Photos Duschko Dundjerski
lean key solutions AG, based in Wil, specializes in the manufacture of components and assemblies for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Under the leadership of CEO Oliver Ringli, the company has dismantled its hierarchies and placed a clear focus on niche markets since 2018. In recognition of this remarkable transformation, the owner-managed company was awarded the Blaser Swisslube Productivity Trophy in the category “process reliability” at Innoteq 2025 in Bern.
We are currently working for renowned pharmaceutical and chemical companies like Novartis, Roche, Bayer, and Lonza. Among other things, we’re manufacturing closed-loop sampling systems for toxic chemical applications and making agitator components for drug production. Lean key solutions’ expertise comes into play in the manufacture of all these sterile process components. Right now, we’re also in the final stages of preparing for ISO 14001 certification, the focus of which is on sustainability and environmental management.
We have in-depth know-how with respect to the manufacture of sterile process components and comprehensive expertise in downstream processes – from the procurement of high-quality raw materials to a flawless finish for parts. A special certification ensures that every component is entirely traceable, all the way back to the material manufacturer. A particular highlight is the surface finish, which prevents bacteria from accumulating in scratches. A major advantage is our high degree of vertical integration: every step of the production process is handled in-house, ensuring the utmost in quality and control.
It begins with acceptance of raw materials and a rigorous inspection upon receipt. This is followed by sawing, where the individual blanks are precisely cut from the raw material, followed by the complex steps of turning and milling, in which the components are given their basic shape. The surfaces are then prepared by means of grinding, before electropolishing ensures a flawless and thus hygienic surface quality, which is essential in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Our machinery is limited only by the dimensions of the workpiece, not by the complexity of the task.
What fascinates you about your work?
Design and creation, as well as pushing the boundaries. I am also passionate about developing my staff, in line with the principle of a “committed corporate culture and strong team spirit”. By dismantling hierarchies and transferring responsibility, I have created an environment in which every single person can make the most of their individual strengths. My task is to use our sprinters for top speeds and our long-distance runners for long distances. A friendly and long-standing relationship with my employees is a central pillar of our success. At lean key solutions, team spirit is evident in both product development and order processing. Everyone who works for us has a place also in my heart.
At Innoteq 2025, the leading Swiss trade fair for the manufacturing industry, your company won the Blaser Swisslube Productivity Trophy in the process reliability category. What exactly was this awarded for?
Winning the Productivity Trophy is the result of massive improvements in process reliability, with a major step toward automation. This has enabled us to increase productivity significantly –by as much as 60 percent on one machine.
A decisive part of this was changing the coolant we used. When I took over the company in 2018, the situation was not satisfactory. Various factors play a role when it comes to coolant: the cooling performance, of course, but also skin compatibility, odor, and visual perception. The coolant we had back then foamed, smelled bad, and didn’t offer optimal performance. For us to be able to manufacture at a competitive level, things had to change. However, the supplier we had at the time showed little interest in supporting us and working with us to find a solution. So, at the predecessor trade fair of Innoteq, I visited Blaser Swisslube’s booth and got to know their Head of Sales, Luca Mele.
“TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS ARE OUR GREATEST ENEMY IN THE PRODUCTION OF PRECISION COMPONENTS.”
Oliver Ringli, CEO lean key solutions AG
The collaboration with Blaser Swisslube, especially with Luca Mele and sales engineer Marco Frey, made all the difference. They examined the conditions on site, analyzed our machines, components, and materials, and took water samples. They then recommended three different coolants for us to test.
How long did it take you to choose one?
We deliberately spent a lot of time on the evaluation – it took around two years. With Blaser’s help, we cleaned and flushed our machine to remove all of the residues from the old coolant. Only then did we refill it. There were some setbacks at the beginning: the cooling performance was not always optimal, there was occasional skin irritation, or stains appeared on the components. However, the support provided by Blaser’s experts was excellent throughout. We worked together to find solutions, and they helped us with the cleaning and refilling every time. Everything was analyzed and tested. On the fourth attempt, we found the optimal coolant for us, which we’ve been using ever since.
Yes, I’ve never known such extensive support. In Blaser, we have found a partner that really cares about its product. Temperature fluctuations are our greatest enemy in the production of precision components. Blaser has made us see coolant not as a necessary evil, but as an additional tool. If it is cared for and used correctly, it can have a major impact on the quality of the final product. And it plays a crucial role in the efficiency of production processes.
You have also opted for automation with AutoPilot from Liquidtool Systems – why make this step?
Liquidtool’s AutoPilot eliminates the need to fill the machines with coolant manually. This saves employees around 20 minutes each day, whichcan be spent on productive work instead. It also precisely monitors the concentration and automatically tops up the coolant to the correct concentration as needed. Our investment in AutoPilot paid for itself in just three months.
The combination of the new coolant and automation resulted in a significant increase in productivity, shown to be by as much as 60 percent on one machine. This is due to longer tool life as well as more stable processes. Choosing the optimal coolant also leads to improved surface quality for the components.
They were initially skeptical, but this quickly turned to satisfaction, since the new coolant is odorless, does not cause any skin irritation, and no longer has to be topped up manually. The collaboration with Blaser Swisslube has taken coolant management at lean key solutions to a new level.
