History

Service portfolio expanded with another high-precision specialist

The acquisition of Weber + Calibra SA, based in Sonceboz-Sombeval and specialising in high-precision cold rolling and stamping of non-ferrous metals, marks an expansion and enhancement of the NOTZgroup’s service portfolio in precision rolling.

125-year company anniversary

What began in 1898 as a modest supplier to the watchmaking industry has evolved over the years into the respected NOTZgroup. Our journey to success has only been made possible by our strong focus on the diverse needs of our customers, our close partnerships and our ability to adapt in a constantly changing economic landscape.

Throughout our past, present and future, our employees remain the cornerstone to NOTZgroup's success. Their unwavering commitment and passion are invaluable to our company.

On the shores of Lake Biel

….lies the picturesque town of La Neuville. This is where in 1901 Edouard MATTHEY, one of the pioneers in rolling technology and the industrialisation of rolling production, founded a family business he named "Les Lamineries MATTHEY SA". The company went on to become a successful rolling mill grounded in tradition.

The company is steeped in history and is now in its third generation of leadership. It was acquired by NOTZgroup in the summer of 2017 and has become fully integrated into the Group. The company continues to contribute to the Group’s ongoing success story.

When two become one

The EZM-Biennaform AG, a stainless steel drawing mill based in Biel with roots going back to the 17th century, was acquiered by the NOTZgroup at the end of 2012 and renamed Biennaform AG at the beginning of 2013. 

Studer SA, a producer of flat-rolled steel products, had already been integrated into the Group in 2003, resulting in a duplication in the portfolio. In order to leverage synergies in production and to bolster capacity, merging the two companies was a logical step. The merger took place in 2014 with the formation of Studer-Biennaform AG.

Wired for success

NOTZgroup expands its specialised wire range with the acquisition of VOCO Draht AG in 2005 and VOGT & Cie Tréfilerie S.A in 2008. The latter company, which is based in Dannemarie (FR), was rebranded as VOCO Sàrl. The product and service range now encompasses finely laminated rolled wire for the production of metallic sponges, high-quality metallic meshes for industrial applications and efficient copper plating services.

... and continued growth

Founded in 1875, Studer SA is a producer of high-precision flat-rolled wires. The company experiences substantial growth in the early 2000s and is seeking a strong partner to support its growth trajectory. It finds the perfect match in  the NOTZgroup because the flat-rolled products are an optimal complement to the existing product range. As the Group expands, so does its market position, while its longstanding company legacy endures.

NOTZgroup continues to expand

On 1 January 2002, Jacques Allemann SA, an important supplier to the watchmaking industry since 1974, is integrated into Notz Metal.

This is a win-win situation for both companies. An experienced manufacturer of precision wire, profiles, axles and micro flat wire is now combining forces with a leading supplier to the watchmaking industry. A harmonious partnership, brimming with synergistic potential, thrives at our headquarters in Brügg.

Sustained market success

Despite the severe economic downturn, Notz Metall AG takes over MAG Metall AG, a market leader in the trading of non-ferrous metals and bar turning steel. This enables Notz Metall AG to solidify its position as the market leader in the stainless steel sector and facilitates its steady expansion in the years that followed.

Everything changes – "Adieu" Biel, "Bienvenue" Brügg

After years of relocating a number of times within the city of Biel and rapid growth, Notz & Co finally moves to Brügg in 1971. From then on, all divisions, each comprising over 500 employees, are united in one place. The company’s enduring success story continues to unfold in Brügg, with each chapter extending into the present day. 

From crisis to first all round

The aftermath of the First World War had a profound effect, leaving the economy in dire straits. Even though it meant the end of the partnership with Courvoisier, Albert Notz was not discouraged. Full of optimism, he founded his very first company on Labour Day, 1 May, 1921. On this day, he launched the limited partnership Notz&Co at Bahnhofstrasse 1 in Biel. He was confident that his experience and strong ties to the steel business would bring him success. He would be proven right. The company founded at number 1 Bahnhofstrasse on the first day of May was soon well on its way to becoming  “number one” in the industry. 

Courvoisier and Notz team up

In 1898, Albert Notz understood that he could do business with the flourishing watchmaking industry, because the manufacturers who until then had used brass alloys to make watch components wanted to replace this metal with stainless steel. At that time, only the world-famous Swedish manufacturers were considered suitable suppliers of high-quality steel components. In the same year as the company was founded, Albert Notz laid the foundation for a successful future by embarking on a joint venture with the Courvoisier import company from Biel. In addition to watchmakers, the company served customers from the mechanical, machine, tool and electronics industries, automobile and bicycle factories, railways, shipping companies and other quickly-expanding fields of industry. This marked a successful start to an long and properous company history.