William Yip is someone who likes to deal with complex tasks - structured, clear and with an enthusiasm for technical processes that is clearly evident in his everyday life. Having grown up in Dortmund, with family roots in Hong Kong, he was drawn to industry after studying mechanical engineering. After working for Presta, he found his professional anchor point at Oerlikon Balzers (Oerlikon) and made Widnau his home.

"After my Master's degree in mechanical engineering, I really wanted to work in project management, preferably in the automotive or technical industry. I then joined Presta as a trainee and was able to get to know various locations. After two years, it was clear to me that I wanted to stay in this region. Liechtenstein has a lot to offer, in terms of the landscape, professionally, but also in terms of quality of life."

William Yip has been working at Oerlikon for seven years and has headed the Customer Solution Center since 2021. "I started out as a project manager. Today, my team and I oversee the introduction of new products, from technical feasibility testing and sample support through to series production. We are the interface between sales and production." The diversity of the industrial sectors in which he works is particularly exciting: "We move between worlds, from large diesel shipbuilding, where components weighing several tons are involved, to the absolutely filigree area of the watch industry, where precision in the micrometer range counts. This contrast is what makes my job so appealing; every day brings something new."

He likes to think holistically. "I accompany a project from the initial inquiry through to implementation in production. This includes technical analyses as well as strategic decisions. It's not just about the product, but about the question: in which direction are we developing?"

What he particularly likes about Oerlikon is the combination of an international group and regional roots. "We operate globally, which brings many opportunities, also in terms of personal development. There are great internal programs, further education opportunities and leadership training. If you get involved, there are many paths open to you."

William Yip lives in Widnau in Switzerland and commutes to Balzers by car, together with a colleague. "Of course, public transport would be the more sustainable choice, but carpooling is efficient and the exchange along the way often makes the journey more pleasant and relaxed."

A well-developed public transport network would be a welcome alternative for him. "If there was a more direct and faster connection - ideally without a long transfer from train to bus - I would definitely consider it. Unfortunately, as it is today, the journey time is significantly longer and that is difficult to integrate into everyday life."

It quickly becomes clear that the region is more than just a place of work for him. "When I was here for the first time, I was honestly very impressed. The landscape, the opportunities, it's just great."

He sees Oerlikon as a flexible employer: "If the project allows it, I can sometimes take half a day off during the week and spontaneously go to the slopes in Malbun."

In winter, William Yip is a passionate skier, in summer he likes to play tennis or go hiking, "not the really big tours, but there are simply unbelievably beautiful running destinations here." Volleyball is also on his leisure program: "It's great fun, especially with the view of the mountains. This backdrop is simply unique."

He has been a father for around a year and a half, another aspect in which he appreciates the support of his employer. "There are great arrangements for hybrid working, including good cooperation with the daycare center - we don't need that right now, but it's an important point for the future. The work-life balance works really well here."

William also appreciates the region outside of work. "I come from a family of restaurateurs and am perhaps a little spoiled when it comes to that. But I'm always amazed at what's on offer here, even in the small mountain huts, at a really high level."

"Although Oerlikon Balzers is a large company, the working environment here feels very familiar. Many colleagues have been here for a long time, we know each other and support each other. That makes a lot of things easier and ensures that I really feel at home here."