On the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, two of the company’s three founders, A. Wydler and S. Melloni, as well as future co-owner S. Mathys, need equipment for a celebration at Villmergen sports hall. In their search, they come across the future company’s namesake, P. Winkler, from whom they hire the required event technology.
The three eventual founders, among them P. Winkler, organise or supply the equipment for a wide range of functions in German-speaking Switzerland.
The first enquiry is received for a stand at the Geneva Motor Show.
Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH is founded. The owners are P. Winkler, A. Wydler and S. Melloni. The company also leases a small warehouse for its own spotlights and loudspeakers on the former Benkler site in Villmergen.
To begin with, the three founding members, P. Winkler, A. Wydler and S. Melloni, work for Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik as a side job. In 1997, A. Wydler becomes the first person to be officially and wholly employed by Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH.
Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH becomes a public limited company. M. Huber and D. Kölliker become co-owners. In the spring of 1998, Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik AG relocates to Gewerbering in Wohlen.
The company gradually increases the number of trade fair commissions. The first major international commission in this area is implemented for Siemens in Barcelona. In addition, the sole proprietorship Light-Tech Professional Veranstaltungstechnik Tanner is acquired and integrated.
Winkler also acquires Light & Sound Equipment AG (LSE). The warehouse in Gewerbering is no longer sufficient, so a new warehouse is leased in the centre of Wohlen on the former Cellpack site. Initially, only a sub-plot is leased, but the company’s storage requirements grow to such an extent that Winkler eventually leases the entire warehouse.
The company moves within Wohlen to its new location on Nordstrasse and Winkler is sold to MCH Group.
Fischer Video AG is integrated into Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik.
3-D Deko Design AG is integrated into Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik.
New Managing Director, C. Neuenschwander, takes the helm. That same year, at the MD’s instigation, Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik AG is rebranded Winkler Multi Media Events AG.
C. Künzli takes over from C. Neuenschwander, becoming the new Managing Director of Winkler.
Winkler Multi Media Events AG is rebranded Winkler Livecom AG.
Winkler Livecom is once again owner-managed. The new owners are C. Künzli, S. Mathys and B. Brenninkmeijer.