Company

Company history

1974 Foundation of the company by Hans Sommer with the production of table bombs. The company name is made up of "Sommer" and "bombs" - "Som-Bo". After starting with the production of table bombs, the import of toys, carnival items, party items and fireworks was added over time.

Security

Sombo AG has a comprehensive and multi-level product safety concept that was developed in cooperation with a testing institute and the Swiss authorities. As one of the leading importers of toys and seasonal items, we attach great importance to high-quality, flawless products that meet European and, in particular, Swiss requirements.

Environment

The issue of the environment and the careful use of valuable resources starts with small things. Maybe with the coffee mugs made of FSC wood or the biodegradable cleaning agents for cleaning. As a company, we try to make our contribution, both small and large. We have always built our new buildings using the latest technology, taking the environment into account.

During the construction of the building in Walterswil in 2013, safety regulations for the storage of fireworks and environmental issues for optimal and resource-saving operation of the logistics center played a primary role. It is thus possible to heat the entire building with an area of 12,000 m2 with heat pumps by drilling 36 geothermal probes at a depth of 200 meters. First-class insulation of the highest standard and the use of LED lights throughout the company enable energy-saving maintenance.

In 2022, a PV-system was set up on the flat roof over an area of 5,000 m2, which on the one hand covers the company's own electricity requirements and also supplies 150 single-family houses with electricity. At the same time, electrical charging stations were set up, which are fed by the self-generated electricity. A contemporary investment for sustainable entrepreneurship and a sensible contribution to the environment. 

Our main transport partners also attach great importance to ecology and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Social commitment

Fair conditions for employees in the production of toys are very important to us. For this reason, we strive for long-term partnerships on an equal footing with our suppliers. Various standards have been established internationally, which ensure fair production conditions for employees in the respective production countries. Two of the standards are particularly widespread, which is why we would like to briefly introduce them:

The amfori Business Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is a leading global trade association for open and sustainable trade. As a member of amfori, we have been taking this responsibility in procurement since 2010. The organization comprises more than 2,000 retailers, importers, brands and national associations worldwide, which together generate sales of more than one trillion euros.

With the "Code of Conduct", amfori sets out the values and principles that the participants strive to implement in the supply chains together with their business partners. The amfori Code draws on important international labor standards to protect workers' rights and lists 11 core labor rights. The participants and their business partners undertake to gradually implement them in their supply chains. Sombo AG was one of the first Swiss companies in the toys and seasonal items sector to join the amfori BSCI initiative. With our commitment on the board of amfori Switzerland, we are also trying to make our contribution to improving the supply chains.

The ICTI CARE Foundation (IETP) is an independent, not-for-profit organization established in 2004 to ensure and improve ethical and sustainable standards in the global toy and entertainment industry. The focus here is on fair working standards and conditions in the manufacture of the products, which are set out in the "ICTI Code of Business Practices". It's about ensuring that workers are treated fairly and in accordance with local laws, and that factories comply with legal requirements such as in occupational safety-, health- and environmental protection. In addition to monitoring standards, the ICTI CARE Foundation provides guidance and training to support factories and toy manufacturers. The aim is to have a global code of conduct and standard for the ethical manufacture of toys and children's products in the global supply chain.

Our suppliers usually use either the BSCI or the ICTI standard.