Detailed insights into your desired area

Beck Automation AG, headquartered in Zurich’s Limmattal, develops innovative automation solutions for the plastics processing industry. The family-owned company from Oberengstringen is one of the world’s leading providers in the field of in-mold labeling. One way that Beck Automation AG maintains contact with international customers is by regularly participating in trade fairs.

Eugen Seitz AG is a family-owned company specializing in valve technology with a total of 120 employees. The high-tech components from Wetzikon are used in six industrial sectors worldwide. As a world market leader, Seitz supports its customers in reducing their environmental impact during the production of PET bottles. Seitz’ valves, which make hydrogen filling stations safer and more efficient, place them at the cutting-edge of areas of sustainability. In order to gain a foothold in Korea, Seitz and Switzerland Global Enterprise successfully searched for distribution partners for their hydrogen filling station applications.

The Helbling Group supports companies with product innovation and development. It also advises companies on the development of strategies, innovations, M&A, and potential for cost savings. Its focuses are the sectors of household appliances, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, apparatus and laboratory equipment, transportation, machinery, and plant construction. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, with subsidiaries in Germany, Poland, the US, and China, and employs more than 600 people. Dr. Urban Schnell, Managing Director at Helbling Technik and Partner of the Helbling Group, talks about his experiences with internationalization in Poland.

For 43 years, ANDERSEN Genève has been offering exceptional watches to an international clientele. Each year, around 50 watches are custom made in Switzerland in its workshops in Geneva and La Chaux-de-Fonds, where know-how, excellence and creativity are perpetuated. Pierre-Alexandre Aeschlimann, President and CEO of the company, travels the world, including Japan, to make the connection between “his” watches and the enthusiasts who wear them.

Früh Verpackungstechnik AG in Fehraltorf in the canton of Zurich has been solving the most demanding packaging issues for more than 40 years. In order to better serve important customers in the medical technology sector, the company is currently setting up a second production facility in the US state of Pennsylvania. S-GE and Swiss Business Hub USA assisted Früh Verpackungstechnik AG in its search for the optimal location and a suitable building.

Several SMEs spanning a variety of sectors are involved in the expansion of a holiday resort in Uzbekistan. Some of these SMEs are exporting for the first time, and this has been made possible by an insurance policy from SERV.

The Egyptian government is totally refurbishing its textile factories, a process in which the Swiss textile machinery industry is also playing a part. SERV is supporting the project with complex ECA cover, its expertise and its presence in negotiations with local partners.

The technical information model ETIM is now also being introduced in Australia and New Zealand. The start of the implementation of the classification standard, which enables technical product data to be exchanged internationally between manufacturers, distributors and customers, was announced by the employer organization Ai Group at the end of July 2022. This simplifies business for Swiss exporters from the construction and MEM industries.

Switzerland’s mechanical, electrical and metal (MEM) industry is innovative and productive, which is why 80% of its revenue is generated by exports. Large corporations aren’t the only ones with big opportunities for growth on the global market. SMEs can successfully enter new geographic markets, too.

The EU and the US have announced the suspension of US steel and aluminum punitive tariffs as well as all EU countermeasures. Tariff-free quotas are being introduced in their place. The new regulations will apply starting January 1, 2022.

Sistag manufactures industrial valves and operates nationally and internationally, with headquarters in Eschenbach, Switzerland. In this interview, the Managing Director of Sistag, Samuel Sidler, provides insight into the export business and the challenges involved.

Home to the world’s largest shipbuilders in terms of orders, South Korea boasts technological expertise in high value-added ships and is very keen to collaborations with technology-driven startups and companies abroad. The Swiss Business Hub Korea will host a Swiss Pavilion at KORMARINE, one of the world’s leading maritime exhibitions and highlight up-to-date Swiss technologies, startups and companies.

Perturbations caused by Covid-19 revealed some risks related to globalization of supply chain. Some companies may be in the process of rethinking their supply chain strategy. One of the possible outcomes may be shift towards nearshoring. Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary offer tremendous opportunities in this field. Tomasz Gonsior, Partner at OptiBuy explains them in the interview.

