27. August 2018 Schaffhausen IWC MANUFAKTURZENTRUM – Speech Regierungspräsident Christian Amsler 

Dear Chris, dear International Watch Company Team
Dear guests, 

First of all, let me deliver my most important message to you from the government of the Canton of Schaffhausen. In the name of the governing council I would like to say, that this is a great day for all of us. We are very proud, yes even excited, to have this opening ceremony today at the new “IWC Manufakturzentrum”. 

So we have today a lot of guests from all over the world. For that reason let me say a few words about Schaffhausen, this lovely region at the border of the river Rhine. 

Today, we are proud to say that Schaffhausen is an international business location.

A wonderful pearl is the traditional International Watch Company, which has been based here in Schaffhausen for a long time. It has an international appeal, so that it rightly says at the Zurich airport: 

"Welcome to Zurich - a pretty litte suburb of Schaffhausen!" 

It is actually the achievement of many parties involved that so many international and well-known companies have chosen to have its locations right here in Schaffhausen. But we all have to work very hard in order to keep Schaffhausen such an attractive location and to become even more competitive especially on an international level. We are currently facing tax challenges, where we will do our best! 

Schaffhausen was mainly known as a location with traditional industrial production sites, then there was a structural change and Schaffhausen became a business location for sophisticated high tech firms and innovative service and production companies. 

And it is still ongoing! 

In order to create more jobs and to keep this very positive development process going, we need both, such as established companies of all sizes and as well as new, innovative companies from abroad. The main goal is to open up and diversify the whole area, that the local economy is no longer dependent on a few sectors and companies as it was until the nineties. 

Here in Schaffhausen we have a very rich cultural agenda bursting with all sorts of cultural activities and attractions. We have some very interesting museums, every two years we celebrate the International Johann Sebastian Bach Festival, in May we have the opportunity to spend wonderful days with fabulous Jazz music at the Schaffhauser Jazz Festival, then during the summer  month of August we have the fantastic "Stars in Town" Music Festival with popular music in the very heart of Downtown Schaffhausen with famous musicians from all over the world. And thank you IWC! The company takes its economic, social and environmental responsibilities seriously, as evidenced by a wide range of internal activities as well as partnerships and joint ventures worldwide. 

Next to the targets set on business development, the Canton of Schaffhausen also wants to become more and more an attraction for young families. Young families with kids appreciate the beautiful and unspoilt nature in our region and the excellent and safe schools.  

Schaffhausen is definitely a very attractive place for living. We are located in the center and heart of Europe. With 40 Minutes, we are also very close to the airport of Zurich, which is an important flying Hub for most of the international airlines. So, this is also very important for your company! 

Dear living neighbor Chris and addressed to the hole IWC Team: We are all deeply impressed by this new building. We would like to thank you for your clear commitment to Schaffhausen, which is very important to us. 

I wish you only the very best for the beginning, - for the launch phase, but also for all your hopes and achievements in the future – IWC belongs to Schaffhausen and Schaffhausen loves IWC! Thanks a lot and Congratulations!