As part of its ongoing 150th-anniversary celebrations, Audemars Piguet has officially inaugurated its new manufacturing site in Le Brassus, a 23,700-square-meter facility named the Arc.
Designed by Geneva-based architectural firm de Giuli & Portier and built by Alpenda SA, this project centralizes technical expertise that was previously dispersed across the Vallée de Joux.
By bringing up to 700 employees together under one roof, the manufacture aims to foster greater collaboration through a flexible infrastructure modeled on the Industry 4.0 concept.
The building’s design focuses on employee well-being, featuring transparent partitions and a 321-meter-long glass façade equipped with electrochromic technology. This system automatically adjusts the glass tint according to light intensity and heat, ensuring optimal comfort for watchmakers while preserving views of the surrounding landscape.
The opening of the Arc marks a strategic milestone for the Maison, supporting future growth and a gradual increase in production capacity through optimized workflows.
A central technical feature of the facility is a 15-meter-high automated storage system. This Goods-to-Person (GTP) system utilizes 66 robots to deliver components directly to workshops, currently performing up to 350 movements per hour with a targeted capacity of 1,200 movements by 2030.
By streamlining stock management, the system saves approximately 15 seconds per operation for production and customer service teams. This shift toward smart technology is intended to eliminate repetitive manual tasks, allowing employees to focus on the high-dexterity craftsmanship essential to Haute Horlogerie.
Sustainability was a key focus from the outset, with the building earning Minergie-ECO certification. The Arc recovers heat from industrial machinery, is connected to the renewable Brassus Bois wood-fired heating plant, and is equipped with a large photovoltaic installation to supplement its energy needs.
Environmental considerations also shaped the architecture. The crenelated curved façade helps reduce bird collisions and glare, while an 80-centimetre-high protective wall diverts water towards a natural drainage channel to mitigate flood risk.
Located next to Le Brassus station, the site provides 502 parking spaces, with 274 at the Arc and 228 at the station, which are available to the local community on weekends and during special events. audemarspiguet.com
