2016 annual result
Encouraging number of foreign companies set up in the Greater
Zurich Area
Together with its cantonal, regional and city partners, the location promotion agency
Greater Zurich Area Ltd (GZA) helped 101 foreign companies to set up in the Zurich
economic region in 2016. The companies plan to create over 1,500 new jobs over the
next five years. The American life sciences companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and
Cardinal Health are examples of successful investment projects from attractive
industries.
Zurich, March 21, 2017 – The number of foreign companies setting up a business in the
Greater Zurich Area has increased from 93 in 2015 to 101. The last time over 100
companies did this was in 2010. The newly established companies created 434 jobs during
the year under review. They plan to create 1,541 new jobs over the next five years.
Focus on industries with a high degree of innovative capacity
Focused, active market cultivation once again proved expedient in 2016. 63 of the
companies set up are from the GZA's focus industries, which are characterized by high
added value and innovative capacity. These include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology,
medical technology, ICT, cleantech and mechanical engineering. 39 companies are from
Europe, 31 from the USA and 9 from China. 22 companies are from regions outside of the
GZA's focus markets.
Sonja Wollkopf Walt, Managing Director of Greater Zurich Area Ltd, commented on the
annual result: "We are delighted that 101 foreign companies have set up in our region.
They will bring new innovative capacity, jobs and tax revenue to the Greater Zurich Area.
The positive result cannot be taken for granted in view of the strong franc, the uncertainty
surrounding corporate taxes, implementation of the mass immigration initiative and of
Brexit." According to Wollkopf Walt, the annual result is further proof that the GZA's
strategy with its strong focus on attractive metropolitan regions, innovative industries and
technology companies is well on track.
Newly established foreign companies praise quality and availability of workforce
At a media conference held by the GZA, two American companies explained their motives
for setting up a business in the Greater Zurich Area. The bio-pharmaceutical company
Alnylam is expanding and established its European headquarters in the canton of Zug in
2016. "Providing access to top talent, Zug in the Greater Zurich Area offers the ideal
location for Alnylam to begin this expansion", explained Emmanuel Dulac, Chief
Commercial Officer of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Around ten individuals from the
Commercial Leadership Team and in the fields of Business Development, Human
Resources, Legal and ICT are currently working at the Zug location.
The medical technology company Cardinal Health acquired Cordis, the medical
technology division of Johnson & Johnson, as part of the process of international
expansion in 2015. The company chose the canton of Zug for the global headquarters of
Cardinal Health Cordis and expanded it to over 50 employees in 2016. "The canton of Zug
offers us a good platform to be amongst similar minded companies in the life sciences field
and allows us to attract great international talent," explained Bertrand Deluard, President
EMEA of Cardinal Health Cordis.
Annual report and pictures of the media conference held available at:
https://www.greaterzuricharea.com/en/media-corner/
More on the success stories of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Cardinal Health:
greaterzuricharea.com/erfolgsgeschichten/alnylam
greaterzuricharea.com/erfolgsgeschichten/cardinalhealth
Contact
Reto Sidler, Head of Communications and Marketing
Greater Zurich Area Ltd (GZA)
Tel.: 044 254 59 07
[email protected]
www.greaterzuricharea.com