Since the beginning of 2026, the two associations have already been jointly managing their activities in the area of national basic vocational training under the umbrella of Swissmem. Building on this successful collaboration, the respective governing bodies have agreed to launch a project to merge and to establish a joint association for the Swiss tech and MEM industries. The decision was taken by the Swissmem Council on 26 February 2026 and the Swissmechanic Association Council on 15 April 2026.
Through this merger project, both associations want to further consolidate their strengths and reinforce Switzerland as an industrial centre. Member companies will benefit from an even broader, high-quality range of services from a single source: from vocational training, legal advice and information on trade conflicts to sustainability training and support in crisis situations. The coming together of the two associations will also increase the sector’s political influence at both a national and regional level.
Swissmechanic (approx. 1,300 member companies) and Swissmem (around 1,500 member companies) represent a technologically world-leading industry with around 325,000 employees in Switzerland, including 20,000 apprentices, and a further 550,000 employees worldwide. The industry generates just under seven percent of Swiss GDP.
Next steps
A working group comprising management figures from Swissmechanic and Swissmem will draw up a detailed plan and submit this to the responsible committees. The fundamental decision on the merger is expected to be taken by Swissmem at its General Meeting on 23 June 2026 and Swissmechanic at an Assembly of Delegates on 24 October 2026.
For further information please contact:
Swissmem
Noé Blancpain, Member of Management and Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Tel. +41 44 384 48 65 / mobile +41 78 748 61 63
E-mail n.blancpainnoSpam@swissmem.ch
Philippe Cordonier, Member of Management and Head of Swissmem Romandie
Tel. +41 44 384 42 30 / mobile +41 79 644 46 77
E-mail p.cordoniernoSpam@swissmem.ch
Swissmechanic
Manuela Bruhin, Communications and Media
mobile +41 79 288 36 59
E-mail m.bruhinnoSpam@swissmechanic.ch
About Swissmechanic
Swissmechanic has been the agile trade association for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland’s MEM industry since 1939. It represents the interests of SMEs in the highly export-oriented machinery, electrical engineering and metals (MEM) industry. More than 1,300 member companies employ over 65,000 people, including 6,000 apprentices. A key strength of Swissmechanic lies in its federal structure and strong network. The association is firmly established across Switzerland through its 14 sections, comprising 13 regional sections and the cross-regional specialist organisation Forum Blech. The national headquarters are located in Weinfelden.
About Swissmem
Swissmem is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in the Swiss tech industry (comprising the mechanical, electrical and metal industries as well as related technology sectors). Swissmem supports the national and international competitiveness of its approximately 1,500 member companies through a range of needs-based services. These include professional advisory services in labour, commercial, contract and environmental law as well as in energy efficiency, digitalisation and the transfer of knowledge and technology. Swissmem also provides labour-market-focussed education and training programmes for employees in the industry. Swissmem maintains strong networks. Across 25 industry sectors, various peer exchange groups and specialist committees, member companies discuss technical issues and work together on joint projects. A cost-efficient compensation fund rounds off Swissmem’s broad range of services.