The Swifiss kick-off on September 18, 2019, marks not only the beginning but also the end of an Appenzell success story. Due to the bankruptcy of Intracosmed AG, jobs and the very survival of the business were hanging in the balance. The solidarity, trust, and unwavering loyalty of the partners, as well as the optimism of the director of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden Bankruptcy Office, have given the company a second chance. This comes under new management with promising plans and under the name “Swifiss AG.”

Opening: CEO Philipp Untersander welcomes employees and guests at the gates of Swifiss AG.

Not all heroes wear capes: The Swifiss kick-off on September 18, 2019, marks not only the beginning but also the end of an Appenzell success story. The fact that CEO Philipp Untersander was able to welcome employees and guests at the factory gates that day is also thanks to Claudius Platzer.As head of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden Bankruptcy Office, he had been working tirelessly since July to preserve the business and jobs in Urnäsch. By continuing operations after the bankruptcy, Claudius Platzer not only demonstrated a high degree of risk-taking, but also sent a strong message: He always believed in the company’s future, thereby encouraging not only the workforce but also the local community. He traveled to Urnäsch almost daily, negotiating with creditors, potential investors, government agencies, customers, and partners—without whom Swifiss would not exist today.

“True friends are revealed in times of crisis,” as the saying goes. This also applies to business partnerships you can rely on during challenging times. One such valuable partner is the logistics and transportation companyHolensteinAG—represented in the photo by Cornel Holenstein—which houses a large portion of the cosmetics manufacturer’s goods and raw materials warehouse in Schwarzenbach.

The fact that Swifiss is not homeless today is also thanks to the generous support ofTisca, who demonstrated a spirit of neighborly solidarity during the negotiations “that,” according to Untersander, “can only be found in the Appenzell region.” Nick Tischhauser accepted the applause and thanks from the employees and guests in attendance on behalf of the family-owned company, which is also based in Urnäsch.

Applause from government officials and partners (from left to right): Ueli Tinner, Nick Tischhauser (Tisca), Peter Kürsteiner (Mayor of Urnäsch), Martin Geiser (Office for Economy and Labor, AR), Gallus Pfister (Chairman of the BKA Commission), Erich Koller, and Cornel Holenstein (both of Holenstein AG) applaud the Swifiss team.

Time for Prosecco: Sophie Geiger and Katarina Korzova raise their glasses to the Swifiss.

Girl Power: As a surprise, the women from the production team put together a spectacular dessert buffet. Pictured here are Margrit Preisig, Nerdzivan Hoti, Suzana Cvorovic, Anita Alder, Jadranka Andelic, Erika Heierle, Cornelia Diem, Isabel Marzoa, and Draginja Piskorjanac (from left to right) posing in front of CEO Philipp Untersander.