleaning challenges and reduce pressure on staff, Züger partnered with Robonnement to implement two autonomous cleaning robots: the Pudu CC1 and the Pudu MT1. The result? Consistent hygiene, safer floors, more efficient operations, and a clear return on investment.
Why Automation Was Needed in a Dairy Production Environment
We spoke with Ramon Ruckstuhl, IT Project Manager at Züger Frischkäse, who was directly involved in sourcing and deploying the robotic cleaning solution.
As a food company, cleanliness is a top priority,” Ruckstuhl explained. “We were looking for a way to support our cleaning staff, especially for the corridor area near the offices, which needs to be cleaned several times a day.
The manual process was inefficient. The 50-meter corridor between the office and production zones were cleaned once or twice daily by staff—pulling them away from other areas that also needed attention. Meanwhile, in the shipping area, a team member had to manually clean the entire floor after each shift, working in cold conditions of around 5°C, surrounded by constant forklift and pallet movement.
“Manual cleaning took a lot of time—especially in the shipping area. It had to be done after regular work hours,” Ruckstuhl noted. “So we began looking into autonomous cleaning robots.”
How Robonnement Entered the Picture
Züger initially discovered Pudu Robotics, a global manufacturer of autonomous cleaning robots. Upon evaluating their product range, the company was referred directly to Robonnement, Pudu’s exclusive distributor in Switzerland.
We had already determined that Pudu’s robots met our requirements. Since Robonnement handles sales and support in Switzerland, we got in touch and started the project together from there.
From the first contact, Robonnement’s team provided personalized consultation, on-site testing, and hands-on support.
The collaboration was very good—uncomplicated and solution-oriented. We always had a point of contact and got quick answers,” Ruckstuhl added. “That gave us the confidence that the robots would be properly supported once deployed.
Two Robots, Two Problem Areas
After initial testing, Züger implemented two robots at their Oberbüren facility:
1. Pudu CC1 – Corridor Cleaning Robot
Assigned to the 50-meter corridor, the Pudu CC1 performs four actions in one cycle:
→ Vacuuming
→ Mopping
→ Scrubbing
→ Drying
This high-traffic zone connects administrative and production areas and requires strict cleanliness. The CC1 robot runs its cycle during the day, keeping floors spotless and instantly dry—eliminating slip risks and improving overall workplace safety.
2. Pudu MT1 – 5°C Cold Storage & Logistics Robot
The Pudu MT1 robot was placed in the shipping and cold storage area, a challenging environment due to:
- Constant movement of forklifts and Euro pallets
- Low ambient temperature (around 5°C)
- Continuous human activity, nearly 24/7
The MT1 robot autonomously vacuums debris and dust, navigates dynamic surroundings, and ensures the area remains clean—without disrupting operations or requiring manual intervention.
We were worried whether a robot could operate in such a busy, cold environment. But the MT1 adapted very well. We’ve had no issues.
Tangible Results for Züger Frischkäse
The impact of Robonnement’s robots was quickly visible—and measurable.
Yes, we are very satisfied. The robots relieve our cleaning staff significantly. They take over major daily tasks, and the results are very good—so we’re happy with them.
Key Benefits Delivered:
- Time savings: One team member in shipping no longer needs to clean every evening
- Reduced workload: Cleaning staff are freed from repetitive corridor cleaning 2–3 times daily
- Safer environment: The CC1’s instant-dry function helps prevent slip-and-fall accidents
- Reliable performance: Both robots operate independently and consistently
- Quick ROI: Labor relief alone has justified the investment within weeks
It has definitely been worth it. Our staff really appreciate the support.
Lessons for Other Food Manufacturers
When asked what advice he’d give to other food companies exploring cleaning automation, Ruckstuhl emphasized testing.
On paper, everything always sounds good. But what matters is: does it work in your facility? Live demos and training sessions helped us a lot.
This hands-on approach made all the difference, ensuring Züger’s team was confident in the deployment and use of the robots.
Why Robonnement?
Züger’s success story reflects Robonnement’s unique position in the Swiss market:
- Exclusive access to leading global robotics (Pudu Robotics, Lesta, etc.)
- A flexible Robots-as-a-Service model or purchase options
- On-site setup, staff training, and lifetime support
- Real-world testing and pilot deployments prior to commitment
Whether in food production, logistics, or public facilities, Robonnement helps clients automate routine tasks—boosting hygiene, reducing cost, and increasing safety.
Conclusion: Automation That Works in the Real World
Züger Frischkäse’s implementation of the Pudu CC1 and MT1 robots shows what’s possible when automation meets precision, planning, and the right technology partner.
From heavy-use corridors to cold logistics zones, robotic cleaning is no longer a future idea—it’s a proven reality that delivers operational relief and measurable ROI.
Next Steps
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