Swiss luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet has inaugurated a new manufacturing site in Le Brassus as part of ongoing celebrations for its 150th anniversary.
Named the Arc, the 23,700m² facility brings together local production teams under one roof, reaffirming the brand’s continued investment in the Vallée de Joux. Designed with flexibility, comfort and sustainability in mind, the Minergie-ECO certified building supports the brand’s long-term ambitions and propels it into the future.
An Ambitious Project with Collaboration at its Core
From the early days of the Établissage system – a network of artisans and ateliers specialised in individual watch components – Audemars Piguet has fostered a strong sense of collaboration while nurturing individual talent. Guided by this philosophy, this ambitious building project was developed with the aim of gathering the manufacturer’s technical specialities – previously dispersed across the Vallée de Joux – under one roof.
Designed by Geneva-based architectural firm de Giuli & Portier, and built by Alpenda SA, construction was completed within three years of receiving the building permit in 2019. Modelled on the Industry 4.0 concept, the project’s flexible infrastructure addresses future ways of working, allowing the company to adapt to evolving needs over time.
With a surface area of 23,700m², the new production site accommodates up to 700 employees, offering a pleasant working environment characterised by open space and natural light. Transparent partitions and ample meeting rooms encourage communication and idea-sharing between teams, while dedicated quiet zones and traditional offices allow for focus and privacy, allowing individuals to choose the environment that suits them best.
Fitted with electrochromic technology, the tint of the glass façade automatically adjusts to light intensity and heat, ensuring optimal comfort for employees at all times without obstructing their exposure to natural light and surrounding views.
Poised to support future brand growth, the newly centralised production site will gradually allow for an increase in production capacity thanks to an optimised workflow and state-of-the-art facilities. Automated solutions designed to eliminate certain manual tasks will enable more employees to focus on those requiring dexterity and expertise.
As such, Audemars Piguet continues to bring its savoir-faire into the 21st century while promoting and safeguarding watchmaking expertise native to the Vallée de Joux. By contributing to the region’s growth, the watch manufacturer contributes not only to economic development but also to local community life.
For more information, please visit www.audemarspiguet.com/en.