The Swiss industrial sector is currently facing significant challenges, with several companies announcing job cuts due to a decline in demand and rising operational costs.
Meyer Burger, a solar module manufacturer, plans to cut 200 jobs globally, while Swiss Steel will reduce its workforce by 130 positions at its Emmenbrücke site. Other firms in the engineering, electrical, and metal industries are also reporting redundancies, indicating a broader crisis within the sector.
These challenges are exacerbated by the economic difficulties faced by Germany, Switzerland's largest trading partner, as well as domestic issues such as high grid usage fees.
On the other hand, the pharmaceutical sector in Switzerland continues to thrive, providing a buffer against the downturns experienced in traditional manufacturing sectors.
The government is under pressure to respond to the crisis and support struggling companies, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Industry leaders are calling for preferential support for energy-intensive sectors and a more proactive industrial policy to help Swiss companies compete globally.