Export Award 2018: Three impressive finalists nominated
The finalists for the Export Award 2018 from Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) show how small and medium-sized enterprises can take advantage of the opportunities offered by globalisation and smoothly cope with increasing protectionism. The winner will be announced at the Foreign Trade and Investment Forum on 26 April 2018.
The 2018 Export Award candidates have been announced. The independent Jury of business, academic and media representatives has announced who is in the running for the 2018 Export Award:
- Industrielack AG, Wangen SZ: ILAG leaves no stone unturned
- Acutronic Medical Systems, Hirzel ZH: Strong presence in a small niche market
- On, Zurich: The running community is enthusiastic
The winner will be announced at the Foreign Trade and Investment Forum on 26 April in Zurich. The awards will be presented by Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Chairman of the Board of Directors of S-GE.
The finalists for the Export Award 2018
The finalists are holding their own around the world, despite the fact that more than 750 new protectionist measures have been enacted every year since 2009, as the Global Trade Alert by Professor Simon Evenett of the University of St. Gallen shows. High barriers to entry are particularly prevalent in the medical technology sector - making the export performance of Acutronic Medical Systems, which manufactures high-precision ventilators for premature babies, all the more outstanding. The company has already established itself in Western Europe and the Middle East and is beginning to put out feelers in China. But On's running shoes and ILAG's cookware coating also have to meet high standards around the world, which the companies have managed highly successfully.
lLAG leaves no stone unturned
When it comes to coating cookware and baking pans, ILAG is big business. The export-oriented SME scores with quality and an innovative business model: consistent relationship management with all participants in the value chain and image-enhancing co-branding ensure that the company is growing - and generated sales of CHF 34 million in 2017. In the most important markets, ILAG is on the road with sales agents, while the US market is handled from its own office in Chicago. ILAG is still mainly successful in the consumer goods industry, but in future it will increasingly focus on applications in industry.
Strong presence in small niche
High-tech devices for tiny customers: With its product range, Acutronic Medical Systems covers the entire spectrum of neonatal artificial respiration. The universally designed, easy-to-use high-tech devices are used in operating theatres, intensive care units and hospital wards in many European countries, the Middle East and China. In this way, products from Hirzel ensure that many premature babies survive without permanent damage. And also that the Swiss medtech company thrives.
The running community is enthusiastic
Push off hard, land softly and run with a feather-light stride without any discomfort - around three million runners worldwide rely on shoes from On. Founded in 2010 by three Swiss sports enthusiasts, the label has taken the global running scene by storm with its revolutionary CloudTec sole. Thanks to a consistent focus on the premium segment worldwide and a clever marketing strategy, On is the fastest growing brand in the running shoe market and is present in 4000 stores in 50 countries.
Foreign Trade Forum 2018: Zwween globalisation and protectionism?
Switzerland Global Enterprise's Foreign Trade Forum is the meeting place of the year for all Swiss exporters. Small and medium-sized companies in particular find inspiration and practical advice for their international business here. For SMEs, on the one hand, it has never been so necessary and potentially profitable to do business internationally on a broad basis. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly complex to deal with the multitude of markets and the specific trade barriers.
During the generous breaks and at the Apéro Riche, there will be room for exchange with over 600 participants and numerous exporters who are facing similar challenges or have already successfully mastered some of them.
Registration and program at www.s-ge.com/awf
Further information about the Export Award: www.s-ge.com/exportaward
