55 years celebration of JTI Switzerland in Dagmersellen

A great example of why Switzerland matters for Japanese companies with international operations.

JTI recently celebrated 55 years of its production site in Dagmersellen, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. As part of the Japanese JT Group, JTI illustrates how Switzerland can serve as a reliable and internationally connected base for long-term industrial operations. At a first glance, 55 may seem like an unusual anniversary. In this case, it reflects a milestone that was postponed from its 50th anniversary due to the pandemic.

The speeches delivered during the anniversary celebration reflected the significance of this milestone from different angles:
– H.E. Toshiro Iijima, Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, congratulated JTI and highlighted its contribution to the local economy and to cultural exchange.
– Eddy Pirard, President & CEO of JTI, underlined JTI’s long-term commitment to Switzerland, its people, technology and the continuous development of the site.
– Fabian Peter, Member of the Cantonal Government of Lucerne and Markus Riedweg, Mayor of Dagmersellen, highlighted the company’s strong local roots and its importance from both municipal and cantonal perspectives.
– Phil Livingston, Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain of JTI, connected the Swiss location to global themes such as supply-chain resilience, export strength, operational excellence, sustainability and a skilled workforce with a strong commitment to quality.
– Raffaele Santin, General Manager JTI, and Nihal Acikel, Factory Lead JTI, guided the audience through this memorable programme.

The occasion raised a relevant question for Swiss-Japanese business relations: why does a Japanese company operate a production site in Switzerland that exports to 22 countries? The answer lies in the strengths that make Switzerland attractive as a long-term business location: reliability, skilled people, political and economic stability, high operational standards, international connectivity and a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

The Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce SJCC, represented by Dr. Arisa Takata Herb, was pleased to attend this meaningful anniversary celebration, and congratulates JTI Switzerland on this remarkable milestone.

The Chamber wishes to thank JTI for its continued support as an annual SJCC Gold Sponsor, as well as Renaldas Vaisbrodas, Corporate Affairs & Communication, Director JTI, the company’s representative to the Chamber, and the whole JTI’s Team for their valued commitment and support.