One of them – Martin Baltisberger (63) – has spent his entire career at Muller Martini. The other – Timon Hasler (31) – returned to Muller Martini, where he once completed his apprenticeship, at the beginning of this year. However, the two are not only connected by the same employer, but also privately. Martin Baltisberger is Timon Hasler’s father-in-law and grandfather to nine-month-old Sarah. In the following blog, they talk about their professional lives at Muller Martini and reveal whether they also discuss company matters at the family table.
We had known each other as a Vocational Trainer and Apprentice at the time, but had rarely met, apart from a week-long apprentice camp where we interacted frequently. However, a few years later, on a personal level, our paths crossed again via Tamara, one of Martin's two daughters. Timon and Tamara met in April 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, when Tamara, a kindergarten teacher, was looking after the children of his neighbor's family. The fact that Timon fell in love with the daughter of a former work colleague had nothing to do with any previous professional encounters, it was just pure coincidence. The first time they met again since Timon's apprenticeship days was when they had lunch together. Tamara and Timon were married in October 2022, and on January 18, 2024, their daughter Sarah was born.
Martin only played an indirect role in Timon's return to Muller Martin in February 2024. We regularly discussed Muller Martini in our free time but the decision to return was 100 percent mine. I found out through the
Muller Martini Future website that there were many interesting jobs available in Zofingen and since I wanted to change careers anyway, I applied for the advertised position.
We believe there are only advantages to working together at the same company and being related. We think it's cool to talk about work, even in our free time or around the family dinner table. Since we both know the Company so well, we can quickly speak on the same level. We're not alone in this regard as there are several employees at Muller Martini who are also related.
Martin Baltisberger: a life for Muller Martini
63-year-old Martin Baltisberger has spent his entire career at Muller Martini. On leaving school he completed a four-year FEAM apprenticeship, after which he worked as a Wireman and in the Electronics Testing Department. He then went on to establish the training program for automation and electronics technicians where he served as an Electronics Technician Trainer for eight years and also as Head of Vocational Training. When the decision was made to transfer the responsibility for vocational training to Human Resources, at the age of 61, Martin moved roles and now works in the TSE (Technology Solutions Engineering) Department.
Muller Martini offers an extremely interesting professional environment. I have always been interested in technology – especially in innovations and new solutions. I felt that the vocational training program was like a company within the Company, which I was able to help shape over many years. It is a flagship of Muller Martini, because an apprenticeship with us is considered really something. I really enjoyed working with young people and had already been involved in church youth work before I started in vocational training.
My current role in the TSE Department involves processing supplier announcements and helping to test control systems. I am constantly learning new things, which makes my job interesting, even towards the end of my career. I particularly enjoy working in a team, but also across the entire company, beyond my own department.
Timon Hasler: back to the roots
After school, 31-year-old Timon Hasler completed a four-year design engineer apprenticeship at Müller Martini. He then completed a three-year full-time course of study as a mechanical engineer at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland in Brugg-Windisch, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After three years as a Development Engineer at the cable car manufacturer CWA in Olten, where he had previously worked as a student trainee, he worked for four years in field service at the Siegenia Company in Uetendorf, which specializes in ventilation and building technology. Nine months ago he returned to the site of his apprenticeship as a Mechanical Engineer – back to his roots.
I had only positive memories of Muller Martini from my apprenticeship. In addition to the team spirit, I particularly liked the interesting, varied and challenging work back then. This was a major reason for my return to my professional roots. In the Softcover Technology Department, I am responsible for further product development and for supervising the InfiniTrim trimmer. In doing so, I deal with a range of contacts and will also soon be dealing with customers.
As a technology freak, I am fascinated by creating and constructing something new. This requires not only a deep understanding of machines, but also an interdisciplinary empathy. The interpersonal component is important here – in other words, a good working environment, and Muller Martini offers this, even with increasing pressure to perform.
I've always enjoyed technology
During my childhood, like many young people, my dream job was to be a pilot. But I have always enjoyed technology – whether it was with Lego kits or mending my moped. Towards the end of my compulsory schooling, I evaluated a few alternatives for my apprenticeship. such as Polygraph and Automation Technician, but Design Engineer appealed to me the most. I was certainly also influenced subconsciously by my family environment too, as my father is a trained machine draftsman and worked for many years as a design engineer.
I proactively applied for an apprenticeship at Muller Martini. Firstly, I called to inquire about a trial apprenticeship. Then I took an aptitude test which I passed, whereupon Muller Martini asked me if I would like to do my internship in Zofingen. Since I knew the Company's good reputation, I didn't hesitate for a minute.
And now I'm back at the place where it all started. I don't have a specific career plan but I see my professional future continuing in a technical environment. As for the job itself, I'm open to opportunities because I've covered a broad spectrum from my apprenticeship, technical college and my previous professional experience.
Yours
Martin Baltisberger, Technical Solutions Engineering, Muller Martini
Timon Hasler, Mechanical Engineer, Muller Martini