Rolex to establish a new production site in Bulle with 2,000 jobs

Rolex is planning to establish a production site in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg. This new manufacturing facility is expected to be completed by 2029, creating 2,000 jobs and representing an investment of CHF 1 billion.

After Geneva and Biel, Rolex wants to set up production activities in Bulle. The watch brand has chosen the second largest city in the canton of Fribourg to build its new site. Rolex plans to create 2,000 jobs there with an investment of around CHF 1 billion.

“A project of rare magnitude is underway in Bulle with the prestigious Rolex company, with major investments and a large number of potential jobs at stake,” said Olivier Curty, President of the Fribourg State Council. “The project is well underway and the Fribourg authorities will do everything in their power to ensure that it succeeds.”

The new Rolex production site is planned to be built in the industrial zone of Bulle, along the A12 freeway, and should be inaugurated in 2029. The General Council of Bulle voted by a very large majority in favor of the sale of land to Rolex for CHF 31.4 million.

A central location combined with the availability of a highly skilled workforce

The global luxury watch manufacturer was attracted by the central location of the city of Bulle and the canton of Fribourg. Likewise, the ease of recruiting highly skilled workers in the region was a key decision factor for Rolex.

The city’s legislature has approved the sale to Rolex of two parcels of land totalling 100,000 square meters, roughly the equivalent of ten soccer fields. The project will now have to go through the usual approval procedures.

In addition to the 2,000 new jobs, the watchmaking group will also offer dozens of apprenticeships on its new site.