Swiss tech company completes $2 million renovations on Newport News headquarters

A Swiss tech company recently completed a $2 million upgrade to its American headquarters in Newport News as the coronavirus pandemic increases the demand for its automation services.

Swisslog, which makes robotics and automation systems for distribution warehouses, recently completed an overhaul of its 44,066-square-foot and 21,000-square-foot buildings in Newport News, which include administrative offices, human resources, software controls, customer service and other departments.

The company came to Hampton Roads in 1998 when it bought Munck Automation Technology in Newport News. The facility was due for an upgrade, said Swisslog Americas President Markus Schmidt. He joked that the buildings pre-upgrade looked “a little bit 1980s.”

Swisslog leaders wanted the remodeled vibe to be more like a hip San Francisco tech startup, Schmidt said. So, they gutted both buildings and completely renovated the offices. The remodeled buildings include more flexible workspaces and upgrades to offices, conference rooms, the kitchen and break room.

“We went and invested in the building infrastructure here on this campus — both of the buildings — in order to create a really modern and productive work environment,” Schmidt said.