Switch moves its operation to Turkey

Alain Winterhalter, Switch CEO, shared the news with International Bowling Industry’s publisher that Switch is opening a new company, Switch International, in Turkey. Switch International will be the new manufacturing, logistics, service and sales hub with R&D remaining in Italy. Istanbul will be the home for the company’s headquarters while the operations side will be based in Izmir. Turkey is one of the world’s top three growth economies with an average GDP growth rate of 5.9% in the last nine years and is forecasted at 6.7% from 2011 to 2017. Winterhalter also pointed out that 50% of the population is under the age of 29, well educated and multicultural. These findings along with an investment friendly climate from the government have made this an exciting decision for Switch. Mr. Ahmet Solmaz, COO and Turkish representative for Switch International, will help with the move. The plan is to gradually shut down the manufacturing and logistics operations in Italy. While the move begins at the end of 2012, it will be a step-by-step process and not affect deliveries or quality. “Our R&D team are also working very hard”, Winterhalter said “to bring new, interesting and exciting products for the future.”