Odermatt Gebr. AG

Gebr. Odermatt AG, Steel and Mechanical Engineering, Engelberg
Report from roi-online.ch

Europe's highest suspension bridge has been built on the Titlis, at over 3000 meters above sea level. The structure, made entirely of steel, was constructed by Gebr. Odermatt AG in Engelberg. The company's experience in cable car construction proved invaluable in the realization of this project. Gebr. Odermatt AG is an SME for which the training of apprentices is an important element.

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

Europe's highest suspension bridge
With the highest suspension bridge on the Titlis, Titlis-Bahnen gave itself an impressive gift for its 100th anniversary. Titlis-Bahnen invested 1.3 million Swiss francs in the suspension bridge, which sets a new record in the Alps. The project was definitely a unique challenge for the engineers, rock technicians, and steelworkers. "When building at over 3,000 meters above sea level, many things are different. Wind, snow, and ice place extreme demands on both the employees and the materials," explains Martin Odermatt, pointing out that the bridge must be able to withstand storm 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 force of 182 tons each. The main load is carried by the two 50-millimeter-thick steel cables from which the 100-meter-long structure hangs.

Cable cars and metal construction
Gebr. Odermatt AG has already gained experience in the construction of suspension bridges in recent years, having built the suspension bridges on the Aaschluchtweg trail between Grafenort and Engelberg, which was destroyed by flooding in 2005. It was convenient that Gebr. Odermatt AG has its roots in cable car construction. Martin Odermatt's grandfather was already building cable cars. In 1960, Franz and Adolf Odermatt founded Gebr. Odermatt AG. The company has built around a dozen larger, cantonally licensed small cable cars 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 cable cars," 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 profession of polymechanic at the Engelberg-based company.

Gebr. Odermatt also offers:

• Snow clearance
• Cable car construction
• Crane work
• Garage doors
• Rusted items