Initial reports suggest three people, including the gunman, who was believed to be an employee of the Kronoswiss Menznau particleboard plant, were killed in the shooting and seven others injured.
Kronospan has exstablished a hotline for members of staff and also posted a statement on its website.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we must confirm that there has been a shooting incident at our factory this morning, resulting in multiple serious injuries and fatalities,” it said.
“The shock and grief at Kronospan is not possible to put into words.” The shooting is believed to have occurred in the factory canteen at about 8am UK time when staff were having snacks and refreshments.
Kronoswiss CEO Mauro Capozzo took a press conference this morning and further information is to be released later. The company had recently announced production cutbacks because of supply problems.
