Our Social Commitment

At Oerlikon, we understand that a thriving society is built on a foundation of compassion and responsibility. By weaving together empathy, mindfulness, and collaboration, we aim to leave a lasting impact on society, fostering a brighter future where humanity flourishes in harmony with nature.

Sustainable Solutions for a Thriving Society

Responsible Employer
Oerlikon is dedicated to cultivating a work environment where every employee feels secure, comfortable and can genuinely be themselves.
Health & Safety
Oerlikon’s ongoing health and safety (H&S) oversight is designed to maintain an attractive and safe workplace for our employees, as mandated by the Group’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and in keeping with our core values.
Responsible Sourcing & Human Rights
Responsible sourcing at Oerlikon involves an ongoing investment in strong supplier partnerships. These are key to ensuring that we maintain our research and production timetables, sustain uninterrupted operations, deliver on our obligations to customers and employees and try to minimize environmental impact and risk.

Building a Brighter Tomorrow

We have long recognized the direct link between our internal diversity, our capacity to innovate and our market position. Cultural and geographical diversity align not only with our values, but also with our value proposition as a company that derives strength from the different backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise within our workforce. Learn more on our Careers section about how Oerlikon as an employer fosters driving sustainable innovation.

Go to Careers

Giving Back to the Community

Oerlikon has a global footprint of 207 sites in 38 countries. Our local teams identify opportunities to engage with local communities and give back through a combination of fundraising and volunteer efforts. Engaging with local communities and performing philanthropic and charitable work are not just core corporate values at Oerlikon, they are also central to the feelings of personal responsibility to society found in many of our employees. We support and applaud their generosity in engaging with and providing services to their communities.

Introducing the World of Thermal Spray

In Wohlen, Switzerland, we have introduced the fascinating world of thermal spray on Swiss National Future Day to children aged between five and seven. After learning about the various operational processes, they were offered the chance to mask up, grit blast and spray a drink bottle as a souvenir of this fun and educational day.

School Open Day in China

In China, the Oerlikon team hosted its first School Open Day, welcoming college students from Xi’an Jiaotong University and Jiangsu University of Technology. Through in-depth discussions with our colleagues, the students were offered the opportunity to understand Oerlikon’s businesses and experience the day-to-day operations at a world-leading technology and engineering company.

Supporting Children in the US

In the US, our Westbury colleagues sponsored a local organization that provides school supplies for children to begin their fall semester. In Lake Orion, Michigan, we joined forces in a fundraiser organized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which achieved a notable collection of USD 100 000.

Supportin I Bambini delle Fate.

Continuing their good work of the past years, team members in Italy further engaged in regular fundraising activities to support I Bambini delle Fate. This community organization provides economic support to help people who are living with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

Computer and Video Equipment Donated

In Brazil, a team of Oerlikon employees in São José dos Pinhais donated computer and video equipment to the “Amélias” social project, initiated by the local NGO Respeito Não Tem Cor. These devices provide vulnerable women and victims of domestic violence digital access to resources, such as legal support, counseling, curriculum development, craft courses and more.

Organized Tree Plantation Drive

In India, we organized a tree plantation drive and planted over 600 saplings of native tree species to address local environmental needs and preserve biodiversity. We also distributed educational materials to underprivileged children and established a mini science center in a school in a tribal area.

Earthquake Donations

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, we ran a Group-wide fundraising campaign. This resulted in a donation of CHF 36 000 to AHBAP, a local charity organization that was established to provide all kinds of help to those in need, working with a value system based on solidarity, sharing, caring and belonging.

Pioneering Health and Safety with Workplace Programs and Strict Safety Standards

Oerlikon is committed to ensuring health and safety for all employees, contractors, and visitors. We implement workplace programs to promote health-conscious behavior and continually improve HSE performance. We assess and manage all risks, provide relevant H&S training, and conduct regular performance reviews. Safety is a core component of our Code of Conduct, and we have integrated sustainability and HSE efforts into all policies. Oerlikon's equipment and products adhere to strict safety standards, and comprehensive safety measures, training, and information are provided. We monitor and mitigate occupational health and safety impacts, involve workers in the process, and comply with relevant regulations. Oerlikon also maintains occupational health services and promotes worker health through wellness programs and training.

Responsible Sourcing Drives Supplier Collaboration and Sustainability Excellence

Oerlikon prioritizes health and safety by selecting suppliers aligned with ethical standards and complying with the Supplier Code of Conduct. We use EcoVadis for sustainability assessment, promoting transparency and continuous improvement in their supply chain. With a dedicated Conflict Mineral policy, Oerlikon ensures responsible sourcing of minerals, supporting human rights and transparent trade. Our commitment to these principles fosters a culture of trust and collaboration with suppliers, driving excellence in health, safety, and sustainability practices throughout the organization.