Martin Rigaud takes over the management of BRUGG Pipes. The experienced industry expert has been with the company since 2017 and most recently headed up the global district heating solutions division. The BRUGG Group is relying on his expertise to further expand its international position and innovative strength.
Largest manufacturer of district heating pipes in Switzerland
The internationally active company BRUGG Pipes, based in Kleindöttingen (Aargau), produces and sells pipe systems for the safe and efficient transport of liquids, gases and heat. BRUGG Pipes is a reliable and competent partner in the areas of local heating, district heating, cooling, cold water, industry, petrol stations and tank systems – from consulting and installation to project management and assembly with its own trained personnel. The company is the largest Swiss producer of district heating pipes and employs around 800 people, around 360 of whom work in Switzerland.
Many years of experience and extensive industry expertise
Martin Rigaud has held various management positions at BRUGG Pipes since 2017. From 2017 to 2022, he was Managing Director of the Kleindöttingen site (Switzerland). Since January 2023, he has headed the District Heating Solutions division globally as Chief Sales Officer.
Martin Rigaud has extensive expertise and management experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Grenoble INP-UGA and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and also completed an Executive MBA programme at the ZHAW School of Management and Law in Switzerland.
Enthusiasm for the new job
Martin Rigaud comments on taking over the CEO position: “I am looking forward to the new challenge as CEO and to actively shaping the future of BRUGG Pipes together with our dedicated team. My aim is to further expand the company’s innovative strength and international presence.”
Martin Rigaud comments on taking over the CEO position: “I am looking forward to the new challenge as CEO and to actively shaping the future of BRUGG Pipes together with our dedicated team. My aim is to further expand the company’s innovative strength and international presence.”
District heating advocate
Martin Rigaud has also been active on the board of the Thermische Netze Schweiz TNS” (“Swiss Thermal Networks TNS”) association for seven years and is committed to the expansion of district heating. Martin Rigaud explains: “Today, we generate around 85 % of our sales in the district heating sector. As the largest producer of district heating pipes in Switzerland, we are making an important contribution to the energy transition and enabling the heating transition. The heating sector currently accounts for around 50 % of energy consumption in Switzerland and is responsible for more than 35 % of greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the heating supply is therefore crucial to achieving the “net zero” climate target by 2050. In combination with the expansion of domestic renewable energies, foreign dependency can be reduced and security of supply strengthened. There is the potential to cover Switzerland’s heating requirements entirely with renewable energies and without fossil CO₂ emissions (CO₂-free) by 2050,” explains Rigaud. “Currently, around 10% of heating requirements are covered by thermal networks. By 2050, this share is set to rise to almost 30%.” The fact that district heating is gaining in importance is also reflected in the growth of district heating over the last 20 years or so. The relative change in district heating has increased by 95 % since 2000, while heating oil (- 57 %) and coal (- 62 %) have decreased.
Recognition and confidence
The Group Management and the Board of Directors of the BRUGG Group are positive about the decision: “In Martin Rigaud, we have been able to recruit an industry expert and long-standing manager for the CEO position. We are convinced that he will lead BRUGG Pipes successfully into the future. At the same time, we would like to thank René Bollier for his ad interim management over the last 6 months.”
