Azurea Portugal: Swiss precision in Maia — A Conversation with Vincent Skrzypczak
At the invitation of Azurea Portugal, the Instituto Português de Relojoaria visited the company's premises at the Polo Industrial da Maia, where it had the opportunity to see at close quarters one of the most important plants in Portugal producing high-precision components for watchmaking. During the visit, we spoke with Vincent Skrzypczak, CEO of Azurea Portugal.
A century of experience in microtechnology
Founded in Switzerland in 1914, the Azurea Group specialised in the production of high-precision mechanical components. Over more than a century it has built up expertise in watchmaking, measuring instruments (gauges) and microtechnology, producing parts and sub-assemblies for the most demanding precision industries.
In watchmaking, the company manufactures components for mechanical movements and complete sub-assemblies, using machining, stamping, finishing and assembly processes carried out to tolerances of just a few micrometres.
Investing in Portugal
Azurea's presence in Portugal began in 2012 and was strengthened in 2018 with the opening of the modern industrial plant in Maia, the result of an investment of around seven million euros.
Choosing Maia was no accident. Access to a skilled workforce, the region's industrial tradition and the quality of technical education were decisive factors in setting up the factory, which produces ultra-precision mechanical components for haute horlogerie and for metrology equipment.
Today, Azurea Portugal has dozens of high-precision CNC machines and plays a strategic role within the Swiss group, producing components that are then sent on to some of the most prestigious watch manufactures. The Portuguese plant has become a true centre of competence in microtechnology, combining cutting-edge technology with highly qualified teams.
A conversation about industry, training and the future
In the conversation, Vincent Skrzypczak talks about Azurea's journey in Portugal, the challenges of producing high-precision components, the importance of technical training and the reasons why the country has what it takes to play an increasingly important role in the international watch industry.
It was also an opportunity to show a little-known side of watchmaking: before a complete watch exists, there are hundreds of components whose production requires sophisticated machines, rigorous processes and highly specialised professionals.
The visit by the Instituto Português de Relojoaria made it possible to see this reality at first hand and to better understand the contribution that Portugal already makes to one of the most demanding industries in the world.
Comments