Rolex invests one billion francs in new giant factory in Bulle
Rolex is planning to build a new production facility in Bulle in the canton of Fribourg, which will cover an area of 104,000 square metres. The investment of one billion Swiss francs is expected to create around 2,000 jobs from 2029.
The world-famous luxury watch manufacturer Rolex is planning a massive expansion in western Switzerland. A gigantic production facility is to be built in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg, by 2029. Covering an area of 104,000 square metres – the equivalent of almost 15 football pitches – Rolex plans to produce luxury watches from 2029 to meet the growing demand for its products. The new factory is expected to create 2,000 jobs and thus make a significant contribution to the regional economy.
Land sale approved
The General Council of Bulle has approved the sale of the construction site to the Rolex Group by a large majority. Rolex is investing a total of one billion francs in the project and paid 31.4 million francs for the 100,000 square metre site. The planning application has now been submitted and the first visualisations of the planned buildings have been published.
Innovative construction concept and sustainability
The new plant will consist of four production buildings connected by a central building. In addition to the administration, this central area will also house catering facilities as well as meeting and rest areas. A striking head-end building at the southern end of the site will house the main entrance.
Rolex attaches particular importance to environmental friendliness and sustainable design. The factory is to achieve the highest standard of the British Breeam label – a first for an industrial building in Switzerland. The buildings will be arranged so that they are integrated into a park that serves as protection from emissions from the nearby motorway.
Fifth Rolex production site
With the new site in Bulle, Rolex is expanding its already highly integrated production chain. The luxury watch manufacturer already operates production sites in Geneva, Chêne-Bourg, Plan-les-Ouates and Biel. Most of the watch components, from movements and cases to dials and bracelets, are produced in-house at these sites.
Temporary solution in Romont
In order to expand production capacity before 2029, Rolex will temporarily set up a factory in Romont. Around 250 to 300 employees are to be employed there from the beginning of 2025, most of whom will be newly recruited and trained. These employees will move there once the factory in Bulle is completed.
With the new factory in Bulle, Rolex is strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading luxury watch manufacturers and investing in the future of the Swiss production site.