Success Stories
Früh Verpackungstechnik AG: successful site development in the USA
Nov 4, 2025
For more than 40 years, Früh Verpackungstechnik AG in Fehraltorf, Zurich, has been solving the most demanding packaging problems. To better serve important customers in the medical technology sector, the company is currently building a second production facility in Pennsylvania, USA. S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub USA supported Früh Verpackungstechnik AG in finding the ideal location and a suitable building.
Why did you turn to S-GE?
We have been in contact with S-GE for many years and receive support in various areas – for example, in acquiring customers abroad. The organization provides good service and has an excellent network. When expanding into the USA, we first had to decide on a suitable location, which is why we commissioned S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub USA in Atlanta to carry out a SWOT analysis. A questionnaire was used to evaluate possible locations in Michigan, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. In all of these states, there are strong suppliers in the medical technology sector – and the time difference is no more than six or seven hours.
Which factors were taken into account in the SWOT analysis?
Our briefing in this regard was very comprehensive and included not only the availability of future employees but also factors such as wage costs, level of education, quality of life, safety, energy prices, taxes and the availability of sterilization options in the area.
Thanks to the organization’s huge network, S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub USA were able to provide us with comprehensive support – from location and property search to contract negotiations and the selection of suitable recruiters.
Thomas Good
Management Board CSMO, Früh Verpackungstechnik AGWhat happened next?
The favorite from the SWOT analysis was Pennsylvania. The basis for the search for a suitable building in this state was again a comprehensive briefing with our requirements. In cooperation with local real estate agents, the Swiss Business Hub presented us with around 20 properties. After a first review on paper, we visited around 15 buildings on site.
What are the benefits of working with S-GE?
Früh Verpackungstechnik AG had no partner in the USA, so it was simply impossible for us to conduct the location and property search on our own. S-GE offers its partners a comprehensive service package when expanding abroad – from location search to contract review. An attorney recommended by the Swiss Business Hub was able to support us in the negotiations, as he was familiar with the prices and the situation on the ground. S-GE also helped us find suitable employees – with a recommendation to reputable local recruitment consultants.
How do you rate the collaboration?
I would describe the collaboration with S-GE as very successful – I am a real fan!
What recommendations can you give to other companies?
In any case, a good briefing is important: It is worth investing a lot of time in the initial phase and precisely defining one’s own requirements – this helps to avoid duplication of effort and dead time.
In the SWOT analysis and the search for a factory location for Früh Verpackungstechnik AG, we were able to draw on our joint professional experience in Switzerland and the USA, and we also used our local network in the affected states. In cooperation with local partners in Pennsylvania, we were able to help Früh identify a suitable property where the company is now building its first US production site and thus realizing its vision and dream!
Kimberly Shulman
Trade Commissioner, Swiss Business Hub USA