The recovery of the Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) is continuing. In the first nine months of this year, MEM industry sales recorded a year-on-year rise of 8.2 percent. Rises were also recorded in the areas of new orders (+1.1 percent) and goods exports (+3.3 percent). The most important indicators point to further positive momentum over the next few months. This gratifying development is primarily attributable to a strong economic environment in key sales markets. However, a weaker Swiss franc is also providing a tailwind. The MEM industries now need a prolonged phase of growth with better margins so that they can compensate for the dramatic slump in margins and the asset erosion of recent years and invest more in the future again.
