Unknown High-Flyers: Surprising Successes in the Swiss Economy
Ah, Switzerland, the land of chocolate, precision watches, and apparently, transformers that would make even Optimus Prime raise an eyebrow. While the global economy is having a meltdown reminiscent of a block of Swiss cheese left out in the sun, some Swiss companies are thriving. And who would’ve thought that transformers would be the superhero of the story?
The Great Global Slowdown
With economies feeling as sluggish as a tortoise on holiday post-corona, it’s easy to assume that everyone is in a state of panic. Thank you, global crises! From the invasion of Ukraine to energy shortages hotter than a sauna in July, companies are understandably a bit jittery. But fear not, dear reader! There are truly remarkable firms bucking the trend—companies that are swimming upstream while others are still floundering.
Well, It Isn’t Chocola-ty!
Take Ypsomed, for instance. This company, based in Burgdorf, has pivoted like a ballerina on a caffeine high by ramping up its production of auto-injectors for weight loss medications. Yes, you heard that right! While many are wrestling with “the new me” post-pandemic, Ypsomed is cashing in on humanity’s ‘need’ to drop a few kilos, with an ambitious plan to produce one billion injectors by 2030. If only losing weight came with a magic wand!
Vegan Cheese: A Cheesy Turnaround!
Then there’s New Roots, the vegan cheese company born out of a biker’s kitchen escapade. Who knew that sad melty cheese could be transformed into something menacingly delicious? With 600 tons of dairy-free delight making its way from Oberdiessbach every year, this innovative company has even been named the most cutting-edge Swiss company of 2025! Imagine that—it went from “What is vegan cheese?” to “I absolutely must try that!” quicker than you can say ‘gluten-free sprouts’.
Elevating Expectations
And what about Schindler? Talk about going upwards! This elevator giant isn’t just elevating people but also profits, even if they have to deal with a bit of economic turbulence. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Schindler has managed to keep its head above water, continuing to make lifts and escalators while others are struggling to climb the ladder of success. Now that’s what I call some serious high-rise hustle!
Cloud Shoes, Literally!
Speaking of hustle, let’s not forget On, the sneaker phenomenon that’s got clouds beneath your feet. With their sales soaring in the U.S. and their innovative designs, their sneakers are capturing hearts (and feet) everywhere. Though it seems the younger crowd might be leaving it to their parents’ nostalgia—perhaps they could consider platforms? Talk about stepping it up!
Powering Up with R&S Group
Now we arrive at the unsung hero of our Swiss success saga, the R&S Group. Operating in a world of high-voltage networks, they produce transformers essential for energy transition. With demands soaring faster than the stocks of a tech giant, this little-known company is making waves—or should we say currents? CEO Markus Laesser sees potential not just in Switzerland but reaching as far as the Baltic States. This company is not just about volts and amps; it’s about powering up our future!
Conclusion: Innovating Through Adversity
As other companies throw up their arms in despair, these trailblazing titans of industry are climbing the ladder of success, showing us that innovation knows no bounds—even during economic downturns. So while the world may feel like it’s teetering on the edge of a precipice, some Swiss companies are just getting started on their ascent. Perhaps next time you see a transformer, a vegan cheese wheel, or a stylish sneaker, you’ll appreciate the stories behind them and the resilience of their creators.
In the current climate of economic uncertainty, the Swiss economy is facing considerable challenges, with many companies compelled to tighten their belts. However, there are notable exceptions to this trend, such as the R&S Group, which has successfully navigated these turbulent waters thanks to a surge in demand for its specialized products, particularly transformers utilized in high-voltage networks.
Despite the global economic downturn, characterized by a cooling of markets and production disruptions following the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, select Swiss companies are bucking the trend. These firms, some of which are long-established while others have recently emerged from their startup phases, continue to post significant profits and expand their market presence. Importantly, the companies showcased here are illustrative of a broader resilience within the Swiss manufacturing sector amid rising energy, material, and logistics costs.
Ypsomed, based in Burgdorf BE, has carved out a niche by producing auto-injectors, commonly known as pens, that are crucial for individuals with chronic conditions requiring regular injections. The recent surge in demand for weight loss medications, particularly Wegovy and Ozempic, has necessitated a major expansion of their production capabilities, with the company planning to invest 1.5 billion francs to scale up to an impressive one billion injectors annually by 2030.
