Forster Profilsysteme is a world-leading supplier of steel profiles for doors, windows, and facades. The company utilises Magnelis® from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products to create its all-steel solutions which are free of plastics. The self-healing properties of Magnelis® offer exceptional corrosion protection during transport and storage of the profiles. Welding operations are also simplified with Magnelis®, enabling Forster to create high-quality and durable profiles. To enhance the sustainability of its operations, Forster has recently built a state-of-the-art headquarters which brings together production, administration, and sales. And wherever possible, they utilised ArcelorMittal steels.
“We see steel as a timeless, sustainable, robust, and durable product which gives us the opportunity to offer a globally unique profile which is entirely made from steel,” says Willi Lüchinger, CEO BU Forster. “Unlike other profile makers, Forster does not use a plastic web to connect the two half-shells of a profile. Instead, we use a specially designed stainless-steel web. This improves the recyclability of the product, and its stability, without restricting the thermal properties of the system.”
La Tuilière football stadium in Lausanne uses a glass curtain wall to bring the sunlight in and provide an uninterrupted view of the game [Copyright: Forster, Damian Poffet]
The company has offered Magnelis® solutions since they became aware of the unique steel coating in 2015. “In our business, the zinc-aluminium-magnesium Magnelis® coating is primarily there to provide corrosion protection in transport and storage,” says Willi Lüchinger. “But the biggest benefit of Magnelis® to us is the quality of the welding process. It is almost as easy to weld as black steel.”
The curved glass facades of the HiLo research building in Dübendorf presented unique challenges due to the lightweight concrete used [Copyright: Forster, Roman Keller]
Forster sees the innovative strength of ArcelorMittal and the relationship as central advantages says Willi Lüchinger: “ArcelorMittal products such as Magnelis®, and initiatives such as XCarb® show that the partnership is based on a common mindset. They are also an important building block in realising our own ambitions for even more mindful and sustainable use of our world’s resources.”
The concrete subsides over time, requiring a facade that can be readjusted [Copyright: Forster, Roman Keller]
Sustainability is a key driver in Forster’s business as Willi Lüchinger explains: “Dealing with resources in a mindful way is part of our DNA." A company-wide evaluation process helped Forster identify where and how their carbon footprint could be further reduced - and ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® initiative was part of that discussion. Since mid-2024, Forster has acquired all orders from ArcelorMittal in XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steels. These steels have a significantly reduced carbon footprint as they are produced with a high percentage of recycled steel in an electric arc furnace powered by 100% renewable energy.
The renovation of the Fenix I building in Rotterdam includes thermally insulated windows and fixed glazing from Forster [Copyright: Bart van Hoek Architectuurfotografie]
The Circle, a commercial development near Zurich Airport, uses more than 500 m2 of fire-protected glazing [Copyright: Forster]
The Art Deco facade of La Samaritaine in Paris was completely refurbished using Forster’s unico steel window system [Copyright: Forster, We are Contents / Stéphane Aboudaram]
Forster’s profiles are sold around the world, though Europe remains the company’s leading market. Most of Forster’s main system profiles are made from flat steels supplied by ArcelorMittal.
Willi Lüchinger, CEO BU Forster [Copyright: Forster]
The main customers for Forster’s products are metal fabricators who create profiles based on the designs of architects and building owners. The profiles are turned into window, door, or facade solutions by specialist fabricators. “We train the fabricators in the optimal processing techniques for our systems and provide technical support,” notes Willi Lüchinger.
Forster products have been deployed in both new builds and renovation projects. At The Circle, a new development near Zurich Airport, 500 m2 metres of fire-protected elevator glazing were used and 205 customised internal steel doors were installed.
The Circle, a commercial development near Zurich Airport [Copyright: Forster]
The renovation of La Samaritaine, an iconic Art Deco building on the banks of the Seine in Paris, required new windows which were barely distinguishable from the originals. Here Forster recommended its unico system which features slim steel profiles and double glazing to create a comfortable indoor climate.
La Samaritaine in Paris [Copyright: Forster, We are Contents / Stéphane Aboudaram]
La Tuilière football stadium in Lausanne [Copyright: Forster, Damian Poffet]
The Fenix I building in Rotterdam [Copyright: Bart van Hoek Architectuurfotografie]
The HiLo research building in Dübendorf [Copyright: Forster, Roman Keller]
With sustainability and the future firmly in mind, Forster has recently constructed a new headquarters in Romanshorn (Switzerland). “It is known as the Forster Campus and includes a new showroom, training and customer centre, offices, and production. The facade of the office building, all doors and windows, and all glazed partition walls are made from our products – hence they contain a lot of flat steel from ArcelorMittal.”
