he inauguration took place this 19 March 2026 in Meyrin, in the presence of local and cantonal authorities, representatives of FdMP architects, as well as members Audemars Piguet’s Board of Directors and management team.

This ambitious project fully embodies the balance between modernity and heritage that defines the brand. It was made possible through the restoration of the former industrial building of the pharmaceutical company Uhlmann Eyraud, constructed between 1963 and 1965.

U shaped and recognised for its historical value, the building – acquired by Audemars Piguet in 2023 – was first refurbished to accommodate the watchmaking manufacturer’s activities. While the project focused on optimising the existing structure, it also enabled the construction of a new four storey building enclosing its shape, as well as two lateral extensions on the upper ground floor.

Led by the Swiss firm FdMP architectes, the two buildings combined now offer a total surface area of 9,000 square metres – 3.75 times the 2,400 square metres of the former manufacturing facility. The new complex can accommodate up to 350 collaborators.

Mirroring the quadrilateral shape of the site, the philosophy of the new complex relies on four pillars: collaboration, flexibility, workplace well being and optimised flows. Designed to foster communication, creative synergies and innovation, the manufacturing facility features open spaces and numerous areas dedicated to exchange. It also reflects the working habits and needs of collaborators by offering collaborative workspaces, quiet zones for focused work, meeting rooms and traditional offices, allowing each individual to choose the best suited setting.

Flexibility within the new building is enabled primarily through modular spaces, which have been designed to possibly integrate future machines, new fields of expertise or additional teams. This adaptability is made possible through open plan production floors, a technical layout designed to support changes in production capacity, and an evolving partition system.

Well-being is supported by a thoughtful organisation of work and meeting areas, all of which are arranged around a green inner courtyard. Collaborator and visitor entrances converge toward a central space conceived as a place to meet and exchange, featuring a cafeteria, tiered seating and a large screen, with views extending across the courtyard – the green heart of the building. The saw-tooth roof of the historic structure provides a constant source of natural light, while the use of dynamic glass on the façades enables precise control of light according to external conditions.

In terms of workflow optimisation, the workshops have been laid out to follow the logical sequence of manufacturing. All departments are organised in line with the natural and intuitive progression of case and bracelet production across three levels: machining, finishing and assembly on the garden level; the company restaurant, its large terrace, the technical and methods office as well as the back office on the first floor; and the New Technologies hub on the third floor.

In keeping with the combination of heritage and modernity, the majority of existing machines have been transferred from the former manufacturing facility and complemented by new acquisitions meeting enhanced standards of quality and efficiency.

“This new complex has been designed in keeping with the very essence of our Manufacture: to pay tribute to the site’s heritage while carrying it forward through contemporary technologies. It embodies the values of collaboration and well being at the core of our company,” said Ilaria Resta, Chief Executive Officer, Audemars Piguet.

Part of the building’s energy consumption is supplied by its own solar panels. In line with the standards deployed across all Audemars Piguet sites, the architecture benefits from dual certification: the historic U shaped building holds the Minergie Renovation label, while the new complementary structure is certified Minergie P Eco. The complex therefore combines a heritage led approach with a project meeting the highest technological standards.

The site also benefits from a rainwater harvesting system for sanitary uses, significantly reducing drinking water consumption. Heat recovery devices on technical installations further optimise the building’s thermal resources. In addition, an intelligent control system continuously oversees all equipment to maximise energy efficiency.

Finally, access to the new Manufacture has also been intended to encourage sustainable mobility. In addition to providing on-site parking for staff members, the site benefits from immediate proximity to Meyrin’s railway station and its extensive public transport network. These measures, developed with collaborator well-being in mind, emphasise the primary vocation of all of Audemars Piguet’s production sites as places of collaboration and responsible innovation.