USM Airportsystems AG

USM Airportsystems manufactures modular, zero fire-load check-in, boarding pass control and immigration desks, security screening and lounge furniture and all other furnishings for passenger handling processes in airports.

A family run business since 1855, USM started as a metalwork and locksmith company. In 1963 Paul Schärer Jr., an engineering graduate from the ETH in Zurich and the grandson of the USM founder Ulrich Schärer, developed with Fritz Haller, an architect from Solothur, USM Modular Furniture. Mass production started in 1969 and saw the company’s success develop rapidly to an international level. In 2001 The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City included USM Modular Furniture Haller in its permanent collection. In 2007 USM was the first European company to be certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute for low particle and chemical emissions for its products. Certification continued with USM being granted Leed and Cradle to Cradle.

In 2011, USM recognised their products as a cost effective and versatile solution for airports, offering bespoke furniture for projects that had specific requirements. USM Airportsystems AG was founded and has since then completed over 40 airport projects worldwide.

In 2017 USM introduced Haller E, an invisible cable free power supply, integrated into the tubes allowing for lighting and USB ports to be configured into the furniture.

The concept of USM is based on three basic elements: a chromed brass ball, a corrosion resistant joint and various sized chromed steel tubes (see below measurement table in millimetres). This forms the frame which holds the powder coated steel panels available in different colors and materials. The extremely high quality standards result in sustainable and long-lasting furniture.The modular elements of USM furniture allow it to be dismantled and reconfigured at any time. Units can be organized individually and simply extended using new elements, even if the furniture was assembled decades ago. Airports frequently experience technical changes in CUTE equipment, such as monitor, printer and scanner, types. For USM this is a matter of changing one panel.

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Sustainable concept and actions:
Developing solutions that respond to changing needs while remaining environmentally conscious has always been a USM philosophy. Since the beginning and throughout USM´s development, handling energy, emissions, materials and production methods in a responsible manner has been a key mission. In this regards, the longevity of USM products is of utmost importance. The longer the product can be used, the less impact it has on the environment. High-quality, durable materials, manufactured with the latest environmentally friendly technologies guarantees a long, useful life for our products.