The Arc: Audemars Piguet’s Sustainable New Hub in Le Brassus
A collaborative hub designed with Industry 4.0 flexibility and employee well‑being at its core.
Summary
- Audemars Piguet inaugurated “The Arc,” a 23,700 square-meter sustainable facility in the Vallée de Joux for its 150th anniversary
- The Minergie-ECO® building is poised to increase capacity, integrating Industry 4.0 automation to safeguard local watchmaking expertise
Audemars Piguet has inaugurated its new Manufacture du Brassus, known as the Arc, as part of the brand’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Located in the Vallée de Joux, the 23,700 square-meter facility consolidates production teams under one roof, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the region where it has been based since 1875. Designed with flexibility, comfort, and sustainability in mind, the Minergie-ECO® certified building reflects Audemars Piguet’s long-term ambitions, combining cutting-edge technology with ecological responsibility to propel the brand into the future.
The Arc was conceived as a collaborative hub, echoing the brand’s historic Établissage system that relied on networks of artisans and ateliers. Designed by Geneva-based de Giuli & Portier and built by Alpenda SA, the project was completed in just three years. The new production site accommodates up to 700 employees within a workspace defined by natural light and open-plan designs. To ensure optimal comfort, the 321-meter-long glass façade is equipped with electrochromic technology that automatically adjusts its tint based on light intensity and heat. The interior promotes a balance of work styles, offering transparent partitions and meeting rooms to encourage idea-sharing alongside dedicated quiet zones and traditional offices for tasks requiring privacy and deep focus.
Anchored in tradition yet oriented toward the future, the Manufacture du Brassus is poised to enhance production capacity and safeguard local expertise. Automated systems streamline workflows, freeing employees to focus on tasks requiring dexterity and craftsmanship. By centralizing operations and investing in sustainable infrastructure, Audemars Piguet strengthens its role as both a guardian of Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire and a contributor to the Vallée de Joux’s economic and community life. The Arc thus stands as a milestone in the Maison’s evolution, blending heritage with innovation to shape the next chapter of Haute Horlogerie.
