Audemars Piguet inaugurated the building site of its new factory near its historical site in Le Brassus (VD). Representing an investment of 35 million Swiss francs, the factory will be Switzerland's first Minergie-Eco-certified industrial plant (the MINERGIE-ECO standard was born from the collaboration between the MINERGIE and ECOBAU associations to promote healthy and environmentally friendly buildings).
"The objective is to capitalise on the know-how by gathering groups for work," indicated Georges-Henri Meylan, CEO of Audemars Piguet. The manufacture of part of the movements, the assembly of watches and the manufacture of cases are currently spread over five sites in the Vallée de Joux.
Scheduled to be operational at the end of 2008, the new factory will occupy almost 10,000 square metres. It will employ 140 to 150 employees initially, and more than 300 in 2012. This 'green' site, energy-efficient and integrated into its environment, will have involved an investment of 10-15% more than a traditional building. But on completion, it should obtain federal Minergie-Eco certification. The new buildings will 'fit into the philosophy of Fondation Audemars Piguet,' emphasised Yasmine Audemars, President of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet. Wood heating and heat recuperators will avoid the use of fossil fuels for air conditioning. Equipped with an underground car park, the manufactory will be included in a completely reorganised framework. As for the employees, they will benefit from better working conditions (adequate lighting, living space and more comfort). Each unit will have a maximum of forty people.
On the industrial level, Audemars Piguet will have a framework 'suitable for controlled growth'. The Le Brassus-based brand is presenting a production of 26,600 to 27,000 watches this year. For the coming years, it counts on an annual progression of 8 to 10%. The new manufacture is part of a strategy that also includes increased industrial autonomy: "Although we are already integrated to a large extent, we still work on certain components, such as dials. In addition to the facilities in the Vallée de Joux, Audemars Piguet has a production site in Le Locle (NE), another in Meyrin (GE) and a subsidiary in Northern Italy, for bracelets. With the reform of Swiss Made, the group plans to repatriate part of this activity to Switzerland, Meylan added.
The Audemars Piguet Group has 800 employees worldwide, 620 of whom work in Switzerland. It ended the 2006 financial year with a turnover of CHF 404 million, an increase of 25% compared to 2005. its production reached 25,300 watches.
(Photo: Timezone.com)
