Verband Werbetechnik+Print

What Verband Werbetechnik+Print does

Verband Werbetechnik+Print (VWP) is a Swiss non-profit trade association (Berufsverband) founded in 1939 and headquartered in Aarau, Aargau. It represents companies across three verticals in Switzerland: sign-making and visual communication (Werbetechnik), screen printing (Siebdruck), and illuminated advertising (Leuchtwerbung). The organization is governed by member companies and a board of directors, with a staff of 17 employees operating from a single office at Weihermattstrasse 94.

VWP's product portfolio is built around member services rather than commercial software. Its core proprietary offering is 'safely', a web-based occupational safety management system that replaced the paper-based Branchenlösung Nr. 76, which is mandatory for Suva-insured sign-making and screen printing companies above defined size thresholds. The association also delivers Swiss federal vocational training programs (EFZ apprenticeships in signmaking and screen printing, EBA certificates, EFA and HFP advanced professional examinations), runs a digital marketplace (Marktplatz) for members, and sets technical standards for illuminated signage including the LumCon measurement system and Code of Practice (CoP). Training venues and specialized courses such as SiBe safety officer training and aerial work platform (Hubarbeitsbühne) courses are also operated.

VWP's business model is membership-based, with subscription/recurring dues from member companies supplemented by training course fees (e.g., CHF 490 per SiBe participant). The GTM is event-driven: VWP acquires and engages members through industry events, training courses, qualification procedures, and FESPA Global Print Expo participation. Distribution is direct to enterprise member firms across a single domestic market (Switzerland), supported by a website portal, email newsletter, and social media channels. Strategic partnerships with FESPA (international exposure), Suva (regulatory alignment), and a broad network of equipment and material sponsors (swissQprint, Canon, Mimaki, Spandex, 3M Schweiz, Ricoh, Zund, Hexis, Antalis, among others) underwrite event and training activity.

Name

Verband Werbetechnik+Print

Legal name

Verband Werbetechnik+Print

Website

https://vwp.swiss

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VWP is a Swiss non-profit trade association founded in 1939, representing sign-making, screen printing, and illuminated advertising companies nationwide from its Aarau headquarters. It delivers member services including the mandatory 'safely' workplace safety system, federal vocational training and certifications, technical standards, and event programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Printing (32312), Sign Manufacturing (33995), Commercial Screen Printing (323113), Printing (32311)

SIC

Service Industries For The Printing Trade (2790), Commercial Printing (2750), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Print Quality Assurance & Compliance Services (Press Checks, ISO/G7, Accessibility/Standards) (MPAJALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

OOH Production, Printing & Installation Services (MPAAAKAJ), OOH Production, Printing & Installation Services (BPAFALAL), Welding Codes, Safety & Compliance Training (AWS/ASME/OSHA) (EDAOADAG)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Vocational signmaking training
• Occupational safety compliance
• Illuminated signage standards
• Industry advocacy membership

Headquarters

HQ city

Aarau

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Association representing the sign-making, screen printing, and illuminated advertising industries in Switzerland generates revenue through membership fees from member companies.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Verband Werbetechnik+Print (VWP) is the Swiss industry trade association representing sign-making (Werbetechnik), screen printing (Siebdruck), and illuminated advertising (Leuchtwerbung) companies. It delivers industry representation, vocational education and continuing professional development (EFZ/EBA apprenticeships, EFA, HFP qualifications), the 'safely' web-based occupational safety management solution (replacing Branchenlösung Nr. 76), technical standards and the LumCon measurement system for illuminated signage, and access to FESPA international print industry events.

