How many EMOs have you visited in your life?
Harald Folk: This is my fifth or sixth EMO, I don't know for sure anymore. But it certainly is my first EMO for GROB. I couldn't help but notice the development that the EMO has made. At the time, about ten years ago, I had the impression that nobody knew for sure which way the trade fair was going. Later, more emphasis was placed on technology, and thus the product. Today, I feel that it is more about the image of the companies again.
What is your impression of the EMO 2019 from the Swiss point of view as the manager of a GROB branch?
When I went to the EMO, I thought I was only coming here to obtain information and to support my colleagues. Now, I am constantly in meetings and I've run into a large number of entrepreneurs from Swiss companies. I did not expect that.
How does your home market evolve and where do you see future chances for growth?
Regarding electromobilty, Switzerland is fairly new at this. We don't have a lot to offer in this area, except for a few start-ups. Furthermore, we don't have a direct automotive industry in Switzerland, only tier II or III. This means that the automotive crisis, if it were to happen, will only hit us with a certain delay.
Finances are no problem in Switzerland, but we still need turnover. However, we are strongly represented in the area of aerospace and thus have a great perspective in Switzerland, especially in the area of universal machining centers.
