Nitrochemie Wimmis AG (Nitrochemie Group) forms the Propellants business unit. The core competency of Nitrochemie is the development and manufacture of propellants for military and civil sector requirements.

In addition to artillery and mortar charge systems, the unit manufactures artillery charges and propellants for large-, medium- and small-calibre applications, as well as combustible cast parts such as cartridge cases.

These include the MTLS modular propelling charge system, developed for long-range self-propelled howitzers and field howitzers with high rates of fire, high-performance components for ammunition systems and the unique El propellant which was developed specifically for use in modern mortar charge systems.

Furthermore, its range of products encompasses every variety of single- and multi-based propellants, with and without surface treatment and for all types of ammunition, including propellants for small-calibre hunting and sport rifles. The portfolio is rounded off by nitrocellulose and NG-paste, both important precursors in the defence technology industry.

Nitrochemie applies its defence technology expertise to special purposes in the automotive and aviation industries as well, and in medical and fastening applications. Major automotive component makers turn to the Nitrochemie Group for products used in seat belt tighteners and airbags.

In the segment of chemical intermediates for civilian applications and the pharmaceutical industry, the most notable product group is silane, which is added to silicone-based sealants that are used, for example, in windows, doors and bathrooms.

Another field of expertise in the nonmilitary sector is the preservation of paper, for which the world's most advanced and largest deacidification plant is available. Using what is known as the papersave process, it is possible to deacidify books of varying condition, newspapers and other publications.

Thanks to forward-looking investment in state-of-the-art production facilities and advanced technologies, Nitrochemie has emerged today as an international leader in its field. Intensive collaboration with customers, coupled with market-oriented research and a close intermeshing of sales, development and production, combine to make Nitrochemie a competent global partner for R&D projects.