Could you quickly introduce the company and what you do?
AIK Technik AG is the manufacturer of plant facilities for residual waste treatment and for the recovery of recyclable materials. We are conscious of our duty to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of residual waste materials for the next generations and to achieve the best sustainability through our special processes and technologies in various fields of application. Our innovative technologies form the basis for the exemplary, economical, and ecological recovery of recyclable materials. Thus, we offer you the opportunity to make an active contribution to global resource sustainability and climate protection with our processes.
In which sectors is AIK Technik AG active?
AIK Technik AG has divided itself into two areas. On the one hand, we are active in the municipal sector, which includes, in particular, solid waste incineration plants and sewage sludge incineration, where we offer both the washing of wet fly ash, as well as the extraction of heavy metals from the ash so that the ash can then be disposed of in landfills or can be recycled without harming the environment.
On the other hand, we offer our services in the industrial sector of stones and soils. Among our various processes offered, we offer processes such as soil-washing plants and sledge-treatment plants. Pollutants are also washed out and removed in order to reuse the minerals.
By separating the two above-mentioned sectors, they can now operate independently and make better use of their respective strengths.
What are the most important export markets and opportunities for your company? And why?
More and more countries are making a conscious commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. These are countries that are also willing to make larger investments. Among these various countries are countries in Northern Europe and in Southern Asia.
In recent years, the awareness of sustainability and environmental protection has grown significantly worldwide. This is also reflected in the export markets. For many of these export countries, sustainability and environmental protection are high on the political agenda due to the increasing awareness of both of these factors of environmental protection and sustainability. Among other things, this awareness has been awakened by the climate crisis of recent years. More and more people are aware of the impact of their actions and consumption on the environment and want to act accordingly.
This trend will continue to grow in the coming years, as more and more countries recognize the value of sustainable and environmentally friendly production. Many countries, such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia, are moving in this direction at a rapid pace.
What challenges do you face with developing new business in these regions?
The challenge of building a business in other regions of the world is that you have to adapt to the different mentalities, customs, and traditions. This can lead to difficulties if you are not up to date with the local culture. Another aspect is the language barrier. In many countries, English is used as the language of business, but it can still be difficult to find your way around a country if you don't know the local language.
So, in order to be successful, you have to adapt to the culture in question and try to know the language as well as possible. This can be a challenge, but with the right resources and the will to make it work, anything is possible.
Likewise, local laws and regulations, for example, must be followed.
Once the decision has been made to enter a new market, a long process begins before a first order can be signed. This process starts with a simple internet search, then discussions with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE is the official Swiss organization for export and investment promotion with offices throughout Switzerland and in 31 countries), marketing planning, website adaptation, visiting trade fairs, making contacts with the embassy, getting an overview of the existing companies, knowing the developments in the environmental field, hiring new employees, and much more. These business development activities can be very time and cost-intensive and often usually takes at least 3 years and can quickly cost several hundred exchangeable francs.
It needs both the personal perseverance, as well as the financial perseverance to enter successfully into new markets.
What help has Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and its cleantech mandate given you in your international business?
For some time now, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) has been supporting us in our search for new business opportunities abroad. In this context, S-GE has consistently provided us with interesting and early information.
This information has helped us identify new business opportunities and expand our potential in doing business internationally. In addition, S-GE has also supported us in planning and executing our international business trips. We are very grateful to S-GE for their support and look forward to continuing to work closely with them.
How do you see the collaboration with organizations like S-GE, and why is it worthwhile?
The cooperation with S-GE has many advantages for us. On the one hand, Switzerland Global Enterprise can support us in the search for foreign business partners. The organization also helps us by arranging contacts at trade fairs and conferences abroad. Furthermore, it is interesting for us that S-GE cooperates with the Swiss Federal Office for Economic Affairs (SECO).
