140 Years of Materials Mastery

The history of CMSA begins in 1885 with the creation of two companies in Biel/Bienne: Aufranc & Cie and Zanelli & Fils. These firms were pioneers in precious metal casting and refining. In 1924, they were brought together by Arthur Robert, who established the new entity Cendres+Métaux.

Arthur Robert was the driving force behind this consolidation. He was supported by Georges Hochreutiner, a chemist with international experience, whose contributions proved decisive in shaping the company’s early development.

Cendres+Métaux broadened its activities in the melting and alloying of precious metals. The company diversified into new sectors such as dental alloys, while navigating challenges like the Great Depression and changes in ownership.

Arthur Robert guided the company’s development until his passing in 1933. He was briefly succeeded by Raoul Goetschmann as Chairman. During this period, Paul Sémon (Director from 1924 to 1960) played a central role in integrating the founding companies and organizing internal processes.

Despite national mobilization and restrictive government measures, Cendres+Métaux was able to maintain its operations, thanks in large part to its dental sector. The company adapted its processes and participated in emergency preparedness, including rapid packing drills for precious metal reserves as required by the authorities.

The team demonstrated a strong ability to adapt under pressure. One notable example is Albert Stillhart, a 17-year-old employee who took responsibility for safeguarding precious metal stock just before the outbreak of the war.

With the post-war economic recovery, Cendres+Métaux entered a period of strong and sustained growth. The company expanded its production capacity and developed specialized alloys, particularly for dental prosthetics and jewellery applications. This era also marked the creation of the group’s first international subsidiaries, in Italy, France, and Spain.

The continuity of leadership, especially through Paul Sémon, who remained active in the immediate post-war years , enabled a rapid and well-organized expansion.

Facing growing market pressure, including declining demand for high-cost dental alloys, Cendres+Métaux made the strategic decision to diversify. The company invested in new areas and restructured its business units to adapt. It became Switzerland’s largest wedding ring supplier and even launched its own jewellery line, Carlos de Milo, which was showcased at Baselworld.

Throughout the 1980s, key decisions by company leaders and employees helped lay the foundation for long-term continuity and renewal.

To support continued growth and remain competitive in a changing market, Cendres+Métaux undertook a major transformation. The group shifted to a holding structure in 2002 and initiated a series of strategic acquisitions, particularly in the medtech and luxury watchmaking sectors.

The focus during this period was on integrating new competencies, optimizing production and management structures, and building a unified corporate culture across entities.

In 2026, Cendres+Métaux Holding SA and all of its subsidiaries were renamed CMSA.
This name change reflects more than a rebranding, it represents the group’s transformation into a modern industrial partner, focused on mastering complex manufacturing processes and serving demanding clients in medtech, watchmaking, and high-precision sectors.