Based in Effretikon, Switzerland, Nova Werke AG is an industrial engineering and manufacturing firm known for its specialized components used in critical heavy-duty applications. Operating primarily under the brand name Nova Swiss, the company has established a reputation for precision engineering in sectors that demand extreme reliability, including the maritime, offshore, and rail industries. Founded in Zurich in 1921, the enterprise originally began as a workshop dedicated to grinding cylinders and crankshafts before expanding into the production of pistons and engine parts. Over the subsequent decades, it evolved into a diversified technology provider, relocating its headquarters to Effretikon in 1970 to accommodate its growing focus on high-pressure physics and advanced material treatments.
In the maritime sector, Nova Werke AG serves as a key supplier of essential systems for large diesel and gas engines. Its engineering teams design and manufacture air-starting components that are crucial for the reliable ignition of marine propulsion engines and auxiliary power generators. These pneumatic starting systems are engineered to function under the harsh conditions typical of commercial shipping, ensuring that vessels can operate continuously and safely. Additionally, the company produces high-pressure fuel injection lines and common rail subsystems that assist engine manufacturers in meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Beyond engine components, the company’s expertise in high-pressure technology plays a significant role in the offshore energy market. Nova Werke AG develops valves, fittings, and connection systems capable of withstanding pressures exceeding 10,000 bar. These robust components are utilized in oil and gas exploration as well as in subsea applications where equipment must endure extreme physical stress and corrosive environments. As the marine industry transitions toward alternative energy sources, the company has also adapted its high-pressure capabilities to support hydrogen fuel applications, providing specialized hardware for the storage and transport of future marine fuels.
Supporting these core mechanical offerings is a dedicated surface technology division, which applies advanced coatings to protect components against wear and corrosion—a vital necessity for equipment exposed to saltwater and ocean atmospheres. With subsidiaries established in key markets such as France, Germany, and Hong Kong, Nova Werke AG maintains a global operational footprint, delivering Swiss-engineered precision to shipbuilders, engine manufacturers, and energy operators worldwide.