At the start of 2026, all entities of the former Cendres+Métaux Group adopt a single identity, CMSA – Contract Manufacturing Solutions Alliance.
This evolution is more than a change of name. It reflects the consolidation of a vertically integrated industrial organisation, built over several years, with aligned processes, shared standards, and a unified culture across all sites.
A name that reflects who we have become
The renaming marks a natural step in the group’s transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Philipp von Büren, the organisation strengthened its foundations, harmonised its systems, and deepened collaboration across business lines.
Bringing all activities under one brand signals the maturity of this transformation: a group operating as one industrial partner, with aligned processes and a clear vision.
The new identity is carried by the following legal entities:
- CMSA Holding Ltd
- CMSA Biel/Bienne Ltd
- CMSA Boudry Ltd
- CMSA La Chaux-de-Fonds Ltd
- CMSA Saignelégier Ltd
- CMSA Mittelhäusern Ltd
Together, they form a coherent industrial organisation. Discover the CMSA group structure and sites, and how our locations work together as one integrated partner.
With this step, we are establishing a modern and consistent brand identity that reflects our forward-looking
approach, our international orientation, and the continuous development of the entire group. The new designation
expresses both the integration of our capabilities across the entire value chain and our commitment to being your
strong partner in processing demanding materials into complex products.Philipp von Büren CEO CMSA Holding SA
Cendres+Métaux name change: Official announcement
As of 31 December 2025, all companies of the former Cendres+Métaux Group operate under a single identity: CMSA, short for Contract Manufacturing Solutions Alliance.
With the exception of the Dental division, which retains the Cendres+Métaux name, all entities now share a unified brand that reflects how the group operates today.
This change goes beyond a new designation. It makes visible the transformation achieved over recent years: a vertically integrated industrial organisation, aligned standards and processes across sites, consolidated expertise, and a shared corporate culture. CMSA positions itself as a single industrial partner with a central point of coordination, supporting customers across the entire value chain.
The legal entities, governance, teams, and operational structures remain unchanged. Existing contracts, certifications, and approvals continue to apply. The unified CMSA identity brings clarity, consistency, and a stronger international presence, while preserving continuity in day-to-day collaboration.
For media, partners, and institutional reference, you can download the official press release announcing the CMSA name change.
A long history shaped by materials, precision, and reinvention
CMSA’s roots go back to 1885. Our 140-year history of material mastery began in Biel/Bienne, where two foundries laid the foundations of a company renowned for its expertise in precious metals. Aufranc & Cie and Zanelli & Fils, laid the foundations of a company renowned for its expertise in precious metals.
In 1924, Arthur Robert united them under the new name Cendres+Métaux. That consolidation defined the group’s early identity: materials mastery, innovation, and the ability to industrialise complex processes.
Over the decades, the company demonstrated resilience through economic cycles, international expansion, diversification into dental, jewellery, watchmaking, and later medtech. Key strategic milestones followed, including acquisitions that strengthened expertise in watch components, surface treatments, assembly, and precision machining.
This trajectory shaped the group into what it is today: a multidisciplinary industrial partner with deep and complementary capabilities, serving demanding markets in Switzerland and beyond.
Why a unified identity was the next logical step
The name CMSA reflects the reality of the group’s operations today. Across all sites, our teams work with:
A harmonised organisational model
Standards, processes, and quality systems are now unified. A centralized Key Account structure coordinates projects from feasibility to packaging, ensuring consistency and clarity for clients.
Vertical integration across the value chain
From alloy development to machining, surface treatments, assembly, and packaging, CMSA covers the full industrial value chain. This integration ensures process control and consistency, particularly for precision manufacturing for medtech components.
Today, CMSA covers the full industrial value chain, from precious metal recycling and alloy development to high-precision machining, surface treatments, and assembly and packaging.
Consolidated know-how
With over 400 precious metal alloys and extensive experience in oscillating weights, CMSA develops high-value watchmaking components and finishing solutions, alongside cases, clasps, and micro-mechanical parts.
Interconnected centres of excellence
The new watch exterior cluster unites the La Chaux-de-Fonds and Saignelégier sites, while the inter-site surface technology centre strengthens our ability to functionalise and elevate complex parts. These integrated units bring agility, shorter lead times, and reinforced expertise. They also strengthen process reliability and enable consistent industrial deployment across sites for demanding projects.
What this means for our clients
The name change does not alter our commitments. It reinforces them.
Clients will continue to work with the same teams, the same sites, and the same governance. What evolves is the clarity and coherence of our structure. A unified identity means simpler communication, clearer processes, and a stronger, more resilient industrial partner.
The name change does not involve any legal succession. All existing contracts, certifications, qualifications, and approvals remain fully valid and unchanged.
CMSA values of excellence, respect, inventiveness, agility, and responsibility — continue to guide every decision.
Do you have more questions? Check our dedicated FAQ
Integration of subsidiaries
Between 2008 and 2025, the group welcomed several specialized companies into its structure. Their expertise in watchmaking, medtech, surface treatments, and micro-mechanics has enriched our capabilities and expanded our value chain.
These entities now operate fully under the CMSA name.
A new chapter rooted in a long-term vision
After 140 years of evolution, reinvention, and innovation, adopting the CMSA identity reaffirms our ambition: to be a trusted, independent, and solid partner for high-value components and integrated manufacturing processes.
The new name embodies what our teams have built together, and the standards we aim to set for the future.
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