I called Schwalbe years ago to talk to customer service. Actually got to know one of the guys there fairly well.
Been years now, but he told me they also moved production offshore (to Malaysia IIRC). Though the labor was foreign, they took steps to make sure the manufacture was according to their specific requirements, and used their own proprietary rubber compounds. (I still have those tires on my apocalypse bike).
My most recent purchase are made in Vietnam. Doesn't thrill me, but I'm not willing to sweat all day in a tire shop, so, I can't complain.
Ah, yes, the comfort factor. I used to ride a 10-speed racer with the ole 27 x 1 1/4" clinchers. Moved up to cruisers and then MTB's to get wider tires (26 x 2) and more upright position for comfort. Now the hybrid has 700c wheels, and (luckily) I started at 40-45c wide and have been able to go to 50c. And I've used gel technology at all points where the body touches the bike (gel seat cover, bar grips, gel-lined gloves, gel inserts in shoes). Helps alot.