switzerland - kendris.com€¦ · switzerland was at the head of the list. as hui liangyu,...

Friday, March 15, 2013

SWITZERLAND COUNTRYREPORT

SPECIAL REPORT

INSIDE: 11-PAGE SPONSORED SECTION IN CO-OPERATION WITH DISCOVERY REPORTS

When the EconomistIntelligence Unit(EIU) rolled out areport this year,outlining the best

place to be born in 2013, therewere few surprises thatSwitzerland was at the head of the list.

As Hui Liangyu, China’s vice-premier, would have no doubtbeen briefed long before hisofficial visit to the republic lastmonth, Switzerland enjoys aneconomy that’s stable,prosperous and at the cutting-edge of hi-tech, with animpressive per capita GDP of70,334 francs (HK$573,814).

To undertake the study, theEIU measured the quality of lifebased on a methodology thatlinks the results of subjective lifesatisfaction surveys to theobjective determinants of thequality of life across countries.Taken into account were a mix

of fixed factors, such asgeography; factors that changeonly very slowly over time, suchas demography and social andcultural characteristics; andsome economic factors thatdepend on policies and the stateof the world economy.

Factors affecting the qualityof life included GDP per head,life expectancy at birth, thequality of family life, the state ofpolitical freedoms, job security,climate, personal physicalsecurity, the quality ofcommunity life, governance and gender equality.

“Of course, we were veryhappy to read the results of theEIU report,” says RitaHämmerli-Weschke,Switzerland’s consul general in Hong Kong.

“We are in the business ofselling Switzerland, andnaturally our country offers verygood educational and other

possibilities. People tend toreally love our products, andthey have a very good reputationin China, one that we are keen to protect and promote.”

Baby X or Y – depending on the chromosome mix – bornsome time in one ofSwitzerland’s 26 cantons beforethe end of December, andgrowing up speaking French,German, Italian or Romansh (allofficial national languages) – has a lot to look forward to bythe time he or she attainsadulthood in 2030, the outerlimit of the EIU study.

Top of the list is a long andhealthy life – with a populationof 7.7 million, life expectancy formen is 79, and women 84.Anyone who lives in Switzerlandis subject to compulsory healthinsurance and there are 390medical doctors for every100,000 residents. Health careexpenditure is on the rise: in

2007 it accounted for 11.3 percent of GDP compared with 8.1per cent in 1990, due to abroader range of servicescovered by the health insurancescheme, greater specialisationand technological advances, andan ageing population. Acompulsory pension scheme,which can be topped up byvoluntary contributions, ensuresthat having retired at 65 (64 for women), Swiss citizens can look forward to a financiallysecure old age.

Top-of-the-range socialservices are funded bySwitzerland’s healthy economy.Almost three-quarters of theworkforce is employed in theservice sector, less than a quarterin industry, and a mere 4 percent in farming. The mainservice industries are insurance,banking, trade and commerce,and tourism, while the chiefindustries are machinery,

electronics, metals andchemicals, andpharmaceuticals. Theagricultural sector is goingthrough a period of change dueto the growing demand fororganic produce and moreenvironmentally-friendlyproduction methods.

The cornerstone of the Swisseconomy is its highly specialisedand flexible small and medium-sized enterprises. They make upmore than 99 per cent of allregistered companies inSwitzerland, and employ two-thirds of the total workforce.Numerous foreign firms andSwiss multinationals areheadquartered in Switzerlandand are major players in the Swiss economy.

Whether the EIU’s prototypefortunate infant becomes abanker, an electronics guru or anorganic farmer (in addition toperforming military service

that’s mandatory for males), heor she will grow up in a sterlingexample of a direct democracy.All Swiss citizens over the age of18 have the right to vote andexercise this right regularly, asthey are called on three to fourtimes a year to take part inpopular votes on political issues.Most recently, Swiss voters gavethe thumbs-down to highly paidexecutives, with some 68 percent demanding a limit onoverall pay packages forexecutives and directors.Switzerland is a neutral state, the headquarters of theInternational Committee of the Red Cross, and home to the European office of theUnited Nations.

Apart from being raised in aprosperous democratic society,“Baby 2013” will also be part of athriving cultural environment.Swiss architecture and designenjoy a rich tradition: one of the

20th century’s foremostarchitects, Charles-ÉdouardJeanneret – better known as LeCorbusier – was born in the Juramountains, while the firm ofHerzog & de Meuron played anintegral role in the design of theBeijing Olympics Bird’s Neststadium. Zurich was thebirthplace of the Dadamovement, which gave rise tosurrealism, while Jean-JacquesRousseau is perhaps the best-known Swiss author.

The Montreux Jazz Festival isa must for anyone fond of the“sound of surprise” and, whileSwitzerland may not hostEurope’s foremost film industry,Marc Foster, who grew up inDavos, won plaudits for hisdirection of the Bond movieQuantum of Solace and Basel-born Arthur Cohn has picked up six Oscars in the course of a career that has spanned half a century.

Nationis envyof theworld

Children can look forward to a happy and prosperous life in Switzerland, according to a report. Photo: Bloomberg

Babies born in the cantons can look forward to charmedlives. Reports by Ed Peters

We are in thebusiness ofsellingSwitzerland, andnaturally ourcountry offersvery goodeducational and otherpossibilitiesRITA HÄMMERLI-WESCHKE,SWITZERLAND’S CONSUL GENERAL IN HONG KONG

It’s difficult to find an area ofbusiness in Hong Kong whereSwitzerland is not represented.Swiss Airbuses are a regular sightat Hong Kong InternationalAirport. Credit Suisse may nolonger sponsor the rugby sevens,but continues to make asignificant impact on thefinancial life of the city. Andpossibly one of Hong Kong’smost acclaimed restaurants,Chesa, serves gourmet Swisscuisine at The Peninsula, whichhas benefited from employingmore than a few Swissmanagers.

The Swiss Chamber ofCommerce, formed in 1982, cannow boast more than 200members and continues to playan ever-increasing role in thebusiness and social life of theSwiss community.

Based in Hong Kong, Swissbusinesses are ideally placed totake advantage of opportunitieson the mainland, marketing thesorts of goods and services forwhich the republic is renownedaround the globe.

And the outlook is extremelyhealthy, according to a survey bythe Swiss Centre Shanghai andrelated organisations. Nearlythree-quarters of Swisscompanies surveyed in China

expect to do better business thisyear than last year, while Chinaremains the fourth-largestmarket for Swiss exports.

“Hong Kong is a great placeto do business,” says AndreasBrechbuhl, owner andmanaging director of AUB,which specialises in locks,security doors and similarsystems that it has supplied tothe MTR Corporation and HongKong International Airport,among others.

“It’s very business-friendly.It’s easy to set up a company,you have the rule of law, Englishis widely spoken, it’s a small,compact territory – there are somany arguments in its favour.

“Some of the largercorporations, such as banks, arepulling people out, but othersare arriving to take their place.”

Brechbuhl, who is also adirector of the Swiss Chamber ofCommerce, says the number ofSwiss in Hong Kong is stable atabout 1,200. Those that want tosucceed in the region, he says,must remain committed andestablish a clear business plan.

“In Switzerland, there is astrong feeling among seniormanagement that there must begreat opportunities in China, butpeople who have worked here

realise that while there areopportunities, you have tounderstand the pitfalls too,” he says.

“I certainly plan to stay inHong Kong – my family is here,my business is here, and this isthe future.”

Typical of the companiesforging a reputation – and veryrespectable profits – forthemselves in Hong Kong andbeyond is DKSH, a marketexpansion services providerheadquartered in Zurich andfocused on Asia.

The company works withbrands in the consumer goods,healthcare, performancematerials and technologysectors, marketing anddistributing their productsacross Asia-Pacific.

As an example of DKSH’smodus operandi, the companysecured the services ofprominent actor Dicky CheungWai-kin as guest modelambassador for a brandcampaign in Hong Kong byMaurice Lacroix, with aconsequent rise in both presscoverage and sales.

While DKSH might be at thecutting edge of the new wave ofAsian business, other Swisscompanies follow a moretraditional course.

The Swiss hospitalityindustry enjoys a reputation thatis second to none. Institutions,such as the International HotelManagement Institute (IMI) atKastanienbaum, continue toattract and train the younghoteliers – and restaurateurs andcatering managers – oftomorrow.

IMI courses focus onteaching hotel operational skillsand management training in thetourism and hospitalityindustries.

As an institution, it enjoys anextremely good reputation inHong Kong, and each semestersees between 20 and 30 studentsfrom the region on campus.

Business-friendly city suits entrepreneurs

Swiss banks are among the best in the world. Photo: Bloomberg

Switzerland still come fromGermany, Bär says because theirnumber is declining, Chinesetravellers could soon take thenumber one spot.

“The rapidly-growing middleclass in China offers a massivepotential for Switzerland, whichenjoys an excellent image [onthe mainland],” she says.

“We think a quadrupling ofChinese visitors within 10 yearsis realistic.”

The vast majority ofmainland tourists travel with anorganised tour, shepherded by amultilingual guide. At present,the most popular Swiss

In Germany, mainland touristsmake a beeline for Trier, thebirthplace of Karl Marx. In France, the wineries ofBordeaux are top of the must-sample list. And in Switzerland,China’s newly emergentglobetrotting middle classeshead straight for the country’scelebrated watch emporia.

The Swiss watch industry –justly famous for such marquesas Audemars Piguet, PatekPhilippe and TAG Heuer – has been one of the mainbeneficiaries of the 21st centuryversion of the “Grand Tour”.Chinese prefer buying inSwitzerland for one simplereason – they are assured ofgetting the real thing, rather than an imitation – and seemquite happy with paying about HK$12,000 for a regular model.

Timepiece-crazy Chinesetravellers to Switzerland are now outstripping arrivals fromtraditional visitor countries such as Italy, the Netherlandsand even Japan.

“We’re looking at 830,000 to840,000 overnight stays byChinese guests in 2012,” says Daniela Bär fromSwitzerland Tourism.

Last year, a total of 600,000Chinese tourists headed toSwitzerland, an increase of 25per cent on the previous year.

And, while most tourists to

destinations for Chinese areLuzern, the country’s mostpicturesque lakeside city;Interlaken, which acts as a basefor exploring the nearbymountains; Zurich, which hostsmany museums and artgalleries; and Geneva, where oneof the world’s tallest waterfountains – the 140-metre Jetd’Eau – provides a constantsupply of Kodak Moments.

With the aim of attractingmore Chinese visitors, andshowcasing the country’sattractions at their best,Switzerland Tourism is nowhoping to promote a handful of

lesser-known destinations.These include the ski resorts of Zermatt and Verbier; theItalian-speaking canton ofTicino; Appenzell, which isknown for cultural events such as folk music and rusticdances; and the postcard-perfect Engadine valley.

And, as part of a continuingscheme to attract more visitors,the regional tourist office in theUpper Engadine has developeda programme to “coach”warmth and affability inresponse to a perceived “lack offriendliness” in its mountainresorts, which include St Moritz.

Picturesque Luzern is popular with tourists. Photo: Thinkstock

Timepieces top popularity stakes

Switzerland is famous for its marque watches. Photo: Bloomberg

Mountain resorts are trying to project a more welcoming image for visitors. Photo: Thinkstock

S2 Friday, March 15, 2013

SPECIAL REPORT: SWISS EDUCATIONSponsored section in co-operation with Discovery Reports

The hallmark of amemorable hotelexperience is excellentservice. Behind thesuccess of exceptional

hotels are its staff, the people withan understanding and passion fortrue hospitality, and a dedication toflawless management.

As the first worldwide businessschool group in hospitality andtourism management, Vatel hasbeen instrumental in providing talentto the world’s top hotels for morethan 31years. These include theproperties of Shangri-La andInterContinental.

Understanding the industry’sbedrock values while adapting itscurriculum to meet changingdemands, Vatel provides 7,000 students with quality andpersonalised education across its 30 campuses in 21countries.

“Vatel continues to successfully

prepare students because weremain faithful to the hotel industry,”says Yannick Jacquier, recruitmentand student affairs manager of VatelSwitzerland. “We understand thatservice encompasses many thingsand we continue to invest in theeducation of our students, honingthem to become adaptable in aninternational environment.”

International adaptation beginsin the classroom. Vatel Switzerland’sstudent body of 350 represents 41nationalities. The school maintainsan intimate class size of a maximumof 25 students with diversebackgrounds, thanks to a verydetailed selection process. “Just like the industry, you have to knowwho you are working with,” Jacquier says.

The school’s educationalapproach is holistic, balancingtheory and practice. VatelSwitzerland’s curriculum includesindustry standard subjects combinedwith courses in soft skills such asnutrition, multicultural and conflictmanagement and wine knowledge. It also offers business-oriented

subjects such as marketing, sales,human resource, economics and taxation.

Students are able to apply theoryinto practice at Vatel’s own four-starhotel situated on campus in Valais –a distinct feature in Switzerland. Italso provides regular internshipswith key hotel groups includingMarriott, Hyatt and Four Seasons.

“Comprising 111rooms and astrong convention facility, the VatelHotel gives students a proper feel forwhat they have been learning andallows them to apply this know-howto real situations. That is the secretof Vatel Switzerland, the possibility ofcross-checking what they learn inclassrooms on a regular basis inpractical situations,” Jacquier says.

Another secret is Vatel’sintegration of technology. It isbecoming one of the mosttechnologically advanced hospitalityschools, thanks to Samsung tabletsthat Vatel Switzerland provides tostudents. The tablets containtextbooks, e-mail, calendars andaccess to Cyberlibris, Vatel’s libraryof 13,600 books on various subjects.

“This decision to use tablets willallow us to reduce our carbonfootprint while reaching out to theneeds of the Y generation, themanagers of tomorrow who havebeen brought up with smartphonesand tablets, and who will be incharge of hotels that integrate thelatest technology,” Jacquier says.

Vatel Switzerland has also beenapproached by Idiap ResearchInstitute, which is active in the areaof multimedia informationmanagement, for the development ofan interface that will soon allowpotential students to be assessed onnon-verbal communication throughweb camera interviews. This willenable students to refine their bodylanguage and enhance theirinterview performance for future job prospects.

Through Vatel’s 25,000-strongalumni network, existing studentsgain access to exclusive internships.Recent graduates can tap into anactive and supportive global networkmade of several clubs for knowledgeexchange and job opportunities.

