Swiss industry offers "niche competence"
29 Jun 2012
Under the sun of Provence, the delegation looks toward the tokamak's anti-seismic "pillows" and listens to Tim Watson (pointing), director for Buildings & Site Infrastructure, as he relates the latest on ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ construction.
As a member of Euratom, has been involved in the European fusion program and ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ from the start. And the country's interest in fusion is not only scientific. Last week, on Wednesday 20 June, 18 representatives from the Swiss industry came to the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ site to see the project's physical progress, but also to get a first-hand update on upcoming procurements and tenders.
"There are not so many opportunities for Switzerland to participate in the building of ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ's largest components," said Michel Hübner, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Liaison Officer for Switzerland. "But Switzerland has some recognized niche competencies in the domain of complex electro-mechanical systems. We are therefore looking for matching tenders to be issued from the European Domestic Agency, other Domestic Agencies, or the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Organization over the next years. Some Swiss companies have already joined their forces and created consortiums in anticipation of ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ's demand."
The delegation's visit to the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ construction site was preceded by an off-site meeting with senior representatives from the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Organization. Here Michel Hübner, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Liaison Officer for Switzerland, introduces David Campbell, head of ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ's Plasma Operation Directorate.
The delegation's visit to the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ construction site was preceded by an off-site meeting during which senior representatives from the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Organization reported on the design and manufacturing status of the major components. Philippe Olivier from the within Agence ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ France and Kurt Ebbinghaus from the German ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Industry Forum (DIIF) also participated in this event.