The Sion-based SME Sigatec celebrates 20 years in business in 2026. Founded by Ulysse Nardin and Mimotec, the company that specialises in the manufacture of silicon micromechanical components has established itself as a key player in microtechnology in Switzerland. An industrial and human adventure, led with precision and passion, and whose best is yet to come.
In the early 2000s, silicon began to attract serious interest within the Swiss watchmaking industry. It is in this context that Sigatec was founded in Sion in 2006, backed by two well-established players in the field: the luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin and the Valais-based SME Mimotec, a specialist in microsystems. “Since the beginning, the idea was clear: to exploit silicon’s potential to manufacture components with a level of precision simply impossible to achieve using conventional methods”, summarises Nicolas Tille, CEO of Sigatec.
Twenty years later, the company employs around 40 people and benefits from cutting-edge production facilities, with a fully equipped cleanroom and a new building inaugurated in 2022 and that houses assembly operations and administrative services.
A micrometre-precision technology
The core of Sigatec’s know-how is based on a deep etching technology called DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching). This process enables etching silicon with near-micrometre precision, creating complex geometries, impossible to produce with the conventional methods.
The entire manufacturing process takes place in a cleanroom, an extremely clean environment where the air is continuously filtered to remove even the smallest particles. “Silicon is a fascinating material, but it does not tolerate any margin for error. This level of requirement shaped us”, says Nicolas Tille. Sigatec’s processes are designed to be adapted to a wide range of production volumes, from a single unit to series that can reach 100,000 units.
Watchmaking at its core, but not only
While Sigatec is mostly known for its components made for Swiss mechanical watchmaking – escape wheels, pallet forks, hairsprings –, the company progressively widened its sphere of activity. Now, it is also active in optics, connectivity and even aeronautics.
“Our approach has always been to collaborate closely with our clients, to understand their challenges and to offer them the best solutions. It is not only subcontracting: we bring tailored support aligned with both their needs and our manufacturing technologies”, highlights Nicolas Tille.
An assembly department
Handling and assembling silicon components require special expertise. Silicon is not to be treated like metal: for example, a silicon plate cannot be press-fitted onto a steel shaft using conventional methods. With this in mind, Sigatec developed a whole assembly department, able to provide customers with ready-to-integrate subassemblies in a watch movement.
Assembly operations combine manual, semi-automatic and automatic work, according to quantities and specifications. Large production runs benefit from specially developed devices to minimise handling and guarantee optimal traceability. “This department adds real value. It allows us to support our clients until the end of the process”, adds Nicolas Tille.
A human adventure above all
Twenty years is certainly worth celebrating, and it should be measured by the people who contributed to this journey. “This is a collective adventure. It would have never been possible without the daily commitment of our employees nor without the trust our clients have shown us for many years”, says Nicolas Tille.
While Sigatec celebrates its 20th anniversary, the CEO does not hide his enthusiasm for the future. “We are proud of the journey we have made. But what motivates us the most is what we are going to build next. The next 20 years promise to be as stimulating.”
More information: Sigatec
