Wattwil’s 15M franc Wood & Energy Workshop breaks ground in 2026
A new Wood & Energy Workshop is set to affirm its presence in Wattwil, with a project costing around 15 million Swiss francs scheduled to break ground in early 2026. The initiative, showcasing loans secured from St.Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB), will rise on land owned by the municipality, close to Wattwil’s train station. Once complete, it will feature a training centre and an Innovation and Sustainability Forum, opening its doors in 2027 or 2028. Matthias Unseld has been refining the forum’s concept during the planning stages. The cooperative behind the project will cover 7.4 million francs of the total cost, with the remaining funds secured through a long-term financing deal with SGKB. Energy specialist Daniel Brändli has recently been elected to the board. Sepp Fust, president of the Wood & Energy Workshop Cooperative, confirmed that construction should begin as scheduled. The public will get a first look at the plans during the Toggenburg Trade Fair, running from May 1 to 3, 2026. The project marks a significant investment in Wattwil’s future, blending training and innovation under one roof. With financing in place and a clear timeline, the workshop is on track to become a regional hub by the end of the decade.
