History
 

1906

Foundation of Schweizerische Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon. The company specializes in the manufacture of high-quality machine tools.
 

1924

The Magdeburger Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik takes over the share capital and sends Emil G. Bührle to Oerlikon for reorganization of Schweizerische Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon. Acquisition of patents and know-how from Maschinenbau AG Seebach and further development of the 20 mm Becker gun.
 

1937

Production of the famous Oerlikon 20 mm air defence gun, which was subsequently introduced in some 30 countries. In parallel Schweizerische Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon pursues development of a pointed shell with better external ballistics, thus laying the basis for the design of future ammunition.
 

1938

Foundation of Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon Bührle & Co. Emil G. Bührle is the only shareholder.
 

1959

First test firings of 35 mm anti-aircraft twin gun in combination with fire control system of Contraves AG.
 

1970

Introduction of the 35 mm anti-aircraft tank, subsequently adopted by several Nato countries.
 

1989

Foundation of Oerlikon Contraves AG and merging of defence activities of Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon Bührle AG and Contraves AG.
 

1993

Introduction of product line ammunition in the newly founded subsidiary Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG, coincident with the acquisition of the medium calibre ammunition activities of Eidgenössische Munitionsfabrik Altdorf.
 

1999

Sale of Oerlikon Contraves to Rheinmetall DeTec AG.
 

2002

Close cooperation with Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Waffensysteme GmbH. Common market appearance as centre of excellence for medium calibre within the Rheinmetall DeTec group of companies.
 

2003

Start of production of 27 mm FAPDS ammunition for German Navy.
 

2005

Renaming of the company into "RWM Schweiz AG".