Schaffhausen economic area – an area for makers

October 2024

Schaffhausen is a convincing business location with strong industry, an internationally characterised corporate landscape and a unique quality of life.

Schaffhausen has developed very successfully as a business location in recent years. Thanks to the canton’s reliable and targeted location strategy, numerous companies have set up headquarters and expanded their activities in Schaffhausen over the past 25 years. Today, the many companies with internationally oriented headquarters functions are just as much a part of Schaffhausen’s corporate landscape as the innovative manufacturing companies that continue the canton’s industrial tradition. Schaffhausen companies are particularly successful in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, in mechanical engineering and in the plastics industry. The life science cluster in Schaffhausen is one of the largest in Switzerland and makes up a significant part of the regional economy. Thanks to the traditionally strong manufacturing industry with its focus on exports and the high density of internationally orientated company headquarters, Schaffhausen today has the fifth highest gross domestic product GDP per capita of all cantons. A success for the canton, which accounts for around one per cent of Switzerland’s population.

With its industrial expertise, Schaffhausen is also successfully positioning itself as a leading region in the development and application of pioneering technologies at the interface of industry and digitalisation. These include smart mobility, food tech and advanced materials. This is why Schaffhausen is investing in the development of expertise networks – with a pioneering spirit and innovative strength.

Recipe for success for the location
The targeted investments in the framework conditions are Schaffhausen’s recipe for success. Today, the business location impresses with the best conditions for healthy growth. With moderate taxes, real estate at attractive prices and low labour costs, companies have more to invest in. Thanks to excellent road and rail connections to the nearby Zurich international airport, Schaffhausen is quick and easy to reach. As part of the Zurich metropolitan area and closely networked with the economic region of southern Germany, Schaffhausen companies also benefit from well-trained specialists and the proximity to numerous universities. The quality of life in Schaffhausen with its many attractive residential options attracts companies and new workers, who become new residents. Short distances to authorities and network partners help to find the right contacts. Decisions are made quickly. Schaffhausen as a business location is proud of its pioneering spirit and doer mentality.

Testimonials

Christos Asimakopoulos

CFO EMEA, ASPAdvanced Sterilisation Products

“The business-friendly attitude, the short distances and the openness of the authorities and the business development organisation – that’s what convinces me about Schaffhausen.”

Dr Stephanie Striegler

General Manager Janssen Supply Chain Schaffhausen

“One of the location’s main strengths is its well-trained, highly qualified specialists”

Facts & Figures: Wirtschaftsraum Schaffhausen in Zahlen

Bevölkerung

Bewohner:
2023: 87’111

 

Wohnen

Wohnungseinheiten:
2012: 38’854
2022: 44’195

 

Leerwohnungsziffer:
2012: 1.07%
2022: 1.65%

 

Neu erstellte Wohnungen:
2012: 266
2022: 457

 

Wirtschaft

Anzahl Unternehmen:
2022: 6’760

 

Anzahl Beschäftigte:
2012: 45’548
2022: 48’467

 

Anzahl Beschäftigte Pro Sektor:
1. Sektor 2012: 1’979
2. Sektor 2012: 13’445
3. Sektor 2012: 30’124

 

1. Sektor 2022: 1’816
2. Sektor 2022: 13’680
3. Sektor 2022: 32’971

 

BiP pro Kopf zu Laufenden Preisen in CHF:
2012: 86’754
2021: 98’741

 

 

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