“Eighty per cent of our graduates

go into the hotel business,” Jacquiersays. “However, our job in Vateldoesn’t stop when our studentsgraduate. In this respect, our alumninetwork is incredibly important. They are our ambassadors andpotential employers for our futurestudents.”

Vatel’s Shanghai alumni chapteris one of the most active alumninetworks and meets monthly. Itsannual event – the High Club Evening– takes place each year in China anddraws Vatel students and alumnifrom all over Asia.

The robust growth of Asia’shospitality industry offers a lot ofemployment opportunities for Vatelstudents. The school plans to expandits representative office in Shanghaito intensify its presence in Asia andallow prospective Chinese and Asianstudents to learn more about Vatel.

“Asia is a key region in terms ofemployment. The development of thehotel industry is very fast, and thedemand for qualified staff is high.Vatel is here to answer thatdemand,” Jacquier says. “The hotelindustry is our first client after all.”

Vatel meets demand for hospitality workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reports by Jacinta Plucinski,Stacey Johnson, Mia Daughenbaughand Laléh Larijani

Yannick Jacquier, recruitment and student affairs manager

A university degree does notguarantee gainful employment, as millions of the world’s graduatesare discovering.

Pinpointing the reasons behindthis trend, the International LabourOrganization says that the trainingreceived by many young peopledoes not match existing jobs.Companies also find that universitiesdo not prepare students for existingand future markets. Jobseekers tendto take employment that is not suitedto the type or level of theireducation.

Emerging nations, in particular,need a skilled, youth-drivenworkforce to grow their economies.“Because of their specificities andrapid growth, the recipes of theWestern world are not necessarilyadaptable to these economies,”says Patrick Faniel, CEO of the

University of Business andInternational Studies (UBIS).

Working to address this need,many developing countries in Asiaare making labour marketregulations more youth-friendly,subsidising salaries andencouraging young entrepreneurs.Skills training systems such asvocational studies, apprenticeships,literacy and mathematics for youngadults are likewise in place.

Educational systems must adaptto these challenges by armingstudents with the appropriate skills.While internships and otherworkplace-based programmes mayform one element of this adaptability,what is most important is to baseeducation on the future and not on the past.

UBIS equips students withindustry-specific curricula taught by

experienced industry experts. This isin addition to the university’straditional bachelor’s and master’sprogrammes and dual diplomas withrenowned United States institutions.“Everything that UBIS puts in placeis oriented towards getting a job ortaking off in a career,” Faniel says.“This differentiates our students in the job market.”

UBIS is present through itspartners in more than 15 countriesworldwide. Recognising developingeconomies as future centres ofgrowth for industries, UBIS isforming partnerships with like-minded universities throughout Asiato ensure a capable workforce.

Offering a combination of on-campus and online curriculaaccording to a student’s means,UBIS develops courses such asbanking and an executive Master of

Business Administration programmefor Asian students. It has partners inVietnam and on the mainlandincluding Hangzhou University.

UBIS plans to establish otheroperations in Asia and to collaboratewith a university close to Shanghaiand a state educational institution inMyanmar. “Students will get not onlyour experience but the experienceof all our partners,” Faniel says.

Young jobseekers’ skills must match market’s needs

Patrick Faniel, CEO

Backed by groundbreaking researchand excellent education, Swissuniversity ETH Zurich equips studentsin developing and transforming cities.Working closely with top universitiesin Asia, ETH Zurich applies basicresearch and knowledge to solvereal-world problems that threatenurban dwellers’ quality of life.

“We teach Switzerland’sengineers and architects. Weeducate the city planners of thefuture,” says Dr Ralph Eichler,president of ETH Zurich.

The university is funded largely bythe Swiss government. Its degreeofferings cover interdisciplinaryscientific fields such as urbanplanning, energy supply, foodsecurity, risk management andhuman health. With 17,000 students,ETH Zurich has been moulding highlyqualified engineers, architects andnatural scientists for more than 150 years.

Most of Switzerland’s top CEOsand engineers have studied or taughtat ETH Zurich.

There are 21Nobel laureatesassociated with the technicaluniversity, including Albert Einsteinwho was recognised in 1921for hiswork in theoretical physics.

ETH Zurich researcherscontributed significantly to thedevelopment of technologies such asthe complementary metal-oxidesemiconductors or control systems

for catalytic converters. ETH Zurich’sscientists have improved theunderstanding of diabetes, a majorglobal health challenge.

Experts at ETH Zurich have alsoshared key knowledge inengineering, surveying and geology,benefiting the construction of longtransport tunnels through the Alps.

“Autonomy is key to our success.More than 400 professors work at ouruniversity on risky, long-term projectsin search of innovative solutions,”Eichler says.

Working on global sustainability

studies, ETH Zurich collaborates withAsia’s distinguished institutions suchas the National University ofSingapore, University of Tokyo andTongji University in Shanghai. It linksSwiss universities with the mainland,South Korea, Japan and Singaporefor better understanding of Asianviews and cultures.

“Asia is where things will behappening in the future. We want tohelp companies understand modelcities and how technical and financialrisks, terrorism, culture and naturalhazards all interlink,” Eichler says.

ETH Zurich moulds nextgeneration of city planners

Main building of ETH Zurich, where famous Nobel prize winnerAlbert Einstein was a student and professor of physics. Photo: ETH Zurich

For a country with limited naturalresources, the practical skills andingenuity of its people have helpedSwitzerland to excel internationally.Such human resource assets havebeen honed in institutions thatoperate within an acclaimedresearch and education system.

Switzerland’s decentralisededucation system comprises federaland canton-run public universities,universities of applied sciences,university-level institutions, teachereducation universities, technicalcolleges and more than 240 privateschools. The system has helped theSwiss maintain top spot in the GlobalCompetitive Index for four straightyears. The country’s schools providea qualified labour force responsive tothe needs of the labour market andproduce an environment andinfrastructure conducive forresearch and innovation.

Key to educating a skilledworkforce is the melding of theorywith practical experience throughvocational courses. Switzerland’sVocational Education and Training(VET) combines school and industry-specific courses with work-basedlearning in paid apprenticeships.

Students can go to tertiary levelvia Professional Education andTraining (PET), which prepares

students for managerial positions.They can also attend the Universitiesof Applied Sciences (UAS).

Geared to keeping Switzerland’stalent relevant, the country’seducation system deems the role ofthe private sector crucial.Professional organisations andcompanies offer advice on thecompetencies that the market needs.They provide valuable insights ondrafting curricula and examinationrules for students’ courses.

Apprenticeships are available inmore than 300 occupations includingbiomedical, printing and packaging,tourism, human resources, financeand farming. Industry demanddetermines the number ofapprenticeships.

A key industry that emphasisespractical learning and internships isthe hospitality, hotel managementand tourism sector. Switzerland haslong been a favoured traveldestination and winter playground forroyalty and the rich, and has gained areputation for providing service fit forkings. Switzerland’s hospitality andhotel management schools haverefined their teaching methodologiesand processes to cultivate staff thatcan manage establishments thatprovide the highest level of service.

Ranked No 1 in the 2012 Global

Innovation Index by the UnitedNations World Intellectual PropertyOrganization and INSEAD,Switzerland is a leader in innovationand research. Swiss research andeducation are key to the country’sglobal success, thanks to anecosystem developed to lure the bestand brightest talents.

Educational institutes anduniversities attract doctoral students,faculty and researchers from aroundthe globe. Foreigners made up abouthalf of all doctoral candidates inSwitzerland in 2010. Students andresearchers are attracted by theacademic freedom, generousfunding and stimulating environment.

Basic research is conductedprimarily by universities such as theUniversity of Bern and federalinstitutes that include the SwissFederal Institute of TechnologyZurich and the École PolytechniqueFédérale de Lausanne. Theseinstitutions help to manage NationalCentres of Competence in Research(NCCRs), which focus on globaltopics such as climate, genetics,nanotechnology and space.

UAS institutions such as theUniversity of Applied Sciences andArts Northwestern Switzerland andthe University of Applied Sciencesand Arts of Southern Switzerlandconcentrate more on appliedresearch, with a focus onstrengthening links between theprivate sector and academia.

While the government providesresearch funds, which total about 3 per cent of total GDP, it refrainsfrom directing where funds are spentin order to remain neutral. It hasestablished independent entitiessuch as the Swiss National ScienceFoundation to administer the funding.Cross-pollination with the privatesector and strong internationalpartnerships enable students totranslate their findings into tangibleapplications that can benefit societyand the marketplace.

As competition increases inknowledge economies, Switzerland’seducational institutions remain key inkeeping the country ahead.

Education system nurturesstrong knowledge economy

Friday, March 15, 2013 S3

SPECIAL REPORT: SWITZERLAND COUNTRY REPORT

Allure that transcends luxury andinnovation that breaks the “Swisswatch mould”, while preservingmore than a century’s craft. Watchconnoisseurs may have countlessmore ways to differentiate thecharm of a Carl F. Bucherertimepiece, but one is certain: It isthe brand of elegance worn by theindependent thinker.

“A Carl F. Bucherer watch maynot be the first timepiece that youown, but we ensure that it will addvalue beyond its price to yourcollection,” says CEO SaschaMoeri. “Every piece is a slice ofSwiss history, perfected since 1888by one of the few remainingindependent, family-owned luxurywatch brands.”

Just as how visionary founderCarl Friedrich Bucherer cultivatedan individualistic business approachthat gave rise to a brand whoseauthenticity and sophisticationstand out, the company continues toraise the bar in the watchmakingindustry. Marking its 125thanniversary this year is a series ofmilestones – and at the heart of it isCarl F. Bucherer’s growing base ofdiscerning customers.

The first milestone is theintroduction of fresh masterpiecesto its four existing product lines.Among these is a second line ofladies’ watches that willcomplement Carl F. Bucherer’sAlacria range, which uses differentjewels to accentuate the beauty ofthe watch mechanism and carriesan eccentric design. Another is a

diver’s watch, which will addfunctional variety to the modernPatravi line.

Completing Carl F. Bucherer’sreleases are timepieces that willuse tourbillion mechanisms – acomplex feature that will makeevery Carl F. Bucherer watchaficionado’s heart leap and increase their exclusivity. Thecompany’s unrelenting pursuit ofaesthetic marvels and innovations isbacked by its roots in jewellerymaking and ability to produce itsown movements through Carl F. Bucherer Technologies.

“To be successful in thisindustry, you need tradition andheritage combined with passion and authenticity,” Moeri says. “Carl F. Bucherer is bound bytradition and driven by innovation.”

This is why Carl F. Bucherer haschosen an assertive yet calculatedapproach in expanding its markets,which have steadily grown to 30 countries since the company firstventured out of Switzerland. Asiancustomers, in particular, have beenimportant in the company’sphenomenal growth in the last twoyears, wherein the companyreported record-breaking sales andlong product waitlists.

Addressing the region’s growingdemand, the company will set upadditional boutiques, including threeon the mainland, where Bao Qi Lai –Carl F. Bucherer’s Chinese name – isamong the top-10 watch brands.China has surpassed the UnitedStates in terms of luxury watch

demand since 2011, according tothe WorldWatchReport publishedby Digital Luxury Group, and Carl F. Bucherer is ready for the surge.

The company collaborateswith a network of partnerdistributors such as watchretailer Xinyu Hengdeli,Emperor Watch & Jewellery,and Harmony on the mainlandor Prince Jewellery & Watchand Oriental Watch in HongKong. Carl F. Bucherer alsoworks with independent watchretailers in Macau, Tokyo,Bangkok and Dubai.

“We recognise our Asiancustomers’ highly evolvedtaste and their need fortrustworthy retailers,” Moerisays. “Our own regard forloyalty, trust and long-termrelationships – be it forcustomers, suppliers andpartners – guarantees ourcommitment.”

This promise includesraising the company’sproduction capacity greatlyfrom the present 20,000 pieces.Carl F. Bucherer also eyes newmarkets and plans to increase itspoints-of-sale from 350 to 500 incoming years.

“We have a clear roadmap to 2020, and we believe Carl F. Bucherer will continue tomake history,” Moeri says. “Itcontinues with this year becomingthe company’s best so far – for usand our customers worldwide.”

Sascha Moeri, CEO

Carl F. Bucherer unveilsmilestone timepieces

Sponsored section in co-operation with Discovery Reports

Europe’s most renowned and theworld’s largest sporting goodsretailer is pushing the envelopefurther as it rises as the industry’ssingle most formidable gamechanger.

Intersport InternationalCorporation solidified its position lastyear when it acquired The Athlete’sFoot (TAF) from United States-basedGlobal Franchise Group. Expandingthe company’s presence from 41countries to 63, the acquisitioninstantly added 430 TAF outlets toIntersport’s network of more than5,300 stores. It also opened the doorsto the group’s previously unexploredmarkets including the US, Mexico,Peru, Indonesia, the Philippines,Australia and New Zealand.

“Buying TAF after more than adecade of waiting for the bestopportunity to penetrate the US andother markets is not only a rightdecision but one of the biggestmilestones for Intersport,” says CEOFranz Julen. “TAF complementsIntersport’s performance-driven

multisport brands with its leisureathletic wear. More importantly, itleverages our global expansion.”

Among its fastest-growingmarkets, Asia is set to experience abigger Intersport presence throughIntersport’s multisport stores. Thesewill provide Asian sports enthusiastswith broader sportswear andequipment options, from Adidas toSpeedo, The North Face and otherinternational brands that have cometo trust Intersport. Intersport storeswill also grant access to exclusivebrands including McKinley, Firefly,TECNOpro, Etirel, Dynatour,Energetics and PRO TOUCH.

“Intersport’s philosophy ofmultisport, multibrand and expertauthority lives on as we expandglobally – but while we have asuccessful European concept, weare extremely focused on localisingour approach to suit the customers ineach market,” Julen says. “We havegreat respect for the Asian culture,and we make a point of adaptingconcepts to Asian clients’ needs.”

Such strategy has beensuccessful in South Korea, whereIntersport launched its first Asianstore in 2010 through a masterfranchise with Seoul-based retailerLG Fashion. Intersport has sinceexpanded to nine branches and is setto grow further, thanks to thecountry’s strong brand awarenessand focus on athletic performance.

This bold foray helped Intersportprepare for a much bigger and morechallenging market – China.

