"In one wing of the sprawling HQ, a few dozen so-called "Master Perfumers" mix vials to create the next Acqua di Gio or CK One luxury perfume, or a new detergent for a client aiming to reach new customers in Singapore, the U.S., or the Middle East. There are thousands of vials, many of them containing copyrighted scents. A friendly robot fetches them for the perfumers, saving time."
"How does a century-old industrial company such as Firmenich (renamed DSM-Firmenich following its 2023 merger with Dutch chemical firm DSM) manage to remain globally competitive today, given that a large share of its cost base is in the most expensive country in the world? And does the approach of Firmenich and other Swiss companies like it hold any lessons for the rest of corporate Europe as it tries to regain its footing in world markets?"
DSM-Firmenich retains its historical headquarters on Geneva's outskirts, conducting substantial manufacturing and R&D there. Master perfumers mix thousands of vials to develop luxury fragrances and detergent formulas, aided by a robot that fetches samples. A separate factory mass-produces scents and distributes them internationally. A central building fosters interaction among factory workers, perfumers, and office staff, creating a workplace reminiscent of mid-20th-century industrial Europe before outsourcing. The company merged with Dutch firm DSM in 2023. The high Swiss cost base and strong currency pose competitiveness challenges, prompting questions about lessons for wider European industry.
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