The Swiss are known for innovation, quality and precision in this ever-changing fast-paced world of manufacturing technology. Over the years, Swiss companies have introduced innovative ideas and developments that have forever changed the industrial environment in the country.
Of late, Swiss-based industries like mechanical, electrical and metal, have flourished worldwide, making Swiss-made products a well-known brand. As the country’s economy grew, so was the need for a strong system to address the needs of various sectors. This saw the emergence of two associations – the Swiss Association of Machinery Manufacturers (VSM) and the Association of Swiss Engineering Employees (ASM). Both of them are more than 100 years old. Since 1999, the two were merged under one name, which saw the inception of Swissmem.
Today, Swissmem comprises 26 sub-associations, each catering to mechanical, electrical and metal industries. The textile division of Swissmem is one such association representing the entire spectrum of the textile industry of Switzerland. It is also the oldest sub-division within Swissmem that is to celebrate 75 years in 2015.
From fibers to finished products, machinery manufacturers to power suppliers, Swissmem is the voice of the Switzerland textile industry to the world. The Swiss textile industry, suppliers and its customers are an important component of the Swiss economy and are found in every region of the country.
Swissmem has nearly 1,000 member-companies, including all major industries of Switzerland. A team of well-informed professionals handle operations at the headquarters in Zurich for helping Swiss companies in their international development.
Swissmem is a private non-profit making body and its main purpose consists in promoting the Swiss textile machinery sector and in supporting its activities, mainly overseas, through the most updated and innovative promotional means.
Textile machinery exports
The Swiss textile machinery industry is comprised of suppliers of machinery manufacturers for spinning, weaving, knitting, dyers, printers, finishing, packaging and special machines for technical textile applications. There are more than 40 members as part of the textile machinery sub-division.
Exports of Swiss textile machinery registered good growth in the last two years. Growing demand is expected from Turkey. Also in countries like Uzbekistan and Pakistan demand is picking up strongly unlike in the case of China and India whose demand is slowing down steadily. There was an overall growth of 10 per cent in textile machinery exports in the first nine months of 2014, according to Ms. Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary-General, Swissmem.
Textile mills tend to invest in machinery when interest rates are considerably low. The appreciation of Swiss franc against the Euro in the past couple of years has directly impacted export of Swiss-made machines. This has become a major concern for Swiss manufacturers as developing countries find it uneconomical to import Swiss machines.
At present, over one-third of Swiss textile machinery is exported to Asian markets. Bangladesh remained a major market for Swiss machinery, especially in the post-spinning machinery range.
No doubt, the Asian economies are back with good growth rates. But in the changing world where countries like China, India and other machinery manufacturers in Europe are increasing their capacities. Swiss companies are facing stiff competition and are striving to keep their competitive edge.
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Swissmem offers a comprehensive range of products and services aimed at accompanying Swiss-based companies in their development on export markets: • Knowledge-based products and services, from business information to consultancy and monitoring services, in order to help companies elaborate a strategy for innovation • Promotional operations in order to foster better visibility for the members outside Switzerland • Organizing networking sessions like seminars and workshops for international expansion |