IMA Automation Switzerland represents the central hub of the Italian IMA Group in the micro-assembly and medical devices industry. It is located in Switzerland, in the region of Neuchâtel/Bern, also known as the “Watch Valley”. IMA Group is the world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee.
IMA Automation is the IMA division composed of leading companies, with over 60 years of experience in assembly technologies. The company designs and manufactures advanced technology production equipment for handling and assembling parts for different application fields. At its offices in La Chaux-de-Fonds (NE) and Gals (BE), the company employs 250 people.
In an interview with Switzerland Global Entreprise, IMA Automation talks about how they benefit from Switzerland’s central position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technologies.
What is the importance of your location in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a worldwide hub for specific industries like pharmaceuticals and micro-technologies. IMA is particularly attached to the specific knowledge and competences in mechanical engineering as well as the central role of Switzerland within the automation, micro technologies, and pharmaceutical industry.
The key part is access to a highly trained workforce in specialized areas, especially with knowledge on the specific processes and methodologies of the pharmaceutical industry and watchmaking. This access to critical und unique knowledge as well as the proximity to local hubs for advanced technologies creates a truly unique ecosystem and pool of experts.
How does your company benefit from the local ecosystem around Neuchâtel?
The area of Neuchâtel is a center of microtechnology. The proximity of the research and technology organization CSEM, the federal technological university EPFL, as well as the Center for Apprenticeship of the Jura Arc (CAAJ) provides us with great opportunities to work with talent in all different departments from engineering to production sites.
Furthermore, local authorities that promote networking and that attract companies from abroad to invest in the region have done many activities from which we profit. We experience authorities as very helpful to us.
What are your plans in Switzerland?
IMA has recently invested in Western Switzerland by taking over the activities of Sysmelec, located in Gals since January 2020. Our goal is to maintain and develop our sites in Switzerland. We remain fully focused on providing an efficient workplace for our employees and serve our customers locally and globally.