Werner Heeb (68), former career officer of the Swiss Army, Colonel in the General Staff,
«Firearms manufacturing in Switzerland has a long tradition and an excellent global reputation. Unfortunately, in recent years, well-known manufacturers have been sold abroad (such as SIG SAUER) or production has been discontinued, thereby significantly weakening Switzerland as an industrial location and its know-how. Strategic goods and production capabilities (e.g. ammunition or other strategic products) are also being sold abroad, which, in my view, is tantamount to a betrayal of national interests.»
«In public procurement, we are probably the only country that adheres so rigidly to WTO agreements, even though Swiss solutions would be available. In the past, so much for our armed forces was produced in Switzerland – and today? As price is often the decisive factor, Swiss companies frequently lose out in an unequal competitive environment. Swiss production comes at a cost, as Swiss wages, Swiss taxes and numerous regulatory and administrative requirements must be met. In short: our hands are tied, and then people wonder why we can no longer operate efficiently… and then the complaints begin…»
«For me, as a former career officer who served our country and our armed forces for 29 years — and who would have been prepared to die for our country — it is painful to see what is happening today. The will to defend is fading; everyone is calling for security, but no one wants to pay for it. In procurement, we are dominated by foreign suppliers and have little freedom of action, as well as limited negotiating skill. Fortunately, Switzerland still has a number of firearms dealers who manufacture individual pieces or small series, as well as firearms manufacturers such as PHX Phoenix AG and B&T AG, which produce good products in their respective segments. My vision was to build a new pistol that is simple yet modern, incorporates innovative elements, offers good trigger behavior with minimal muzzle rise, sits securely in the hand, is easy to maintain, is very slim while still offering a very high magazine capacity, can of course be used by both left- and right-handed users without modification, includes genuine safety features, has a Swiss steel magazine and not one from the Italian market leader — and, importantly, is manufactured 100% in Switzerland. All of this was to be realized in a “pistol family” with different sizes, calibers and smart accessories.»
I have therefore always made it my mission not to confront problems with words, know-it-all attitudes, constant complaining or a negative mindset, as unfortunately has become common today. For me, only actions and facts matter—demonstrating that it is still possible in Switzerland to realize visions, even in the face of resistance and obstacles. Visionaries are often ahead of their time, and many only come to understand this later. We must stop complaining, step out of our comfort zone and show what “Made in Switzerland” truly stands for. Not because it is easy, but because it must be done for our threatened homeland..! The key word is: ACTION!
My military superior always used to say: «Better a cannon that occasionally hits the wrong target than one that never fires at all…!»
Wilhelm Bubits (70): internationally renowned Austrian pistol designer
The former long-standing «Glock» consultant is globally sought after by leading companies in the field of handguns as an expert and, as an independent inventor, has developed numerous firearms over the past decades on behalf of clients and brought them to series production for well-known customers. This includes projects in Austria, Germany, Brazil, the UAE, Turkey and the USA.
Designs by Wilhelm Bubits have been awarded «Gun of the Year» multiple times in the USA. In addition to his pistols, he has developed various accessories that bear his signature through their clever design. Over time, Mr. Bubits has secured 107 patents and trademark rights for his inventions. Ein eindrücklicher Leistungsausweis.
Werner Heeb was able to convince Wilhelm Bubits as an engineer of his vision and contractually engage him to develop a pistol family that meets his ideas and high standards. For this purpose, an Austrian company was established to carry out the development. This company is led by his son Benjamin Bubits, ensuring that the unique know-how of the dynamic inventor Wilhelm Bubits is sustainably passed on to the next generation. Mr. Benjamin Bubits will also be responsible, through this company, for the technical aspects and distribution of the Swiss-manufactured pistols in Austria going forward.
Swiss Pistols: innovative – modern – simple – reliable – durable – safe
Wilhelm Bubits has developed a new pistol family on behalf of Werner Heeb, featuring various innovations and contemporary safety aspects that meet the high standards set. The key foundations have been internationally registered as patents and trademarks. The headquarters of Bubits International AG is located in Wangen SZ. The branch office in Mels SG is responsible for implementation.
The pistol family is marketed under the registered trademark «bubits-arms®», with its various versions positioned in the premium segment of handguns. These are not low-cost products, but modern, reliable pistols that can save lives when it matters. Not only do the Swiss pistols «bubits-arms®» stand out from competitors with their many clever technical solutions, but also their well-designed accessories. Some of this accessories can also be used with pistols from other brands. It remains essential, however, that production is carried out in Switzerland wherever possible—more precisely in Eastern Switzerland. This ensures short transport routes and efficient logistics, enabling agile manufacturing. The main components are produced in Mels on modern CNC centers, where assembly and testing also take place. Additional parts are manufactured within the region as an “extended workbench” to help balance capacity. In total, our pistol production currently secures approximately 70 jobs. Our goal is to achieve 100% domestic production, which today remains partly challenging—particularly when it comes to raw materials such as steel.
A firearm without proper maintenance is neither reliable nor durable. This must therefore be ensured with modern and innovative firearm care products. The CICO® firearm care line from the Swiss company Swiss Innovation Technology meets all these requirements. Thanks to the clever design, premium manufacturing quality and the use of CICO® firearm care products, an industry-unusual warranty period of 10 years is granted on these products, which is additionally backed by insurance.
