Jürgen Wetzelsberge (Head of Sales _ae EXPERTS West), Hansjörg Schweizer (Head of Sales _ae EXPERTS East)
Why this new business division? What was the impetus - and why is now the right time?
J: The pressure on companies is growing. Skills shortages, project peaks, international competition. If you want to be successful today, you need precise support - not at some point, but exactly when it's needed. This is precisely the idea behind _ae EXPERTS.
H: It was long overdue. Classic engineering alone is no longer enough. We wanted to offer more: a separate area of expertise for technical reinforcement at the highest level - flexible, lean and quickly available. The market was ready for it.
What is different about _ae EXPERTS compared to traditional engineering services?
H: We invest heavily in the training and development of our people. That is the key. Because our aim is not to provide someone with extra hands - we bring people who think, help shape and take responsibility.
J: And that starts with recruiting. We take a close look: Who is a good fit for us, for our customers - professionally, personally, culturally? Assessment days, specialist tasks, real dialog. The result: we are spot on with almost every placement.
H: This is exactly what our people want: diversity, movement, advancement. We accompany them not only professionally, but often also personally. You can feel that - in the project, in the team, in the result.
What typical challenges can you solve with your offer?
J: Many of our customers are working at the limit. Resources are scarce, project times are tight. There is no room for training phases or the need for clarification. Our people take on tasks independently - and deliver results, at all qualification levels.
H: Exactly. The feedback we often get is: “I'll give this person the task - and I don't have to worry about it anymore.” That's the best compliment a customer can give us.
What is your customer promise when it comes to the “last meter”?
H: That we are there. And deliver - exactly what is needed. We plan intelligently, work with focus - and don't stop until the project is complete. Productivity is no coincidence. It is the result of commitment and excellence.
J: And of clear structures. Our processes are lean, our communication direct, our selection processes precise. We don't just help in the short term - we permanently optimize processes, cost structures and team dynamics.
Which sectors or projects are particularly in focus?
J: A lot is happening in the area of sustainability in particular - alternative energies, new fuels such as hydrogen or ammonia. But basically we are open to all sectors. We can score points wherever technical expertise is required. We are broadly positioned - mechanical engineering, medical technology, automation, robotics, food tech. Wherever precision counts.
H: Our aim is to be present wherever engineering is not only needed, but really required. This is particularly exciting in projects where several disciplines interact. This is where our strengths really come into play.
What does quality in technical realization mean to you? What distinguishes “good” from “brilliant”?
H: Good technology is a must. But it only becomes brilliant when personal responsibility, creativity and social intelligence are added. When someone doesn't ask what they should do, but thinks ahead, thinks along, thinks laterally.
J: Exactly. Brilliant is when technology and collaboration work equally well. When nothing needs to be improved - and when it clicks on a human and professional level. That's when real solutions are created.
How do you deal with the skills shortage - and how do you help your customers?
J: We recruit actively. And we have something to offer: exciting projects, modern conditions and a development environment. Word gets around.
H: We are not a middleman, but a genuine engineering company with prospects. That attracts the right people. We have built up a strong pool of expertise over the years and it continues to grow. This is worth its weight in gold for our customers. They don't have to recruit, draw up contracts or plan handovers. We bring the solution with us - ready for immediate use.
What do you say to a potential customer who is still hesitating?
H: Try it out. Those who work with us usually stay. Because they realize how relieving it can be.
J: And I always say: It's the last meter that counts. If it's right, everything is right. We know what we want - and we enjoy our work. You can tell. And that makes all the difference.
What should _ae EXPERTS do in the long term - from your point of view?
J: We want to strengthen Switzerland as a business location. And Europe. With innovation, with quality - and with people who are passionate about what they do.
H: And with genuine partnership. Trust is built through performance - and through the shared experience of projects. We want to make technical projects more human. With fewer hurdles and more togetherness. Wherever we succeed in doing this, we create something that is sustainable in the long term.
When you think about the future, what do you want for _ae EXPERTS?**
H: Growth, of course - but not at any price. Our goal is to have twice as many bright minds on the job in five years - but without compromising on quality.
J: Above all: satisfied employees and customers. If both get what they really need, we are on the right track.
And finally: The last meter - what does it mean to you personally?
J: For me, it's the image of the big picture. Customers and _ae in the same boat - traveling together as partners in international competition.
H: For me, it means whether you end up playing in the regional league - or in the Champions League.
J: Nice comparison! Which team would that be? H: Good question. Maybe Real Madrid? Well-versed, technically strong - with a claim to the title.
J: And with the wit of Ajax Amsterdam - young, creative, courageous.
H: Sounds like _ae EXPERTS.
J: Yes, that sounds just like us. The main thing is that we score. H: Well played - right down to the last meter.
Thanks for the interview.
