History

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.

Products / Core expertise

Refining of precious metals and processing of precious metal-containing materials.

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.

Products / Core expertise

Expansion into finished alloys for dental use · Development of the Edelweis silver amalgam · Launch of wedding ring production, which would later become a key sales segment

Despite the mobilization and restrictive government measures, Cendres+Métaux has managed to maintain its operations, thanks in particular to its dental sector. The company is adapting its processes to meet the requirements of the Swiss Confederation.

In times of crisis, the remaining staff demonstrated great adaptability. They practiced repeatedly packing precious metals quickly into twenty crates in order to evacuate them to a secret storage room, in accordance with the Confederation's instructions. In a daring mission, Alfred Stilhart, a courageous 17-year-old apprentice, transported the precious metal reserves by train in a suitcase from the Basel office, located near the border.

Products / Core expertise

Continuation of dental activities · Ongoing production of wedding rings

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.

Products / Core expertise

High-grade dental alloys and prosthetic components · Restart and acceleration of growth

Facing growing market pressure — including declining demand for highly qualitative 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.

Products / Core expertise

Diversification into jewellery and watchmaking · Strategic response to the rise of low-cost dental alternatives such as ceramic and resin-based materials

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.

Key acquisitions

2008 — Galétan SA

2009 — Metalor Dental SA

2018 — Queloz SA

2020 — Cronal SA and assets of Guillod Gunther

2022 — Cornu & Cie SA

2023 — R. Schlierholz AG and Lauener & Cie SA

2025 — Galvador Sàrl

These companies brought expertise in fields such as watch cases, oscillating weights, bracelet manufacturing, laser engraving, surface treatments, and high-precision medtech components — allowing the group to become a fully integrated partner across its core markets.