Export Award 2026: HAEUSLER AG, Ideal-tek and Wilco AG in the final

Following in-person presentations, an independent, volunteer jury made up of renowned figures from business, media and academia selected the three finalists from the six nominated companies. They impressed the jury with their targeted marketing strategies and clear USPs in international business. One of the three companies will be named the winner of the Export Award at the International Trade Forum.

HAEUSLER AG – Swiss precision shapes metal sheets for the world

Founded in 1936, the family-owned company HAEUSLER from Duggingen in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft is one of the world’s leading suppliers of roll bending machines and complete systems for forming technology. Its systems are used all over the world – for example, for pipelines in the Middle East, for the shipbuilding and wind tower industry in Asia, and for tank and container manufacturers in the USA. With the world’s first fully autonomous roll bending machine, HAEUSLER is setting new standards in forming technology and strengthening its position in key international sales markets.

Ideal-tek – Swiss precision instruments for high-tech industries

Based in Balerna, TI, Ideal-tek has been developing and producing precision instruments such as tweezers and pliers since 1964 for industries in which the tiniest details are critical – from medtech and electronics through the watch industry. The tools are produced in Ticino and sold worldwide. With an export share of around 90 percent, the company targets markets in which industries are dependent on reliable, high-precision instruments. The US and China as well as up-and-coming medtech hubs such as Costa Rica are particularly important in this regard.

WILCO AG – Pioneer in leak testing of pharmaceutical packaging

Founded in 1971 and based in Wohlen, in the Canton of Aargau, WILCO AG develops inspection systems for leak testing and visual inspection of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech industries. Its systems identify the smallest leaks, defects or foreign bodies and thus contribute to the safety of sensitive products. The solutions are in use in over 80 countries. For further growth, WILCO is focusing on highly regulated markets as well as on global locations with expanding pharmaceutical production.

Award ceremony at the International Trade Forum

The winner of the Export Award 2026 will be announced at the Aussenwirtschaftsforum in the Kongresshaus Zürich on April 23, 2026. The prize will be presented by Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of S-GE.

The International Trade Forum is the annual meeting point for the Swiss export industry. With a theme this year of “Rethink Risk. Rethink Opportunity.”, the Forum shows how Swiss SMEs can identify new opportunities and turn uncertainty into growth in a rapidly changing global trade environment.

Further information can be found here: https://www.s-ge.com/de/export-award