New Roots, a company that began as a small venture inspired by an ambitious biker’s exploration of vegan foods, has since evolved into a leader in plant-based dairy products. The Oberdiessbach BE-based company ships an astounding 600 tons of vegan cheese, cream cheese, fondue, milk, and yogurt globally every year, thus receiving recognition as Switzerland’s most innovative company for 2025. The founder, Freddy Hunziker, has ambitious plans to transition the ingredient sourcing for their products from imported cashews to local alternatives like lupine, pumpkin, and hemp seeds.
The legacy and staying power of Schindler, Switzerland’s oldest company on the list, is underscored by its 150-year history of manufacturing elevators and escalators. Headquartered in Ebikon LU, Schindler operates at over 100 sites worldwide. While it has benefitted from post-war reconstruction and the recent construction booms in Asia, the company has recently reported sales declines paired with rising profits during these economically challenging times, demonstrating its adaptability.
On, renowned for their innovative sneaker designs featuring cloud-like cushioning, has seen its global sales soar, particularly within the American market. In 2023, the company surpassed the 1 billion franc mark, a significant leap from the under 400 million francs recorded in 2021. Despite facing some image challenges among younger consumers, On remains resolute in its market strategy, introducing groundbreaking products, such as a unique lace-free shoe, and has developed a highly efficient production system to uphold its growth trajectory.
Lastly, the Swiss-based R&S Group operates in a highly specialized niche, producing transformers that are essential for regulating electrical voltage in power grids, a critical component in the push for energy transition and decarbonization. Recently, R&S expanded its international reach by acquiring a company in Ireland and strengthening its presence in markets such as Germany, Italy, and Poland. With plans to tap into emerging opportunities in the Baltic States, particularly in relation to the demands of data centers, CEO Markus Laesser is optimistic about the company’s future prospects as described in his interview with the “Handelszeitung.”
How does R&S Group plan to expand its operations in the Baltic States as discussed in the interview with Markus Laesser?
**Interview with Markus Laesser, CEO of R&S Group**
**Interviewer:** Today we’re diving into the surprising successes of the Swiss economy with none other than Markus Laesser, CEO of R&S Group. Markus, thank you for joining us!
**Markus Laesser:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our journey during these challenging times.
**Interviewer:** In light of the global economic downturn, many companies are struggling. Yet, R&S Group seems to be thriving, especially with the growing demand for transformers. What do you attribute this success to?
**Markus Laesser:** Our success is deeply rooted in our commitment to innovation and adaptability. With the energy transition gaining traction, we’ve positioned ourselves at the forefront of that demand. Our transformers are essential for high-voltage networks, and as more companies and countries focus on sustainability, we’re here to ensure they have the infrastructure to do so.
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to see a company not only surviving but thriving. Can you elaborate on how R&S Group is planning to expand its reach, particularly in the Baltic States?
**Markus Laesser:** Certainly! We’re looking to leverage our expertise in high-voltage technologies to penetrate new markets like the Baltic States. We’ve identified this region as a significant area for growth, especially as they transition towards greener energy solutions. Expanding our operations allows us to contribute to their energy goals while also boosting our own presence in the European market.
**Interviewer:** You’re in a unique position, witnessing these developments in energy transition. With rising costs in materials and logistics, how are you mitigating these challenges?
**Markus Laesser:** We’re actively investing in our supply chain resilience. This involves securing long-term contracts, diversifying our supplier base, and exploring local sourcing options whenever possible. By focusing on these areas, we aim to maintain our production efficiency and manage costs effectively.
**Interviewer:** Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about the innovative spirit present in other Swiss companies like Ypsomed and New Roots. What are your thoughts on their success stories?
**Markus Laesser:** It’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of successful companies emerging from Switzerland. Ypsomed’s focus on health solutions and New Roots’s rise in the vegan product market showcase how innovation can meet changing consumer demands. These companies not only inspire others but also reflect the resilience of the Swiss manufacturing sector in adapting to new trends.
**Interviewer:** Definitely! As we look to the future, what can we expect from R&S Group in the coming years?
**Markus Laesser:** We’re excited about our growth trajectory! Our focus will continue to be on innovation, expansion into new markets, and enhancing our product lines to meet customer needs. We’re committed to playing our part in the energy transition and are optimistic about what’s ahead.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Markus, for this insightful discussion. It sounds like R&S Group will play a pivotal role in both local and global energy transitions.
**Markus Laesser:** Thank you! The future is bright, and we’re looking forward to making an impact.
**Interviewer:** There you have it, folks! R&S Group, along with others like Ypsomed and New Roots, highlights a remarkable resilience within the Swiss economy, proving that innovation knows no bounds even in challenging times.
