From Kemptthal to the world

The headquarters of the Katadyn Group are located in the picturesque Kemptthal valley, around 15 kilometers from Zurich. Here, ideas and products are created that are in demand all around the world. The Swiss company specializes in providing sustainable, reliable solutions for clean water and safe nutrition in challenging environments – particularly in high-altitude regions, on the water and in crisis areas. The product range includes water filters, desalination systems, disinfectants and outdoor nutrition. Since its founding in 1928, Katadyn has established itself in this niche through a combination of Swiss precision and international momentum. Today, the company operates its own subsidiaries in eight countries and is continuously expanding its portfolio with strategic acquisitions. Production sites in the US, Germany and Romania enable Katadyn to serve global markets in a targeted manner while still taking local requirements into account.

In his private life, Ulrich recharges his batteries and gains fresh momentum by spending time with his family. “My family is my priority, alongside my work,” says the father of three. He enjoys spending his free time with them; but here too, work is never far from his mind, as he is constantly being inspired by new ideas and opportunities. “This balance between focus and flexibility is key for me – both professionally and privately.”

This balance is also reflected in the corporate culture: Katadyn fosters an environment in which continuous development and stability go hand in hand. Drawing inspiration from the Kaizen approach, which comes from Japan and means “improvement,” the company optimizes processes in all of its divisions. This also includes professional development within the team: “A long-term focus, reliability and fostering our employees’ development are core values for us,” he explains. International workshops and digital platforms promote contact between global teams, giving rise to innovative ideas and processes that increase efficiency by making optimal use of resources.

These values are key components of Katadyn’s international success. Being headquartered in Switzerland enables the company to combine Swiss engineering with a global focus. “We have the knowledge and experience here to develop long-lasting and reliable devices and solutions,” says Gabriel Ulrich. However, the strength of the Swiss franc also poses challenges:

Since 90 percent of its revenues are generated in foreign currencies, carefully thought-out currency management is essential for Katadyn. The UBS product Flexible FX Forward came onto the market at the end of 2019. It hedges against fluctuations in exchange rates while taking into account possible shifts in timeline, which is a crucial advantage. “This solution came at just the right time for us,” says Gabriel Ulrich. The reason: The COVID-19 pandemic was causing delivery delays that impacted payment flows and exchange rates. Thanks to Flexible FX Forward, Katadyn’s budget planning remained stable, even when faced with unexpected market developments or delayed payments. This security creates financial stability and frees up space for growth. The solution is complemented by direct contact with the UBS trade desk, which enables customised strategies and early reaction to market trends.