Latest news with #Swiss-American
AsiaOne
8 hours ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Eye care giant Alcon keeps 'lens' on the future with expanded manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas, Singapore News
Eye care-device giant Alcon officially opened its expanded state-of-the art manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas Biomedical Park on Friday (June 27) morning. This brings Alcon's investments in Singapore to more than US$600 million (S$765 million) since it began operations in Singapore back in 2005. The completed Tuas facility is one of the Swiss-American firm's largest high-tech manufacturing sites with Industry 4.0 capabilities, advanced automation and smart manufacturing systems to meet the increasing global demand for its contact lenses. Amid a growing middle class and rising demand for quality healthcare, the Asia-Pacific region continues to be the fastest-growing market for medical technology, with its market value projected to reach nearly S$300 billion by 2030. This puts the region second only to the US as a source of demand for medical technology (Medtech). "Singapore is home to some of the world's best-in-class Medtech manufacturing palnts. The sector has been growing steadily, with a manufacturing output of S$19.4 billion in 2023. This marks a $5.2 billion increase over the past decade," said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling at the opening ceremony of Alcon's expanded facility. Beyond strengthening innovation and supply chain resilience within Singapore's MedTech ecosystem, Alcon's investment is also expected to benefit Singaporean workers and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. Muhammad Haiqal Bin Sapuan, an associate supervisor at Alcon made the switch from the oil and gas industry, through the Career Conversion Programme (CCP), in 2022 to have more time with his family. A year and a half into his role as a senior technician, he was nominated by his peers to step up as an associate supervisor. [[nid:707984]] "That recognition gave me confidence. I started off as an interim, and it was tough at first, but the team's support made the difference," said Haiqal. To date, nearly 180 Singaporean workers have benefitted from the CCP to become Alcon associates. Alcon's new facility is expected to create new job opportunities in production operations, quality control and supply chain management. It is also expected to strengthen innovation and supply chain resilience within Singapore's Medtech ecosystem through initiatives such as the Partnership for Capability Transformation, which partners local SMEs to buiild capabilities from precision moulding to packaging, helping them to scale and compete globally. [[nid:715407]] editor@
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Swiss-American eye care firm Alcon launches expanded Tuas manufacturing facility
[SINGAPORE] Alcon, a Swiss-American pharmaceutical and medical device company specialising in eye care products, opened its expanded manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas on Friday (Jun 27). This brings its total investment in Singapore to more than US$600 million since opening its first manufacturing site here in 2005. Located in Tuas Biomedical Park, the facility is one of Alcon's largest manufacturing sites, featuring advanced automation, smart manufacturing systems and industry 4.0 capabilities to support the increasing global demand for its contact lenses. It is also designed for operational efficiency and sustainability, with automation; digital systems; and features that reduce energy use, water consumption and waste. It has achieved zero waste to landfill and supports scalable production for global demand. Speaking at the launch event, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling said the partnership between Alcon and Singapore over the past 20 years exemplifies how deep, sustained collaboration can drive industrial growth and create meaningful careers for Singaporeans. 'Singapore is home to some of the world's best-in-class medtech manufacturing plants. The sector has been growing steadily, with a manufacturing output of S$19.4 billion in 2023, a nearly fourfold increase over the past decade,' she said. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up In a statement, Alcon said that the expansion is expected to create new 'high-value' jobs in areas such as manufacturing, quality control and distribution management. It will also support Singapore's ambition to grow its medtech workforce, which comprises over 400 companies and employs more than 16,000 people as of 2024. The company partners with local institutions and workforce programmes to build skills in precision engineering, biomedical sciences and artificial intelligence automation, supporting the growth of Singapore's medtech sector. One initiative is the Career Conversion Programme (CCP), which allowed the firm to tap into a broader, more diverse talent pool, including mid-career switchers and individuals seeking new roles. To date, nearly 180 associates have benefited. Muhammad Haiqal Sapuan, a beneficiary of the programme, worked in the oil and gas sector previously and joined Alcon as a senior technician in 2022. After participating in the CCP and undergoing strong mentoring, he now serves as an associate supervisor, leading a team of 15 in production technical operations. Alcon currently employs more than 25,000 people worldwide and serves over 260 million patients across 140 countries annually.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Mountaintop Home in Switzerland Is a Modern Take on a Classic Alpine Chalet
