MPS realizes tailor-made microtechnical solutions that meet the high requirements of its customers. From development to prototyping, industrialization and system manufacturing, the company's 480 employees work in Biel, Bonfol, Court and Boston (USA) in a total area of 35,000 m2. MPS is organized into four business units: MPS Microsystems, expert in high-precision miniaturized electromechanical systems for the medical, optical, semiconductor and astronomy markets; MPS Watch, specialized in the design and manufacture of ball bearings, moving parts and oscillating masses for mechanical watches, MPS Precimed active in the design and manufacture of medical devices in the fields of orthopedic surgery and traumatology, MPS Décolletage producing parts that meet the most demanding technical specifications in terms of shape complexity, dimensional and geometric tolerances, surface quality and aesthetics.
Questions for Nicola Thibaudeau, CEO of MPS Micro Precision Systems AG:
What makes your company unique?
The combination of a solid technological base, creativity in the development of solutions and new concepts, operational rigor that ensures the reliability and quality of the products sold to our customers, and the mutual trust between the internal project teams and those of our customers.
Where do you see export opportunities for the future?
MPS is the ideal partner for companies that base their success on innovation. Any country that hosts these types of companies and offers them an attractive environment is an opportunity for MPS. In 2015 we launched in the US, in 2019 in Korea, and now we are exploring our next expansion, which could be in Australia, but the process is not yet complete.
What are your biggest learnings in the internationalization process?
The process does not end with building a local team. Otherwise, you are doomed to failure. If you are not ready to invest much of your own time to spend on the ground and provide the necessary financial resources, then you should not take the step. Moreover, you have to be very flexible and ready to adjust your strategy if the one you have implemented is not the right one. However, this is only possible if you are in the market yourself
What are you particularly proud of?
I am proud of the unique technological base of Swiss industrial SMEs, which enables them to form valuable partnerships with multinational industrial groups around the world. I am proud of the skills of Swiss engineers, who are recognized and respected even in the world's most innovative clusters such as Silicon Valley in California, and finally, I am proud to be among the multitude of Swiss companies that dare the adventure of internationalization.
In what way can S-GE help you succeed?
Since 2015, we have used the services of S-GE every time for our internationalization projects and we do not regret it. You also have to be aware that in addition to the personal service, S-GE also has a local network that you can access and share your experiences with once you are on site. This is very beneficial and costs nothing.