In partnership with Fujian NewHuadu Supercenter, Intersport isscheduled to open 80 to 100 storesthroughout 10 provinces acrosssouthern China in the next five years.As with its South Korean shops,Intersport China will adapt to thelocal taste and feature strongChinese brands such as Li-Ning in itscatalogue.

Intersport’s first China store willopen in August, marking thecompany’s reinforced commitment tothe country and the entire Asianmarket. Intersport envisions its Asianoperations reaching US$1billion inannual sales from as many as 500 outlets in the region by 2022.

“Achieving this target is not hardto imagine, especially since wesurpassed the ¤10.3 billion [HK$106.6 billion] mark for annualretail sales for the first time last year,”Julen says. “We are optimistic thesporting goods industry will keepflourishing due to continuing globalmegatrends – an ageing yetincreasingly fit demographic; questfor work-life balance through sports;emphasis on an active sports lifestyle for both fun and health; andwomen as an escalating market-driving force.”

While its internationalisationstrategy is nearing completion withits acquisition of TAF and progressivegrowth in Asia, Intersport has yet totire of spreading its brand message“sport to the people”.

“The more you enjoy doingsomething, the more you do it. Weinspire people to enjoy sports, whichin turn can help them becomemotivated, happier and fulfilled,”Julen says.

“We take it as a big responsibilityas the leader in sporting goods tobring that to Asia and worldwide.”

‘Sport to the people’ campaignreinforces Intersport’scommitment to Asian region

Franz Julen, CEO

As products become moresophisticated, the demand for quality and safety also increases.Manufacturers then turn to analysisand measurement techniques todevelop high-quality products.

INFICON is in the business ofimproving productivity andminimising liability claims. “We keeppeople safe,” says Lukas Winkler,president and CEO of INFICON. “We ensure manufacturers produce quality products that keeppeople and the environment safe and secure.”

A leading provider ofmeasurement instruments, sensortechnologies and advanced processcontrol software, INFICONmanufactures products used todetect gas leaks in refrigerators, airconditioners and vehicles. Thecompany’s vacuum processtechnology benefits equipmentmanufacturers, semiconductorfabricators and optics companies.This technology also producesspecialised products for toxicchemical analysis that the military,environmental and emergencyresponse teams use worldwide.

INFICON values long-termcollaboration with its clients.Working closely with customers,

INFICON’s expert team of engineersand physicists develop measuringtools that reduce scrap and increaseyield. INFICON continues to invest inproduct research and technologydevelopment even withoutimmediate returns.

“Our technology is strong andadvanced,” Winkler says. “Whenmanufacturers develop a product,we make sure that we have a deviceavailable even before the newproduct is released in the market.”

INFICON operates manufacturingfacilities in the United States, Europeand on the mainland. It hassubsidiaries worldwide, making it the

leading player in the refrigeration andair-conditioning leak detectionindustry and the semiconductordevice manufacturers market.

Responding to Asia’s growingdemand, INFICON ships most of its products in the region. It hopes to gain traction in Asia’s automotiveindustry and equipment vacuumapplications by engaging inpartnerships.

“The market is growing in China,”Winkler says. “To be close to thecustomer means we need to have aresearch and manufacturing facilitythat is close to the customer too. We are here for the long haul.”

INFICON spurs leakdetection technology research

Lukas Winkler,president and CEO

to 74 worldwide. Nearly 60 outletsare in Asia where the company seestremendous growth as it movesbeyond its European and NorthAmerican markets. Asian customersare supported by Victorinox’ssubsidiary in Hong Kong, offices inShanghai, Beijing, Taiwan and agrowing presence in Singapore,Malaysia and Thailand.

“China is a top priority. We havea clear multichannel andmulticategory strategy inapproaching the market, which wewill roll out this year,” says globalbrand manager Veronika Elsener.“We also look forward to workingwith potential Asian partners anddesigners to create products thatwill appeal to the region.”

The next five years will seeVictorinox further investing inbranding and retail, with its timeless brand ambassador – theSwiss Army knife – at the centre of it all.

“It is not so much about thenumber of stores we are opening,but the holistic brand experiencethat we want to provide ourcustomers worldwide,” Elsener Jrsays.

“We do not look at quarterlyfigures; we think in generations. Justas we perfected the Swiss Armyknife through nonstop innovation,we will continue striving for thesatisfaction of our customers,motivation of our people and qualityof our products.”

Beyond being the mostrecognised versatiletool, the Swiss Armyknife is an icon of quality,ingenuity and

craftsmanship, much like its makerVictorinox has been for more than acentury. While its products havegrown from cutlery to timepieces,travel gear, fashion and fragrances,the company’s philosophy lives on:Victorinox – companion for life.

“Our customers carry the SwissArmy knife in their pocket, timepieceon their wrist, fashion on their bodyand fragrance on their skin. Theysend us countless storiesrecounting how Victorinox has keptthem company in their adventures,survival and even everyday lives,”

says CEO Carl Elsener Jr. “They arethe inspiration for our slogan and thereason why our products, whileincreasingly becoming diversified,are all anchored on the heritage ofthe Swiss Army knife.”

Continuing the legacy ofVictorinox founder and his greatgrandfather Karl Elsener, Elsener Jrrecognises that keeping the family-run company focused yet adaptablewas the key to making it relevant formore than 128 years. Responding tocustomers’ clamour for more high-quality products, Victorinox releasedtimepieces in 1989. The line’ssuccess paved the way for othercategories including travel gear, andled to the opening of Victorinox retailstores in 2001.

Which product best describesVictorinox today? Elsener Jr saysthat Victorinox Swiss Army knivesequipped with USB flash drivesdemonstrate how the company canpreserve tradition, explore moderntechnology and combine the two seamlessly.

Another model, the VictorinoxTomo, represents creativity and thecompany’s advocacy for theenvironment. Featuring 100 per centrecycled and reusable cellulosepackaging, the Tomo borrowsdesign principles from ZenBuddhism and Kirigami executed byJapanese designer KazumaYamaguchi and Tokyo-based labelAbitax. Complementing thetraditionally masculine Swiss Army

knife, the softer Tomo appeals to awider consumer base, particularlywomen.

Equally indispensable, forexample, is the Night Visiontimepiece which integrates low-consumption light-emitting diodesfor dial illumination, flashlight and strobe functions.

“I tell the developmentdepartment: always put the SwissArmy knife on the table when youwork on a new Victorinox product,”Elsener Jr says. “Imagine how youcan replicate the quality,functionality, innovation and iconicdesign of this little red knife.”

Such imagination has come along way as Victorinox flagship andbrand stores have since expanded

Swiss Army knife inspires holistic Victorinox brand

Carl Elsener Jr, CEO


SPECIAL REPORT: SWITZERLAND COUNTRY REPORTSponsored section in co-operation with Discovery Reports

Leadership in one field can pave theway to leadership in another.Global thrill ride giant Intaminapplies its expertise in movingpeople smoothly around theme

parks to public transport systemsworldwide.

Backed by 45 years of amusement rideexperience, Intamin branched into IntaminTransportation and Intamin AmusementRides in 2011, signalling the growingimportance of its monorail division.

Like its signature roller coasters,Intamin’s People Mover Systems aredistinguished by engineering excellencethat showcases their adaptability to anyenvironment. Intamin’s mountain monorailin Arosa, Switzerland, has a maximumincline of 52 per cent, while its test planttrain in Moscow can operate in minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Specialising in small to mediumprojects, such as the 9,300-metre-long

Xi'an monorail, allows Intamin tomanufacture on a smaller, moreeconomical scale. Ideal for countries suchas the mainland, Germany and Italy,Intamin’s monorails have low operatingcosts because of their high degree ofautomation. With virtually no emissions, itsmonorails are also environmentally sound.

The flagships of Intamin Transportation,the People Mover P30 and P35 feature thecompany’s communications-basedautomatic train guidance system. Intaminwill open a P30 as the Rivers Monorail inPort Harcourt, Nigeria in October.

Another P30 in Bologna, set to opennext year, will move approximately 1,500 people per hour within seven minutesfrom the airport to the main train station.Solar panels installed along the length ofthe track provide clean energy for thesystem.

As a theme park ride powerhouse,Intamin continues to set records for the

fastest, tallest and most popular rides. Its“Skyrush”, with its breakthrough restraintsystem, won the 2012 Brass Ring Award forBest New Product.

Intamin’s creations, such as theAtlantic Adventure Aquatrax at Lotte Worldin South Korea and Giant Drop inGuangzhou, are guaranteed crowddrawers for theme park developers.

In addition to supplying attractions,Intamin supports park developers withcomplete packages including engineering,fabrication and after-sales support. It looksto share its expertise with a top-qualityfabricator willing to work exclusively forthe long term.

“When we build a roller coaster, itworks like a Swiss clock,” says presidentPatrick Spieldiener. “So there’s almost no maintenance, no noise and you get avery smooth ride that is completelydifferent from something anyone elsewould build.” Quijang P8 Tourist Rail waiting for passengers at the station

Amusement ride leader accelerates intomonorail production

After reaching the height ofEuropean design excellence, Laufentakes Asia by storm with its award-winning bathroom solutions. Havingmarked its 120th anniversary lastyear, the company is investing inrefining its production processes anddeveloping the latest materials with renewed vigour.

The company’s commitment toquality and design has given rise toits latest line of ceramic bathroompieces. Made of Laufen’srevolutionary material calledSaphirKeramik, the pieces can bemoulded into various forms that were not previously possible withordinary ceramics.

The exceptional hardness ofSaphirKeramik allows the expressionof contemporary architectural ideasinto a more delicate design thatmakes bold use of shapes and lines.

“The innovation of this materialwill really change the game inceramics,” says Alberto Magrans,senior managing director of LaufenBathroom Products division.SaphirKeramik’s superior strengthalso allows ceramic parts to be made with simpler structures andthinner walls.

This results in the use of lessmaterial, lower product weight and other benefits in terms ofsustainability. The raw materials and

energy used for firing, productionand transport are significantly less.

SaphirKeramik debuted inJanuary this year, with its first seriesof products available on the marketbeginning this month. Theseproducts include Laufen’s newgeneration of “super toilets” – highefficiency water closets, featuringthe same functionality using muchless water.

Laufen’s comprehensive productrange complements its commitmentto provide complete bathroomsolutions, which includes servicing

architects, interior designers andproperty developers.

“We want to extend the serviceconcept starting on the very first daywhen the project is only a sketch inthe mind of the architect,” Magranssays. “We want to offer products andprovide solutions and support.”

To better serve the decisionmakers involved in the selection andinstallation of its products, Laufenoperates a regional projects hub in Singapore.

Laufen opened a sleekshowroom there together with alocal partner in October last year tofurther expand its position.

With the mainland among thecompany’s top five markets, Laufenhas also opened ultramodernshowrooms in Beijing and Shanghaiwhere it has close relations withleading developers and masterdealers. Laufen has a dedicatedteam on the mainland and maintainsan office in Hong Kong.

Laufen’s dynamic Asianoperations are being extendedfurther with a major client in Vietnamand its openness to alliances withdiscerning partners. “Our brand isbased on quality, design andSwissness,” Magrans says. “Ourpartners need to understand thesevalues and our concept of service tothe final users of our products.”

Swiss bathroom culture sweeps Asia

Alberto Magrans, seniormanaging director, LaufenBathroom Products Division

From penny candy to premium candy– Ricola founder Emil Richterich hasproven that with hard work and theright mix of Swiss mountain herbs, ahumble side business can grow intoone of the world’s leading candycompanies.

Ricola started as a candy shop,which Richterich opened tosupplement his small bakery in the1930s. Candies made from herbs andfruits were among his wideselection. Focusing on varietiesbased on his special 13-herb mixture,Richterich gradually grew Ricolawith the support of his wife and son.The company has flourished duelargely to its strong family culture.

Ricola produces an assortmentof soothing drops, lozenges, pearlsand pastilles out of its manufacturingfacilities in Switzerland. Thecompany only uses herbs grownorganically in the Swiss mountains. It combines these with other naturalingredients to produce flavours suchas apple mint, honey herb and mixedberry.

“We can guarantee that ourmixture contains only real Swissherbs cultivated according to ourstandards,” says chairman FelixRichterich, grandson of the

company’s founder. Apart from theirdistinct flavours, the herbalcombinations in Ricola candies alsosoothe sore throats, coughs andcolds. They also have added benefitssuch as vitamin C.

As Ricola develops newproducts based on its 13-herbmixture such as chewing gum andherbal tea, it remains focused onherbal candy. This emphasis hasallowed it to succeed in 50 countriesacross Europe, the United Statesand Asia.

Ricola’s trademark quirky yethighly effective advertising isrecognisable worldwide. “Our vision is that wherever you go in theworld, you’ll find Ricola candy,” Felix Richterich says.

Ricola marks its 40th year in Asiawhere it has firmly established itsregional presence beginning withJapan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The company is a topconfectionery brand in Singapore,the base of its Asia-Pacificoperations. It also has subsidiariesand importers throughout the region.Ricola has also developed gum-based candy flavours andpackaging specifically for Asianconsumers.

Ricola aims to reach moreconsumers in other Asian marketssuch as Indonesia, Malaysia and themainland. The company is looking tobuild long-term relationships withdistribution partners with robustportfolios and ready access tobuyers and outlets.

“We have a lot of plans for theAsian markets,” Felix Richterichsays. “We are working on expandingour distribution in the region whilekeeping our Swiss heritage and ourpremium approach.”

Ricola marks 40 flavourful years in Asia

Felix Richterich, chairman

Counterfeits may come with lowprice tags, but their hidden cost istremendous. Comprising about 10 per cent of the world’s trade –and up to 80 per cent of someproducts trading in some Asiancountries – counterfeits causebillions of dollars in losses forcompanies that spend yearsbuilding up their brands. Inindustries such as pharmaceuticals,counterfeits also jeopardise thesafety of consumers.

Most businesses recognise theissue but they struggle to pinpointthe problem’s stage andgeographical location in theirdistribution chain. Securitysolutions provider U-NICA Groupadvises companies on intellectualproperty protection and assiststhem in integrating securitysolutions into their products.

“We are helping companies tosave money,” says president andCEO Alfred Rutz. “If you lose 10 per cent of your revenue throughcounterfeiting and can reduce this

loss to 2 per cent, that’s a very goodreturn on investment.”

U-NICA develops its technologyportfolio in collaboration with clientsand European research anddevelopment (R&D) institutions.Eight out of 10 U-NICA employeesare experts with extensive productsecurity backgrounds.

