Precision mechanics
Quality and precision are typical Swiss values that are perfectly embodied by the thirty or so mechanical workshops in Valais that manufacture their own products or products for other companies. Thanks to an extensive and high-performance machine fleet, these companies produce parts that are precise to the nearest micron, right through to machines of several tonnes intended for the general public and prestigious customers such as CERN in Geneva.
Speakers
Founded in 2010, the Stenheim company, based in Vétroz, designs loudspeakers composed entirely of aluminium. Aluminium produces better sound dynamics than wooden speakers, bringing the sound to life. The state-of-the-art components of the damping layers and partitions prevent any resonance for a perfectly clean sound. Stenheim loudspeakers are designed for audiophiles and consumers who demand high-quality sound. Over a hundred pairs are produced annually in Valais.
Stenheim has created some limited- edition loudspeakers for the 50th anniversary of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Accessories for electrical appliances
Craftsmen, DIY enthusiasts and industrial employees will all have used accessories for electric appliances developed by Scintilla SA. The company, which is owned by Bosch, manufactures them on its site in St-Nicolas in Valais, before distributing them around the world. 7,000 different items are already available on the market. And their offering continues to grow to meet the high expectations of a growing number of users.
Scintilla’s manufacturing site, which has been in St-Nicolas for 70 years, is the largest employer in the Zermatt Valley.
High-end machining
Valprécision lives up to its name! Based in Chippis, the company specialises in sub-contracting work in the precision mechanics sector. They carry out machining work to the nearest micron on parts weighing up to four tonnes: this is specialist work for which Valprécision has roughing machines, an air-conditioned finishing workshop and an assembly and painting workshop as well as revision facilities for high-precision machine tools.
To guarantee the highest level of precision, the company keeps the premises at between 21.5 and 22 degrees all year round.
Mechanical parts
The Sierre-based company Reco Mécanique SA is involved in the production of mediumto large-scale mechanical parts for the hydropower, food and transportation sectors – a niche market in which the company has operated since 1956, creating unique parts by two main processes: CNC milling and CNC turning. Mechanical welding of steel, stainless steel and aluminium parts are all areas of expertise within this family business.
Reco Mécanique SA can produce parts weighing up to seven tonnes.
MG-Tech - Mechanical sub-contracting
MGTech is a family business, founded in 2004, that specialises in mechanical and micromechanical subcontracting. It works in sectors ranging from watchmaking and medical engineering to gear mechanisms, aerospace and the automobile industry. In addition to standard materials such as steel, stainless steel and aluminium, the company also machines specialised alloys such as Stellite, ARCAP and Monel. The manufacturing plant, with an area of more than 450 sq. m, is based in Saxon, along with a venue of 60 sq. m for the processing of parts.
Alongside mechanical engineering, the company also designs and produces items of jewellery, which are often custom-made and unique.
Did you know?
The famous Silver Star roller-coaster at Europa- Park was designed by the company Bolliger & Mabillard, which is based in Monthey.
More information
- Avenir Industrie Valais – Association des industriels valaisans (FR)
- Fédération Suisse des Professionnels de la Mécanique (FSPM) - Section Valais (FR)
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis
- Institute of Systems Engineering HES-SO Valais-Wallis
- Swissmechanic – section Valais (FR)
- Groupement des Equipementiers Valaisans (GEVs) (FR)