Interview with Display LC founder Alex Erismann

You founded Display LC AG in 1989. What made you do it?

In the 1980s, I worked in research and development in the LCD sector at the then BBC company and later at the subsidiary Videlec AG in Lenzburg. At that time, a lot of technical know-how was available, but no distributors specialising in LCD. So at the end of the 80s, I had the vision of my own company. Then in 1989, I founded Display LC.

You look back on more than 30 years of company history. What events do you like to think back on?

Certainly, the visits to Asia with our supply partners. But customer visits were always fascinating as well. I found it impressive to see the most diverse production lines and to be able to shape applications before they are ready for the market actively. A point that also inspires and drives our employees every day.

Looking back, what are you most proud of?

I can say that I have been actively involved in shaping company history for over 30 years and can look back on successful years. That makes you proud, of course. Now a company handover - and thus also my retirement - is imminent. The leadership goes to my son, Fabian Erismann. We have now been able to plan and prepare for this change for over 5 years. I see it as a privilege.

I am also proud of all the employees the company has attracted over the past 30 years. So many staff members are long-time employees who always have "pulled along." I have always appreciated that.

What challenges do you remember?

In the beginning, we distributed our LCD's only in Switzerland. Taking the step across the border was a challenge - but it has given the company an enormous growth spurt. With this growth, many new supply partners have also joined. But, of course, these had to be audited on-site against strict criteria before we included them in our portfolio.

Display LC has been very successful, especially in recent years. What factors do you think contributed to this?

Looking back, we were always a small step ahead of the competition in many areas(grins). We have a well-established team of experienced employees who are highly motivated and have always opened up new markets.

In your opinion, what distinguishes Display LC from other display distributors?

Our technical know-how, which we have always been able to develop further. And our company culture, which has produced many long-serving employees.

The industry is still struggling with price increases and supply bottlenecks. What do you consider to be the biggest challenges for the LCD industry in the next 5 years to come?

Personal contact has decreased considerably in the last three years due to the pandemic. Some of our new employees have never been able to experience the production sites of our supply partners actively. Slowly, the borders to China are opening up again. Finding a good middle ground between personal and digital contact is essential. Personal face-to-face exchange is still enormously crucial for a good business relationship.

You will soon be handing over the company's reins to your son and COO, Fabian Erismann - certainly with mixed feelings. Which hobby would you like to devote more time to from then on?

The company handover was well planned over 5 years - so I was able to prepare well for it(grins). I am now looking forward to private projects. The list is long. This includes, among other things, my long-standing passion, flying. But I also want to visit my caravan on Lake Brienz now frequently. So I certainly won't be bored. The nice thing is that I know the company is in excellent hands.