News 
The independent dial manufacturer Metalem, based in Le Locle, will shortly be enlarging its premises.
The extent of the work is considerable, since the watchmaking firm plans to add two additional floors to its current building, located at rue du Midi 3a, and also intends to build a covered walkway between the two existing buildings.
While the main building dates from 1954, its annex was constructed in 1962 and was designed from the outset to support two extra storeys. After lengthy deliberations the two owners, Pierre Feller and Alain Marietta, decided to push ahead against prevailing trends, confident of the firm’s future.
The work will have no effect on jobs in the immediate future. With the two additional floors, Metalem is seeking above all to improve the quality of life of its employees, making them feel more at ease and thereby improving the quality of products and services offered to its clients, who for the most part are at the higher end of the market. The principal objective is to gain space, mainly for the research and development department.
In terms of employment, the expansion will lead to the creation of extra jobs in the medium term. Metalem currently employs 230 people in Le Locle (250 including hand-finished engine-turning work). The site affected by construction work employs 160 staff and produces between 350,000 and 400,000 dials per year.
The start date for the work is dependent on the weather but is expected to be no later than the watch industry’s 2015 annual holidays. In addition to expanding the R&D department, a new reception area for clients will be created, as well as a new conference and meeting room offering more comfort and convenience than existing facilities. So as not to disturb production, most heavy work will take place during the holiday period. The work is scheduled for completion some time in 2016.
March 19, 2015