Location

Liechtenstein: small country, industrial powerhouse, global reach

160 square kilometrès between Switzerland and Austria host one of Europe's most industrialised economies – home to global market leaders and to KUBATEC BMT AG in Ruggell.

Population: around 40,000
Jobs: more jobs than inhabitants
Industry share: around 40% of value added
Memberships: EEA, EFTA, WTO, UN, Schengen

Overview

A micro-state with an industrial profile

With around 40,000 inhabitants, the Principality of Liechtenstein is one of the world's smallest states – and one of the most industrialised. Manufacturing generates roughly 40 percent of value added, a share almost no other economy reaches. The country offers more jobs than it has inhabitants; a large share of the workforce commutes in daily from Switzerland and Austria.

The reason is structural: because the domestic market is tiny, Liechtenstein companies produce for the world market from day one. Spécialisation, manufacturing quality and export orientation are prerequisites rather than strategy options – exactly the environment in which niche products such as BETONAMIT® and ROCKSPLIT® are created.

KUBATEC BMT AG is based in Ruggell in the north of the country. Development, formulation, quality assurance and filling all take place on site – Made in Liechtenstein is both an origin and a quality statement for our customers.

Companies

Global market leaders from the Principality

Hilti (Schaan) – fastening and démolition technology for the construction industry
Ivoclar (Schaan) – dental materials and systems for dentists and laboratories worldwide
ThyssenKrupp Presta (Eschen) – steering systems and camshafts for the automotive industry
Hilcona (Schaan/Bendern) – fresh convenience food for European retail
Oerlikon Balzers (Balzers) – thin-film coatings for tools and components
Neutrik (Schaan) – connectors that set the standard in professional audio
LGT and Liechtensteinische Landesbank – internationally active financial institutions
KUBATEC BMT AG (Ruggell) – expansive démolition agents and surface protection for 80+ countries

The pattern is consistent: technology-driven specialists that rank among the best in the world within a clearly defined niche. This density of market leaders in such a small area is internationally unique and shapes suppliers, training and work culture across the country.

Framework

Political and financial stability

Constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic parliamentary basis – a principality since 1719
Very high sovereign credit standing and a state budget without net debt
Swiss franc as currency and a customs union with Switzerland since 1923
Legal certainty, reliable administration and short decision paths
High standards in occupational safety, environment and product quality
Dual education system with strong technical vocational training

For manufacturers operating internationally, stability is a hard location factor: predictable supply, durable approvals and contractual partners you can rely on for decades. That is the basis of KUBATEC's partner network, which has remained unchanged in many markets for decades.

Market access

EEA, EFTA and worldwide free trade

Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area since 1995 and is therefore part of the EU single market: free movement of goods, services, capital and people. At the same time it has formed a customs and currency union with Switzerland since 1923. This dual position is unique worldwide – products from Liechtenstein reach both the EU market and the Swiss economic area without a customs border.

As an EFTA member, Liechtenstein also benefits from one of the densest free trade networks in the world, with agreements across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Combined with WTO membership, market access extends far beyond the size of the country.

For our customers this means short delivery routes within Europe, familiar customs and documentation practice for exports, and a solid basis for distribution in more than 60 countries. See products and contact for our network.

Advantage

What this means for our products

Advantages

+Production and quality control at our own site in Ruggell
+Short distances between development, production and customer support
+Access to highly qualified specialists from the Rhine valley region
+Duty-free access to the EU single market and the Swiss economic area
+Stable conditions for long-term partnerships

Limitations

–Very small home market – exporting is mandatory, not optional
–Limited space: growth comes from spécialisation rather than volume
–High wage and cost levels that only quality can justify

More about us: company. Technical basics: expansive démolition agent.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Liechtenstein

+Where is Liechtenstein located?

Between Switzerland and Austria in the Alpine Rhine valley, covering around 160 square kilometrès with roughly 40,000 inhabitants. The nearest airports are Zurich and Friedrichshafen; KUBATEC BMT AG is based in Ruggell.

+Is Liechtenstein part of the EU?

No. Liechtenstein is not an EU member but has been part of the European Economic Area since 1995, giving it access to the EU single market. In addition, it has been in a customs and currency union with Switzerland since 1923.

+Why is Liechtenstein so heavily industrialised?

Because the domestic market is too small, companies produce for the world market from the start. The result is highly specialised niche players such as Hilti, Ivoclar, ThyssenKrupp Presta and Hilcona – industry accounts for around 40 percent of value added.

+What does Made in Liechtenstein mean at KUBATEC?

Formulation, production, filling and quality control of BETONAMIT® and ROCKSPLIT® take place at our Ruggell site. Every batch is tested before it is shipped to one of more than 60 countries.

Read on

Source products from Liechtenstein

We supply distributors, contractors and private label partners worldwide – get in touch.

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