Thanks to the organization’s huge network, S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub USA were able to provide us with comprehensive support – from the location and property search to contract negotiations and the selection of suitable recruitment agencies..
Thomas Good, Management Board CSMO, Früh Verpackungstechnik AG
Why did you contact S-GE?
We have been in contact with S-GE for many years and receive support in various areas, such as customer acquisition abroad. The organization offers good service and has an excellent network. The first challenge we faced in expanding to the US was to find a suitable location, so we commissioned S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub USA in Atlanta to carry out a SWOT analysis. Possible locations in Michigan, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania were evaluated using a questionnaire. There are strong providers in the medical technology sector in each of those states – and the time difference is no more than six hours.
Which factors were taken into account in the SWOT analysis?
Our briefing in this regard was very comprehensive and included not only the availability of future employees but also factors such as wage costs, level of education, quality of life, safety, energy prices, taxes and the availability of sterilization options in the area.
What happened next?
Pennsylvania emerged as the favorite in the SWOT analysis. The basis for the search for a suitable building in this state was again a comprehensive briefing regarding our requirements. In collaboration with local brokers, the Swiss Business Hub presented around 20 properties to us. After an initial inspection on paper, we viewed around 15 buildings in person.
What are the benefits of working with S-GE?
Früh Verpackungstechnik AG did not previously have any sort of base in the US, so it was simply impossible for us to carry out the location and property search on our own. S-GE offers its partners a comprehensive service package for expansion abroad – from the location search to the contract review. A lawyer recruited by the Swiss Business Hub was able to provide us with critical support in the negotiations with the landlord, as he knew the prices and the situation on site. S-GE also helped us in the search for suitable employees – with a recommendation for established local recruitment consultants.
How would you rate the collaboration?
I would describe the collaboration with S-GE as very successful – I am a real fan!
What recommendations can you give to other companies?
It’s always important to have a good briefing: It’s worth investing a lot of time in the initial phase and defining your own requirements precisely – this helps to avoid duplication and dead ends.
For the SWOT analysis and site selection projects for Früh Verpackungstechnik AG, we utilized all of our combined professional experience from Switzerland and the US and also reached out to our network on the ground in the relevant states. In conjunction with the local partners in the state of Pennsylvania specifically, we were able help Früh successfully identify their desired location in which they are now in the process of building their first U.S. production plant to make their vision and dream become a reality!
Kimberly Shulman, Trade Commissioner, Swiss Business Hub USA and Annina Bosshard, Consultant USA & Canada, S-GE
