Structures provide support - People make the difference

About the job

Structures provide support - People make the difference

14 Oct 2025

4 min read

A conversation with Maurizio Russo, Head of Prefabrication and Trainer at alltech Installationen AG

Since 2010, Maurizio Russo has been part of alltech Installationen AG. As head of prefabrication in Muttenz, he has not only built up a central company division in recent years but also steadily developed his own role – from a young, reserved boss to an experienced team leader and trainer with heart.

Privately, the father of four is a passionate football coach at FC Basel. In the conversation, he shares what drives him, what he has learned – and why the development of young people particularly inspires him.

Maurizio, how long have you been with alltech – and how did it come about back then?

I joined alltech in 2010. Before that, I worked as a technical advisor at Engel. One day, I was asked if I wanted to build up the entire prefabrication at alltech. That was a big moment for me – being a boss myself for the first time.

At the beginning, we had two employees; today there are ten. I had great respect for this task, was flattered to be asked at all, but also uncertain. At that time, I was rather reserved and afraid of making mistakes. Over time, I learned to work with people and lead them.

I was able to learn an incredible amount from Mauro Fusco in Arlesheim – we worked together there until 2014. The big developmental leap came with the move to Muttenz. Today, prefabrication is a strategically important cornerstone for the entire company. Some projects would no longer be feasible without us. I have never regretted this step.

What was decisive back then for you to take on this challenge?

I felt that alltech trusted me and really wanted to build something new. That appealed to me. Even though I had great respect, the idea of shaping something of my own was very motivating.

Was there a moment when you knew: "That was the right decision"?

Yes, when I saw how the team grew – both professionally and personally. Today, I am proud when I see what we have built together.

How would your colleagues describe you?

(laughs) Probably a bit strict – but in a positive sense. I like to work with clear structures and want my team to support them. At the same time, I have an open ear for everyone, including private matters. I also have contact with some outside of work.

I wasn’t so open before – I didn’t like it when someone just came into my office and shared their point of view. Today, I listen better, can weigh opinions, and also adopt ideas from my employees. I had to learn that.

We in prefabrication are very popular in the company because we not only provide an important service but also serve as a social bridge – between construction management, office, and leadership. I also like to visit construction sites, have a coffee, and talk to the people on site. This openness is important to me.

Structures seem important to you – what do they mean to you in everyday life?

Structures provide support and clarity. In prefabrication, we have to work efficiently; it helps if everyone knows what to do. But within these structures, there is room for initiative – that is important to me.

This openness ultimately made you a trainer, didn’t it?

Yes, exactly. I have always advocated for apprentices. In my time, they had hardly any support. Mauro Fusco once said I was actually the perfect trainer – and today I get to accompany them directly. That is a task that fulfils me.

What originally led you into building services engineering?

I originally trained as a sanitary installer. My father always said a job in construction was the right choice. But I didn’t want to follow the same path as him (he was a plasterer) or my brother (electrician).

I actually wanted to become a draughtsman – I even did a trial at alltech in 1997 but didn’t get the apprenticeship. At Sanitär Eisinger, I was advised to first do an apprenticeship as an installer to understand the craft and possibly become a planner later. At the time, I naturally disagreed, but today I know it was good advice.

After the apprenticeship, I wanted to move on, but my then boss wanted to keep me – and still dismissed me after a month. That was tough. Afterwards, I was a project manager in fire protection, travelled a lot, got to know all of Switzerland, but had to put my passion, football, on hold.

Later, I joined Würth in field sales and completed a sales training. But that was not my future. Through good contacts, I finally landed at Engel – first in field sales, then internally as a technical advisor. That was much closer to my original profession – and ultimately led me to alltech. Today, I have been here for 16 years – and feel settled.

What have you taken from that time for today?

Loyalty, perseverance, and the will to develop myself further. I know what it’s like to start at the bottom – and that helps me in dealing with apprentices.

You are also a coach at FC Basel. Are there parallels to your work as a trainer?

Absolutely. As a coach of a top team, I have certain requirements to implement, just like as a trainer. Both require structure, patience, and empathy.

Seeing the progress of the young people – whether on the pitch or in the company – motivates me enormously. I love it when someone grows with commitment and passion. Experiencing this development is the best part of the job for me.

How did you come to the coaching job in the first place?

I started early to get involved in youth work – football has always been my great passion. Today, I coach the FCB FE12 team Streller, about ten percent alongside my job. It’s a nice balance.

Looking back – what advice would you give your younger self?

(laughs) Even though I didn’t understand it back then, I would say: Go into construction first before becoming a planner. That experience is worth its weight in gold. In Switzerland, we are lucky that with will and diligence, you can achieve anything, even if you weren’t the best at school.

Our system allows everyone to climb the career ladder – step by step. That’s what I want to pass on to young people: If you show commitment, all doors are open to you.