Bachem AG uses innovation to celebrate history

Bubendorf, Switzerland: – Bachem AG has been celebrating 50 years of history with innovative thinking and technologies to create virtual events.

Bachem marked its half centenary on Wednesday, June 16th, with a global online event that featured gift presentations, activities, speeches and sharing to unite a workforce working at six principal sites and diverse locations in multiple countries worldwide.

Celebrations in the Time of Coronavirus

With pandemic restrictions still in place across much of the world and employees working either remotely or under strict social distancing rules in manufacturing facilities and laboratories, the company still wanted to mark the anniversary with a memorable and exciting celebration involving all 1,500 people at “Team Bachem” worldwide.

Virtual events still have a long way to go to achieve the same level of connection and enthusiasm with attendees, but Bachem has been investigating new channels and formats to ensure that the company stays ahead of the trends, both with customer exhibitions and webinars, and also for internal events.

Global Party

The 50^th anniversary project team faced this challenge head on by developing a concept that connected colleagues from Europe, the US and Asia – crossing languages, time zones and locations – whether they were working on a company site or remotely.

The festivities kicked off with a range of internal surprises to create anticipation in the months leading up to the anniversary, with team members receiving a small gift every 10th week during the 50 weeks in the run up to the actual birthday date.

On the anniversary day itself, the team members had another gift box full of regional treats from each of Bachem’s geographic locations to enjoy during the presentation, as well as branded mementos to remind them of the milestone in future.

Professional studio

The presentation was hosted using a professional studio set up at Bubendorf. The online platform featured interactive tools, which were used during the event for greater participation and engagement. This enabled Bachem to host a global ‘birthday party’ that featured sharing of photo snapshots, a history quiz, congratulations from customers and partners and a series of short speeches, with pride of place going to the company’s founder and Honorary Chairman, Dr. Peter Grogg.

This was a truly global and inclusive experience for team members and a multilingual one, with presenters speaking in German, English and French at different points of the event. Almost 1,200 unique viewers logged on across the two sessions, plus other colleagues who connected on-site to watch and celebrate as a team; in all representing some 80% of the workforce.

Spirit of Innovation

Bachem CEO Thomas Meier commented: “Innovation is a key success factor at Bachem and the company is committed to continuous improvement to increase efficiency in daily work, implementing more efficient business processes and scouting new technologies. New technologies are implemented not just in our manufacturing processes, but in all elements of life at Bachem, extending to internal activities and the desire to elevate virtual events and increase employee engagement.”

“The company has been around for 50 years, but with a corporate culture that is positive and open to curiosity, creativity and change, it is clear why it continues to innovate and set standards,” Mr. Meier added.

About Bachem

Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides.

With 50 years of experience and expertise Bachem provides products for research, clinical development and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services.

Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia.

The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, visit the Bachem website.

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