Health care, electronics, foodand beverage, fast-moving

consumer goods and governmentare among the sectors that rely onU-NICA’s solutions. The company’slatest solutions include thescryptoTRACE, which allowsconsumers to distinguish fakes fromoriginals using their smartphones.

U-NICA is positioning itself as akey player in combating thecounterfeiting problem in Asia. Itopened its Shanghai and Vietnamcustomer support centres last yearand plans to establish more servicehubs in Southeast Asia to enablefaster response times in servingcustomers.

Already in talks with FudanUniversity, U-NICA is open toregional R&D partnerships andremains selective of its clients andtechnology partners.

“Companies producing high-security products for theChinese market are trustworthypartners,” Rutz says. “Together, ourresources and innovation will havemore implementation power in this big market.”

U-NICA secures world’s brandswith protective technologies

Companiesproducing high-securityproducts for theChinese marketare trustworthypartnersAlfred Rutz President and CEO


SPECIAL REPORTSponsored section in co-operation with Discovery Reports

A trailblazer in applying the practicaluse of robotics in physical therapy,Reha Technology is boosting itsreputation in Asia through itsinternationally patented system forgait rehabilitation.

Called the G-EO System, thetechnology is geared towards havinga patient regain motor skills,especially in walking. It offers avariety of training modes, entailsshort setup times, and significantlyreduces the risks of patient injuryduring therapy sessions. Thisinnovation benefits patients sufferingfrom stroke, brain and spinal cord

injuries, and also Parkinson’s orother neuromuscular diseases. “Oursystem offers a high repetition rate,which is more effective for patientswho need to relearn walking. Thismakes the work less demanding fortherapists,” says Caroline Mur, RehaTechnology’s vice-president forproduct management.

The system is the world’s firstdevice to offer the ability to train stairclimbing up and down, whileensuring the safety of the patientwith a harness.

Reha Technology launched itslatest offering called Mov-EO

System in the fourth quarter lastyear. This innovation was developedfor the early treatment of the lowerextremities for in-bed patients inpreparation for treatment on the G-EO System.

René Trost, Reha TechnologyCEO, says the company will open anoffice in Hong Kong as part of itsglobal expansion programme. It alsoplans to strengthen this year thealready distinct distributor networkin 25 countries, which would includeGreater China, Singapore, Malaysia,South Korea and India.

The company is processing itscertification on the mainland fromthe State Food and DrugAdministration.

After introducing its products topotential partners in Kunming in 2011,Reha Technology will return to themainland in June for theInternational Society of Physical andRehabilitation Medicine WorldCongress in Beijing. The company isworking with distributor Deltason tostrengthen its foothold in China.

“Reha Technology forgesexclusive distributor relationshipswith partners that have the capacityto support the company, in terms ofgiving training for systemoperations,” Trost says.

Reha Technology providesbetter life with G-EO System

René Trost, CEO

An international engineering groupwith Swiss roots, Molinari Railapplies a 360-degree approach toensure system optimisation andpassenger safety in railways.

With its broad vehicle design andengineering expertise, the companyhas helped enhance valuable publictransport vehicles throughoutEurope, South America and theUnited States. Its know-how extendsfrom metros, intercity trains andlocomotives to fleet operation andrailway vehicle maintenance.

Molinari is also at the forefront ofcreating next-generation systems. It helped GE, for example, design fuel-efficient locomotives to meetupcoming stringent emissionstandards. “Our expertise is deeplyrooted in some 50 years of rollingstock design and manufacturing,”says Michele Molinari, presidentand CEO. “Clients come to us whenthey need someone familiar with thelatest technology and who is open,fast and pragmatic in bringing thenecessary information down to theground, wherever that may be.”

Renowned for designingelectrical and diesel multiple units,passenger coaches and locomotivesto the last detail, the company servesclients including Siemens,Bombardier, Alstom, Stadler Rail, GEand ABB. Deutsche Bahn, SwissFederal Railways and Veolia

Transport are also long-standingclients.

Molinari is contributing to Asia’srailway modernisation. It has openeda subsidiary in Kuala Lumpur to easetechnology adoption for the region’smetros and suburban and intercityrailway operations.

“There are significant projectsunder way. We are focusing onMalaysia to help make railway vehicle upgrading a success. Wewill reach the rest of Southeast Asia,particularly Indonesia, from there,”Molinari says.

Working with Scomi of Malaysia,Molinari helped customise monorailsto suit local design and passengerrequirements in Brazil and India.

The company welcomescollaboration with railway operators,engine manufacturers and transportconsultants on designing upcomingmetros and modernisation projects in Asia.

Molinari is also helping mainlandcompanies manufacture suitablelocomotives and passenger vehiclesfor export to different markets.

Molinari Rail eases technologyadoption for Asia’s metros

Michele Molinari, president and CEO

delight and Swissness, Kägi literallydelivers Swiss quality in every bite.Using premium-quality ingredients –from the milk powder to sugar, wheatand cocoa beans that are inspectedthoroughly, Kägi wafers do notcrumble at the first bite.

Kägi wafers and butter biscuitsare 100 per cent produced inLichtensteig, among Switzerland’sheritage sites in the Toggenburgregion where Kägi Söhne has beenbased since 1934. Kägi products havea homemade feel with wafer andchocolate produced in-house,containing no preservatives, artificialcolouring or any genetically modifiedorganisms.

Kägi Söhne remains true toSwitzerland’s chocolate heritage,applying traditional processingmethods such as conching – arefining method invented by theSwiss in 1879. Kägi chocolate isconched for at least 52 hours,creating the distinctly fine taste andaroma Swiss chocolate isknown for.

Kägi Söhne productsare gently cooled offbefore being packed incold seal foil wrappers.The company’s entireproduction line istemperature controlled. It also uses refrigeratedcontainers to ship theproducts to various exportmarkets.

“We are looking forsmiling consumersin every exportmarket. This isour missionbecause ifyou canmakepeoplesmile withyourproduct,you givethem a

little break from the stress of life. Youmake them happy for two minutes,”Siegfried says.

With its “Talk of the Town”campaign, Kägi Söhne extends thebliss throughout Asia this year. Thecompany will showcase the Swissheritage behind the Kägi brandthrough Swiss-styled boothsdepicting Lichtensteig community lifeand ambience. It evokes happychildhood memories, one of the manyreasons why Swiss folk love theirKägi.

The Kägi cable car will befeatured in popular malls inSingapore and Japan. Kägi Söhnealso intends to introduce the Kägiexperience to more Asians throughduty-free shops, hotel chains andsocial media channels.

“We are developing and stayingwithin these niche markets,”Siegfried says. “The advantage in thefood business is that almost everyone

can afford to buy a Kägi andour assortment suits the

Asian market.”

Otto Kägi created a Swissclassic in 1952 – crisp,delicate wafersenveloped in a coating ofdelicious chocolate. After

more than half a century, thechocolate wafers, traditionally knownas Toggi or Kägi fret, have becomepart of Swiss heritage. Nine out of 10people in Switzerland are familiarwith the treat.

“The secret is we never changedthe recipe,” says Beat Siegfried, CEOof Kägi Söhne, the manufacturer ofKägi. “The taste is really appreciatedall over. It is the key success factor ofthe product.”

Making history with its first exportconsignment to Los Angeles in 1956,Kägi Söhne has helped make Swissspeciality biscuits famous all over theworld. Exporting 40 per cent of itsproduction, the company continuestrailblazing with its aim to make Kägia household name in Asia startingthis year.

There is momentum for this goal.Asian consumers have a taste forWestern goods, and chocolate is aSwiss luxury that is easily accessibleto the region’s burgeoning middle-class population.

With the support of establishedAsian partners, Kägi chocolate-covered wafers already have adedicated following amongconnoisseurs in the region. Theywere introduced in Japan 40 yearsago through an exclusive distributor,a long-standing partner with whichKägi Söhne still has second-generation ties.

Dynamic partners in Hong Kong,the mainland and Singapore havealso strengthened the brand’s reach,making Kägi visible at specialityshops, supermarkets andconvenience stores in key locationsincluding Hong Kong, Shanghai andBeijing.

Kägi products are pleasing to theAsian palate, with a basic recipe thatis not too sweet. Evoking gastronomic

Kägi makes Swisswafers that appeal to Asian taste

Beat Siegfried, CEO



Chapel Bridge and MountPilatus aside, tourists fromthe mainland have onemore reason to loveLucerne. Against a

backdrop of quintessential Swisscharm and service excellence,LucerneHealth gives internationalvisitors an ideal retreat for receivingfirst-rate medical care.

“Lucerne is a pleasantenvironment,” says managingdirector Dr Dieter Baumgartner. “It’squiet, beautiful and very conduciveto healing and getting healthyagain.”

Among the first to contribute tothe growth of medical tourism inSwitzerland, LucerneHealth is an

association of hospitals, clinicallaboratories, medical technologyand pharmaceutical companies andsix premium hotels based in Lucerne.The association aims to providetailor-made medical treatment that istruly patient-friendly.

LucerneHealth’s member-hospitals accommodate patients ofall ages in their native language andculture and specialise in translatingpatients’ medical documents. Theassociation looks after patients fromthe beginning to the end of their stay,including airport pickup upon arrivalto hotel booking for patients andtheir companions.

The association’s member-healthcare facilities are state-of-the-art,

embodying Switzerland’s reputationfor top medical expertise andtechnology. Its member-hospitalshave successfully cared for patientswho have undergone treatmentelsewhere. LucerneHealth’s keyspecialities in its comprehensiverange of services include advanceddiagnostics, spinal cord injuries,neurosurgery and interdisciplinarycancer treatment.

“One of our strengths is thattreating physicians really talk toeach other,” Baumgartner says.“Every patient is given thoroughattention between disciplines withina hospital and between hospitals.”

Prevention plays a key role instaying healthy. With this in mind,LucerneHealth has designed check-ups ideal for travellers. A growing number of the travellersavailing of these programmes comefrom the mainland.

Individual patients may come fora daylong executive check-up withfocused checks for known problemssuch as heart, urinary tract andwomen’s diseases. Speciallydesigned for groups of fourtravellers, half-day business check-ups take place at facilities close tothe main railway. Both examinationsemphasise personalised counselling.

“Patients don’t just come here,go through a machine and get awritten report two weeks later,”Baumgartner says. “When theyleave, we want them to know whatthey should do to get better.”

To better serve patients comingfrom the mainland, LucerneHealthlooks to ally itself with luxury travelclubs and tourism companies thatwould like to offer medical tourismpackages. Particularly active inBeijing and Nanjing, the associationworks with government agenciesand plans to develop its patient basefrom the mainland along with otheroverseas markets.

LucerneHealth creates haven for rest, healing and well-being

Dieter Baumgartner, managing director

own herb and vegetable garden,produces its own beef, veal and wineand sources only local produce suchas lemons and apples.

“We know where our productscome from. Quality and safety arenever compromised,” Durrer says.

Villa Honegg’s roots reveal alegacy of caring. The family-owned

Beyond Lucerne’s “Golden Circuit”tourist route, and hidden from theregion’s famous revolving restauranton Mount Pilatus, lies a haven ofunderstated luxury and relaxation –Hotel Villa Honegg.

The century-old hotel sits on theridge of Mount Bürgenstock,overlooking Lake Lucerne.Refurbished in 2011, it offers guestspeace, privacy and personalisedservice against a backdrop ofSwitzerland’s finest mountain views.

“We know every customer andmake them feel like this is theirprivate mansion,” says Peter Durrer,Villa Honegg general manager.

Keeping its original structure, thehotel was renovated using modern,high-quality fixtures combined with adecor of nature’s rich hues. Top-grainleather cover lounge chairs andcouches and deluxe timbers line thehotel’s floors.

“We retained the soul of the oldhotel, but everything inside is new,”Durrer says.

Accommodating up to 60 guestsat a time, Villa Honegg offersamenities including conferencerooms, a cinema and enchantingviews of the Alps. Its culinaryofferings use local, all-naturalproducts and ingredients. It grows its

bed and breakfast, built in 1905,became a haven for woundedsoldiers during the first world war.This continues to this day.

The hotel is a member ofLucerneHealth – an association ofhospitals, pharmaceutical companiesand premium hotels in Lucerneknown for its medical and

rehabilitation treatment. Tappingmarkets in Asia, Villa Honeggpartners with tourist agencies on themainland and in Japan.

“Asia is a new market for us. We want to fulfil their expectations.We’d like to see 15 per cent of ourmarket come from China or Asia,”Durrer says.

Hotel Villa Honegg continuescentury-old legacy of caring

Hotel Villa Honegg

Innovation can be found in the mostunexpected places, such as thesmall Swiss mountain village ofTenna where the population is about110 and the main livelihood isfarming. Tenna stepped into theglobal spotlight in 2011when itlaunched the first-ever solar-powered ski lift – thanks tomechanical engineering expertBartholet Maschinenbau Flums(Switzerland) (BMF).

What makes the invention abreakthrough is its capability togenerate 90,000 kilowatt hours ofelectricity, powering not only the ski lift but also as many as 12 homesannually. “This project representshow BMF leads green, efficient andcost-effective innovations,” saysCEO Thomas Spiegelberg.

BMF has been instrumental inbuilding some of the world’s mosticonic ropeways, concreteformworks, special constructionsand amusement park facilitiesthrough subsidiary SwissRides formore than 50 years.

Among BMF’s latest high-profile

installations are detachable six-seater chairlifts in premier Swissresort Laax. Developed withPorsche Design Studios, the seatsare heated for comfort usingmounted solar panels and rotate ona 45-degree angle to provide

passengers a panoramic view.Leveraging its capability as the firstsupplier in ropeways construction,BMF used innovative materials suchas carbon – enabling the chairlifts tobe the fastest in the Swiss market atsix metres per second.

Such an edge combining Swissquality, solution-orientedengineering and customisationenables BMF to deliver projects asfar as Asia, where its outstandinginstallations include monorails inTaiwan and the Swiss Pavilion’schairlift ride at Shanghai World Expo2010. SwissRides also made wavesin Shenzhen with the “Grand FlumeRide”, its first underwater projectwhich debuted as the longestwatercourse amusement ride in the world.

“We aim to bring more Swissinnovations to Asia, particularly themainland, Taiwan and South Korea,”Spiegelberg says. “We look forwardto working with similarly open-minded and innovative partners andhaving five to 10 more installations inthe region in the next five years.”

