Positive indicators suggest that demand in the global forest, paper, and packaging (FP&P) sector will strengthen during 2010.
Process
The process industry converts raw materials through chemical, physical, biological and technical processes and operations, typically mixing, casting, pressing or forming. Subsectors include the production of chemicals (including specialty chemicals), petrochemicals, gases, sugar, paper, glass, steal and cement.
Facing increasing global competition, economic and geo-political pressures, and a growing challenge to become more eco friendly, are forcing change in the process sector. Now more than ever, sustaining financial health by generating cash flow, rationalising operations and optimising costs are key success factors.
From supply chain optimisation, strategic sourcing and procurement, enterprise resource planning to strategic cost reduction and new operating models - our specialist practitioners have assisted companies make the most in these challenging times, while positioning them to take advantage of the future.
Metals
The sector employs 15% of the nation’s industrial workforce, making it a significant contributor as both an employer and exporter for Switzerland. The largest sector in terms of number of players, it is highly fragmented - dominated by small to mid-sized companies.
Paper & Packaging
This sub-sector includes firms that produce paper products such as paperboard, containerboard, boxboard, printing and writing paper, newsprint, tissue paper, and other products including bags, sanitary papers, boxes, milk containers, and office supplies. With an annual revenue CHF 6.5 billion, employing over 25,000 workers and servicing some of the largest industries in Switzerland such Pharmaceutical and Consumer Business, paper & packaging is an important contributor to the Swiss economy.
Chemicals
The chemicals sector includes manufacturers of basic and intermediate chemicals, specialty chemicals, agrichemicals, plastics and fibres. Converting raw materials (oil, natural gas, air, water, metals, minerals) into more than 70,000 different products. Some of the world’s most significant chemical companies are Swiss or have their European Headquarters here in Switzerland.
Research and insight
Issues and trends within the industry
- Consolidation wave - Global metals outlook: part one
- A regional perspective - Global metals outlook: part two
- Turning the corner - Global metals outlook: part three
- Capturing Sustainable Value
- US Export Control Reforms 2010
- 2010 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index