Canton Uri in Switzerland offers international companies a rare combination of strategic European connectivity, available industrial land, competitive operating costs, reliable energy and direct access to decision-makers – all within the Greater Zurich Area.
Manufacturing and industrial expansion in Switzerland
Canton Uri gives industrial companies room to invest, build and expand – with available development land, competitive operating costs and direct connections to Zurich, Milan and major European markets.
Located on Europe’s north-south transport corridor, Uri is directly connected to the A2 motorway and the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Altdorf is connected to the international high-speed rail network, while Zurich Airport can be reached in around one hour and Milan Malpensa in approximately two hours. This gives companies efficient access to Swiss and European markets by road, rail and air.
Companies benefit from competitive corporate taxation, comparatively attractive costs for industrial land, office space and housing, moderate labour costs and reliable electricity generated from regional hydropower, wind and solar energy. Short administrative paths and direct access to cantonal authorities can support efficient investment and expansion projects.
Uri combines established strengths in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, energy technologies and alpine technologies. Companies such as Datwyler, GIPO, SISAG and energieUri form part of this industrial base, while the Alpine Drone Consortium is adding new capabilities in drone testing, validation and autonomous systems.
For companies establishing or expanding operations in Switzerland, Werkmatt Uri and Businesspark Gotthard provide space for long-term industrial and business growth with direct access to the Greater Zurich Area’s technology and talent base.
Seven advantages for companies locating in Uri
- Direct access to Zurich, Milan and other European markets
Uri lies directly on Europe’s north-south transport corridor, with access to the A2 motorway, the Gotthard Base Tunnel and the international high-speed rail network via Altdorf. Zurich Airport is around one hour away and Milan Malpensa around two hours away, connecting companies efficiently with Swiss and European markets. - Industrial sites for expansion and long-term growth
Werkmatt Uri offers a fully serviced 120,000 m² business site next to Altdorf railway station and the A2 motorway, with development plots for industrial, commercial and service companies. Together with Businesspark Gotthard, it provides companies establishing or expanding operations in Switzerland with well-connected sites for future growth. - Competitive corporate taxes and operating costs
Uri combines an effective corporate tax burden of approximately 10% with comparatively attractive costs for industrial land, office space, housing and labour – supporting a competitive total cost of operation for companies investing and growing in Switzerland. - Reliable renewable energy
Uri produces more electricity from regional hydropower, wind and solar resources than it consumes. Companies benefit from a reliable energy supply and strong conditions for long-term industrial operations. - Established industrial expertise
Companies including Datwyler, GIPO, SISAG and energieUri reflect Uri’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, machinery, polymer and energy technologies. Building on this industrial base, the Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC), headquartered in Altdorf in 2026, is extending this expertise into drone testing, validation and autonomous systems. - Direct access to authorities and efficient decision-making
Clear responsibilities, short administrative paths and direct access to cantonal authorities help companies move efficiently from site selection to implementation. Businesses receive dedicated support throughout relocation and expansion projects, while initiatives such as the Alpine Drone Consortium demonstrate how industry, research and public authorities work together to develop and deploy new technologies in Uri. - Quality of life that supports talent retention
Comparatively affordable housing, strong transport connections and immediate access to the Alps make Uri attractive for employees and their families. Internationally known destinations such as Andermatt add to the region’s appeal – supporting companies in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
Industrial Site Werkmatt: 120,000 m² for industrial and business expansion
Industrial Site Werkmatt: 120,000 m² for industrial and business expansion
Fully serviced development land next to Altdorf railway station and the A2 motorway – with direct access to Switzerland’s north-south transport corridor and major European markets.
Drone testing and validation in the Swiss Alps
Headquartered in Altdorf, Canton of Uri, the Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC) is developing a cross-cantonal testing environment for drones and autonomous aerial systems across Uri, Graubünden and Ticino. It gives companies access to real-world alpine conditions for drone R&D, testing and validation – including demanding terrain, changing weather and complex airspace.
The ADC connects industry, research and public authorities across Uri, Graubünden and Ticino to move drone technologies from development to safe, regulation-compliant deployment. Operational activities are supported by the Swiss Drone Competence Center (SDCC) at Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino, providing companies with access to scalable VLOS and BVLOS testing environments and expertise for applications ranging from alpine logistics and infrastructure inspection to energy systems, emergency response and environmental monitoring.
Companies such as ANAVIA, a Swiss developer of unmanned helicopter systems, are already exploring collaboration with the ADC and Swiss Drone Competence Center for real-world testing, validation and alpine operations.
For international drone, robotics and autonomous systems companies, the Swiss Alps provide a demanding proving ground close to the Greater Zurich Area's engineering, AI and advanced technology base.
Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC)
Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC)
Access real-world alpine environments for drone R&D, testing and validation across Uri, Graubünden and Ticino.
Alpine technology cluster in Uri
Alpine technology cluster in Uri
Uri brings together specialised companies in cableway technology, rock engineering, alpine mobility and environmental monitoring – including Garaventa, SISAG, Gasser Felstechnik and TechnoAlpin. The cluster develops and applies technologies built for demanding mountain environments.
Competitive corporate taxes and operating costs
Uri offers companies a competitive total cost environment within Switzerland. The canton combines an effective corporate tax burden of 10.0% with comparatively attractive prices for industrial land, office space and housing. Moderate labour costs further support companies planning production, expansion or long-term operations in Switzerland.
Virtually explore Uri!
Virtually explore Uri!
Explore Uri and the rest of the Greater Zurich Area with our virtual platform. Discover vibrant tech ecosystems and academic environment, and find the ideal space for your business, whether it's an industrial site, tech park, lab space, or co-working space. Start your virtual journey today and unlock the region's potential!
Business ecosystem in Canton Uri
- Key industries and technologies
Advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, polymer technologies, energy and cleantech, alpine technologies, drone and autonomous systems, transport and security technologies, knowledge-based services and tourism. - Major companies in Uri
Datwyler Group, Andermatt Swiss Alps, Gipo AG, Sisag, energieUri AG - Recent company investments and additions
Swiss Wood Solutions, essendi IT, Aquatec Machining AG
Business location resources
- Canton Uri business location
- Alpine technology expertise in Uri
- Werkmatt Uri industrial site
- Business Park Gotthard: Your new business location (in German)
The business location Uri offers a secure future. Here – in the home of national hero William Tell – prudent investors and innovative entrepreneurs alike find loyal, highly motivated employees and a business-friendly government. Uri has room for business ideas.
Are you curious about Uri, which has been right beside the shortest route through the Alps since even before the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel? We look forward to getting in touch with you.
More public partners
More public partners
The Greater Zurich Area Foundation and the operational Greater Zurich Area Ltd. (GZA) are supported by 11 public partners. This anchors the organization in the regional business spheres within the economic area from which settling companies benefit.
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- And much more, customized to meet your needs.