With nearly a hundred robots installed in France, Switzerland, Belgium, and soon in Italy, Meanwhile continues its international expansion and is structuring itself accordingly.
Lyon, July 15, 2024 – Sacha Stojanovic, founding president of Meanwhile SAS, officially announces the opening of MEANWHILE Swiss Ltd. on his LinkedIn account.
The Lyon-based SME has taken a strategic step in its international development by opening its first overseas subsidiary in Fribourg, Switzerland. This move signals a clear desire to establish a long-term presence in Switzerland.
“With the opening of this subsidiary, we can begin a genuine commercial venture in Switzerland and guarantee our Swiss customers a rapid response on site when necessary,” explains Sacha Stojanovic.
This expansion project was made possible thanks to the support of numerous key partners, such as Bpifrance, Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), Economic Promotion of the Canton of Fribourg (PromFR), and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises Regional Economic Agency, which played a decisive role in bringing this initiative to fruition.
Thanks to prospecting insurance and the International Project Guarantee (GPI), Bpifrance enabled Meanwhile to pre-finance its expenses related to the development of this activity and to secure 50% of the investments made in the subsidiary by covering them against economic risks. “These measures aim to encourage companies to expand internationally and promote their expertise beyond their borders,” explains Marek Woda, international delegate for the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes network of Bpifrance.
GGBa also provided invaluable support in choosing the location and establishing contacts with local stakeholders. Based on their recommendations, the city of Fribourg was selected to host this new branch.
“The choice of location is a strategic decision based on numerous criteria,” explains Sacha Stojanovic. “Fribourg, ideally located between the French-speaking and German-speaking regions, offers us a central position that will enable us to develop in both areas.”
Finally, Meanwhile has been able to rely on its long-standing partners, such as CuraVer for administrative management and Eurex Suisse for accounting, legal, and social aspects.
This move marks a new stage in Meanwhile’s ambition to become a key player in autonomous mobile robotics, placing proximity and quality of service at the heart of its strategy.
About Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) – GGBA is the economic promotion agency for Western Switzerland, covering the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Geneva. Its mission is to support foreign companies in quickly establishing themselves and developing their activities in the region.
About BPI France – For 10 years, Bpifrance has been a trusted partner to entrepreneurs. Our motto, “Serving the future,” is a strong commitment to working alongside them in the field to open up new business opportunities and make them the French champions of tomorrow.
About Economic Development Fribourg (PromFR) – (PromFR has been serving businesses for over 50 years. Created in 1971, our department is part of the Directorate of Economic Affairs, Employment, and Vocational Training of the Canton of Fribourg.
About the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises Regional Economic Agency – The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises Regional Economic Agency was created by the Regional Council to bring together the economic services of its territory to support businesses, particularly industrial and industrial service companies. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises also has the mission of promoting the region internationally and highlighting its many assets to attract new businesses to the area.
About Meanwhile – A specialist in autonomous mobile robotics, Meanwhile designs turnkey solutions dedicated to the transport of goods in the manufacturing industry and within healthcare facilities.
Created around a common vision – taking men and women into account – Meanwhile offers “For Human” solutions, so that they can concentrate on high value-added tasks.
Meanwhile – Press contact
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