Swiss SMEs are still expecting minimal export growth in the coming months. This is the finding of the latest survey of Swiss SMEs conducted by Switzerland Global Enterprise, the official organization for export promotion and investment promotion. The reasons behind this development are ongoing geopolitical challenges and the strong Swiss franc. At this stage, companies are focusing on consolidation rather than on new markets. Europe and the US remain the most important destinations. There is a significant need for information on sustainability-related regulations in the target countries.

If you want to export waste from Switzerland, certain rules need to be observed. Which permits are required when and when are you exempt? Which documents are mandatory and how much time do you have to allow for?

The survival of many species of wild fauna and flora is at serious risk. Many are threatened with extinction. In order not to further endanger these, the trade in specimens of these species is subject to particularly strict regulations and hence requires approval.

The Ticino based company WM Thermoforming Machines SA, specialized in manufacturing thermoforming machines to produce plastic packaging for the food industry, has an impressive export share of 99%. Luca Oliverio, Sales Director, gives an insight into their international business.

The “Ex-Tarifário” is an initiative of the Brazilian government created to reduce the import tax, applicable to products that do not have a national similar and that meet certain criteria. In this way, it encourages imports by facilitating access to innovative foreign solutions in the local market and protecting local suppliers of similar solutions in Brazil.

In the wake of the COVID-19 crises, the government of India has introduced several measures to boost domestic manufacturing and protect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from foreign competition. Further, Indian government has explicitly demonstrated that its future policies and measures on trade will focus on its new self-reliant India (Aatma Nirbhar) policy.

HEULE Werkzeug AG has been developing and producing front and rear deburring tools since 1962. The family business, based in Rheintal, supplies all well-known automotive and aviation manufacturers via four subsidiaries and sales partners in over 35 countries. In an interview, Christos Mistridis, Chief Sales Officer, talks about the most important lessons learned during the internationalization process and future opportunities.

Symop* estimates that the demand for machine tools should increase by approximately 4% over the next few years. France is driven by a catch-up in its investments because of the economic difficulties in the Eurozone and the introduction of a measure of over-depreciation of 40% on investments of SMEs in technologies.

The Müller Group from Münchenstein (BL) has successfully set up a joint venture in India. By taking this strategic decision, the manufacturer of industrial packaging as well as handling and processing solutions is responding to the new needs of its customers.

What are the implications of the latest US punitive tariffs on aircraft parts and other products from the European Union? Three questions for Alfonso Orlando, Head of ExportHelp at Switzerland Global Enterprise.

With over 110 years’ experience in the food industry, the Ecublens-based company, Sapal, is an international leader in the packaging of premium products mainly for the cheese, chocolate and bouillon industries. Thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, customized solutions and efficient worldwide customer service, the company has established itself in the high-end segment at a global level. In this interview, CEO Claudio Manfroni reveals his recipe for export success and gives advice on setting up overseas operations.

What are the biggest administrative challenges in cross-border goods transportation and customs processing? Which classic mistakes can Swiss exporters avoid and which trends are taking shape? Discover all this in our interview with customs expert Karl Strohhammer.

On 3 April 2019, the Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV published its Annual report 2018. SERV finishes the financial year with positive company earnings of CHF 2.0 million that are, however, significantly below those of the preceding years. Learn more about it here. 

With the signing of USMCA trade agreement, stability returns to the Mexican automotive industry. Strong foreign investments, a growing vehicle output (3.9 Mio in 2018) and 800 k skilled and competitively salaried employees explain the 21 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) producing in Mexico.

Leica Geosystems is a leading provider of measurement solutions for spatial information, which are produced with Swiss technology. Today, the company creates complete solutions for professionals around the world. Leica Geosystems enlisted the support of S-GE to clarify the market situation in Argentina.

Do you want to keep abreast of new product requirements and trade policy measures in your active export markets? Then use our new digital tool!

Five new procedures for application will be opened in 2019 under Operational Programme "Innovation and Competitiveness". In the period 2019-2020 Swiss companies can participate in tender procedures for delivering machinery, equipment and specialized software to Bulgarian enterprises for for about 400 million euros.

Chile’s multi-billion-dollar mining sector wants to become greener: great opportunities for Swiss energy, water, waste, mobility and automation providers. What should companies pay attention to during market entry?

