
The project to build a new Rolex production unit in Bulle is moving ahead, with planning permission in the pipeline. This is another positive step in this major construction project. The new site – the brand’s fifth – will enable the watch brand to increase its production capacity, support its growth in a sustainable manner and meet ever-increasing demand, while at the same time benefiting from a new employment area.
The unit, which will be located on the Prila-Combes Sud industrial estate, will comprise four buildings dedicated to production activities, interconnected by a building housing other functions: administration, support, catering, meeting and rest areas. A “head” building at the southern end will house the site’s main entrance, linked to an adjoining meadow.
The siting of the new unit will ensure a coherent response to its environment. The layout of the volumes will enable the buildings to be integrated into a green setting protected from motorway noise.
In keeping with the desire to emphasise a campus-style feel, the building will spread out in a fan shape, offering a wide range of volumes in keeping with the scale of the project. Featuring predominantly glazed façades opening onto the surrounding landscape, the unit will provide staff with a pleasant, modern working environment.
The landscaping project will be structured around several axes, in order to offer high-quality natural areas, while at the same time being mindful of biodiversity and nature.
The meadow will be home to a large park with a pond. This area will be bordered by dense, endemic vegetation and will also provide a place to relax. This park will be extended by a promenade linking all the open spaces between the production wings.
To ensure optimum development of the plants and reduce the carbon impact of transporting the plantations, the project includes a nursery directly adjacent to the production site. This innovative system will enable the development of trees to be anticipated, while ensuring that the vegetation is adapted to the local context.
Finally, the outdoor spaces will take into account a number of environment-friendly principles, such as not involving the use of drinking water for their development. A rainwater harvesting and treatment system will be installed for this purpose. The landscaping project also includes the creation of planted ditches which, in addition to collecting surface water, are intended to help reinforce plant and animal species.
The future site aims to achieve BREEAM certification at the highest level, namely “Outstanding”. This label, which originated in the United Kingdom, is a standard for assessing the quality of a building in terms of sustainability. This level of certification for an industrial building will be a first in Switzerland. It demonstrates Rolex’s commitment to meeting today’s climatic and environmental challenges.
This new unit in Fribourg will become operational in stages, between 2029 and 2030.
June 20, 2024