"Long-term employment prospects remain good"
Nicola Tettamanti is President of the industry association Swissmechanic. He discusses the challenges and strengths of the mechanical, electrical and metal (MEM) industry.
Switzerland’s mechanical engineering industry is going through a challenging period, marked by the strong Swiss franc, geopolitical tensions and a shortage of skilled workers. Despite these difficulties, the sector continues to innovate and focus on high-value-added products. Swissmechanic President Nicola Tettamanti discusses the changes taking place in the industry, how occupations are evolving and why there are good reasons to remain confident about the future of this key sector.
What are the sector’s main challenges and strengths?
Tettamanti: The main challenges include the uncertain economic situation, the strength of the Swiss franc, rising costs, the shortage of skilled workers and the growing regulatory burden. These factors are particularly challenging for SMEs. At the same time, Switzerland’s mechanical engineering industry has major strengths: a strong capacity for innovation, first-class quality, precision, and reliability, as well as a strong vocational education and training system. Our companies are remarkably resilient: they are flexible, respond quickly to changing market needs and develop customized, high-value-added solutions. The industry is under pressure, but it is taking action.
In which areas do Swiss companies retain a competitive advantage internationally?
Tettamanti: Switzerland is particularly strong in areas requiring the highest levels of precision, quality and technical expertise. These include tool and machine manufacturing, automation, medical technology, precision engineering and specialized suppliers. Many Swiss SMEs are world leaders in their niches and stand out for their capacity for innovation and their ability to develop customized solutions for demanding customers, rather than through their size.
How are new technologies affecting the sector?
Tettamanti: Robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven processes are bringing lasting changes to the sector. However, these technologies do not replace people; they support them. For example, they can make production processes more efficient, improve quality control and enable maintenance to be planned in advance. At Swissmechanic, we are also looking closely at these developments. Together with our partners, we are currently developing a digital industry solution for occupational safety and health protection. The aim is to ease the day-to-day burden on companies, simplify processes and make it easier and more efficient to implement safety measures. This is a good example of how digitization can deliver very tangible benefits for SMEs.
How are occupations in the MEM industry evolving?
Tettamanti: Traditional occupations are not disappearing: they are continuing to evolve. Today, polymechanics technicians, design engineers and production specialists increasingly work with digital systems, robots and connected machinery. As a result, skills in automation, robotics, data analysis, programming and process understanding are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, traditional skills such as precision, problem-solving ability, manual skills and teamwork remain essential. The combination of technical expertise and digital skills will become increasingly important in the future.
What are the employment prospects? Are companies having difficulty recruiting certain profiles?
Tettamanti: Long-term employment prospects remain good. Despite the difficult economic environment, many companies are deliberately choosing to retain their employees because skilled workers are difficult to find. Polymechanics technicians, automation technicians, design engineers and specialists in production, automation and digitization are particularly sought after. The shortage of skilled workers therefore remains one of the main challenges facing our sector.
Do you remain optimistic about the future of Switzerland’s mechanical engineering industry?
Tettamanti: Throughout its history, Switzerland’s mechanical engineering industry has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt successfully to changing framework conditions. Our companies have a strong culture of innovation, a highly skilled workforce and a high degree of specialization.
I am convinced that the combination of technological progress, entrepreneurial flexibility and our proven vocational education and training system will remain a decisive factor for success in the future. If, at the same time, we create favorable economic framework conditions and continue to invest in education and training, innovation and digitization, Switzerland’s mechanical engineering industry has excellent prospects for the future.
