Rolex launches its large-scale construction project in Bienne
Rolex launches its large-scale construction project in Bienne
This year Rolex announced that they decide to begin construction of a major extension at the Manufacture des Montres Rolex site in Bienne, which is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
The Rolex move really stunned the watchmaking industry since they are now suffering a major sales plunge due to the global recession. Rolex thus gives a strong and optimistic indication of its confidence in the future. Some say Rolex is going to take advantage of the economic downturn to enlarge their market shares.
The new construction also shows that Rolex’s firm attachment to the city of Bienne and the Canton of Bern. The project will bring the entire industrial production of Rolex movements under the same building.
The two existing production units, Rolex 4/6, with a total volume of 170,000 m3, will be linked to a new state-of-the-art industrial complex with four floors above ground and three floors below ground, with a volume of 230,000 m3. The new complex will principally house an impressive automated stock and distribution system that will ensure the entirely robotized transport of components and finished products to the production workshops.
The new production facility combining these three elements (over 400,000 m3) will bring together all the assembly, machining, press, thermal and surface treatment, maintenance and laboratory activities. It will also feature an underground car park, a delivery area, a wastewater treatment plant, a large restaurant and several cafeterias.
I would say Rolex is really brave and sees very far. By the time many of his fellow watch maker finally struggle to survive the recession, Rolex will be far ahead since their production capability is greatly enhanced. But one thing is sure. The Rolex watch will still be expensive. So always choose replica watch is a wise choice.