Record year for PromFR despite the Covid-19 crisis

Although 2020 was dominated by the pandemic, the Promotion économique du canton de Fribourg(PromFR) has never supported as many business projects as it did last year.

All in all, it's: 

• 54 companies (35 in 2019) have implemented an expansion or relocation project with the support of PromFR.
• 500 new jobs over the next five years (290 in 2019).
• the PromFR team was heavily involved in preparing and implementing the emergency measures and economic recovery plan linked to the pandemic.

The canton of Fribourg has played a pioneering role in managing the economic crisis in Switzerland.

It was one of the first cantons to introduce emergency measures to support both businesses and employees, and the first to draw up a comprehensive recovery plan.

Over 500 new jobs thanks to 54 companies

The 54 companies supported in 2020 will invest around 143 million francs (63 million in 2019). These same companies plan to create over 500 new jobs in the coming years (290 in 2019). Projects are evenly divided between new locations (25) and expansions (29). PromFR's activity has also strengthened more than 1,600 existing jobs (460 in 2019).

NPR launches new multi-year program

Last year marked the launch of what is already the fourth implementation program (2020-2023) of the New Regional Policy (NPR), introduced in 2008. This cantonal program offers assistance in the form of loans or non-refundable contributions to encourage innovation in industry and tourism. 32 projects have been supported by the NPR for a total of 8.581 million francs (18 projects in 2019).

New business development strategy

This strategy builds on existing strengths and focuses on the bioeconomy and Industry 4.0. The two fields complement each other and enable the creation of new, high value-added interfaces.

Received by Schumacher SA in Schmitten

Since June 2020, a group of Swiss private individuals from the industry has been committed to the traditional Fribourg company, thus ensuring the long-term future of Schumacher SA. The company plans to vigorously advance its strategy by investing in digitization, automation and intelligent workflow.

American Tiffin is Schumacher SA's new lessor

Founded in 1903, Tiffin Metal Products has been a tenant of Schumacher SA since the end of 2020. This international expansion aims to broaden distribution channels, accelerate growth and serve the company's customers worldwide.

Source : PromFR