World’s first solar ski lift reflects BMF ingenuity

Thomas Spiegelberg, CEO

Staying one step ahead of customerneeds has made MüllerTechnologies the recognised brandfor top-quality thermal breakassembly machines that aluminiumextrusion plants rely on for the long term.

As industries switch to high gearin Asia, the company underlines itscommitment to the region with itslatest innovation, the TypeAdvanced rolling machine.

“The Advanced rolling machinewill make it easier for Asia’s mainplayers, especially on the mainland,to create new possibilities with the more complex shapes of the profiles,” says Urs Müller, Müller Technologies managingdirector.

Müller sees demand for themachine building up on themainland over the next two years.Thermal break assembly equipment,such as the Advanced rollingmachine, produce thermallyinsulated aluminium profiles usedfor doors, windows and curtainwalls on buildings.

With about 10 per cent of the

mainland’s aluminium extrusionplants using the standard Müllerrolling technology, the field is wideopen for more progressive playersto tap into high-end buildingconstruction opportunities.

Using the Advanced rolling

technology, they can broaden theirproduct range while saving onlabour costs and the downtime froma machine changeover.

Müller Technologies worksclosely with its customers to design,manufacture and assemble tailoredmachines before installing them on-site. Completely automatic andallowing for a lot of adjustments, theAdvanced rolling machine has beena commercial success in Europesince its launch.

The company is also eyeingopportunities for its tapingmachines, which apply a protectiveplastic film on the surface of paintedprofiles before going throughknurling and all the other postprocesses. The company is keen onexploring new applications for themachine in Asia.

“As an engineering company,we have the technical advantage tocreate better machines for anyapplication in Asia,” Müller says.

Müller Technologies will attendmore exhibitions with its localagents to demonstrate thecapabilities of its new machines.

Müller Technologies’ innovativemachines create new possibilities

Urs Müller, managing director

Insulating, rapid hardening, self-curing, lightweight structural andultra high strength – concrete in itsvarious forms is shaping cities.Behind many of these innovations is CEMEX Research Group (CRG). A research and developmentcentre and owner of intellectualproperties of global cement giantCEMEX, CRG intends to share thisknow-how to build the cities andinfrastructure of tomorrow.

“We have an attractive portfolioof intellectual capital and we’reoffering this to create business,”says Davide Zampini, CRG head andits director for product developmentand construction trends. “We’reexploring opportunities to apply ourinnovations to our operations and toAsian local businesses andgovernments.”

Sustainability and appeal are

high on the construction agenda.CRG is licensing its ready-mix greenproduction technology, which usesrecycled water and aggregates, tocountries such as the mainland,Malaysia and Bangladesh. Localauthorities are also consulting CRGfor environmentally friendlytechnology.

“We’re also trying to create theright emotional attachment toconcrete. We talk about concretejungles and it’s not necessarily apositive connotation,” Zampinisays. “We’re working witharchitects to design the rightconcrete urban environment that’sappealing and respectful of theenvironment, in addition to beingfunctional.”

This approach is showcased inCRG’s “housing for employees”project in the Philippines. Adopting

an integrated solutions approach,thermally insulated concrete andarchitectural designs that considerwind direction, CRG has achievedthe design of ideal comfort levelsfor the houses. The project alsofeatures water-recycling facilitiesusing CEMEX’s pervious concreteand water management systems.

As CRG welcomescollaborations, it assures potentialpartners and clients that its officesworldwide, especially on themainland, come with the total globalsupport of the CEMEX group.

“We aim to be agile and flexiblein our business model,” Zampinisays. “If you want to adopt ourready-mix business know-how, useour software package or controlprocesses, you’re more thanwelcome. We don’t put any barrierson who can be our partners.”

CRG builds the cities of tomorrow

Davide Zampini, head ofCEMEX Research Group and director for productdevelopment and construction trends



DeWitt founder JeromeNapoleon de Witt hasalways been passionateabout watches. As adirect descendant of

Napoleon Bonaparte, his familyinherited a watch collection thatbelonged to the emperor.

When he fell ill one day, Jerome de Witt’s mother presentedthe watches to him in an effort toconsole him.

He started tinkering with thewatches until the parts unravelled. It took a long time for de Witt to repair the watches but eventually, he was able to fix them.

“That was how he started. Hehas never had any formal training buthe is a very technical person. Heeven restores vintage cars. He likesputting things together. It’s a naturalgift,” says CEO and managing partnerViviane de Witt. “He implemented aphilosophy of high horology, makingthings that have never been donebefore.”

Jerome de Witt’s impressiveancestral heritage did not just comefrom being part of the Bonapartefamily. He is also a descendant ofKing Leopold of Belgium.

Hailing from an imperial line,Jerome de Witt has strongleadership qualities. He defined abold vision for the company: hautehorlogerie. Jerome de Witt aims tobe daringly different andunconventional to manufacture highcomplication watches. For Jeromede Witt, lending a new spin to acenturies-old tradition of

watchmaking is what makes thecompany stand out.

DeWitt houses its watchmakingactivities inside its 5,000 square-metre manufacture facility. Asidefrom design, production and qualitycontrol processes, DeWitt also hasan in-house research anddevelopment department. This iswhere the company manufactures itsown movement.

The manufacture facility isequipped with modern machinery todevelop new watchmakingtechniques. Even with the latesttechnologies, DeWitt still upholdstraditional watchmaking techniquessuch as the guilloché engraving onhistorical 18th and 19th century rose-engine machines.

DeWitt unveiled its firstexceptional timepiece in 2003, atourbillion chronograph, the Pressy

Grande Complication. Just two yearsafter the launch of its first tourbillion,DeWitt was awarded first prize forinnovation at the Grand Prix del’Horlogerie de Genève for anothertourbillion, the Academia TourbillonDifférentiel. This distinctioncatapulted DeWitt to the top of the haute horlogerie hierarchy.

Fuelling the passion of watchcollectors worldwide, DeWitt islaunching three new watch lines atmore economic price points as itcelebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Still embodying the style andquality standards for which DeWitt isknown, the new collections will serveas gateways for people who want toown timepieces that are products ofthe world-renowned Swisswatchmaking legacy.

DeWitt is tailoring new classicallines of watches that are lighter andsmaller to match the desires of itscustomers, particularly the Chinese.Along with the new watch lines, thecompany will also package itswatches in a newly designed iconicbox that is recognisably DeWitt.

“We are keeping the DeWitt DNAwith the new collection. We want ourwatches to be more available tomany people,” says Viviane de Witt.“We are expanding our collection tocome across more collectors andother people wanting to acquire aDeWitt watch but could not do sobecause of the price.”

DeWitt watches are marketedthrough the company’s extensiveretail network across the globe.

The company has points-of-sale inSingapore, Taiwan and Macau.There are also flagship boutiques inHong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

In line with its strategy to attract awider base of customers, DeWitt isredesigning its flagship boutique inHong Kong.

DeWitt intends to bring the brandcloser to customers to share itsfervour for watches. The companyplans to open new points-of-sale toraise the brand’s profile in Asia and tofamiliarise watch collectors withDeWitt watches.

DeWitt’s imperial rootsinspire the creation of opulent watches

Viviane de Witt (seated), CEO and managing partner, and Jerome de Witt, president and founder We are keepingthe DeWitt DNAwith the newcollection. Wewant our watchesto be moreavailable to manypeopleViviane de Witt CEO and managing partner

Size does matter in manufacturing,and micro-turning specialist Polydecproves its small, high-quality partsplay a huge role worldwide. Globally,five out of every 10 cars use Polydecparts.

Barely visible to the naked eye,many of Polydec’s complex piecesare less than 1mm in diameter, and insome cases even 0.1mm.

Though its company size mimicsits product size, Polydec has hadenormous influence on majorsectors for 27 years. “We are small,yet we produce 35 to 40 million partsmonthly,” says Claude Konrad,owner, president and co-founder.

Polydec maintains close contactwith clients and ensures theirrequirements are met. The companyis often tapped at the beginning of aclient’s production process andcustomises parts accordingly.

As a leading global automotivesupplier, Polydec supplies more than300 million micro-axles fordashboards annually forVolkswagen, BMW, Audi,Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ford and Toyota.

Polydec’s parts have alsobecome highly desirable toSwitzerland’s luxury watchmakers,for which it makes high-precisionparts used in timepiece movements.An established producer of testprobes for semi-conductors andprinted circuit boards, Polydec alsomakes speciality connectors andother parts for electronics.

Medical devices likewise usePolydec’s parts in insulin pumps,hearing aids, dental tools andendoscopic instruments.

The company safeguards itsspecialised know-how in the handsof its staff, most of whom have beenwith Polydec for more than 10 yearsand are expert engineers.

Polydec maintains its qualitycontrol via enterprise resourceplanning systems usually found inmuch larger companies. This toolhelps it meet production deadlineswith the lowest parts per million(PPM) defect ratios, achieving zero-defect PPM for certain specialprojects. The company has had nodefect-related complaints over thepast four years with certain majorcustomers.

Polydec remains committed tozero-defect PPM with certain partsafter increasing its capacity by 20 per cent following its acquisition

of new machinery and facilities this year.

Recognising Asia’s importance inmanufacturing, Polydec has begunto enlarge its footprint on themainland. “We would be interestedin finding a partner in China that is in the same line,” Konrad says.“Our markets have different needs,so having customers and partnersthat appreciate our unique expertiseenables us to identify and takeadvantage of businessopportunities.”

Polydec welcomes mergers andacquisitions to find otherapplications for its small parts. Thecompany will continue to grow itsautomotive and electronics businessin Japan, Malaysia and on themainland.

Polydec’s tiny parts build big industries

Claude Konrad, owner, president and co-founder

Precision mechanics is exemplifiedby the iconic Swiss railway stationclock, a 68-year-old design thatApple uses in its devices. It alsodefines Moser-Baer’s legacy of timesystems and clocks since 1938 –classic yet state-of-the-artmasterpieces.

“We strive for a holisticapproach in this business,” saysJürg Lutz, Moser-Baer CEO. “Our know-how is not only for theclocks and time systems – marketedunder the brand MOBATIME – butalso as an original equipmentmanufacturer. We find synergies inthe market.”

Moser-Baer has parlayed itsknow-how in precision mechanicsand electronic components intocutting-edge solutions for medicaldevices, industrial facilities andinstitutional buildings such ashospitals and schools. The companyhas designed time servers anddeveloped network managementsystems for critical traffic controlcomponents in infrastructure such

as railways and airports.Headquartered in Switzerland, it hasa global footprint with offices inGermany, the Czech Republic,Russia, India and on the mainland.

Active in Asia since the launchof Singapore’s MRT system, Moser-Baer has participated in thedevelopment of railways and metro

systems in Taiwan, India, Indonesia,the Philippines and Vietnam. Withsuccessful project deliveries at theKuala Lumpur and Dalian airports,the company also has a pipeline ofsix projects on the mainland.

Scaling up in Asia-Pacific,Moser-Baer targets heightenedengagements in Thailand, Vietnam,Indonesia and Australia. It welcomespartnerships with companies seekingto enhance their offering in theregion’s dynamic infrastructuremarket.

Moser-Baer is keen on creatingnew synergies with distributors ofclosed-circuit televisions, cameras,public address systems, ticketing andother systems in low voltageinstallation fields. With itscustomisation expertise, thecompany is prepared to meet priceexpectations in the region just as itdeveloped affordable clocks to revthe institutional buildings market.

“We offer innovation and qualityon high levels at a competitive price,”Lutz says.

Moser-Baer keeps time systeminnovation within reach

Jürg Lutz, CEO



For fixing technology expertEgli Fischer, strengtheningits export base in Asia holdsthe key to exciting futureapplications of proprietary

pipe and cable fastener CLIC.Aiming to provide solutions for theinfrastructure and industrialdevelopment wave in the region, Egli Fischer seeks to work withpartners that can position CLIC as a versatile and high-quality tool for a wide field of applications.

Family-owned Egli Fischerintroduced CLIC to the market in1975 and has continually improved itaccording to client requirements.The comprehensive, economicaland self-closing installation systemhas been a trusted solution forapplications including pipes andcables in telecommunications,

chemical plants, semiconductors,water plants, mobile networks,tunnelling, shipping and transport.

CLIC TOP plastic clamps wereused to fix approximately 200km ofcoaxial cable for the MTR in Hong Kong. CLIC TOP clamps arealso used in Switzerland to fixbundles of wires and cable beneaththe Ponte Val Calanca bridge and inthe Gotthard tunnel, the longestrailway tunnel in the world.

Approved for use in the harshestconditions, CLIC is trusted byindustry leaders for installationsbecause of its high mechanicalcapacity, chemical resistance andtemperature stability.

“We focus on innovations andindividual solutions in collaborationwith customers,” says CEO Martin Vonau.

Egli Fischer’s relationship withcustomers goes far beyond justsolutions. It regularly consults onbest fit project-specificapplications.

The company is ready to extendthe same kind of support in Asia. Egli Fischer is also open toopportunities for joint production toaddress the distinct needs ofclients from the region.

“We’re long-term oriented andstand by our commitment tocustomers and our partnerships,”says Gian Rominger, logisticsgeneral manager andrepresentative of the owning family.“We’re ready to bring ourknowledge to the Asian market andto work with partners in the regionto answer the demand for high-quality and safe installations.”

Egli Fischer seeks partnershipsthat really click

(From left) Ruedi Vogt, international sales and marketing manager; Martin Vonau, CEO; and Gian Rominger, logistics general manager and representative of the owning family

Hydroelectric power is one of themost significant sources of energyglobally. Accounting for 20 per centof the world’s total electric supply,hydropower is the world’s largestrenewable power source, with someof the biggest hydropower plantslocated in China.

Global engineering giant Andritz Hydro focuses on applying its knowledge in hydroelectricityproduction to fulfil the demand forflexible, cost-efficient andsustainable sources of energy.

“We exist to keep theenvironment, people and technologyin perfect harmony,” says Heinz Duner, co-managing directorof Andritz Hydro in Switzerland.

With a strategic programme onrenewable energy, Switzerland has556 hydropower plants that generate56 per cent of the country’selectricity needs. Andritz Hydro’sSwiss operation has beeninstrumental in developing andmaintaining Switzerland’s plants.Intent on servicing emergingmarkets, the company also supports

the larger Andritz Group’s operationsin Asia.