You don't need a massive plot of land or over-the-top design to make a powerful statement in real estate—especially not in the Swiss Alps. This boxy, three-story home and its detached carport cut striking figures among the dense greenery of the Alpine landscape during the summer and the glimmering white snow during winter. The dark-stained larch wood siding will only get darker over time through exposure to the elements, while the steep pitch of the solar-equipped standing seam metal roof helps keep snow from piling up and wood slats over some windows offer privacy while maintaining the views from inside. More from Robb Report Art Dealer Barbara Gladstone's Elegant Manhattan Row House Lists for $12 Million A Carefully Reimagined Midcentury Oasis in the Pacific Palisades Lists for $25 Million This $24 Million Boston Home Doubles as an Art Gallery Designed by the firm Montalba Architects as a modern homage to a classic architectural trope, the home is built into the hillside and angled to take in the best view of the 10,000-foot-tall Grand Muveran. Drawing inspiration from the shape of traditional chalets, the residence has been rethought with an open floor plan, vast picture windows, and clean-lined midcentury-inspired furnishings. Constructed over just 10 months, Montalba worked with a local builder to complete the property. All of the millwork, including the angular staircase, was also done in collaboration with local carpenters and cabinet makers. Many of the furnishings came from Switzerland as well, with additional pieces curated from throughout Europe and California. RELATED: A London-Based Designer Brought Italian Style to This Pint-Sized Apartment in the Swiss Alps It's a style of sourcing that mirrors the other work of Montalba, an international firm with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Lausanne. The company was founded back in 2004 by the Swiss-American architect David Montalba, and it draws on Swiss precision and California Modernism to create properties that evoke both styles. Modest in size at just 2,600 square feet, the Alpine abode takes advantage of lighter woods and neutral tones that contrast with the dark, moodier exterior. The main living spaces are on the middle floor and include a living room with a Nero Marquina marble fireplace and a cozy Ligne Roset sofa and armchairs. In the dining area, the tables is from Moyard, and the light-filled kitchen opens to a small patio on the home's east side. The top floor is largely for sleeping. The primary suite has a covered balcony and private bath, and two guest rooms share an additional bathroom with a shower sheathed in the same marble used on the downstairs fireplace. The lowest level, which is embedded into the mountainside, has a studio space with a separate entrance, as well as a small sauna and storage of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kings' Fiala and Team Switzerland Shutout Team USA 3-0
In his first game of the 2025 IIHL Mens World Championships, Kevin Fiala came ready to play. Looking creative and dangerous with the puck all afternoon and into the evening, the 35-goal scorer for the LA Kings this past season played a big role in handing Team USA its first loss of the tournament. Playing alongside New Jersey Devil Nico Hischier and Swiss-American Tyler Moy on the top line, the addition of Fiala may have contenders like Canada, the USA, Czechia, and Sweden looking over their shoulders a bit. In what has become familiar to LA Kings' fans over the years, Kevin was "being Kevin" out there for the Swiss during this game, which works much more often than not. In addition to some risky passes and decisions in his own zone, Fiala used his skating to attack the US defenders up ice and was constantly looking to create chances. The MVP from the 2024 Worlds also clanked a hard wrister off of US goalie Joey Daccord's post and used his stickhandling and skating to draw a penalty as well. Advertisement Although dominating in puck possession during most of the first period, Team USA had trouble mustering a consistent attack for most of the game against last year's silver medalists and looked out of sorts for large stretches of the contest. In this type of tournament, teams need to come together quickly and sometimes lack the chemistry needed to form a cohesive unit. Team USA will need to quickly find its mojo if it hopes to come away with the gold medal on May 25th. After opening the scoring at 12:46 of the first period on a lob deflection from Damian Riat, the Swiss would make it 2-0 just three minutes later. Kevin Fiala backed up the US defense with speed and dropped the puck back to Jonas Siegenthaler, who zipped a wrist shot past Daccord. Swiss goalie Leonardo Gemoni, currently playing for Swiss National League A team EV Zug, stopped all 23 shots he faced, answering those who second guessed his selection to the national side this year. Preliminary stage play will resume for the Swiss on May 15th when they square off with Germany, while the US will look to get back in the win column against Norway on May 14th.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Logitech to shift some production from China to counter Trump tariffs
By John Revill ZURICH: Logitech International will mitigate the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy by shifting some production of its computer mice and other peripherals away from China. Chief Executive Hanneke Faber said she would take an active approach to handling trade barriers, an issue of particular concern for Logitech, which produces all of its products outside the United States, though the country is its biggest market with 35% of sales. "We are going to play offence while exercising strong cost discipline and acting with agility," Faber told analysts after the webcam and keyboards maker reported fourth-quarter earnings slightly below estimates. The Swiss-American company presently makes roughly 40% of its products sold in the United States in China, creating a difficult situation after Washington imposed import duties of 145% on goods from Beijing. Logitech now wants to reduce the share of China-made products shipped to the U.S. to 10%, by switching more of its production to Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and Mexico, where it has arrangements with contract manufacturers. "We're in the fortunate position that we have invested in a really diversified manufacturing footprint," Faber said. "So while I won't say it's easy to shift volume, our team is doing a fantastic job at shifting volume fast to mitigate tariff impacts." Other moves included raising prices in the United States by around 10% to compensate for tariffs, while the company would also remain focused on the rest of the world where it gets 65% of its sales. In addition costs would be reduced, for example by delaying hiring, and cutting back on spending on travel and other expenses The plan was unveiled as Logitech reported non-GAAP operating profit fell 16% to $133 million in the quarter ended March, missing analysts' estimate of $134 million. Quarterly sales were flat at $1.01 billion, below estimates of $1.03 billion, the consensus of analysts compiled by Visible Alpha. Bank Vontobel analyst Michael Foeth was encouraged by Logitech's plan, while the stock was trading 1.5% higher in early trading in Zurich. "From a position of competitive and financial strength and with a highly agile production set-up, the company has a convincing track record to compete successfully in difficult times," Foeth said.
