The case

“Nowadays, the only constant is change. We must keep adapting the way we both lead and manage our businesses. The longer the more, success depends on flexibility, the ability to make decisions amid uncertainty and the willingness to take calculated risks,” says Nabil Francis, CEO of Swiss family-owned company Felco.

Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung 15 June 2026, Felco

The commentary

Francis’ observations sum up the reality many export-driven Swiss SMEs are faced with. Felco, a manufacturer of premium pruning shears renowned for their durability, combines a strong domestic production base with a distinctly global outlook. The company employs around 300 people, with approximately 250 working in Switzerland. The firm makes it a point of manufacturing its products in Switzerland, though it must be pointed out that its fortunes are closely tied to international markets: Roughly 95 % of its output is exported, with the United States accounting for nearly a quarter of total sales last year.

Felco’s experience illustrates a bigger challenge the Swiss industry is confronted with. Companies are striving to preserve high-value manufacturing in Switzerland while navigating an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global economy. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics as well as persistent economic uncertainty, adaptability is no longer merely a competitive advantage, but it has become a prerequisite for long-term resilience and growth.

The 10-Million Switzerland Debate: On 14 June 2026 Switzerland voted for continuity rather than a shift in migration policy. Despite this, the country remains polarized over immigration, with divisions shaped by geography, language and economic structure. The fundamental dilemma persists, i.e. balancing openness and economic dynamism with concerns about growth and capacity. (Neue Zürcher Zeitung)