Retiring at the end of 2024? This is a concept many thought would be alien to CEO Nicola Thibaudeau, who has been a constant force and presence in the sector for over 20 years. We also spoke to Gilles Robert, who is preparing to succeed Nicola as CEO. We talked about their memories, plans for the future and how they’re keeping busy at this key point in the company’s life.
By Joël A. Grandjean / JSH News 1876
Nicola Thibaudeau (NT), how many employees did MPS have when you took over? And how many does it have today?
When I joined MPS in 2003, there were 95 employees in Bienne and 35 in Bonfol, so 130 in total. There are now 560 of us spread between sites in Bienne, Bonfol, Court, Glovelier, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Boston.
Gilles Robert (GR), will this growth continue?
MPS is a company focused on innovation and growth, which are primarily generated by our employees. So it’s clear that I want to continue on this trajectory.
Before entering the world of MPS, what did you know about the company and its history?
NT: I had a friend who worked there who was passionate about ball bearings! As owner of Mécanex in Nyon, I bought micromotors from MPS, or rather RMB as it was known at the time. When I joined MPS on 1 December 2003, I knew that the company had undergone major restructuring, that the expertise was still there despite several hundred employees being made redundant in the preceding years. Then I learnt about RMB’s incredible history, from its invention of the watch bearing to the development of bearings for the Apollo mission that sent the first man to the moon, as well as bearings for pushchairs and roller skates – truly amazing!
GR: I was of course familiar with MPS before I arrived, mainly through the projects of our Microsystems division, which is involved in things like artificial hearts, implantable pumps and fibre positioners for telescopes. Then I discovered the company’s extraordinary historical expertise in bearings for watches, with a strong focus on materials, which I liked! I’ve always been impressed by the range and inventiveness of the projects, and after two months with the company, it’s even better than I thought!
Ms Thibaudeau, would you say that coming from a field other than watchmaking into a company with a strong and distinctive core business was an asset for growing a business, or was it a disadvantage?
NT: My experience was varied but always in microtechnology, since I had worked on high-performance printed circuit boards for nearly a decade, at IBM in Canada and at Cicorel, then spent nine years in the space sector at Mécanex. In my two previous roles, at Mécanex and Cicorel, I worked on major watchmaking projects. Wide-ranging professional experience in multiple fields allows for synergies and positive contributions.
As for you, Mr Robert, is coming from a familiar environment where everyone knows everyone else an asset or a disadvantage? Are you a few steps ahead, or do you run the risk of not daring to think outside the box?
GR: Having points of reference before you join a company is certainly an advantage, given the complexity of the products involved. These references are much more likely in a very specific business model adopted by a number of companies in our field: the production of complex and demanding components and systems for a wide range of markets and applications, using and developing the exceptional skills we possess. I’m sure that this position of openness to a variety of markets and technologies means that we can ultimately serve each of our customers to the best of our ability, because they benefit from the very best experience and know-how.
Are your previous roles at Ceramaret, Metallor and Sulzer an asset?
GR: One of MPS’ major strengths is all its staff and expertise. For me, it’s a question of perpetuating this culture and nurturing it further so as to remain at the cutting edge of technology. When an organisation can essentially rise to virtually all the challenges posed by micromechanical applications, choosing the right projects to roll out and the right markets to develop is also a challenge in itself. In my career, I’ve been lucky enough to work in a wide range of fields and technologies, always in top international firms. Over time, I think I’ve also come to understand a little of what makes the ‘Swiss genius’ that allows so many of our companies to serve elite customers around the world. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to uncovering new aspects of these matters at MPS and continuing to evolve.
What major advances have you made in materials?
NT: The lubrication-free bearing patented in 2004 that uses ceramic balls and now the Super-Myrox, a totally non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, high-performance bearing.
In your previous roles, materials were of paramount importance. What research is currently underway at MPS?
GR: New materials are currently one of the pillars of any advanced system. MPS stands out not only for its performance when it comes to design, but also for its ability to effectively mass-produce the systems it develops. As such, mastering the manufacture of advanced materials is vital, and we have a number of developments underway involving rather ‘exotic’ materials as well as innovative processes that we are keeping as a surprise for our customers. I’m looking forward to contributing some of my experience.
Are there, or have there been, any limits to your controlled expansion, like the job market or additional energy costs, for instance?
NT: There’s no limit!
GR: Highly specialised skills, both in terms of the workforce and the organisation, are necessary for success in our markets. As these skills take time to develop and master, this is probably the real limit to any long-term growth. So you need to work with people who already have specialist skills but who will also be able to interact effectively with the rest of the organisation in order to make progress in all areas. I often find that it’s more efficient to focus on people who are keen to learn and who know how to take well-considered risks rather than hiring ‘stars’.
So what do you two do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
NT: I was elected to the Municipal Council of Orsières in Valais in October 2024 and will take up my post in 2025.
GR: As I spend most of my time in a rather rational industrial world, I really recharge my batteries by getting out into nature and exercising or gardening, but also by immersing myself in the world of creativity, performing arts and literature.