“We find solutions to anychallenge. We want to share ourknowledge, reduce plant operationcosts and constantly improve

service times to satisfy ourcustomers,” says Christian Dubois,co-managing director of Andritz Hydro in Switzerland.

Located in Kriens, Andritz Hydrospecialises in customised Pelton

turbines with patented MicroGussrunners and coating protection usinghigh-velocity flame spraying.Tailored runners and coated partsensure efficient and longer-lastinghydroplant operation. Maintaining aresearch centre, the companyinvests in improving its turbines toincrease efficiency, achievingoptimised returns on investment for clients.

Andritz Hydro has beencommissioned by some of theworld’s largest hydroplant and damcontractors. It manufactured andinstalled three Pelton turbines inBieudron, Switzerland, earning themachine two world records for itscapacity to operate under extremeconditions.

Scaling up renewable energygeneration in Asia, Andritz Hydroprovides rehabilitation andmodernisation services to powerplants in the region.

“The potential of hydropower inAsia is enormous,” Dubois says.“We’d like to be part of itsdevelopment.”

Andritz Hydro harnesses Asia’svast hydropower potential

Heinz Duner (left) and Christian Dubois, co-managing directors

Food safety is a growing concern forAsian countries, particularly on themainland. Issues on food safetyhighlight the need for stricterregulations and cleanlinessstandards.

Backed by the Swiss reputationfor quality and sanitation, FF Frischfleisch is keen on sharingbest practices with meat processingplants in the region. The company isa leading player in Switzerland’smeat processing industry.

“Quality is a must in Switzerland,”says Urs Kunz, owner of FF Frischfleisch. “It should be a mustin the world.”

Kunz turned the traditional,family-owned FF Frischfleisch into anindustry when he bought thecompany in 1995. Production output

tripled to reach 35 million kg of meata year. Developing new methods forprocessing meat, FF Frischfleisch setnew standards for quality andhygiene in the industry. Expenditurefell, making FF Frischfleisch the mostcost-efficient meat processingcompany in Switzerland.

“We think like a customer and weturn every stone to make customershappy,” Kunz says. “We are anindependent firm and we are flexiblewhen it comes to customers’ wants.”

Kunz ensures that all processes –from the live animal source to thepackaging of the meat – adhere tothe strictest sanitation and qualitystandards. His use of white walls andfloors in production areas becamethe convention for plants inSwitzerland.

Educating staff on groomingskills, FF Frischfleisch runs anautomated plant guaranteeingminimal human contact with themeat.

Full-time veterinarians overseethe entire production that generatesa premium product.

“Our meat is pure,” Kunz says.“We have fresh air, clean water,good grass and feed. Everything iscontrolled from beginning to end.”

Selling mostly pork to Swissmarkets, FF Frischfleisch hopes totriple its output again and offerconsulting services in the next fiveyears, tapping customers on themainland and in Asia.

“Our products are for people whovalue the best quality and highestfood security,” Kunz says.

FF Frischfleisch’s food safetymeasures redefine meat business

Urs Kunz, owner

Boosting its commitment to themainland’s vehicle sector, DGS Druckguss Systeme is buildinga new die-casting plant with highercapacity in Nansha. One of the firston the mainland to manufacturestructural parts for vehicles forMercedes-Benz, the greenfieldplant can help automakers producelightweight vehicles with lowercarbon dioxide emissions.

Anchoring its expansionstrategy on the new plant, DGS Druckguss Systeme aims tosustain, even increase, its 30 to 40 per cent annual growth rate on the mainland.

“We established our businesson the mainland to follow ourcustomers. It is a localisation fromEurope. We serve our traditionalEuropean customers that requirethe same product and same corecompetence on the mainland as inEurope,” says CEO Andreas Müller.

DGS Druckguss Systeme servesits clients from three main locations– St Gallen, Switzerland, Liberec,

Czech Republic and the mainland.Primarily engaged in aluminium,magnesium and zinc die-castingwork with vehicle manufacturers,DGS Druckguss Systeme also castsparts for power tools, sewingmachines and solar panel frames.

A strong research anddevelopment (R&D) orientation

positions DGS Druckguss Systemeat the forefront of the die-castingindustry. The company developsnew materials, processes andproducts that are not commonlyfound in the market. DGS Druckguss Systeme alsoenters into joint ventures withinnovative companies, such asEngineered Control Systems, topioneer new die-castingapplications and develop andproduce complete systems such asshifter or braking systems.

DGS Druckguss Systemeenvisions the mainland plant tohave its own R&D department in thefuture.

“We are willing to invest on themainland and transfer ourtechnology and know-how. Thelong-term perspective is that themainland plant will also be able todevelop and grow independently.We see the mainland becoming the second-largest plant in thegroup within the next few years,”Müller says.

DGS Druckguss Systemeupgrades die-casting plant

Andreas Müller, CEO

Peptides, built from amino acids,are being used to break new groundin the field of medicine. BachemHolding is poised to push theboundaries as it takes peptidesapplications from scientificresearch to development of newactive pharmaceutical ingredients(APIs), supply of generic drugsubstances – and beyond.

The partner of choice of some ofthe world’s most successfulbiotechnology and pharmaceuticalcompanies, Bachem is the leader inthe process, development andmanufacture of biologically activepeptides.

“More than 40 years of know-how and technologies have raisedus among the only three majorplayers in the peptide API industryworldwide,” says Bachem CEO Dr Thomas Früh. “It is our passion tokeep ahead of the game thatenables us to be the best partner forequally driven companies.”

One of Bachem’s breakthroughsis the development of syntheticaprotinin. This small protein APIcould only be produced from animalsources prior to the company’sinnovation. Bachem also produces

the peptide goserelin, which goesinto Zoladex, an injectablegonadotropin-releasing hormonesuperagonist marketed byAstraZeneca for the treatment ofendometriosis, breast and prostatecancers and other diseases.

While 90 per cent of its businessis in Europe and the United States,Bachem forecasts that Asia – withits fast-growing economy andquality of life – may soon become itsbiggest growth opportunity.

Bachem’s strategy is togradually build relationshipsthrough its Asian network, allowingthe “natural evolution” of itspresence, particularly in China,whose 12th five-year plan highlightsstrategic industries such aspharmaceuticals.

Apart from pursuinggeographical expansion, Bachemlooks forward to exploring peptidesapplication in diagnostics,cosmetics, animal health andmaterial science.

“The best work with the best,”Früh says. “When it comes topeptides, we bring value to ourpotential partners’ businesseswherever they are in the world.”

Bachem, partner of choice in peptides innovation

When it comes topeptides, we bringvalue to ourpotential partners’businesseswherever they arein the worldDr Thomas Früh CEO




Writtencommunication maynot be everycompany’s coreexpertise. Leading

companies that require expert helpturn to CLS Communication, theglobal full-spectrum provider oflanguage services.

The Swiss-based company has aworldwide pool of internal andfreelance on-call translators,specialist copywriters and languageexperts, who have redefined effectivecommunication by reducing timezones to one – and language barriersto none.

“We take pride in being thepartner of choice for end-to-endmultilingual text management, fromwriting and editing to translation anddesktop publishing,” says CEO Doris Albisser.

“Combining 15 years of industryexpertise with state-of-the-art

technologies, we ensure quality whileensuring absolute data security.”

CLS Communication providesround-the-clock service through 3,000 freelance language specialistsand 600 in-house staff members in 20 offices spanning Europe, NorthAmerica and Asia.

It offers one-stop solutions,including business processoutsourcing of clients’ languageservice teams, which integrates theminto CLS Communication.

Its business model has beenparticularly successful in Asia, whereit serves clients from its Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singaporeoffices. CLS Communication Asia-Pacific has pioneered some ofthe company’s latest services,including specialised staffingservices, end-to-end mutual fund factsheet production and virtual datarooms in partnership with BMCGroup.

“We plan to grow our Asianpresence and explore promisingmarkets such as Japan and SouthKorea,” Albisser says.

CLS Communication has alsoenjoyed great success through itsacquisitions, such as that of Canada-based Lexi-tech, whichallowed CLS Communication toleverage a similar corporate culture,service range and position as marketleader. This successful strategy isone that CLS Communication aims toreplicate in Asia.

“We seek partnerships that will provide clients a broader range of services, customer support andtechnologies,” Albisser says. “These investments and ourcontinuous development of value-added services and top talents will catapult CLS Communication to a placeamong Asia’s top players within thenext five years.”

CLS Communication translatescontent intowinning strategy

Doris Albisser, CEO

Understanding cultural nuances todesign timepieces that appeal toChinese sensibilities is the strategythat ensured the success of Swisswatch manufacturer SECULUSInternational on the mainland.

Just two years after entering theChinese market through itsdistributor, Shanghai WaiGaoQiaoHorological International Trade,SECULUS already plans to doublethis year its 36 points-of-sale spreadthroughout the mainland. SECULUS isstudying partnerships withcompanies in Hong Kong andSingapore to expand its distributionand attract a larger base of Chinesecustomers in the region.

“Since we started ourcollaboration on the mainland, thegrowth has been encouraging. Wesee the confidence of the Chinesepeople in the SECULUS brand andthis is why we’re planning a bigexpansion this year,” says directorErnesto Müller.

The Latin word SECULUStranslates to “century” and has beenused to mean “the passing of time”.The company chose the name tosignify its long-term commitment tooffering Swiss-quality timepieces.

SECULUS manufactures itswatches in a factory at the JuraMountains, renowned as the heart ofwatch-making tradition inSwitzerland. The company initiallyproduced watches for the Brazilianmarket. As the brand gained

popularity and success in Brazil,SECULUS expanded its coverage toinclude Europe and Russia, theMiddle East and China.

Combining traditional andmodern methods of watchmaking,SECULUS offers three basic watchranges. The “Classical Collection” isparticularly popular in China. Interestis also increasing in China in theSECULUS “Sports Collection” andthe “Design Collection” – both ofwhich are very successful lines inEurope, Russia and the Middle East.

The “Royal Marine” is the topmodel of the SECULUS collection andappeals to an international audience.This “Royal Marine” limited-editionflagship watch is water-resistant to adepth of 200 meters, equipped with ahigh-class automatic movement andwith a double-scratchproof sapphirecrystal: on the watch face and on itscase-back.

Beyond the quality of its watchesand its flexibility to satisfy thepreferences of each market,SECULUS is also committed to offeran efficient after-sales service. All SECULUS watches have aninternational guarantee backed bythe company’s global after-salesnetwork.

“We are sure that our Swiss-quality timepieces, as well as ourspecial design, will lead us toachieve the same success in otherneighbouring countries as it is beingobtained in China,” Müller says.

Ernesto Müller, director

SECULUSsucceeds towardsAsian expansion

Many companies find assured success in size anddiversity, but reusable packaging solution provider Utzproves that a focused, small-scoped direct-sellingenterprise could also claim market dominance andbusiness affluence. Designing reusable plastic containersand pallets that are tailored to the customers’specifications, Utz creates tailored materials that helpoptimise the handling of products.

“We work closely with the customers and we areprofessionals in adapting, or exploring efficiency andlogistics, to create new solutions for reusable packaging,”says CEO Axel Ritzberger. “In that way, we’re the best inthe world; I would say we’re No 1.”

With 65 years at the top of a niche industry, the family-based company has the experience to boot.

The Swiss innovator of reusable packagingmanufactures value-added products that reduce costs,increase efficiency and optimise logistics. “What makesUtz successful is intelligence behind the solutions,”Ritzberger says.

Utz is committed to supporting the long-term reusablepackaging needs of the automotive industry, airports,logistics integrators, electronic and pharmaceuticalindustries, postal services, retailers, food and beveragecompanies and other clients. The company seeks to buildstronger relationships with its customers throughcollaborative innovation and consistent delivery of customcontainers and pallets.

With its headquarters in Bremgarten, Switzerland, thegroup maintains a global agency network and has

subsidiaries in Germany, Britain, France, Poland, the UnitedStates and on the mainland. Through its subsidiary inSuzhou, Utz has extended its reach on the mainlandthrough various projects and investments.

“China is one of our main focuses. We will bring newmachines and people in, and will just grow our existingoperations. In five years, our business will be 10 times whatit is today,” Ritzberger says.

Utz is also inviting collaboration with subcontractors inAsia to reduce production costs, while establishing tieswith more regional agents.

Utzgroup.com packs successwith custom containers

Axel Ritzberger, CEO

Asian carriers accounted forapproximately 40 per cent of globalair cargo traffic last year, whilesustained consumer demand in theregion and beyond is creating agrowing need for innovative cargomanagement solutions.

Recognising this demand, CHEP Aerospace Solutions hasnurtured a business model thathelps raise the industry’scompetitiveness by offering theworld’s largest pooling and repair ofair cargo containers or unit loaddevices (ULDs) and galley carts.

Backed by the financial strengthof Brambles, CHEP is thecollaboration of Swiss-based ULDpooling specialist, Unitpool, and twoof the industry’s most respectedmaintenance service providers, JMIAerospace and Driessen Services.Covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, theMiddle East and the Americas,CHEP offers complete managementof more than 53,000 ULDs in morethan 300 airports. It boasts thelargest global network of 50 certified

repair centres and provides round-the-clock tracking and customersupport from its global operationscentre in Bangkok.

“We’re continuouslystrengthening our global networkand this gives us an advantage inthe market,” says president Dr Ludwig Bertsch.

A main attraction to clients is theoperational efficiency that CHEPproposes by applying its expertiseto the entire chain covering logisticsand repairs to renewal of ULDs andgalley carts. With no capitalexpenditures, clients can expectnearly 15 per cent reduction inoperational costs.

CHEP’s ULDs are 20kgs lighterthan conventional aluminiumcontainers. This translates to realsavings of approximatelyHK$310,000 on fuel per aircraftyearly. The value proposition,coupled with long-termenvironmental concerns, hassignalled leading airlines, such asAir Canada, Jetstar Japan and AirAsia X, to turn to CHEP.

Focused on attracting Asianpartners, CHEP is in talks withseveral major carriers in the region.“We can provide economies ofscale to Asian airlines and helpbring significant positive impact tocarriers and their associatedaffiliates,” Bertsch says.

CHEP offers world’s largest network for ULDs

Ludwig Bertsch, president

Quality experts know that factors contributingto the success or failure of a product aretypically unseen. Polymer powder is anexample – mostly unseen, but manyindustries use it to improve a product or aprocess.