Product overview

Verband Werbetechnik+Print (VWP) is a Swiss industry trade association for the signmaking, screen printing, and illuminated advertising sectors. Rather than a single product company, VWP operates as a multi-service organization offering: (1) occupational safety solutions centered on the 'safely' web-based platform replacing Branchenlösung Nr. 76; (2) vocational education and training programs including EFZ apprenticeships in advertising technology and screen printing, EBA certificates, and continuing professional development through Fachspezialist and Werbetechniker advanced examinations; (3) technical services including illuminated signage standards, LumCon measurement systems, and Code of Practice guidelines; (4) industry events and FESPA membership access; (5) specialized training for safety officers (SiBe), aerial work platforms, and youth engagement programs. The portfolio is structured around member services rather than commercial software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• safely - Branchenlösung Nr. 76 Web-based occupational safety management system for sign-making and screen printing companies, enabling continuous compliance and improvement of workplace safety under EKAS-recognized Branchenlösung Nr. 76. Mandatory for Suva-insured companies with 10+ employees or premium payments above 0.5%.
• Gestaltende Werbetechnik EFZ (Apprenticeship Program) Swiss Federal Diploma (EFZ) vocational training program for signmaking and advertising technology specialists.
• Medientechnologe Siebdruck EFZ (Screen Printing Apprenticeship) Swiss Federal Diploma (EFZ) vocational training program for screen printing media technology.
• Printmedienpraktiker EBA Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence (EBA) program for printing and media practice.
• Berufsprüfung FachspezialistIn Werbetechnik EFA Federal professional examination for advertising technology specialists, conducted over 3 semesters part-time.
• Höhere Fachprüfung WerbetechnikerIn ED Advanced professional examination (HFP) for advertising technology technicians, conducted over 3 semesters part-time.
• HF-Medienmanagement ED Higher professional examination in media management, conducted over 6 semesters part-time.
• SiBe Schulungen (Safety Officer Training) Training courses for safety officers (SiBe) in the advertising and printing industry, priced at CHF 490 per participant.
• Überbetriebliche Kurse üK Inter-company training courses (üK) supplementing regular vocational education for apprentices in the industry.
• Technik Leuchtwerbung (Illuminated Signage Technical Services) Technical standards, norms, codes of practice, the LumCon measurement system, and acceptance protocols for illuminated signage.
• Young Signmakers Youth engagement program for young professionals in the signmaking and advertising technology industry.
• Hubarbeitsbühnen Kurse (Aerial Work Platform Training) Training courses for operating aerial work platforms and mobile elevated work equipment used in sign installation.
• FESPA Membership & Events Association membership providing access to FESPA Global Print EXPO, FESPA Awards, and international industry events for signmaking, digital printing, and screen printing sectors.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FESPAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVWP is the Swiss member of FESPA (Federation of European Screen & Digital Print Associations), participating in FESPA Global Print Expo and FESPA Awards. Provides international networking and visibility for Swiss members.
• SuvacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss accident insurance institution that supports the Branchenlösung Nr. 76 workplace safety solution for sign-making and screen printing companies. Co-developed the 'safely' web-based safety system with FESPA funding.
• Schule für Gestaltung ZürichminorOthersSchool for design in Zurich used as a venue for SiBe (Safety) training courses and other educational events.
• swissQprintminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSwiss manufacturer of large-format digital printing equipment. Sponsor of VWP and participant in FESPA events.
• CanonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology sponsor of VWP and participant in FESPA events showcasing printing solutions.
• SpandexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor and event partner hosting educational presentations on Building Window Films, Mimaki technology, and industry trends.
• MimakiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJapanese printing technology manufacturer. Products presented through Spandex events and VWP partnerships.
• L-shop teamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• Igepa-AdocminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• SorenosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• SDAG-SWISSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• AntalisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• GrassiplastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• HEXISminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• ZundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• 3M SchweizminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• FrischknechtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• ProfotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• RicohminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.
• SchaffnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of VWP supporting the association's activities.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FESPA: Federation of European Screen & Digital Print Associations. VWP is FESPA's Swiss national member, making FESPA the umbrella peer; both organizations serve overlapping screen/sign print trade association functions across geographies.
• ISA (International Sign Association): International trade association for the sign industry. Direct peer for VWP's Werbetechnik and Leuchtwerbung member segments, providing advocacy, certification, and member services to sign manufacturers globally.
• viscom (Schweizerischer Verband für visuelle Kommunikation): Swiss trade association for visual communication, signage, and large-format print. Direct domestic peer serving overlapping Swiss member segments in signage and visual communication, with parallel advocacy, training, and event portfolios.
• PRINTING United Alliance: US-based trade alliance for the printing and visual communications industry (formed via merger of SGIA and Printing Industries of America). Closest international functional equivalent combining printing/sign industry membership, training, and standards.
• VSD (Verband Schweizer Druckindustrie): Swiss printing industry trade association. Domestic peer serving the broader Swiss print sector with overlapping advocacy and training roles; member companies overlap with VWP's screen-print segment.
• bvdm (Bundesverband Druck und Medien): German print and media industry association. Direct functional peer representing commercial print, sign-making, and related industries; provides comparable vocational training, advocacy, and industry services at larger scale in Germany.

Regional players

• Fachverband Werbung und Marktkommunikation (FWMP) / WKO: Austrian trade body structure for advertising technology and market communication within the WKO. Comparable scope to VWP's Werbetechnik membership, but Austrian rather than Swiss jurisdiction.
• British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA): UK trade association for the sign and graphics industry. Comparable in mission and member services to VWP's sign-making segment, but operating in the UK rather than Switzerland.

Others

• Spandex: European distributor of sign-making, graphics, and visual communication materials and equipment. VWP sponsor and event partner; adjacent ecosystem participant serving the same sign/print member customer base.
• swissQprint: Swiss manufacturer of large-format digital printing equipment and VWP sponsor. Comparable ecosystem participant but as a vendor partner rather than association peer; illustrates the supplier community VWP represents.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/verband-werbetechnik-print
• Instagraminstagram.com/verbandwerbetechnikprint/?hl=de

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Verband Werbetechnik+Print