VÊPRES, the French cleanroom specialist, is setting up in Thônex in the canton of Geneva under the name VÊPRES Suisse, marking a new stage in its international development to meet the growing demand for controlled atmosphere environments.
Founded in 1962, VÊPRES is renowned for its excellence in the design and manufacture of customized cleanrooms, meeting the ISO14644 standard (ISO classification). With around 100 employees in France and a turnover of EUR 24.7 million in 2023, the company has won the confidence of demanding customers through its commitment to quality, service and meeting deadlines. By setting up in Geneva, VÊPRES Suisse aims to meet the growing demand in Switzerland for controlled environments, particularly in the luxury watchmaking, microelectronics, medical and biotechnology sectors.
In June 2023, VÊPRES became part of the CEME Group, a major player in electrical and HVAC engineering. This strategic alliance was a key factor in the decision to set up in Switzerland. “Joining the CEME Group has given VÊPRES an even greater scope, enabling us to establish the company and its expertise more firmly than ever. Being part of CEME is one of the reasons why we decided to set up our 100% VÊPRES subsidiary in Switzerland”, said Cédric Mercier, Executive Director of VÊPRES.
Geneva, a strategic location
The canton of Geneva was a natural choice for this new location. Its geographical proximity to Grenoble facilitates exchanges, and the presence of financial partners such as the Banque du Léman, as well as long-standing customers such as STMicroelectronics, reinforced this choice. Geneva’s dynamic ecosystem, with its cutting-edge industries and expertise in luxury watchmaking, provides VÊPRES with a fertile ground in which to develop its activities.
The move was facilitated by the support of the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France-Suisse (CCIFS), the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) and the Office cantonal de l’économie et de l’innovation (OCEI), which helped VÊPRES through the key stages of its installation. “Our image of meticulousness, rigor and professionalism in the field of cleanrooms is attracting the interest of many Swiss companies”, the company also emphasized.
Eventually, VÊPRES plans to recruit local staff to form a local team capable of meeting the specific needs of the Swiss market. The company also plans to work with Swiss universities to recruit qualified talent and strengthen its expertise. “Our ability to meet customers‘specific needs and adapt to their processes, as well as our expertise in building and supporting their cleanroom projects, are decisive factors”, explained Xavier Nicolas, Head of Business Development.
By setting up in Geneva, VÊPRES is not only strengthening its position in the European market, but also contributing to the canton’s economic dynamism. Its expertise in cleanrooms meets a growing need in local industries for highly controlled production environments. This expansion will enable Swiss companies to benefit from tailor-made solutions, supported by a dedicated team and recognized experience in the field of controlled atmosphere environments.