Buss AG Pratteln’s core competence is mechanical engineering. Their mixing and kneading systems are used worldwide for plastics processing. The secret of its success lies in its export business, which is set to receive another boost in Poland, thanks in part to the help of Switzerland Global Enterprise.

The origins of Dixi Cylindre SA, based in Le Locle (NE), go back to 1924. Established to manufacture parts for the watchmaking industry, Cylindre SA’s turning workshop was acquired by the Dixi group in 1959. Over time, the company expanded and obtained several certifications. In 2018 it was able to establish a long-term partnership with a French medical technology company thanks to EEN.

Turkmenistan has always played and still plays a key role in the Great Silk Road Area. Two significant events took place on the Turkmen Shore of the Caspian Sea recently, which will enable Turkmenistan to be a valuable participant of the New Silk Road and an attractive investment, trade and business destination for Swiss companies.

An export transaction is always exposed to additional risks when compared to a domestic delivery. Companies that consider a few simple points when doing business abroad can reduce these risks.

F&P Robotics, headquartered in Glattbrugg near Zurich, is specialized in safe robotics technology and artificial intelligence. The company was founded in 2014 and employs around 50 people.

Since 1 July 2014, Switzerland has been the only continental European country to have signed a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with China. In the FTA’s fifth year, the University of St.Gallen, the Chinese University of International Business and Economics, and the Nanjing University have joined forces to analyse its economic impact for the first time.

In order to promote security and efficiency, the company will launch bidding for contractors to install doors in 36 stations. The estimated cost is around 70 million Brazilian reais (approx. 18 million Swiss francs). The project will be implemented over a period of 56 months.

The EU Commission has taken provisional protective measures for certain steel products. 23 categories of goods are subject to new import quotas. These measures of the European Union also affect products of Swiss origin.

Gabriella Meyer has been managing Bioengineering AG since 2009; it develops and produces fermentation systems for the pharmaceutical industry with around 170 employees from Wald. Bioengineering AG has been active in Korea since 1990. The company has now established a local branch with the help of S-GE. Since then, cultural closeness and communication with clients has improved.

In recent years, Mexico has become a key destination for investment in several industries, but the Automotive is one of the most important for the Mexican Economy, accounting for the 3.1% of the country’s GDP and 18.3% of its manufacturing GDP in 2016.

Poland is the sixth largest producer and the world's fourth largest exporter of furniture. The most important buyers are in Western Europe. The industry has set itself the goal of strengthening this position in the coming years. This requires increases in productivity and capacities, which is excellent news for Swiss technology providers.

Which of your target export markets have introduced new regulations that could create commercial opportunities or make it harder to supply foreign buyers? The improved database "Global Trade Briefing" by the University of St. Gallen and Switzerland Global Enterprise lists these markets. It covers 53 countries and includes the sectors MEM, medical technology, biotech, food and ICT products.

The domestic industrial manufacturing sector is one of the most dynamic in the European Union and presents numerous opportunities for Swiss suppliers.

In recent years, the Russian government has been using import substitution and localization of foreign firms’ production in an attempt to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependency on exports of raw materials. A new decree is now extending the criteria to be met for attainment of the “made in Russia” status and is already tightening up existing localization regulations. Exporting Swiss SMEs need a special strategy for Russia.

For current major projects such as the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel, the Koralm Tunnel and the Semmering Base Tunnel, there are ongoing opportunities for Swiss companies to contribute their expertise.

The liberalization of the railway sector in Spain offers Swiss companies interesting opportunities in the national market. Manufacturers and technology providers can benefit from the forthcoming scenario of the industry.

Founded in Aarwangen in the canton of Bern, the Swiss family-owned company W. Althaus AG has been in business since 1968. Today, it employs 140 people at its two locations and counts as one of the most important and trend-setting employers in the region. The company’s core competence comprises engineering and production ranging from very simple electrical controls all the way to batch production of complex automation solutions.

Following the current trend of Industry 4.0, Brazilian agribusiness sector – 30% of the country’s GDP – is becoming digital and is opening diverse opportunities for Swiss companies with innovative tools and solutions.

Eva Jaisli is co-owner and CEO of the Emmental-based tool manufacturer, which has been exporting since the 1960s. She offers three tips on how SMEs can grow internationally between protectionism and globalization here.

