Alfer Constructions

What Alfer Constructions does

ALFER Constructions SA is a Geneva-based metal construction company founded in 1986 by brothers Éric and Jean-Pierre Magnin (originally as Magnin Frères), specializing in custom prefabricated metal structures including railings, staircases, facades, roofing, urban furniture, structural frameworks, and emergency locksmith services. The company serves enterprise clients, property management companies (régies), architects, government bodies, and private residential clients across the Geneva canton and Lake Geneva (bassin lémanique) region through direct enterprise field sales.

Operations are anchored in a 2,200 m² workshop in Vernier equipped with laser cutting up to 2×4 meters (and a newly added 30 kW fiber laser in 2026), a 3-meter press brake, dual rolling machines, and EN1090 EXC3-certified welding capabilities covering steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and Corten steel. An in-house engineering bureau uses Advance Steel and SolidWorks for 3D modeling, with 18 years of in-house design experience. Technical certifications include EN1090 EXC3 welding (SVS) and SIA norm compliance.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time custom construction project quotes (durations of 1–6 months) supplemented by recurring maintenance contracts with property managers and a 30-minute emergency locksmith response service in Geneva. The company completes 250–300 projects annually and produces approximately 2 km of railings per year. Headcount has grown from 6 collaborators in 1990 to 80 in 2026, with governance shared among partners Éric Magnin, Éric Barbier (Director since 2012), Séraphin Magnin (civil engineer, joined 2018), and Mathieu Szymanski (partner since 2022). The company remains an independent Swiss family business.

Name

Alfer Constructions

Legal name

ALFER Constructions SA

Website

https://alferconstructions.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ALFER Constructions is a Geneva-based, family-owned metal construction company (founded 1986) that designs, prefabricates, and installs custom steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and Corten structures for régies, architects, enterprises, government, and private clients in the Lake Geneva region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Metal Construction Services

NAICS

Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing (3323), Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing (332322), Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing (332323), Metal Window and Door Manufacturing (332321)

SIC

Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440), Sheet Metal Work (3444), Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Roofing & Wall Panels (Architectural/Structural) (IMADACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Architectural & Miscellaneous Metals (Stairs, Railings, Ladders) (IMADACAE), Sheet Metal & Flashing Works (Gutters, Copings, Edge Metal, Downspouts) (IMAFAMAE), Steel Joists, Joist Girders & Decking (IMADACAC), Aluminum Value-Added Components (Automotive, Aerospace, Packaging, Building Systems) (IMAKACAM)

Keywords

• Custom metal construction
• Structural steel fabrication
• Architectural metalwork
• Metal locksmith services
• Aluminum fenestration

Headquarters

HQ city

Vernier

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Metal Construction Projects: One-time fabrication and installation of custom metal structures including railings, staircases, facades, frames, roofing, and urban furniture. Pricing is quote-based, varying by project complexity, materials, and scope. Projects range from small repairs to large-scale structural installations spanning 1-6 months.
2. Maintenance and After-Sales Service Contracts: Ongoing maintenance contracts offered after project delivery, covering doors, gates, traps, windows, and other metal structures. Also includes emergency locksmith services and urgent welding responses.
3. Locksmith and Emergency Services: Emergency locksmith services including general key resets, lock changes, general maintenance, door automation, and small locksmith projects for property managers and building management companies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Alfer Constructions designs, fabricates, and installs 100% custom metal structures in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and Corten steel at its 2,200 m² workshop in Vernier, Geneva. Core offerings include structural metalwork (charpentes, facades, staircases, railings, roofing), urban furniture, aluminum fenestration, sheet metal fabrication, certified welding (EN1090 EXC3), emergency locksmith services, and glazing, supported by an in-house 3D modeling engineering bureau.

Product overview

ALFER Constructions is a Geneva-based metal construction company offering a comprehensive portfolio of custom metalwork services and products. The core offering centers on construction métallique (structural metal construction), with specialized divisions in serrurerie (general metalwork/locksmithing), charpente métallique (metal roofing/structural framing), and tôlerie (sheet metal fabrication). Adjacent services include vitrerie (glazing), soudure chantier (certified welding), and dépannage serrurier (emergency locksmithing). The company operates an in-house bureau d'études (engineering office) providing 3D modeling via Advance Steel and SolidWorks, from initial concept through technical submissions. Key product categories include urban furniture (mobilier urbain) featuring Corten steel and Jakob AG Webnet systems, aluminum fenestration using Panoramah! minimalist profiles and Raico THERM+ systems, fire-rated door/window assemblies certified EI30-EI90 using Forster/Jansen profiles, and custom glass railings in multiple materials. All structures are 100% custom-designed and prefabricated in their 2,200 m² Geneva workshop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Forge&Design: High-end division opened in 2026 partnership

