When searching for the right location for its European HQ, key considerations were transport links and exceptional quality of life. For Joost Berting, VP & Managing Director EMEA Region, it’s quite clear why the company chose the Canton of Schaffhausen: «Switzerland is positioned at the centre of Europe, Schaffhausen and Neuhausenam Rheinfall are attractive locations and there is a supply of highly qualified staff.» From its base in Neuhausen am Rheinfall just above the Rhine Falls, the company is able to manage its European business more strategically and with greater neutrality. That impacts on profitability, shortens response times and supports the development of new markets.

«We direct our most important EMEA businesses from our base in Neuhausen am Rheinfall.»

Joost Berting, VP & Managing Director EMEA Region

«The decision to come to Neuhausen am Rheinfall is also directly connected to the outstanding support and help we received from the Economic Promotion Team here», Joost Berting is keen to point out. «I have to single out Marcus Cajacob who gave us excellent advice, got closely involved in deciding where we should base ourselves and then finding premises and was highly responsive and completely unbureaucratic in driving forward our project.» Following initial discussions in December 2004, the European HQ was opened in July 2005.

HQ for the whole EMEA area

Since opening its European HQ offices in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, the company’s headcount has grown from 25 to around 40 staff. The staff are mainly senior post holders in strategic and business support functions. Neuhausen am Rheinfall is home to the Vice President and Managing Director EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and the strategic decision-takers for the company’s EMEA business. That includes functions such as Corporate Relations, Head of Sales, Head of Marketing, Head of Manufacturing, Quality Management and Purchasing, Human Resources, Finance and Controlling as well as IT for the EMEA Region.

«It’s important to us that our staff are happy.»

Joost Berting, VP & Managing Director EMEA Region

Delighted with their location in Neuhausen am Rheinfall

For Joost Berting, it’s important that his staff are happy. «Switzerland in general and Schaffhausen in particular offer an exceptional quality of life», that’s the firmly-held view of the Head of the European HQ. The recreational opportunities on offer and range of cultural events, the unspoilt countryside and historic old towns have combined to convince him there’s no better place to be. «And then you look at the Rhine Falls, this spectacle of nature, right on our doorstep – what’s not to like?», Berting concludes.
Other pull factors are the International School, the position right at the border to Germany, proximity to Zurich international airport, just half an hour away, and the excellent road and rail links radiating in all directions. «That means we can get to our other European branches very quickly», Berting summarises.