50 Years of Leister: “My Mom Just Went to See the Boss”

Interview: Anja Wieder, Corporate Communications Manager, Leister Group

When Ruth Limacher took up her position at Leister, she was just 16 years old. The company was still a small family business in Kägiswil, with modest production volumes and short distances between people and departments. Today, 50 years later, she is still working at Leister. It is an extraordinary story that is closely connected to the development of the company.

Ruth, you've been part of the Leister family for 50 years. How did it all start?

That was in May 1976. When I was 16 years old at the time and lived with my family in Kägiswil. There were 13 siblings in our family, and three of my siblings also worked at Leister. We lived right next to Karl Leister's house. After I finished school, my mother simply went to Karl Leister and asked him if he had a job for me. That's how I got the opportunity to start working at Leister.

A job interview would probably look a bit different today...

Do you remember what your first tasks were?

I started out as a craftswoman, assembling equipment. In the beginning, I worked on HOTWIND. I realized early on that I was particularly enjoyed soldering. I always liked this kind of precise, hand-on work.

You later worked on the HOT JET for many years. How did that come about?

Karl Leister noticed my soldering work. He asked me personally if I would like to mote to production of the HOT JET. I was, of course, very happy about that. 

What do you still find fascinating about your work so today?

The fine, hands-on work. It requires a great deal of dexterity and precision, particularly with the engines. I've been working in the hot-jet sector for 36 years now — and I'm still doing basically the same thing: I'm still making engines for the previous generation of Hot Jet.

In 1998, production moved from Kägiswil to Sarnen-Ried. How did you experience this move?

That was a big change. The new production building in Sarnen-Ried was more modern, the working conditions were better, and everything looked much bigger. But despite all technical developments, a lot of manual work has remained to this day — and that is exactly what I like about my work.

You have witnessed Leister's development over five decades. What has changed the most?

Clearly the size of the company. When I started, Leister was a small family business. Today, it has become an international group of companies. A lot has also changed when it comes to machines. Many jobs are supported by modern tools today.

And what has remained the same?

The products are still manufactured with great care. Our work in particular still requires people who can work with precision. That hasn't changed.

Is there anything you miss from earlier times?

The family atmosphere was something special. Karl Leister knew all employees by their first names. He was very friendly and approachable, and everyone addressed each other by their first names. Of course, that kind of personal connection no longer exists in the same way in a large company. 

What do you particularly remember about your time with Karl Leister?

His personal style. He was interested in people and was always close to his employees. That left a lasting impression on me.

You've actually retired in May 2024. How did it come about that you still work at Leister?

My official last working day was May 22, 2024. Shortly afterward, my boss Thomas Bütler, asked me if I could imagine continuing to work 30 percent. I didn't have to think twice about that.

What was the deciding factor?

I've always loved working at Leister. And, of course, it's also a nice addition to my retirement. But above all, I still enjoy my work.

How do you spend your free time when you're not making engines?

I live in Kerns today, I like hiking and cycling a lot. This keeps me fit and clears my mind.

When you look back on 50 years at Leister: What are you particularly proud of?

I’m proud that I was able to be part of this company for so long and that I’ve always enjoyed my work. I have experienced many changes, met many people and was able to work on devices that are used all over the world.

And can you imagine continuing to work for Leister?

I'd love to. My current contract runs until the end of the year. Let's see how things develop. As long as I'm needed and enjoy my work, I'm happy to continue working.