Albert Alwang, Director of Business Recuritment & Expansion, traveled with an economic development delegation to Switzerland to strengthen international relationships and advance opportunities that support long-term growth in Wake County and across the state. The delegation brought together partners from public, private, academic, and innovation ecosystems, underscoring the Research Triangle region’s collaborative approach to global engagement.

The mission highlighted the depth and momentum of Swiss investment in Wake County. Since 2023, six Swiss-owned companies have announced projects in the county, representing $1.45 billion in capital investment and the creation of 887 jobs. Statewide, 146 Swiss-owned companies have chosen to invest and grow in North Carolina, reinforcing Switzerland’s role as a key international partner.

Life Sciences at the Center of the Relationship

A major focus of the trip was Switzerland’s globally recognized life sciences sector and its strong ties to Wake County and the Research Triangle region.

In Basel, the delegation met with leaders from Roche and Novartis, whose global headquarters sit along the Rhine just miles apart. These engagements built on recent landmark announcements in the region. Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, recently announced a $2 billion expansion in Holly Springs, committing to hire more than 500 employees. The facility will be Roche’s first high-volume operation on the East Coast and reflects the company’s long-standing partnership with the local community.

Novartis also announced a $771 million investment and plans to hire more than 700 employees across Wake and Durham counties. After evaluating approximately 70 U.S. communities, the company selected the Research Triangle region for three new facilities, citing its robust talent pipeline, strong life sciences ecosystem, supportive local governments, and broad regional embrace of the industry.

The delegation later traveled to Solothurn to visit Ypsomed AG, including a tour of the company’s manufacturing facility. The visit reinforced the strong relationship between Ypsomed and Wake County following the company’s recent local expansion announcement. Seeing Ypsomed’s operations firsthand provided valuable insight into the innovation, advanced manufacturing, and talent required to support its global growth.

Ypsomed’s expansion also reflects a broader theme of diversification within Wake County’s life sciences ecosystem. By adding a manufacturer of injection systems for the self-administration of liquid medicines, the company complements the global biotech leaders already operating in Holly Springs and strengthens a critical segment of the life sciences value chain.

Talent, Craftsmanship, and Workforce Development

Beyond life sciences, the mission showcased Switzerland’s deep commitment to talent development and precision manufacturing. A visit to Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus offered a firsthand look at an iconic company celebrating 150 years of watchmaking. With more than 900 employees at its Vallée de Joux headquarters, the company exemplifies craftsmanship at the highest level—where a single watch can take more than 10 months to make entirely by hand.

The delegation was particularly impressed by Audemars Piguet’s strong apprenticeship programs, which play a vital role in developing the next generation of highly skilled talent. The visit also reinforced why the company chose Raleigh for its U.S. watchmaking facility, a testament to the region’s workforce strengths and quality of life.

Financial Services and Advanced Manufacturing Connections

On the final day in Switzerland, the delegation met with leaders from UBS and ABB at their headquarters in Zurich. UBS maintains a significant presence in the Wake County market, employing more than 2,000 people in the region. ABB, whose North America headquarters is located in Cary, employs more than 1,800 people across North Carolina and operates a large manufacturing facility in Mebane.

Discussions with ABB highlighted the company’s “local for local” strategy, with North Carolina facilities focused on smart power and distribution solutions and a continued emphasis on strengthening regional supply chains.

Key Takeaways from the Mission

Across industries and regions, several themes emerged from the trade mission:

• Global companies value talent: Workforce quality, training, and apprenticeship models consistently surfaced as key drivers of investment decisions.
• Ecosystem matters: Companies are drawn to regions where industry, academia, and government collaborate effectively.
• Long-term partnerships drive growth: Many Swiss companies emphasized sustained relationships and community engagement as critical to their success.
• Wake County competes globally: From life sciences to advanced manufacturing and financial services, the region continues to stand out on the international stage.

The Switzerland trade mission reinforced the strength of Wake County’s global relationships and the importance of continued engagement with international partners. As Swiss companies expand and deepen their presence locally, these connections will play a critical role in shaping the region’s economic future.

Learn more about Swiss foreign direct investment in Wake County here.