“We transform polymers into finepowders. These powders are applied toproducts that no one sees but they make adifference,” says Danielle Blomert, globalbusiness manager and managing director ofDuPont Polymer Powders Switzerland.

The company produces thermoplasticpowder coatings and processing additivesused in the automotive, shipping,construction, utilities and personal care industries.

“Our coatings fit very well in harshenvironments,” Blomert says. Waterinfrastructure management companies andshipyards, for example, use DuPont’s Abcitepowder coating to durably protect metalagainst corrosion as an alternative tostainless steel. Fincantieri, Europe’s leading

cruise ship maker, has specified Abcite inships’ ceiling clips, preventing corrosion forup to 20 years.

DuPont also produces additives forspeciality plastics used in food packaging,masterbatches, industrial paints andautomotive parts. Automotive battery, paintand original equipment manufacturers, forexample, rely on DuPont Coathylene powderto make daily production more efficient. Itcollaborates with the likes of LG, Dow andExxon to enhance speciality plastic materialswhile meeting food grade requirements andensuring compatibility.

As part of its effort to offer sustainableproducts, DuPont developed the first Ecocertcertified bio-based exfoliating powder:Gotalene RS 400. Ecocert is the world’sbenchmark in organic product certification.Moreover, DuPont Abcite powder coatingsdo not emit harmful volatile organiccompounds, require no primer and arerecyclable.

DuPont Polymer Powders benefits from

being part of a leading global sciencecompany, accessing sophisticated researchand reaching more markets while operatingas an autonomous entity.

“We’ve been part of various large groupsand have remained successful. We’re loyal toour customers and partners, and they areloyal to us,” Blomert says.

DuPont is growing its network in theAsian region. Its partners include import andexport group Jianyi Chemical in Guangzhou,DGL International, Concord Holdings in Hong Kong, and distributors Univar, Brenntag and DKSH. These distribution companiessupport market development of DuPontGotalene exfoliating powders for personalcare markets on the mainland and inSoutheast Asia.

“We found that the most suitablebusiness model is to partner with specialiseddistributors,” Blomert says. “Our keycustomers and markets are moving to Asia.Personalised service means we move with them.”

DuPont Polymer Powders’ products make a difference

Danielle Blomert, global businessmanager and managing director



Positioned as a “weightwatcher” in theautomotive world, tailor-welded blanksspecialist Andritz Soutec

is ready to become a heavyweight innon-automotive applications.

Soutec’s welding systemssignificantly reduce a vehicle’sweight by producing structural partsand tailor welded blanks using thepatented Soutec gap closingsystem. The welded parts areproven to have superior crashperformance.

“Anybody who talks about tailorwelded blanks knows Soutec,” says CEO Domenico Iacovelli. “Wewill try to stay No 1 in providingsystems for the production of tailorwelded blanks and work on gettingour technology into new markets.”

After joining the Andritz Group

last year, Soutec gives the groupaccess to the automotive sector,where it has more than 50 years ofexperience in producing machinesand systems for laser andresistance welding.

Soutec will extend its weldingexpertise into cutting and weldingmachines for steel coilmanufacturing, which is dominatedby Andritz Metals.

Being part of Andritz Groupallows Soutec to optimise itsequipment before its commercialrelease. Soutec leverages thegroup’s capacity to develop fastertube welding technology forconstruction.

As innovation enables itsexpansion into other industries,Soutec continues to improve itsproducts for existing clients. Its newSoupact machine, for instance, is

compact and convenient forautomakers with facilities indifferent locations.

Soutec delivered its firstSoupact in January this year toChengdu on the mainland, where ithas forged strong ties with industryleader Baosteel.

It is with Baosteel that Soutecwill install on the mainland this yearits first fully automated laser weldingproduction line for automotive heavyengineered tubes.

Supporting its partners andclients is crucial for Soutec, whichsees service as its core strength.

“We are talking about seven-day, 24-hour production lines andcar manufacturers that cannotafford 50 minutes of a machinebreakdown,” Iacovelli says. “Weshow the customer that we arealways present.” Domenico Iacovelli, CEO

Top automotive welder ready to extend into new industries

A boutique culture bridging Sino-Swiss ties has been the backboneof Unitouch Services, specialisingin the entry of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into Asiaand vice-versa building Europeaninroads for Asian capital.

Venturing into internationalmarkets comes with associatedrisks and this can be a sensitivepoint for SMEs if they lacknetworks or definitive knowledgein commercial, legal andregulatory environments abroad.

“With our personalisedapproach, local operationalcapacity and ability to navigatecross-cultural and linguisticbarriers, SMEs gain theconfidence necessary to broadentheir horizons,” says DanicaGianola, Unitouch managingpartner based in the company’sSwitzerland headquarters.

Serving as a one-stop shop forinternational forays, Unitouch hasbeen steadily serving niche Swissand European SMEs looking toAsia for long-term growth. Thecompany affords globalexperience, managerial andtechnical know-how to enterprisesas they establish a global footprint.

Based in Shanghai, fellowUnitouch managing partnerAndrea Nessi establishes growth

pathways for European clients inHong Kong and on the mainland.With respected guanxi, or socialcapital networks, the company hasbeen guiding clients in theadaptation of foreign businessmodels to local Chineseframeworks.

At the same time, Chinese andAsian investors, eyeing mergersand acquisitions opportunities,particularly in light of the bargain-hunting climate in Europe, havebeen relying on Unitouch as a principal adviser.

“We want to create wealththrough our legal and financeexperience. We place our deeplyrooted Europe-wide networks inSwitzerland, and from Ticino, tothe Italian business community atthe disposal of our Asian clients tonavigate their investment options,”Nessi says.

Gianola agrees. “We see greatmarket potential bridging the Sino-Swiss and Sino-Europeaninterests,” she says.

“For many industries and nicheplayers, timing is optimal toconsider new horizons, explorethe commercial benefits ofcustomised and innovative globaloperational models and to learnand grow through internationalcollaborations.”

Unitouch’sboutique culturebridges Sino-Swissbusiness relations

Danica Gianola, managing partner

Andrea Nessi, managing partner

Asia’s rapid wealth creation hasbeen accompanied by a growingneed to structure cross-borderprivate and corporate wealth.

With a Swiss heritage inhandling family office, trust, tax,legal, accounting and a whole suiteof other family and corporateservices, Kendris rises to thechallenge with an additionaldistinguishing and importantqualification – independence.

Being a service provider withno direct association with assetmanagement and investmentconsulting companies, Kendris iscommitted to exclusively servingthe long-term interests of itsclients.

“The conflict of trustees withtheir own banking group cannot beprofessionally managed in the longrun,” says partner and CEO AdrianEscher. “A bank is a bank and atrustee is a trustee. They havedifferent responsibilities.”

Leveraging more than a centuryof experience, Kendris is a leadingprovider of family office, trust andfiduciary services. Its offerings alsoinclude national and internationaltax and legal advice, artmanagement and accounting andoutsourcing services for privateand corporate clients.

With clients from 72 countries,Kendris ensures compliance,anticipates regulatory trends andbrings transparency and costeffectiveness to its projects.

The company also providesthrough eKendris a comprehensiveonline accounting and reportingsystem suitable for entrepreneursand investors who would like tohave at all times and also when onthe move access to financialinformation and data.

“We have no fixed products.We listen, understand, propose,implement and look after ourcustomers,” Escher says. “Weprovide open architecturesolutions that grow with clients andfamilies for generations.”

Southeast Asia is an importantgrowth market for Kendris and thecompany would like to bridge theregion to Europe.

“A multicultural firm with goodtechnical skills in the Swiss contextis one thing. To understand what anAsian client requires and be able totranslate them into an actualservice, that is another skill,”Escher says.

Kendrisstructureswealth forgenerations

Adrian Escher, partner and CEO

With a slew of blockbuster drugs coming off-patent until 2017, the race to commercialisegeneric drug candidates is tight. Zurich-basedSelectchemie gives its clients the edge with anintimate knowledge of the drug and nutritionalssupply chains.

The company’s global insight is enviable. As a trusted partner of active pharmaceuticalingredient (API) and finished formmanufacturers, dossier developers andmarketing companies, Selectchemie has in-depth expertise on existing dossiers,especially drug molecules going off-patent.Equipped with a global network of suppliers, itis ideally positioned to evaluate and developnew markets for generic drugs. This knowledgeis becoming increasingly important to

pharmaceutical players given tightening marketconditions. “It’s still difficult for Europeancompanies or South American companies tohave the good contacts in Asian countries,”says Dr Peter Kaufmann, Selectchemie CEOand member of the board. “Therefore, we arebuilding bridges through our long-termrelationships and local presence in the region.”

Selectchemie was among the first fewEuropean companies to venture boldly intoAsia. It began establishing local ties in China,Japan and India more than 40 years ago. It hasbroad reach among APIs and intermediatemanufacturers in China and India, enabling thecompany to select the most suitable suppliersfor specified drug formulations.

Its drug designs represent collaborative

work between in-house technical staff andpartners in Asia and Europe. Selectchemie has65 experienced professionals based in Zurichand more than 130 worldwide – ranging fromnutritionists, pharmacists, chemists and foodengineers to regulatory affairs specialists andbusiness development managers. It employslocal staff in all of its overseas offices. Thenetwork spans 16 countries – including officesin Ningbo, Mumbai, Sao Paulo and BuenosAires – to support the pharmaceutical industryfrom drug development to distribution.Selectchemie is keen on strategic partnershipsin Southeast Asia to enrich its life scienceswork by developing dossiers, strategicsourcing, regulatory affairs and marketing andsupply.

Selectchemie advances lifesciences with global insight

Peter Kaufmann, CEO and member ofthe board

In the world of timepieces, few words are asattractive as "Swiss-made". Offering genuineSwiss craftsmanship at an affordable price,family-owned Jowissa Watches capturesAsia’s growing appetite for mid-range luxurywatches.

Based in Bettlach, a Swiss village with a watchmaking heritage dating back to the18th century, Jowissa’s founder Josef Wysssucceeded in delivering what only a fewwatch brands could. He made watches sodistinct and luxurious in character thatcustomers could recognise them even withoutthe logo.

“Our DNA has remained the same –offering watches that are fashionable

jewellery-like pieces with genuine Swissquality and the finest materials,” says businessdevelopment manager Mladen Brcina.

The brand offers about 350 watch modelsacross nine collections catering to a variety offashion-forward customers. Its Safira seriesfeatures a solid diamond cut sapphire. The J5 collection comes with enchantingmultifaceted crystals. Experimenting withmelted metal on crystal that covers the wholewatch, the Roma series is Jowissa’s entry-price collection.

Building on its success, Jowissa will unveilits most creative collection yet at BaselWorld2013 next month.

From catering to Asian tourists in

Switzerland to the growing trend for low-keyfashionable luxury, the company is venturingon a fast-growing consumer base in greaterChina and Asia. The region accounts for nearly10 per cent of the company’s total turnover.

With three branches on the mainland andsimilar sales and service outlets in Hong Kong,Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan andMalaysia, Jowissa is open to answering themarket demand with local partners. Partnerswill have the rare opportunity to offer Swiss-made mid-market timepieces as consumerappetite peaks in the region.

“We have mastered the culture of qualityand design in Switzerland and are excited tobring this to Asia,” Brcina says.

Jowissa offers best Swiss-made,mid-range luxury watches

Leander Wyss, owner and director




Components thatpower theindustries of theworld – theserepresent the“pride andpassion” of one ofSwitzerland’soldest industrialfactories.

From amechanical

workshopspecialising in

hydraulic rams and self-acting water pumps,Schlumpf has risenas a leadingmanufacturer ofwindingcomponents forthe global paperand film industry.

“Our family’sname andSwiss heritage

have been a guarantee for thehighest quality since 1886,” sayspartner Andreas Schlumpf.

Schlumpf broadened itsexpertise from mechanicalmanufacturing to windingcomponents, core and safetychucks, core cutters and tensioncontrol systems through 127 yearsof skills and craftsmanship.

Backed by a team of engineers,Schlumpf consistently innovates bycombining complex materials toproduce lighter, more efficientproducts. It works closely withclients and universities to developmachinery using its extensivedatabase that bridges techniquesand high-end applications.

“For the past 60 years,Schlumpf has reinforced itspassion for manufacturing only thebest for the industry,” says CEOReto Berli. “We focused ondesigning and producingcustomised solutions tailored to our

clients’ increasingly demandingapplications.”

Schlumpf matches its growingclientele with a global networkincluding offices, partnerships andsales representatives in the UnitedStates, Sweden, Germany,Australia, New Zealand, India andTaiwan. It is looking for moreequally passionate partners in Asia,particularly the mainland, in orderto establish further businessvolumes and generate economiesof scale for the Asian market andthe rest of the world.

“We foresee Asia becoming astrong driving force in our businessin the next five years,” Berli says.“We look forward to sharing know-how and expertise with suppliersand partners who aim to grow withus.”

With its partners, Schlumpf willshowcase its latest products at theInternational Converting Exhibition(ICE) Europe in Munich this month.

Schlumpf winds strategicpartnerships for Asian expansion

Reto Berli, CEO


“Papermaker” takes on a newmeaning at BTG. Based in Eclépens,the pulp and paper solutionsprovider works to boost clients’profitability and productivity.

“We constantly innovate toprovide additional support, expertiseand technologies at very lowacquisition cost,” says presidentand CEO Brian Pahl. “The return oninvestment and potential savings forour customers are much shorter andconsiderably higher.”

BTG developed its proprietarypaper coating and tissue crepingblade technology. As a leader in thisniche market, BTG invented much ofthe solutions and capabilities thatclients use for coated paper,packaging and tissue.

BTG’s blades are tipped withhigh wear-resistant material thatlasts 10 to 20 times longer thanordinary blades used in tissuemanufacturing and coated paperand packaging. Additionally, BTGhas developed a highly specialisedpolymer-tipped soft-tip blade for

premium coated board and liquidpackaging board.

BTG also supplies instrumentsthat help stabilise the papermakingprocess and reduce chemicals,bringing sustainable and sizeable

benefits for papermakers.Channelling nearly 5 per cent of itssales to research and development,BTG’s innovations enable significantsavings compared to a client’sacquisition costs.

Behind BTG’s technology areindustry experts and investmentsinto training personnel. “The valueprovided to our customers comesfrom our technical capabilities,understanding our customers’ long-term and strategic objectives andfrom listening to our customers’needs,” says marketing andcommercial manager JérômeMichaut.

