Glashütte Original on Growth Path - Watchmaker inaugurates new production facility in Glashütte

Glashütte, September 26, 2012

Under the motto „Glashütte Original on Growth Path“, the Saxon watchmaker invited media and business representatives along with partners and friends of the company to an official opening ceremony, held in the atrium of the Manufactory.

Glashütte Original’s two managing directors, Günter Wiegand and Yann Gamard, who is also a member of the extended executive management team of Swatch Group, informed the guests on hand of the most recent developments at the German luxury watchmaker and presented a positive outlook for the years ahead.

Given the very positive situation with regard to orders worldwide and the growing awareness and popularity of the brand in key markets such as China, North America and the Near East, Glashütte Original is systematically enhancing its production capacity, thereby laying the groundwork for continuing, long-lasting growth.

Official Inauguration at the Frühlingsweg site in Glashütte

Following the reception in the Manufactory, the new building in the Frühlingsweg, just a few minutes walk from the main building, was officially inaugurated. Under sunny skies Yann Gamard, Günter Wiegand, UNION Managing Director Adrian Bosshard and Markus Dreßler, the Mayor of Glashütte, cut the ribbon and declared the production facility officially open. The symbolic handover of the keys took place shortly afterwards, when project leader Björn Griemberg presented Günter Wiegand a large golden key.

After the official opening all guests were given the opportunity to take a close-up look at the new workspaces and working conditions. Yann Gamard, Günter Wiegand and Adrian Bosshard led the guests on the tour and took advantage of the occasion to assure themselves of the high quality of the work undertaken.

= New building frees up space for expanding production

In order to free up space for increased capacity in the high-end Manufactory’s main building in the Altenberger Straße, Glashütte Original’s Customer Service department has been relocated to the new building in the Frühlingsweg. After only 10 months of construction, which began October 3, 2011, the first employees took their places in the new building on August 15th, 2012. The new facility has a total surface of 4,550 m2 and space for around 80 persons. At present there are 50 employees working in the new building. The new space will also host UNION Glashütte, one of Glashütte Original’s fellow Swatch Group brands.

In order to make available additional space for production in the main building, restructuring work has begun with the objective to free up 1,900 m2, to be used exclusively for production. A central cafeteria on the Manufactory’s roof will be completed by the end of the year.