Swiss Post outlines CHF 20m development plan

Swiss Post is to embark on a CHF 20m (EUR 15.8m) investment programme in a bid to develop its services. The operator will invest in modern technology and training, its postbox collection programme, and will also improve its access points.

“The excellent quality of Swiss Post’s services is to be further improved by means of tangible measures,” the company said.

Swiss Post will invest CHF 10m (EUR 7.9m) in “state-of-the-art technology” and employee training. Identification chips on letter containers will lead to increased efficiency during mail monitoring, whilst also allowing the rectification of errors. The operator announced that this is intended to “retain the appeal of letter mail going forward”.

It was also revealed that as of 5 September 2011, Swiss Post will be improving the frequency of postbox collections across the country – at an annual cost of CHF 8m (EUR 6.3m).

Firstly, 93% of letter mail will be collected after 5pm in future. Secondly, Swiss Post will implement a 7pm or later collection time at 457 locations – up by 139. Furthermore, 396 postboxes will be emptied at 5pm on Sundays – with numbers up by 139 postboxes against current levels.

The remainder of the investment will be funneled into the operator’s parcels business, with plans put in place to increase the number of PickPost points from 350 to approximately 500. Swiss Post said customers who are “unable to collect their consignments during the day can make use of this free service to pick up their parcels and registered letters at a time and place to suit them.” Finally, Swiss Post has extended its portfolio of post offices that accept PostPac Priority mail until 4pm for next-day delivery. 64 extra branches have been incorporated. The move is aimed at improving access in peripheral regions.

When contacted by Post&Parcel, Swiss Post spokesperson Mariano Masserini said: “Despite increasingly fierce competition, Swiss Post intends to establish its position as the leader in all four of its markets through its internationally renowned service quality. Innovation and investment are two means that will allow Swiss Post to keep its leader position in the future.

“A high level of reliability is important to maintain the trust of your partners and on this basis you can build a relationship for sustained success.”