After months of research around the world, car systems manufacturer WABCO Automotive has decided to move its corporate headquarters to Switzerland, attracted by its innovative spirit and political stability. “Switzerland is world-renowned for providing a highly favorable environment for breakthrough innovations and offers many distinct advantages for corporate headquarters,” said chairman and CEO Jacques Esculier in a statement.
New partnerships on the horizon
Initially, some 40 executives will be transferred from Brussels to Bern. WABCO Automotive has plans to build up its R&D division on autonomous driving systems in the canton and to set up a competence center for new technologies, in collaboration with local universities and federal authorities. The company’s former Brussels base will become the headquarters of its newly formed division covering Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Founded in the United States 150 years ago, the New York Stock Exchange-listed technology group is a pioneer in the fields of advanced driver assistance, braking, stability control, suspension, transmission automation and aerodynamics. With 16,000 employees in 40 countries, the company reported sales of over $3.8 billion in 2018.