iba l OWIBA AG

Ilo Basci, born in Bern, founded a sole proprietorship in 1939, a critical time. The product range: office supplies. Everything began modestly in rented rooms in the basement, with a garage serving as a warehouse. In 1943, the company was converted into a stock corporation. The number of employees grew and sales rose sharply. Soon, the company was bursting at the seams, and when the weather permitted, the office desks were simply moved out into the courtyard. After 25 years, iba moved into its first new building in order to keep pace with its growth.

"This development was less turbulent than dynamic," it was said when the first 25 years were celebrated, "and we only gradually strove to reach the heights that were structurally appropriate for the existing foundation." Every experience gained was continuously used for further professionalization.

After the death of the company's founder in 1970, his son Dr. oec. Peter Basci took over the management of the company. Since 1991, iba has been serving its customers from its modern building in Bolligen. The new building was a significant step forward, which noticeably increased performance. This was followed by the expansion of the logistics center and the introduction of fully automated media production.

In 2009, iba celebrated its 70th anniversary. In June 2010, iba was sold to the Migros Group as part of a succession plan. At the end of 2010, the previous CEO, Peter Basci, stepped down. On January 1, 2011, the previous deputy CEO and head of marketing, Christa Furter, took over the management of the company.

At the end of December 2010, iba completes the Durchbruch logistics project and goes into operation with the new conveyor technology.