Products and services

• Construction métallique (Metal Construction) Custom metal construction services for industrial, commercial, and public infrastructure buildings, including railings, staircases, facades, and structural metalwork. All structures are custom-designed and prefabricated in the firm's 2,200 m² Geneva workshop before on-site assembly. Targets enterprise clients, architects, property managers, and public bodies in the Lake Geneva region.
• Serrurerie (General Metalwork and Locksmithing) General metalwork and locksmithing services covering verandas, skylights, railings, doors, windows, and heritage restoration projects, with integrated fire-rated systems (Forster/Jansen profiles EI30 to EI90). Serves property managers, régies, architects, and private clients.
• Charpente métallique (Metal Roofing and Structural Framing) Metal roofing and structural framework services including industrial buildings, structural reinforcement, renovations, canopies, pergolas, poles, and antenna supports, executed by Atelier Charpente. Targets industrial, commercial, and public-sector clients.
• Mobilier urbain (Urban Furniture) Custom urban furniture and outdoor amenities for public spaces, including Corten steel planters, vegetation supports, Jakob AG Webnet trellis systems, bike racks, benches, and pergolas. Targets public administrations, municipalities, and landscape architects.
• Menuiserie aluminium (Aluminum Fenestration) Custom aluminum fenestration including facades, curtain walls, skylights, showcases, doors, windows, and ultra-minimalist Panoramah! and Raico THERM+ profile systems for high-end contemporary architecture. Serves enterprise and public-sector clients.
• Tôlerie (Sheet Metal Fabrication) Sheet metal fabrication for outdoor amenities, planters, custom furniture, decorative pieces, and precision industrial parts using laser cutting, bending, and rolling. Targets industrial, commercial, and public-sector clients needing precision sheet metalwork.
• Dépannage serrurier (Emergency Locksmith Service) Emergency locksmith and metalwork services with a 30-minute response time across Geneva, covering general keying, lock changes, door automation, maintenance, and urgent repairs. Primary customers are property management companies (régies) and building managers.
• Soudure chantier (Certified Welding Services) EN1090 EXC3 certified welding services using MIG, MAG, TIG, and arc processes for steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, performed on-site and in the workshop. Covers industrial maintenance, special reinforcement work, and structural welding.
• Vitrerie (Glazing Services) Custom glazing services including glass replacement, restoration, glass railings, framed windows for doors, and fire-rated glass installations, integrated with aluminum fenestration offerings.
• Bureau d'études (In-house Engineering and 3D Modeling) In-house engineering and design office providing 18 years of 3D modeling using Advance Steel and SolidWorks Bysoft 7. Services include preliminary projects, technical submissions, and BIM-ready project support for clients and internal fabrication.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2 km of railings produced per year
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Forge&DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership established in 2026 with Forge&Design, opening a high-end metalworking pole to expand ALFER Constructions' premium offerings.
• Jakob AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationALFER Constructions uses Jakob AG's Webnet technology to create protective meshes, climbing plant frameworks, railings, and wall coverings. Each piece is custom-made and weather-resistant.
• RaicocoreTechnology or IntegrationALFER Constructions uses Raico THERM+ systems for large glazed surfaces, providing fine sightlines and optimal thermal insulation in architectural glazing projects.
• ForstercoreTechnology or IntegrationALFER Constructions works with Forster Thermfix systems for slender profiles, large spans, and robustness, including fire-resistant solutions (EI30 to EI90 certified). Also uses Forster/Jansen insulating profiles.
• Panoramah!coreTechnology or IntegrationALFER Constructions offers Panoramah! minimalist profile systems for high-end architectural glazing, providing maximal openness, exceptional luminosity, and contemporary aesthetics.
• Industry/trade associationsminorOthersALFER Constructions is referenced by and collaborates with industry bodies including AM Suisse (metal construction association), FMB Geneva, CPMBG (paritary conference for metal and building), and SVS Ass (welding certification).

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sottas SA: Swiss structural steel and metal construction firm based in Bulle, offering charpente métallique, serrurerie, and architectural metalwork for industrial, commercial, and public-sector clients across Suisse romande. Directly comparable to Alfer in service scope, custom fabrication model, and regional project delivery.
• Jakob AG: Swiss manufacturer of stainless steel Webnet mesh systems, structural cables, and architectural metal components. Listed as a core partner of Alfer (Webnet trellises, railings, plant supports) and operates in the same architectural metals category with comparable fabrication capabilities and Swiss-market positioning.
• Ernst Schweizer AG: Swiss metalwork and façade manufacturer (Hedingen, Zurich region) producing architectural metalwork, ventilated façades, and metal construction elements. Comparable to Alfer in producing custom architectural metal components, with similar EN 1090-grade certification standards and project-based revenue model.
• R. Nussbaum AG: Swiss metal construction company (Naters/Brig, Valais) specializing in steel construction, metalwork, façades, and railings. Comparable to Alfer as a regionally anchored, custom-fabrication metalwork SME serving industrial and architectural clients in Suisse romande and beyond.

Emerging players

• Kalzip GmbH: German-based standing-seam metal roofing and façade systems manufacturer (Tata Steel subsidiary). Comparable to Alfer in the metal roofing and wall panel category, with a broader international footprint and system-product model that overlaps with Alfer's charpente métallique and façade work.
• Bemo Systems GmbH: German metal roofing and façade systems producer specializing in standing-seam solutions for architectural and industrial buildings. Comparable to Alfer in the metal roofing/wall panels category, focused on engineered systems rather than fully custom one-off fabrication.
• Montana Bausysteme AG: Swiss metal building systems provider producing steel profiles, structural components, and metal building envelope solutions. Overlaps with Alfer in the metal roofing, wall, and structural systems category, though Montana operates more as a system/kit supplier than a fully custom fabricator.

Broad incumbents

• Implenia AG: Switzerland's largest construction and real estate services group, active in building construction, civil engineering, and real estate development. Comparable as a regional incumbent in Geneva-area construction that occasionally competes with or subcontracts to Alfer; broader portfolio than Alfer's metalwork focus.
• Forster Profilsysteme (Arbonia): Swiss steel and stainless-steel profile systems supplier (part of Arbonia Group) offering Forster Thermfix, Jansen, and similar profile lines. Alfer is a downstream fabricator/installer of these systems; comparable as a broader incumbent shaping the metal-and-glass construction market in Switzerland with overlapping capabilities but a system-supplier business model.
• Arbonia AG: Swiss-listed building products group (Doors, Steel Systems including Forster Profilsysteme, and HVAC). Comparable to Alfer as a broad incumbent in the Swiss metal construction ecosystem, though Arbonia operates at much larger scale with system-supplier and serial-production models rather than custom-project fabrication.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alferconstructionssa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alfer Constructions