With Asia as its fastest-growingmarket, BTG invested in serviceapplication laboratories forpapermaking instruments inShanghai and India last year. It alsoencourages professionals from themainland to train in Switzerland.

BTG will forge ahead acrossAsia, regarding the mainland,Indonesia, India, Vietnam andThailand as high-growth regions.

“We’re having good discussionsas to how we can help Asiancustomers,” Pahl says. “We willcontinue to add tools andcapabilities that make an impact onour portfolio.”

BTG propels client profits withpioneering technology and expertise

Brian Pahl, president and CEO

Its track record for supplying to theSwiss watch industry since 1955speaks volumes about family-ownedGerber Maschinenbau’s capabilitiesas a precision machine toolsmanufacturer. Working with Rolexand other luxury watch brands,Gerber has developed intricatetooling techniques that ushered itsforays into other industries includingthe vehicle and medical sectors.

Gerber manufactures brushingand face polishing machines,brushing-deburring machines forprecision parts and thicknessgrading apparatuses. It pioneeredthe technique of brush honing ultra-hard materials such assapphires, rubies, ceramics, nitridesand tungsten carbide, to create thesmall radiuses and good surfacesrequired for watch parts and cuttingtools. With the launch of its machinefor deburring rotary parts, BS-ROTOlast year, Gerber once again sets theindustry benchmark for accuracy.

“We strive to make the bestsolutions imaginable. We think oflong-term solutions to deliver thebest value for our clients,” saysStefan Gerber, president and CEO.

Its early entry into internationalmarkets allowed Gerber to build aglobal client base through its dealernetwork. Aside from the watch

industry, Gerber also caters tocompanies in the cutting tools andmedical industries. Cuttingtoolmakers make up 80 per cent ofGerber’s customers on the mainlandand in Asia.

Gerber is renowned for qualityand durability. Some of its clients inthe watch industry still use Gerbermachines that are 40 or even 50 years old.

Education is a big part ofGerber’s corporate culture. Asidefrom training its employeesintensively, Gerber educates its

dealers and clients about the latestapplications for its machines. Itsmonthly e-mail updates keep dealersinformed about machines that theircustomers could find beneficial.

Gerber determines theappropriate solutions for clientsthrough collaboration. Gerber’s smallsize enables the company to beflexible to accommodate clientrequirements.

“The market always comes upwith new demands and it isimportant for us to keep up,” Gerber says.

Gerber sets accuracy benchmarkin watches and cutting tools

Stefan Gerber, president and CEO

Global coated abrasives manufacturer sia AbrasivesIndustries is ramping up activities in Asia, as the surfacetreatment trade gains traction in the region. Industryreports project Asia-Pacific markets for metallic and non-metallic abrasives will account for 58 per cent of globalmarket share in 2018.

“The main growth areas for the future will be Chinaand Asia-Pacific. I see huge potential with our wide rangeof applications tailored to the needs of various industries,”says Michael Gänzler, chief marketing officer of sia Abrasives.

Specialising in industrial abrasive systems, siaAbrasives achieves the perfect surface for every type ofmaterial as it develops, manufactures and marketssanding and grinding products used in the exteriortreatment of metal, wood and plastic, among others.

Continuing the company’s 135-year tradition inabrasive technology innovation, sia Abrasives isintroducing a breakthrough in its product line. FiboTec –an ingenious sanding disc that uses a new hole pattern –promises increased performance and longevity by up to50 per cent.

The company interacts with clients regularly togenerate ideas and find new solutions. Applicationengineers visit offices worldwide to help clients choosethe best machine setup and recommend products thatachieve optimum overall performance.

The growth-driven company constructed a modern10,400-square metre abrasives manufacturing plant inSwitzerland. Taking full control of a joint venture in

Shanghai by the end of the year, sia Abrasives is alsobuilding another facility in India.

“With the infrastructure of our parent companyBosch, we have the ingredients to be the world’s leadingabrasives manufacturer,” Gänzler says. “We have thefinancials, technology, ideas and network. We are readyfor the challenges in Asia.”

Innovation achieves perfectsurface for sia Abrasives

Michael Gänzler, chief marketing officer

The world consumes 2.7 billion cups of coffee a day. More than 200 million of these comefrom coffee beans traded

by Volcafe. With a global coffeeprocurement network, Volcafe andits subsidiaries have access tomore than 90 per cent of the world’scoffee production.

“We are green bean suppliers –from the coffee tree to the roastingplant. But we are more than acoffee bean trader. We servefarmers and consumers,” says JanKees van der Wild, managingdirector of Volcafe.

Linking the bean producer andthe consumer is a complex processthat Volcafe has been doingproficiently for the past 160 years.

An ED&F Man company, Volcafebuys directly from farmers and co-operatives and supplies to end-users. This process minimisesrisk and guarantees a moreefficient and ethical supply chain.

“We turn a seasonal,unpredictable agricultural productinto an industrial input necessaryfor coffee roasters to have acalculable business throughout theyear,” says Volcafe businessdevelopment director Mark Furniss.

Large coffee sellers such asStarbucks and Nestlé trust Volcafeto provide the coffee bean volumeand quality they require. Volcafe’sspecialists are experts in meetingprecise expectations in beangrading and certification dependingon customers’ demands.

Educating farmers on propergrowing techniques, Volcafe workswith local government agenciesand development organisations inbuilding training schools thatensure a sustainable, qualitysupply.

Volcafe opened its Shanghaioffice last year to establish itsfootprint in Asia’s growing coffeeindustry. The company has beentrading on the mainland for the past12 years and is looking at doublingits earnings from Asia to 50 per centby 2015.

“We’re open to new ventures inChina. We’re looking for partnersthat have the local knowledge andcustomer base. Large roasters willsurely emerge from Asia in the nextfive to 10 years,” Furniss says.

Volcafe leads themarket in green coffee trading

Jan Kees van der Wild (left), managing director, and Mark Furniss, business development director



Perfection is in the details.As with diamonds, rubies,sapphires, emeralds,pearls and other preciousgems, perfection also

requires endurance – and can bepriceless beyond any measure.

Such is the craft that has beenhoned, faceted and polished by theGubelin Group, whose passion forgemstones has remained lustrousfor 159 years. Preserved with itsexpertise is the family-ownedcompany’s values and philosophy,which are reflected in its luxuriousjewellery, watches and gemstones.

“Gubelin perfection goes beyondthe aesthetics of jewellery,” saysCEO Raphael Gübelin, whorepresents the founding family’s sixthgeneration together with sister andcompany director, Sara Gübelin.“Any piece of jewellery could appearfantastic on paper; we make itperfect by ensuring it is set properly,comfortable to wear and designedfor functionality and form.”

Tracing back to the group’s

humble beginnings as a watchmakerin 1854, Gubelin’s philosophy carriedon as it expanded its range. Thecompany’s fine gems and jewellerycollections have found their way to Switzerland’s top sites includingLucerne, Zürich, Basel, Bern,Lugano, St Moritz and Geneva.

“Coming from Switzerland puts apremium on everything we do,”Gübelin says. “We differentiateourselves by adding value to ourexpertise through utmost quality and innovation.”

Quality and innovation areinfused in the group’s focusedsegments: Gubelin Jewellery Atelierand an independent gemmologicallaboratory, Gubelin Gem Lab. Thejewellery atelier designs, crafts,custom creates and maintainsjewellery, while Gubelin Gem Labproduces reports, analyses andhistoric research on an array ofgemstones, diamonds and pearls.

Each business segment has builta global reputation in its own right,fuelled by the group’s investments in state-of-the-art technologies.Gubelin’s 3D computer-aided designsoftware and printer, for instance,enable customers to see and feelpieces before the company makesadjustments and finalises the masterpieces.

A crown to the company’sdedication is an array ofinternational awards honouring thedegree of quality that Gubelin’sgenerations of craft have achieved.This includes the industry’s mostprestigious acclaim, the “DiamondsInternational Award”, which Gubelinhas won five times in recognition ofits exceptional creations.

“As a private, independentcompany, we only have to meet ourown expectations, investing whereand when we feel it is aligned withour objectives,” Gübelin says. “As afamily company, our obligation is touphold our legacy of credence andinvest in the future of our employeesand succeeding generations.”

Reinforcing the group’scommitment to a successful future isits bold and calculated expansion tomake its sought-after jewellerycollections and globally reputedgemmological laboratory servicesavailable in key locations. Fromserving a high-end clientele inEurope, Russia and the UnitedStates, it has now extended its reach to Asia’s growing fine jewelleryaficionados.

Appealing to Asia’s fine taste

“Walking into a Gubelin atelier is aglimpse of the world’s rarestmasterpieces, most exclusivecollections and best custom-madejewellery,” Gübelin says. “This is the kind of first-class experience and unparalleled selection that wewant to be accessible to customersin Asia.”

Such promise has come tofruition with the opening of a Gubelinboutique in Kuala Lumpur’s StarhillGallery in December last year.Featuring a luxurious collection ofrare gemstones and signaturepieces, the launch was highlighted by the display of Gubelin’sMadagaskar jewellery line in yellow, white and rose gold.

The boutique showcases thecelebrated vintage Astrolinenecklace, which was designed withbaguette and tapered colouredgemstones by Martha Widmer, oneof Switzerland’s most successful andmulti award-winning jewellerydesigners. Apart from theMadagaskar collection, it alsocarries a wide range of preciousgemstones and jewellery from itsequally dazzling Rainbow and Parislines.

Combining a quiet environmentwith striking interiors, lavish feel anddelicate atmosphere, the boutique’slocation in the Starhill Gallery luxuryretail mall of the Malaysian capitalwas carefully selected. As with allGubelin jewellery boutiquesthroughout Switzerland, it reflects the discerning taste of its new set of customers.

“Malaysia is a great location forGubelin’s first store in Asia,” Gübelinsays. “It is a great market for luxurygoods and has an internationalatmosphere that attracts travellerswho fit our clientele’s profile.”

Independent gem lab

As it was with the original company,Gubelin Gem Lab was born out ofpassion. Coming a long way frombeing a complementary segment toGubelin’s jewellery production, it hasrisen as one of the world’s mosttrusted gemmological testingcentres – and Gubelin’s mostdistinguished competitiveadvantage.

Laying the foundations to whatwould become the world’s mosttrusted gemmological laboratory isRaphael’s great-grand uncle and

Gubelin Gem Lab founder Dr Eduard J. Gübelin. With a body ofwork contributing far beyond thesuccess of Gubelin’s business, Dr Gübelin helped advance thescience of gemmology with hislifetime’s worth of gem investigation.

As part of his research, Dr Gübelin designed and developedseveral gemmological instrumentssuch as the colouriscope,gemmolux, fluoroscope andmagnoscope. He has been reputedas a pioneer of modern gemmologyand origin determination – fields ofexpertise where Gubelin Gem Lab is best known.

“My great-grand uncletransformed his fascination of gemsinto a combination of art, scienceand skill in gemmology,” Gübelinsays. “It is in the same vein that weare continuing to blend more than acentury of human expertise withcutting-edge technology.”

One of the most universallyacknowledged gemmologicallaboratories, Gubelin Gem Lab isesteemed for its excellence and itsindependence. While it has becomean invaluable asset of the GubelinGroup, it does not engage in thecommercial aspect of its gemstoneand jewellery business. It focuses onthe analysis and interpretation of thescientific characteristics ofgemstones, and is committed toprotecting clients by providing onlyaccurate and relevant information.

This is why equally renownedauction houses such as Christie’sand Sotheby’s have relied on GubelinGem Lab since the 1960s when itcomes to the thorough examinationand analysis of jewellery collections.From auctioneers, the laboratory’sclients have since expanded togemstone dealers, jewelleryretailers, royalty houses and privatecollectors.

Gubelin Gem Lab is specialised inthe analysis of high-end goods.These include the biggest and rarestdiamonds, coloured gemstones andnatural pearls.

“We may be small but we arepositioned in the very high end,”says Gubelin Gem Lab managingdirector Dr Daniel Nyfeler. “We areentrusted with the most expensivestones and most complex analyses.”

One of Gubelin Gem Lab’s mostrecent high-profile reports was thatof the Archduke Joseph Diamond,which sold for nearly US$21.5 millionat an auction hosted by Christie’s inNovember last year. The 76.02ctdiamond, which has been analysedto have perfect colour and clarity,has set a new world auction recordprice per carat for its kind.

From its experts to its equipment,the laboratory boasts the bestresources in the industry. Specialistsrange from earth scientists with post-graduate degrees in geologyand mineralogy to a mix of chemists,physicists and specialised operatorsof sophisticated analytical equipment such as laser ablationinductively coupled plasma massspectrometers.

Gubelin Gem Lab has createdone of the world’s largest gemstonedatabases, profiling about 25,000 stones with chemical,spectroscopic, microscopic andseveral hundred raw data points foreach kind. Together with variousuniversities, it is also developing acomplementary software designedto eliminate human error in analysingstones and push the envelope ofmodern gemmology.

“We invest heavily in both peopleand technology, which give theutmost confidence level to ourclients for their most importantstones,” Nyfeler says. “It is aboutmerging the artisanal element ofgemmology with a highly academicapproach to provide customersunparalleled accuracy – and in turn,peace of mind.”

Bringing the same peace of mindacross the globe, Gubelin Gem Labopened a permanent laboratory inHong Kong in 2011, after 15 years ofregularly coming to Asia for off-premise testing (OPT). Whilemore complex services still requireassistance from its Swissheadquarters, Gubelin Gem Lab Hong Kong is set to expand itsfunctions in the future.

Gubelin Gem Lab will alsocontinue OPT services in New Yorkand Bangkok, where it sets up amobile laboratory with transportableequipment that examines colouredstones. The reports are issued inLucerne and then couriered back tothe client as quickly as possible.

“It is important to be present inAsia and maintain a strong presenceworldwide, but we are not growingjust to flash a market. We will gowhere customers want us,welcoming strategic partnershipsand collaborations that fit oursustainable growth path,” Gübelinsays. “Again, as a family company,we want to pave the way for the next generations and servecustomers for more centuriesto come.”

Gubelin pledgeslegacy of credenceand lifetime of craft

Raphael Gübelin, CEO, Gubelin Group Daniel Nyfeler, managing director, Gubelin Gem Lab

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