The largest industrial employer in Switzerland is the combined electrical & mechanical engineering industry, which is also a major driving force for economic policy matters. Currently the industry employs around 300,000 workers and generates about 72 billion Swiss francs per year.

The Swiss electrical & mechanical engineering industry is highly dependant on exports with 60% of turnover being exported. The main importers of Swiss electrical & mechanical engineering products are Western Europe with about two thirds of exports followed by Asia and the US.

Recently the industry is coming under increased pressure due to its dependence on exports. In fact the global economic downturn, the growing international competition and the strong franc are big challenges the industry faces at the moment. Total exports have declined in 2001 and 2002 but experts are confident that sales will increase again in the near future once the global economy strengthens.