Odermatt Gebr. AG

Ordmatt AG, steel and mechanical engineering, Engelberg
Report from roi-online.ch

The highest suspension rope bridge in Europe was built on the Titlis, at over 3000 meters above sea level. The construction, which is based entirely on steel, was realized by Odermatt AG in Engelberg. The company benefited from its experience in cable car construction. Odermatt AG is an SME in which the training of apprentices is an important element.

A construction site only for those with a head for heights. When the employees of Engelberg-based company Gebr. Odermatt AG moved around the construction site at over 3000 meters above sea level on the Titlis in recent weeks, they were only secured by a rope. The employees often had nothing but air under their butts. Around 500 meters down, where tourists have been able to experience the spectacular mountain world around the highest peak in Central Switzerland even more intensively since Friday. "The suspension rope bridge from the south wall window to the top station of the glacier chairlift was a huge challenge for everyone involved in every respect," says Martin Odermatt, who is the third generation to run the company together with his cousin Adi Odermatt.

Highest suspension rope bridge in Europe
The Titlis cable car presented itself with an impressive gift for its 100th anniversary with the highest suspension rope bridge on the Titlis. The Titlis Railways invested 1.3 million Swiss francs in the suspension bridge, which sets a new record in the Alps. The project was definitely a challenge for the engineers, rock technicians and steelworkers. "Many things are different when building at over 3000 meters above sea level. Wind, snow and ice place extreme demands on both the employees and the material," explains Martin Odermatt, pointing out that the bridge has to withstand gale-force winds of up to 270 kilometers per hour. The anchors in the rock, which are up to seven meters deep on both sides, were designed for a breaking load of 182 tons each. The main load is borne by the two 50-millimeter-thick steel cables on which the 100-metre-long structure is suspended.

Cableways and metal construction
Ordermatt AG has already gained experience in the construction of suspension bridges in recent years, having also built the suspension bridges for the Aaschluchtweg between Grafenort and Engelberg, which was destroyed by flooding in 2005. The fact that Gebr. Odermatt AG has its roots in cable car construction came in handy. Martin Odermatt's grandfather had already built cable cars. In 1960, Franz and Adolf Odermatt founded Odermatt Bros. The company has built around a dozen larger, cantonally licensed small reversible aerial tramways in Switzerland. Even though the company now focuses more on metal and steel construction and bridge building, it has never completely abandoned cable car construction. "We still offer our services in the maintenance of ropeways," says Martin Odermatt, who sees another strength of the company in the repair sector despite the throwaway mentality of today's society. Gebr. Odermatt AG employs eight people. These include two apprentices who are learning the trade of polymechanic at the Engelberg-based company.

Ordermatt Bros. also offers the following:

Snow clearing

Cableway construction

Crane work

Garage doors

Rust items