From Knobel to Trikno: Bringing Swiss Chocolate Engineering Back to the UK

Swiss chocolate production is defined by decades of engineering expertise. 

While chocolate producers like Lindt or Toblerone might spring to mind, it’s actually manufacturers like Knobel that have supported the Swiss chocolate industry for decades with chocolate processing machinery, patented designs, and technical know-how.

When Knobel entered insolvency, two key concerns were raised: protecting Swiss manufacturing expertise for the long term, and maintaining continued support for production managers already using Knobel machinery.

In 2022, Trikno acquired all assets and intellectual property from the company and restarted production of Knobel machines under the Knobel by Trikno brand.

Premier Forrester has been working closely with Trikno in the UK to support existing manufacturers while enabling adoption by new customers across the industry.

The legacy of Knobel in chocolate manufacturing

Knobel built its reputation on a simple principle: the best tools produce the best results.

Since the early 1980s, Knobel has developed high-end chocolate processing equipment specialising in industrial depositing, moulding, and cooling systems, with CAD-driven design capabilities.

Crucially, Knobel equipment was not designed to operate in isolation. Each machine is built according to a modular principle, allowing new equipment to be integrated into existing lines with minimal disruption.

This plug-and-play approach reflects a broader reality in chocolate manufacturing: performance depends as much on how systems work together as on the capability of individual machines.

Over time, this design philosophy translated into a strong reputation for reliability and quality. Knobel equipment became a trusted part of chocolate manufacturing, valued not just for performance but also for its role in advancing Swiss chocolate engineering expertise.

The transition: how Trikno preserved decades of expertise 

Knobel’s transition to Knobel by Trikno was not a typical acquisition.

It was a transfer of engineering capability, ensuring that decades of specialist knowledge - from machine design to system integration - were retained.

What transferred was more than equipment, patents or facilities; it included the technical know-how behind them, along with the people who design, maintain and support these systems. 

Preserving that expertise was critical in a sector where expertise is built over time and cannot be easily replaced.

For manufacturers already operating Knobel equipment, continuity was essential. Access to servicing, spare parts and technical support allows existing systems to remain viable, protecting long-term investment and avoiding unnecessary disruption.

At the same time, Trikno has continued to develop these systems, building on Knobel’s foundation to meet the evolving demands of modern chocolate production.

Modernising Swiss chocolate machinery

Chocolate production has evolved, and machinery has had to keep pace.

Manufacturers now expect more from their equipment, particularly in automation, digital control and efficiency. Systems are increasingly designed to reduce manual intervention, improve process visibility and maintain consistency across more complex production runs. 

This shift goes beyond increasing output. It reflects the need to adapt traditional machines to modern factory environments, where integration, data-driven control and energy efficiency are becoming standard.

While processes like depositing and moulding remain central, they must now operate within connected, automated systems. As a result, flexibility and control have become defining requirements in modern chocolate manufacturing.

Why Swiss chocolate engineering still leads the sector 

Swiss engineering continues to hold a strong position in chocolate manufacturing, and for good reason. 

Chocolate production leaves little room for error. Even small variations in product appearance, weight or finish can result in visible defects, which is why high-precision depositing, moulding and cooling systems are so widely relied on.

That level of precision also needs to be maintained over time. Production lines are often expected to run continuously, with minimal downtime, so each machine must perform consistently across long production cycles without introducing bottlenecks.

This is where long-term performance becomes fundamental to investment decisions. Chocolate machinery is typically designed for extended service life, with many systems operating for decades with the right maintenance. 

That durability, combined with precision and reliability, is what continues to underpin manufacturers’ reliance on Swiss-built equipment.

Reintroducing this technology to the UK market

Trikno’s acquisition preserved Knobel’s engineering, but making it accessible in the UK required the right market knowledge and technical understanding.

As Trikno’s sole representative in the UK and Ireland, Premier Forrester has played a central role in reconnecting production managers with these systems. This includes supporting businesses with existing Knobel equipment and helping new customers assess where Trikno technology can deliver value.

For existing Knobel customers, continuity was critical. Access to spare parts, technical support and ongoing advice allows production to continue without unnecessary disruption or premature replacement.

For new investments, the challenge shifts to integration, ensuring Trikno systems work within existing setups and deliver measurable production benefits.

This was demonstrated in 2023, when Premier Forrester supplied the first Trikno Chocolate Machine (TCM) to the UK market, configuring it to integrate with an existing production line and ensuring consistent performance from day one.

Supporting manufacturers beyond the machinery 

Machinery matters, but it is only one part of the picture. Manufacturers also need support in how equipment is selected, integrated and used over time. 

Premier Forrester works across the full production process, from equipment selection through to system integration and ongoing optimisation. 

Selecting the right machinery is only the starting point. Systems must be configured to work within existing production lines, with minimal disruption and consistent performance. 

Process optimisation then becomes key, ensuring equipment delivers the expected output, efficiency and product quality in day-to-day operation. 

This is supported by ongoing technical guidance, helping manufacturers maintain performance, resolve issues and adapt systems as production needs evolve. 

Conclusion 

The transition from Knobel to Trikno highlights the importance of preserving specialist engineering expertise within chocolate manufacturing. 

By retaining and developing this knowledge, Trikno has ensured that Swiss chocolate machinery continues to evolve alongside modern production demands. 

In the UK, Premier Forrester plays a key role in making that expertise usable in practice, supporting existing manufacturers while enabling new adoption across the sector. 

Looking for support with your chocolate manufacturing process? Get in touch today.