Egyptian Swiss from a Modest Trading Start to an Industrial Giant Exporting to Over 50 Countries
The Egyptian Swiss Group for Pasta, Milling and Concentrates is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its establishment, marking one of the most inspiring success stories in Egypt’s industrial sector. What began as a big dream with extremely modest resources—through the Lawendy family’s small-scale flour trading business—has, through perseverance and sustained effort, grown into a major industrial entity in the milling, pasta, and concentrates industries across the Middle East. Today, the group alone accounts for 15% of Egypt’s flour exports and 10% of its pasta exports.
Hany Lawendy, Chairman of the Egyptian Swiss Group for Pasta, Milling and Concentrates, said that after 30 years since its founding, the group’s efforts have ultimately been crowned with success.
He explained that the move toward manufacturing began in 2003, a pivotal milestone marked by the establishment of the first mill through a partnership in Assiut. This was followed in 2005 by the decision to establish and launch Egyptian Swiss for Milling. A major strategic step came in 2007 with the construction of the Alexandria mill, followed by expansion into 10th of Ramadan industrial city in 2010. In 2013, the group inaugurated its pasta factory in 10th of Ramadan industrial city, and in 2018 it established the group’s second mill within the same industrial complex. These successive developments transformed the group from a limited trading activity into a fully integrated industrial powerhouse.
Internal Celebration and Workforce Development
To mark the occasion, the group organized an internal celebration bringing together its employees to share in commemorating the 30-year achievement. The full-day event included a series of training lectures and interactive activities aimed at enhancing employees’ skills, while underscoring that teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication have been among the key drivers of the group’s sustained success over the years. The celebration also featured a range of recreational activities.
Ahmed Elsebaie: Doubling Exports and Strengthening Governance
For his part, Eng. Ahmed Elsebaie, General Manager of the group, who joined the company five years ago, noted that the most recent phase focused on strengthening the institutional framework. He revealed that the group managed to double its exports during 2025, while recording strong growth in flour exports this year, at a time when Egypt’s overall flour exports declined by more than 30%.
Elsebaie said: “When I joined the group, the objective was to build on what had already been achieved, by launching a new phase based on governance principles and the separation of ownership from management.”
He added: “Over the past five years, the group has seen clear expansion in exports, with its flour, pasta, and concentrates now reaching more than 50 countries worldwide.”
Investments Exceeding EGP 5 Billion and a Global Export Network
Founded in 1995, the Egyptian Swiss Group is among Egypt’s leading industrial players in pasta, milling, and concentrates, with investments exceeding EGP 5 billion. The group operates an integrated industrial platform that includes a pasta factory with a production capacity of 8,000 tons per month, two mills with a combined capacity of 30,000 tons of flour per month, and a sauce factory with a capacity of 3,000 tons per month. It also owns grain silos with a storage capacity of 50,000 tons of wheat and employs more than 700 people.
Exports Surpass $50 Million to More Than 50 Countries
The group’s annual sales currently exceed EGP 5 billion, while exports have surpassed the $50 million mark, reaching more than 50 countries. More than 80% of its production is exported to markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Backed by international quality certifications and global standards, the Egyptian Swiss story stands as clear evidence that a strong vision and determination can transform the simplest beginnings into major industrial achievements.