More than 10 procedures for application will open in 2018 under the "Operational Programme Innovation and Competitiveness 2014-2020". Swiss companies can participate in tender procedures for delivering machinery, equipment and specialized software to Bulgarian enterprises for more than 300 million euros.

The airline wants to become the best airline in the world again, and is relying on digitization to achieve this goal. In a New Year message, CEO Goh Choon Phong told employees that digital innovations and capabilities are to be given a boost. Singapore Airlines also wants to work with external partners and startups.

The new head of Swiss Business Hub Japan, Claudio Mazzucchelli, wants to take advantage of new opportunities related to the increasing speed of digitalization in Japan for Swiss exports to Japan and Japanese investments in Switzerland. In the interview with the SCCIJ, the Swiss emphasized that the existing potential in Japan for Swiss exporters would be considerable due to the excellent quality and reliability reputation of Swiss products and services in Japan. Mr. Mazzucchelli also outlined the current challenges of his new job and compared his work experiences in China and South Korea with his first impressions of Japan.

Regloplas AG from St.Gallen specializes in the development and production of tempera-ture control devices and is the global leader in its niche market. A globally active and continually growing company, it places a clear focus on product innovation and techno-logical superiority. The recipe for success reads: keep on developing, but keep your feet on the ground and stay close to your customers.

According to the Korean Ministry of Food, Drugs and Security (MFDS), special registration requirements apply for all industrial parts and machines that come into direct contact with food. Swiss companies must take note of these when exporting to Korea.  

Baumer has its origins in the pioneering work of Herbert Baumer. In 1952, he founded Baumer Electric AG as a specialist company for precision mechanics that initially produced microswitches. In 1964, Helmut Vietze took over at the helm and in the early 1970s became a visionary entrepreneur in sensor technology. The once small business gradually developed into the international Baumer Group.

Artificial intelligence is expected to create new economic possibilities. But what exactly are they, and how can they be developed? These are the questions that the Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research in Lugano (TI) works to answer in collaboration with the University of Lugano and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland. In the following interview, Professor Luca Gambardella discusses these technical advances and their implications for Swiss SMEs.

Switzerland and Tunisia have been expanding their economic relations ever since the political upheaval that took place there in 2011. This relationship will now be expanded into the area of export promotion. As part of the “Impulse Event: Tunisia”, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and the Center de Promotion des Exportations (CEPEX) have signed a declaration of intent.

A family enterprise from St. Gallen that occupies a unique niche in the plastics and die-casting industry: Environmentally friendly and customer-specific temperature control solutions are Regloplas AG’s area of expertise. The company’s success is based on the high quality of its products, the expertise of its personnel and its close customer relationships. They maintain this strong customer relationship with their own service organizations in more than 50 countries, as well as subsidiaries in Germany, France, the US and China.

Berhalter is Swiss and stands for ingenuity. Developing global innovations and guaranteeing perfect solutions is part of Berhalter AG's core competence. At the center of this expertise is freedom of thought, the endeavor to continuously improve and the ability to enhance existing technologies with future-oriented systems. Our innovativeness and increasing digitalization play a key role in our business, which gives us the decisive technological lead in the fiercely competitive global high-tech market.

The Polish market for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was worth approx. 54 million Swiss francs at the end of 2016 with a listed annual growth of 23%. Local companies are referring to it as a boom. About 100,000 drones currently fly through Polish airspace. According to forecasts by the market research institute Mikromakro, this figure could double by 2020 due to the dynamic market growth. Swiss companies can benefit from this expansion.

After three consecutive years of low revenues, employability and investments, the auto parts industry starts to rise again, due to more sales in the internal and external market and by its own exportation. In the following days, the workers union that is responsible for this sector (Sindipeças), shall reevaluate the 2017 growth projection of 10% for vehicles production, according to their president, the new prediction is that the industry will have a production growth of 20% this year.

The automotive sector remains one of the most important economic sectors in Poland. After a few weaker years caused by the last financial crisis and declining demand in the export markets, the Polish automobile industry is again growing. This is excellent news for Swiss technology providers.

