Visp, Switzerland – The Dutch consulting firm Adryan, specialized in the qualification and validation of pharmaceutical production facilities, has been operating a location in the booming economic region of Valais for the past five years. During a visit to the company’s offices in BioArk Visp, Site Manager Robert Ziegler explains the motivations behind this decision and shares his insights on the region’s development.
Supporting the Pharma Boom in Upper Valais
In recent years, Visp has evolved into a magnet for highly qualified professionals and international companies. Driven largely by investments from firms like Lonza, Upper Valais has increasingly attracted pharmaceutical service providers – including Adryan AG. Today, 15 of Adryan’s approximately 40 Swiss employees work in Visp.
“Lonza was the trigger for our presence in Switzerland,” says Ziegler. “Being close to our clients allows us to respond quickly and flexibly to project needs, while actively contributing to the region’s growth.
Experts in a Specialized Niche
Adryan supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of pharmaceutical plants. While planning and plant design are typically handled by specialized engineering firms, Adryan focuses on implementation, qualification, and support up to regulatory approval.
“Our job is to ensure that a facility not only functions flawlessly from a technical perspective but also complies with all regulatory requirements,” Ziegler emphasizes.
Combining technical know-how with deep knowledge of both national and international regulations, Adryan plays a critical compliance role. Ziegler offers a vivid comparison: “Think of it like building a car. Designers create a vehicle with perfect aerodynamics. Then compliance comes in and says: That’s great, but the rulebook requires pedestrian protection, crumple zones, and other safety features before it can be approved.”
Adryan’s team, mostly composed of European engineers, works closely onsite with clients and engineering partners to qualify and validate new systems. “We develop testing plans for individual parameters and deliver extensive documentation in the end. That’s absolutely essential,” Ziegler notes. The ultimate goal is obtaining approval from regulatory authorities such as Swissmedic.
People First
The company name “Adryan” is inspired by the first name of one of the founders – a deliberate choice to highlight the company’s human-centered approach. “Our employees and personal connections with clients are at the heart of what we do,” Ziegler says.
The modern offices in BioArk Visp reflect this approach well: proximity to major clients like Lonza and ten23 health, along with an open, collaborative workspace. “The shared-office concept perfectly reflects our open corporate culture,” adds Ziegler.
Adryan sees great potential in its Valais location. “Our most important client is in Upper Valais,” says Ziegler, who is originally from Germany and has been with Adryan for nearly two years. He describes the area as a “place to be.” A quick glance at the industrial zone on Google Maps reveals its impressive scale despite the limited space around Visp.
Still, the rapid development brings significant challenges. Ziegler points to issues like infrastructure, mobility, housing, and social services: “Just finding a hotel room for one night is a challenge.” Yet he’s confident that Visp’s ongoing evolution presents major opportunities. “Visp is a future hub – for businesses, talent, and innovation,” he concludes.
Looking Ahead: Digitalization and AI
Asked about Adryan’s outlook in the coming years, Ziegler laughs: “I could stare into the crystal ball for days and keep getting new ideas.”
He notes that companies in Switzerland are once again ramping up investments. “The market is growing, and we’re ready to help shape it. Right now, our crystal ball is at least rose-colored.”
A key objective for Adryan is to be recognized as a specialist by both clients and regulators. One trending topic is the application of artificial intelligence in production. “This is an exciting area where we aim to build deep expertise and support our clients in the future,” Ziegler says.
This article is a translated and adapted version of the original German article by Philipp Mooser, published in WLOG – Der Wirtschaftsblog. You can read the original version here.
