Audemars Piguet has begun work on a new 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Meyrin, the same Geneva satellite town as its current factory.
The project, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, includes the restoration of a historic building on the site and the construction of a new building.
It will eventually house 350 employees.
In an interview with Bloomberg to mark breaking ground on the site, outgoing CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, said he is expecting to increase production from around 50,000 watches today to 57,000 in 2025.
By then it will be the new CEO Ilaria Resta taking the credit and charting a new course for the business.
The building aims to use natural light to help its watchmakers and has been designed to encourage teamwork between employees.
All production areas will be floor-to-ceiling glass and are organised around a courtyard garden that extends into the new building’s piazza.
Employees will have access to the courtyard via the piazza and will also enjoy two large terraces on the first floor.
