Mikron and SIX: 40 Years of Partnership on the Swiss Capital Market

A conversation about long-term partnership, transformation and the role of the Swiss capital market.

Mikron and SIX: 40 Years of Partnership on the Swiss Capital Market
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Mikron has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange for 40 years. Looking back, which milestones have shaped both the company and its journey on the Swiss capital market?

Over the past four decades, Mikron has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt and reinvent itself. During the same period, our listing on SIX has provided continuity and a stable connection to the Swiss capital market. We evolved from a traditional Swiss mechanical engineering company with deep roots in the watchmaking industry into a global technology group providing highly precise automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools. International expansion, technological innovation and a consistent focus on customer value have been key drivers throughout this journey.

One of the most defining periods was between 2001 and 2008. During those years, Mikron expanded into the rapidly growing mobile phone industry, including plastic injection moulds. When that market consolidated, it coincided with a downturn in the machine tool sector. This created a very challenging situation that required significant restructuring and a fundamental reassessment of the Group's strategic direction.

While difficult, those years were transformational. They reinforced the importance of strategic focus, disciplined capital allocation and sustainable profitability. They also demonstrated the value of transparent communication and an ongoing dialogue with investors during periods of change. The experience left a lasting impression on both the company and the capital market and still influences how we think about growth and risk today.

The company that emerged from this transformation is much more focused. Today, Mikron concentrates on attractive niche markets where it can achieve leadership positions: scalable automation solutions primarily for MedTech and Pharma applications, high-performance transfer machining solutions and precision cutting tools for difficult-to-cut materials. Mikron has remained true to its core strengths of Swiss precision, engineering excellence and customer partnership while continuously adapting to changing market conditions.

The key lesson from the last 40 years is that long-term success requires both continuity and the willingness to change. Our long-standing presence on SIX reflects this balance: a stable foundation combined with the ability to evolve.

What has the 40-year partnership with SIX and the Swiss capital market meant for Mikron throughout different phases of its development?

In the early years, access to capital and visibility were important. Over time, the relationship has developed into a broader framework for transparent and continuous dialogue with shareholders and other stakeholders. Being part of the Swiss capital market supports credibility, visibility and access to a strong investor community, while expectations around strategic clarity, governance, disciplined execution and sustainable value creation have continued to increase.

The Swiss capital market has also been an important source of discipline. It encourages long-term thinking, transparency and accountability. SIX provides the market infrastructure and visibility that enable companies and investors to connect, while issuers remain responsible for building trust through consistent delivery and open communication. The lessons learned from challenging periods in our history have reinforced the importance of focusing on profitable growth and delivering on our commitments.

Bjørn Sibbern

For 40 years, SIX has been more than a listing venue for Mikron: it has provided the infrastructure, visibility and access to investors that support transparent dialogue, disciplined growth and long-term value creation.

Philippe Wirth, CFO Mikron Switzerland AG

Over these 40 years, how have adaptability and a long-term capital-market perspective helped Mikron navigate changing markets and technologies?

Adaptability has always been one of Mikron's greatest strengths. Over four decades, customer requirements, technologies and global markets have changed dramatically, and Mikron has continuously evolved alongside them. An important factor has been innovation. Whether through advanced assembly solutions for medical devices, highly productive transfer machining systems or specialised cutting tools for demanding materials, we continuously invest in technologies that help our customers remain competitive. A functioning capital market supports companies in pursuing such long-term ambitions and making their progress visible to investors.

Looking ahead, what are Mikron's strategic priorities, and how can the continued partnership with SIX support the next chapter?

Our strategic objective is clear: to be the market leader in selected core markets with key customers and profitable revenue. Everything we do is guided by that ambition.

What excites me most is that several long-term trends support our strategy. Healthcare demand continues to grow, manufacturers increasingly require automation and productivity improvements, and precision manufacturing remains essential across many industries. The Swiss capital market gives companies such as Mikron the visibility and investor access to share these long-term opportunities.

Based on Mikron's experience, what role can the Swiss capital market play for industrial companies seeking to build long-term success?

The starting point is to focus on long-term competitiveness rather than short-term growth. Sustainable success comes from consistently investing in innovation, technology and people, even during challenging periods.

Further, long-term success is built on trusted relationships with customers, employees, business partners, shareholders and the institutions that connect companies with the capital market. For Swiss industrial companies, qualities such as reliability, quality, innovation, transparency and responsible governance remain powerful competitive advantages. The capital market can support this journey by providing visibility, access to investors and a framework for transparent dialogue.