HISTORY
Find out about the development and history of the AFFOLTER Group since it was founded
OUR HISTORY IN BRIEF
A great year for AFFOLTER!
Louis Affolter founded his company in 1919,
4 generations later, Affolter has the pleasure of celebrating 100 years of industrial and family history in the Bernese Jura.
Louis Affolter, born 1880, grows up and attends school in Malleray (Bernese Jura). He learns the trade of pivot-maker, which he practises on a self-employed basis, before being employed by “Record Dreadnought Watch Co. SA” in Tramelan and then taking up the position of head of manufacturing at “La Champagne Louis Müller & Cie”, a watchmaking factory in Bienne. In 1919, he leaves his post and sets up on his own in Renan. The business is duly listed in the commercial register in 1927 under the entry “Louis Affolter, fabrique de pignons et pivotage en tous genres” (Louis Affolter, manufacturer of all kinds of pinions and pivots).
Louis Affolter has three sons named André, René, and Marc, all of whom join the family business. In 1985, the baton is passed on to the third generation in the form of Marc’s three sons, namely Marc-Alain, Jean-Claude, and Michel. Today, the Group is managed by Marc-Alain’s sons Vincent and Grégory with the help of Nicolas Curty. Several other members of the AFFOLTER family also play various roles within the company, which gives the business its friendly, family atmosphere and helps keep it close to its stakeholders and their concerns.
Louis Affolter, the founder
Establishment of the business by Louis Affolter in Renan (canton of Bern). The business is involved in the manufacturing of geartrains for use in watchmaking.
Industrial premises Rue du Pont 5
Installation of the workshop in the building at rue du Pont 5 in Malleray.
Second generation of Affolters
The three sons of Louis, René (1918-1991), André (1916-1992) and Marc (1928-2009), pick up the baton. The company changes its name and becomes “Les fils de Louis Affolter” (Sons of Louis Affolter).
Industrial premises Rue du Pont 7
Construction of new industrial premises at rue du Pont 7 in Malleray.
Third generation of Affolters
Management of the business and the share capital is handed over to the three sons of Marc Affolter, with Michel, Jean-Claude, and Marc-Alain representing the third generation. (left to right)
Industrial premises Grand-Rue 74
Construction of new industrial premises at Grand-Rue 74 in Malleray.
Extension of industrial premises
Extension of the industrial premises at Grand-Rue 74 in Malleray.
Industrial premises Grand-Rue 76
Construction of new industrial premises at Grand-Rue 76 in Malleray
Sales and service office in Shanghai
Opening of the Shanghai sales and service office for the products of Affolter Technologies SA.
Industrial premises Grand-Rue 62
Acquisition and total renovation of the industrial premises at Grand-Rue 62 in Malleray, bringing the total space available to the Group to 8,000 m2 .
Affolter China Co., Ltd
Establishment of Affolter China Co., Ltd, with a registered office in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
Fourth generation of management
Management of the Group is entrusted to Grégory Affolter, Nicolas Curty and Vincent Affolter.
A great year for AFFOLTER!
A great year for AFFOLTER!
Louis Affolter founded his company in 1919,
4 generations later, Affolter has the pleasure of celebrating 100 years of industrial and family history in the Bernese Jura.