One of India’s biggest economic reforms, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set to be rolled out on July, 1st 2017. GST will significantly benefit Indian businesses and foreign investors alike. An overview of the what the GST changes for Swiss companies by our Swiss Business Hub India:

We build on 100 years experience in bonding and sealing. Since 1918, when the company was founded by Walter Merz and Dr Albert Benteli, as an independent company, merz+benteli ag, has developed and marketed technically leading elastic sealants and adhesives.

Following the Beijing’s successful bid for the Winter Olympics 2022, the Chinese central government has created an ambitious plan to involve 300 million Chinese people in winter sports. The plan would raise China’s participation rate in winter sports from less than 2% to 22%. Meanwhile the Chinese government has highlighted the tremendous commercial potential of the Winter Olympics 2022. The goal is to reach 800 billion USD by 2025 through promoting sports businesses, developing key sport facilities and opening up an expanded sport market for consumer products and services in the sector. This creates vast opportunities for Swiss know-how.

Today, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) is opening a new Swiss Business Hub (SBH) in Jakarta. The most important responsibility of this new hub is helping small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from Switzerland and Liechtenstein to gain entry into the future market of Indonesia.

Owned and run as a family business for six generations, today Fischer Reinach Ltd. is one of the world's leading metal processing companies for the supply industry. From its origins 175 years ago manufacturing safety pins and hair grips, it has now become a progressive international company.

Swiss SMEs account for more than 99 percent of all enterprises in Switzerland. Many of them are exporters. Innovative Swiss enterprises are among the world’s market leaders in many industries. Stephan Sigrist, founder and head of the think tank W.I.R.E., thinks that Switzerland can position itself in international competition. At the same time, however, he warns about becoming complacent.

Dr. Christoph Loos, CEO of the Hilti Group, on the impact of digital transformation on the company as a whole, and why the location of Switzerland plays a significant role.

Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler Rail operates three sites in Poland. Executive board member Christian Spichiger explains why the company has expanded into Poland and what it takes to gain a foothold in this country.

Kazakhstan faces several issues concerning water resources, including the state’s policy on water resources and water usage. Trade Point Kazakhstan has documented the current problems in this industry, highlighting a variety of business opportunities for Swiss companies.

Recently, the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have agreed on the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT). The UAE intend to officially implement VAT as from 01.01.2018.

The current import substitution initiative in Russia aims to modernize and expand the local production. This creates a window of opportunity for Swiss suppliers of the relevant sectors.

Swiss companies participating in a trade fair in France have to provide new documents to the French authorities regarding the lawful employment of their employees. Germany and Italy have also updated their rules. What to consider.

Former TATA Executive Alan Rosling talks about how India stands out among emerging markets, how Modi is making progress and why SMEs should first and foremost spend time in the country. Rosling will discuss India's way forward at the Asia Leaders Series event on June 21 in Zurich.

Regloplas AG, a family enterprise from St. Gallen, has found worldwide success with its niche in the plastics and die casting industry. Today, Regloplas was recognized with the 2017 Export Award at Switzerland Global Enterprise’s (S-GE’s) Foreign Trade Forum.

The strong Swiss franc and increasing competition pose challenges for Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many businesses have realized that an innovative business model is an important factor for successful internationalization: 70 percent of SMEs are currently dealing with this issue. This is represented in a recent survey by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) of over 150 exporting SMEs, which was presented today at the Foreign Trade Forum.

Patrick Berhalter, CEO of Berhalter AG in Widnau (SG), sees his company with 85 employees as a “hidden champion” from Eastern Switzerland. The company is a global market leader in die-cutting technology. Berhalter’s technology expertise is based on a broad range of knowledge about production and installation and follows the vision “We connect ideas and people”. “In order to stay innovative and open to digitization issues, SMEs have to look beyond their own four walls,” says Patrick Berhalter.

If the successor for the company does not come from your own family, it can be difficult to search for a suitable buyer single-handedly. As the leading Swiss bank for M&A, Credit Suisse mediates and assists buyers and sellers.

Morocco is investing in the expansion of its infrastructure: Comprehensive transport projects and an expansion of ports and airports are to be completed by 2035, and the first high-speed rail line is to begin operation as early as 2018.

Keeping pace with new technologies, consumer trends or the digital transformation represents a huge challenge for many SMEs. The right way to approach this and indeed to become a pioneer is revealed by Ricolab, the new subsidiary of Ricola. The core task: Radical innovation!