A Swiss construction chemicals company is repositioning its business strategy to capitalize on China’s building renovation sector and American infrastructure development, according to comments from the firm’s chief executive published June 5.
Thomas Hasler, CEO of Sika, discussed the company’s evolving approach during an interview with Finanz und Wirtschaft that appeared Friday. He explained that the manufacturer has broken down its Chinese operations into smaller segments to better serve the diverse local markets across the country.
The company has adjusted its Chinese business model, which previously concentrated heavily on new construction projects, to now emphasize renovation work as well. This shift is particularly important in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, where markets have reached near-saturation levels.
Despite the elimination of electric vehicle subsidies, Hasler noted that the company continues to see steady expansion in China’s automotive sector.
In the United States, Hasler identified infrastructure construction as a promising area for growth, noting that such projects remain largely unaffected by President Donald Trump’s resistance to renewable energy initiatives.
The company is gaining market share in traditional infrastructure development including roads and bridges, though it has experienced a decline in commercial construction where reshoring had been a major growth factor before tariff tensions increased.
Regarding data centers, Hasler called them “a definite growth driver,” explaining that operators seek the most secure facilities to prevent operational interruptions.
The executive reported that the company’s data center project pipeline is at capacity, as the sector experiences rapid growth across Europe and Asia as well.
Despite continued challenges, Hasler expressed optimism about potential improvements in markets like Germany and France, pointing to increased building permit numbers as an encouraging sign among the company’s customer base.
