Signalhorn Thanks Two Employees for 40 Years of Loyalty

Signalhorn Group of Companies, a leading global provider of managed communications solutions and services, bids farewell as two of the technical center's most loyal and devoted friends, colleagues, and supporters retire. Hans-Rudolf Wernli and Louis Kuonen have witnessed every step of the technical center's development from its infancy as an earth station with a single 30 meter antenna to the fully-equipped technical center it is today.

Hans-Rudolf Wernli was with PTT in Zu?rich a few years before ground was broken for the construction of the 8,500 m2 facility on the 150,000 m2 (37 acres) of land. It took 1.5 years for PTT to choose the perfect location for the earth station. Criteria for a prime teleport location includes low yearly precipitation levels, geological makeup of the earth (solid rock bed), arc visibility (to have direct line with as many satellites as possible), accessibility to terrestrial infrastructure and—in this case—room for serious growth.

"Being part of a team for so long fuses the colleagues into a large and great family," says Mr. Wernli. Hans-Rudolf had various responsibilities during his 40 years in Leuk and thus has a deep understanding for the technology and operations of the technical center. Hans-Ru?edi which is how those close to him call him), whose final role was Incident Manager, provided technical support to customers from all four sectors (Government, NGOs, Enterprise, Oil & Gas, and Maritime)and brought in other team members when necessary. Being multilingual, he brought his language skills to good use and the team often relied on his French when it came to African customers.

Louis Kuonen has clocked more time at the earth station and technical center than anyone as he was part of the crew on site from the very beginning. Louis first joined the team as Telecommunications Specialist but as the station and antenna numbers grew, the maintenance needs increased, and—as Louis also possessed the necessary additional skills—he added the maintenance responsibilities of the facilities and grounds to the antenna responsibilities.

Louis always went to work with great enthusiasm, which he finds fundamental for creating strong teams. "I have cared for every inch of this land and oiled every hinge in this building. I've known some of my colleagues for decades, and one can say I am attached," states Louis. "But as I practically live next door, I will keep an eye on developments and make sure my facility is cared for," he chuckles.

Robert Kubbernus, Signalhorn President & CEO, says: "In the year I have been here with Signalhorn, Louis and Hans-Rudolf have shown how much they care for our technical center. It is a testament to the work culture, loyalty, and ethics of all our teams at Signalhorn with many people having more than 20 years of solid service with the company,” concludes Kubbernus.

“Both Hans-Rudolf and Louis witnessed the earth station throughout its growth and were key contributors to the success of the company,” says Marc Buschta, Signalhorn President of Swiss Operations. “They take with them the last ties to the very beginning, and we will miss them and the knowledge only 40 years can bring.”