Cluster: Archive

More cash for nano-technology

This content was published on Oct 18, 2002 The Top Nano 21 programme, an initiative that began three years ago, has helped more than 200 projects get off the ground in Switzerland and abroad. The initiative – which brings together Swiss researchers from university and industry – has produced promising results, especially in the fields of alternative energy sources, new materials and coatings.…

Swissair sale enjoys flying start

This content was published on Oct 17, 2002 Despite bad weather, long queues gathered in Bassersdorf as items from Switzerland’s former national airline, Swissair, went on sale. Swissair itself may have collapsed but the opening day of the company’s liguidation sale suggests that domestic interest in the brand remains strong. “I once worked for Swissair, and so I’m here out of nostalgia really,”…

Swiss press in the doldrums

This content was published on Oct 16, 2002 And with no prospect of a rebound in the business cycle until well into 2003, many experts are warning of more job cuts and possible takeovers. “Much of it has been driven by the fact that between 1997 and 2001 strong growth in advertising allowed media companies to expand their capacities,” says Roger Blum, professor…

Milk industry cuts production to boost prices

This content was published on Oct 16, 2002 Faced with the worst crisis in the industry’s history, the Federation of Swiss Milk Producers (SMP) agreed the cut at its autumn meeting in Bern. The move comes amid falling prices, a saturated market and sharply reduced cheese exports. SMP president, Josef Kühne, said the production cut should halt further falls in the price of…

Swiss see expanded role for environment body

This content was published on Oct 16, 2002 Switzerland said it would contribute SFr99 million to the Global Environment Facility, which provides money to help implement environmental conventions. On the first day of the meeting, delegations also agreed to extend the GEF’s mandate to include harmful chemicals and to combat deforestation and desertification – key Swiss objectives. Extending the mandate The GEF was…

Swiss dairy fails to stay afloat

This content was published on Oct 16, 2002 The company, which processes 25 per cent of Swiss milk, is currently waiting for takeover offers. It has debts of SFr800 million, and has only managed to keep operating because of a cash injection worth SFr160 million from the government and the banks. The group, the result of a merger by Toni and Säntis, is…

Ernst & Young awards Swiss entrepreneurs

This content was published on Oct 15, 2002 The industry/high tech award went to Peter A. Schifferle, CEO and member of the board SIA Abrasives Holding AG in Frauenfeld. This is the fifth time that the awards have taken place in Switzerland. The three were chosen for their ingenuity and perseverance, the marks of a successful entrepreneur, according to E&Y. Schifferle took lead…

Ebner steps back from ABB

This content was published on Oct 15, 2002 A statement from ABB headquarters in Zurich said Ebner had stepped down for “personal reasons”. Ebner, who joined the ABB board in 1999, is the largest single shareholder in the company, owning a nearly ten per cent stake through his BZ Group. The group refused to comment on what Ebner might do with his shares…

Women farmers work 70 hours a week

This content was published on Oct 15, 2002 A survey of 880 Swiss female farmers said most were pessimistic about the future of the agricultural sector in Switzerland. The study by GfS, one of the leading social research organisations in Switzerland, found that 75 per cent of participants had a week or less holiday per year – due mainly to a shortage of…

Rural women lauded for achievements

This content was published on Oct 15, 2002 Two Swiss were among six winners of the women’s creativity in rural life prize, awarded by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF). The prize, awarded annually by the Geneva-based WWSF, is given to women around the world who have found creative ways of improving the quality of life in rural communities. In this way, the…

Cluster: Archive

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